Grantee Research Project Results
2024 Progress Report: 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 , Sivey, John David , Prasse, Carsten , Aggarwal, Srijan , LaPara, Timothy
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 Period Covered by this Report: August 1, 2023 through July 31,2024
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
Objective:
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. water distribution systems (WDSs). The objectives are to 1) Assess the effects of water quality, treatment, and residence time on the occurrence of OPs in U.S. 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.
Progress Summary:
For the winter and spring quarters of 2024, we have completed the collection and analysis of water samples for the concentrations of selected OPs (Objective 1) and for the concentrations of regulated and unregulated DBPs (Objective 2). Summer quarter sampling is currently in progress. We have also setup and tested the method for quantifying assimilable organic carbon (AOC) in water samples and will apply it to future samples.
Future Activities:
In the next year, we will complete the planned 6 quarters of routine sampling from participating water utilities. We will also commence additional sampling (e.g., water storage towers, etc.) which will be planned based on the initial year of results. We will also sample biofilms for OPs and perform lab experiments to investigate the role of chloride catalysis in the formation of DBPs.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 1 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
biofilms, non-target analysis, total organic halogens, reactivity-directed analysis, toxicityProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe 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.