As part of the Urban Water Federal Partnership, the USGS NJWSC and the Delaware River Basin Commission are currently assessing the use of innovative, near real-time bacteria monitoring technology to provide rapid results on bacteria concentrations to water regulators. Traditional methods of collecting and quantifying fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) is labor intensive, expensive, and may be inefficient to capture diurnal results in water quality and protect human health, as analytic results take around 24 hrs. The USGS will evaluate data quality from the near real-time pathogen monitoring systems by comparing collected data with traditional FIB sampling methods to determine the effectiveness of the instrument. Once validated these instruments can potentially be used by water resource managers and researchers to evaluate rapidly changing FIB conditions to protect public health.
Project Overview
Innovative, near real-time bacterial monitoring technology is being evaluated on the Delaware River at Pyne Poynt Park, Camden, NJ. Bacterial concentrations produced by the novel technology are being compared with data from traditional analytical methods. The project will result in denser datasets for water-resource managers to evaluate recreational water-quality criteria in urbanized areas of the Lower Delaware River, which will potentially allow water-resource managers to assess conditions in near real-time and immediately communicate potential risk to the public. A measurement initiated early in the day could provide a more definitive indication of the bacterial condition prior to the initiation of recreational activities. In addition, near real-time measurement could eliminate the need for multiple negative tests prior to reopening a closed recreation area, expanding availability of recreational opportunities.
Technology
The novel bacteria monitoring system—which is one of the first in the nation—can remotely sample on demand and provide Escherichia coli and Total Coliform concentrations in a fraction of time required of traditional sampling methods. The system will be deployed until October, 2022 and will be checked for accuracy by comparing system results with discrete samples taken simultaneously and analyzed by traditional laboratory methods. The system will be evaluated for functionality and feasibility as an early detection system.
Study Area
Pyne Poynt Park is located along the banks of the Delaware River in Camden, NJ. The site is immediately downstream from the confluence of the Cooper River. The park is a popular recreation spot for local youth and school sponsored activities. Popular activities along this tidally effected waterfront include fishing and boating.
Priority Research Questions:
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Does the innovative technology produce accurate E. coli and Total Coliform results?
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Does the innovative technology produce results in a timely manner that can be useful for water management officials?
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Is the innovative technology practical and efficient compared to traditional sampling methods?
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What are the major advantages and disadvantages of the innovative technology?
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NJWSC Field Team:
Kathryn Cahalane
Jacob Gray
Lucas Sirotniak
- Overview
As part of the Urban Water Federal Partnership, the USGS NJWSC and the Delaware River Basin Commission are currently assessing the use of innovative, near real-time bacteria monitoring technology to provide rapid results on bacteria concentrations to water regulators. Traditional methods of collecting and quantifying fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) is labor intensive, expensive, and may be inefficient to capture diurnal results in water quality and protect human health, as analytic results take around 24 hrs. The USGS will evaluate data quality from the near real-time pathogen monitoring systems by comparing collected data with traditional FIB sampling methods to determine the effectiveness of the instrument. Once validated these instruments can potentially be used by water resource managers and researchers to evaluate rapidly changing FIB conditions to protect public health.
Project Overview
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.USGS hydrographers Kathryn Cahalane and Lucas Sirotniak setting up the monitoring system. Innovative, near real-time bacterial monitoring technology is being evaluated on the Delaware River at Pyne Poynt Park, Camden, NJ. Bacterial concentrations produced by the novel technology are being compared with data from traditional analytical methods. The project will result in denser datasets for water-resource managers to evaluate recreational water-quality criteria in urbanized areas of the Lower Delaware River, which will potentially allow water-resource managers to assess conditions in near real-time and immediately communicate potential risk to the public. A measurement initiated early in the day could provide a more definitive indication of the bacterial condition prior to the initiation of recreational activities. In addition, near real-time measurement could eliminate the need for multiple negative tests prior to reopening a closed recreation area, expanding availability of recreational opportunities.
Technology
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.USGS hydrographer Lucas Sirotniak removing of the top of the housing apparatus so the monitoring device can be deployed. The novel bacteria monitoring system—which is one of the first in the nation—can remotely sample on demand and provide Escherichia coli and Total Coliform concentrations in a fraction of time required of traditional sampling methods. The system will be deployed until October, 2022 and will be checked for accuracy by comparing system results with discrete samples taken simultaneously and analyzed by traditional laboratory methods. The system will be evaluated for functionality and feasibility as an early detection system.
Study Area
Pyne Poynt Park is located along the banks of the Delaware River in Camden, NJ. The site is immediately downstream from the confluence of the Cooper River. The park is a popular recreation spot for local youth and school sponsored activities. Popular activities along this tidally effected waterfront include fishing and boating.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Low tide looking along the Pyne Poynt Park waterfront, where the Fluidion Alert System is deployed. Priority Research Questions:
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Does the innovative technology produce accurate E. coli and Total Coliform results?
-
Does the innovative technology produce results in a timely manner that can be useful for water management officials?
-
Is the innovative technology practical and efficient compared to traditional sampling methods?
-
What are the major advantages and disadvantages of the innovative technology?
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NJWSC Field Team:
Kathryn Cahalane
Jacob Gray
Lucas Sirotniak
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