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Assessment of total coliform as a precautionary and regulatory tool for protecting drinking water resources
This project examines the recent spikes in coliform bacteria in the Quabbin Reservoir—an essential drinking water source for Massachusetts—and explores how these spikes may be linked to algal blooms and potential health risks. It also investigates how various factors, including temperature, affect water quality throughout the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) treatment and distribution systems. By studying the influence of organic matter on coliform bacteria regrowth, this research aims to develop strategies that protect the safety and integrity of the state’s drinking water supply.
Microbial communities and antimicrobial resistance, from source to tap, in intermittent and multi-source water supplies
This project employs a range of molecular methods—short-read (Illumina HiSeq) and long-read (Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION) high-throughput sequencing, as well as quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR)—to evaluate microbial communities, pathogen risks, and antibiotic resistance within full-scale piped intermittent water supply systems in three towns in Machakos County, Kenya. It also involves leading the NSF International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Program, in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Nairobi, to facilitate field research and promote knowledge exchange. Through this international partnership, the project aims to generate insights into the microbial dynamics of these water systems and inform strategies for improving water quality in resource-limited settings.
Household water coping and adaptation strategies and their impact on water quality
Investigating the different coping and adaptation strategies used in Kenyan towns to cope with severe water resource vulnerability and provide an assessment of household water quality, which is a mix of primary and alternative water sources. Secondary sources include rainwater collection, water vendors, and groundwater wells. Water quality and hydrological data are being used to understand how climate is affecting water resources and propelling these adaptation strategies.
Disinfection byproducts in intermittent water supply
This study examines how wastewater intrusion in intermittent water supply (IWS) systems affects the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in chlorinated drinking water. During low or negative pressure periods, reactive organics can enter the system through leaks or faults, while pressure transients can dislodge biofilms and other contaminants. We simulate these intrusion events under controlled conditions to assess their impact on chlorine residual, DBP formation, speciation, and toxicity
Advancing knowledge and the science of drinking water in the U.S.
​This project explores the range of methods used to ensure safe drinking water, including centralized treatment before distribution or on-site treatment at the point of entry (POE) to a building or point of use (POU) just before consumption. In the United States, POU/POE systems are commonly used for private wells, to meet regulatory requirements for public water systems, or to supplement centralized treatment, and they can address specific water quality concerns in settings such as schools or healthcare facilities. While much is known about household water treatment in low- and middle-income countries, less is understood about the contextual factors influencing POU/POE adoption in high-income settings like the U.S. Through a critical review of the literature and an online survey of water sector stakeholders, this project examines the context, adoption, and use of POU/POE water treatment options.
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