Grantee Research Project Results
Innovations in sampling, (bio)analytical chemistry, and analytics to characterize disinfectant use tradeoffs in U.S. water systems for minimizing exposure to opportunistic pathogens and DBPs
EPA Grant Number: R840605Title: Innovations in sampling, (bio)analytical chemistry, and analytics to characterize disinfectant use tradeoffs in U.S. water systems for minimizing exposure to opportunistic pathogens and DBPs
Investigators: Hozalski, Raymond , Aggarwal, Srijan , LaPara, Timothy , Prasse, Carsten , Sivey, John David
Current Investigators: Hozalski, Raymond , Sivey, John David , Prasse, Carsten , Aggarwal, Srijan , LaPara, Timothy
Institution: University of Minnesota , University of Alaska - Fairbanks , Johns Hopkins University , Towson University
Current Institution: University of Minnesota , Towson University , Johns Hopkins University , University of Alaska - Fairbanks
EPA Project Officer: Harper, Jacquelyn
Project Period: August 1, 2023 through May 12, 2025
Project Amount: $2,122,997
RFA: National Priorities: Research on Disinfectants, Disinfection By-products (DBPs), and Opportunistic Pathogens in Drinking Water Distribution Systems Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Endocrine Disruptors , Harmful Algal Blooms , Drinking Water , Drinking Water, Disinfection Byproducts , Water Quality , Water Treatment
Description:
We propose a highly innovative project to assess the tradeoffs between opportunistic pathogens (OPs) and DBPs and develop strategies for limiting exposure to both classes of water contaminants via U.S. drinking water distribution systems.
Objective:
The main objectives are: 1) Assess the effects of water quality, treatment, and residence time on the occurrence of opportunistic pathogens in U.S. water distribution systems (WDSs); 2) Determine the occurrence of regulated, unregulated, and previously unknown DBPs in WDSs and the impact of matrix constituents on their formation; 3) Use data analytics and modeling to assess tradeoffs between OPs and DBPs in drinking water.
Approach:
Water utilities selected for this project represent a range of water qualities, treatment operations, and geographic distribution across the U.S. We will utilize two methods to collect bacteria from water samples for subsequent DNA-based analyses: 1) vacuum filtration of small volumes of water (~1 L) through disk membranes and 2) filtration of large volumes of water (500-5,000 L) using a dead-end hollow-fiber ultrafiltration (UF) system. OPs will be quantified via digital PCR and culturing. Regulated, non-regulated DBPs will be quantified and unknown DBPs identified via target and non-target analytical methods, respectively. The presence and identity of toxic DBPs will be assessed using novel reactivity-directed analysis. Data analytics and modeling will be used to identify key drivers of OPs and DBPs and to assess tradeoffs. An Advisory Board will aid in developing recommendations and formulating guidance documents.
Expected Results:
The proposed project will generate novel data on OP and DBP occurrence in U.S. water distribution systems, including small systems in rural Alaska that typically are understudied and serve economically-disadvantaged Alaska native populations. Microbiological results from testing of water and biofilms will include concentrations of all bacteria, OPs, and amoeba hosts and microbial community composition via DNA sequencing to identify potential commensal or antagonistic relationships between OPs and other organisms. The DBP dataset will include regulated and non-regulated DBPs, total organic halogens, and results from non-target analysis to identify novel DBPs, including toxic organic electrophiles identified via reactivity-directed analysis. Effects of water salinization on DBPs will also be examined. Through data analytics and modeling we will determine recommended treatment and disinfection strategies for different water source/water quality scenarios relevant to U.S. water utilities to minimize exposure to OPs and DBPs. Project outcomes and recommendations will be presented to water professionals and the public via news briefs, social media (e.g., Twitter), peer-reviewed publications, open-access videos on sampling methods, webinars, and conference presentations.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
biofilms, non-target analysis, total organic halogens, reactivity-directed analysis, toxicityProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.