Impact/Purpose:

Bacterial (microbial) source tracking libraries in development across the United States may have limited applicability across geographic regions, although the extent to which this hypothesis is true is still undetermined. As efforts to build larger, more geographically inclusive libraries continues, it would be valuable to know the extent to which the sharing of data can occur, the value of different methods of isolate collection and identification, and selection of the best method or the improvement of current analytical procedures. This proposal is a response to the pressing need to move the scope of BST research to a regional level and begin routine discussion on common problems and solutions.

Description:

This project will sponsor several meetings to enable scientists to discuss mutual problems and solutions regarding bacterial source tracking methods. Issues common to all the Gulf states include but are not limited to beach closures, TMDL analysis, longevity of indicator organisms in the environment; and genotypic variation and stability. It will provide for travel for investigators to visit each others laboratories and to share samples and/or isolates for analyses by other researchers.

Record Details: