Rapid Identification of Bacteria Sources that Lead to Lake Superior Beach Advisories

Project Summary

This project builds on previous Sea Grant research designed to pinpoint the sources of bacteria that contribute to beaches being "closed" (posted with "water contact not recommended" signs). Researchers will use two new genetic techniques (robotic-assisted gene probing and quantitative PCR) to more rapidly identify whether the sources of fecal bacteria at several Lake Superior beaches come from birds or humans. If the bacteria are from humans, the health risks may be more serious than if the sources are from waterfowl.

They plan to take sand, sediment, and water samples at several Duluth beaches to see if bacteria vary daily in response to natural and human activities, including outflow from the sanitary district. They will also test drainage pipes and stream outlets entering the lake near the beach sites.

Their findings will help agencies post more accurate water contact advisories, verify contamination sources so they can be removed, and to detect unsuspected sources of fecal contaminants. The techniques developed will have widespread applicability to other coastal regions and areas of the Great Lakes.