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Developing Tools to Assess Risks Associated with Waterborne Protozoa
Citation:
Villegas, E. Developing Tools to Assess Risks Associated with Waterborne Protozoa. 2021 International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ, July 18 - 21, 2021.
Impact/Purpose:
To better understand the risks associated with waterborne protozoa in drinking and recreational water systems, a robust and versatile detection methods are needed to effectively collect and concentrate these organisms from various environmental matrices. This presentation describes the various detection technologies that have been developed to date, their application for monitoring regulated (Cryptosporidium, Giardia) and emerging microbial contaminants (Toxoplasma gondii) in surface waters as well as the advantages and limitations of the methods. The overall message of the presentation is the importance of developing a multi-pathogen detection technology that is capable of collecting and identifying microbial contaminants in our water systems. Program offices (e.g., Office of Water) have continued to express interests in such technology, especially with regards to making regulatory determination on pathogens listed in the Candidate Contaminant List (CCL) and other emerging microbial contaminants of concerns.
Description:
This slide presentation provides a general overview of the current state of the science with regards to detecting waterborne protozoa in various water systems (drinking, recreational, and wastewater). Advantages and limitations of the concentration/detection technologies developed to date will be discussed. Future research plans and objectives are briefly discussed.
