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Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Our new fact sheet is here!

Cover of USGS Fact Sheet 2018-3079

Learn about the Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE).

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LIDE capabilities

Photo of a LIDE scientist preparing a sample for qPCR analysis

Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems.

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Publications

Sources and risk factors for nitrate and microbial contamination of private household wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of northeastern Wisconsin

Background:Groundwater quality in the Silurian dolomite aquifer in northeastern Wisconsin, USA, has become contentious as dairy farms and exurban development expand.Objectives:We investigated private household wells in the region, determining the extent, sources, and risk factors of nitrate and microbial contamination.Methods:Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, and nitrate were evaluated by synopti
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Quantitative microbial risk assessment for contaminated private wells in the fractured dolomite aquifer of Kewaunee County, Wisconsin

Background:Private wells are an important source of drinking water in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Due to the region’s fractured dolomite aquifer, these wells are vulnerable to contamination by human and zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens originating from land-applied cattle manure and private septic systems.Objective:We determined the magnitude of the health burden associated with contamination o
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment

Viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers in wells supplying groundwater to public water systems in Minnesota, USA

Drinking water supply wells can be contaminated by a broad range of waterborne pathogens. However, groundwater assessments frequently measure microbial indicators or a single pathogen type, which provides a limited characterization of potential health risk. This study assessed contamination of wells by testing for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers. Wells supplying groundw
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
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Science

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Scientist collecting homeowner water sample

Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology (SWIGG) study

The fractured bedrock aquifers of southwest Wisconsin are often overlain by shallow soils, so private wells are potentially vulnerable to contamination by nitrate and pathogens from the land surface. The goal of this study is to evaluate the extent and causes of private well water contamination in three southwest Wisconsin counties.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
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Southwest Wisconsin Groundwater and Geology (SWIGG) study

The fractured bedrock aquifers of southwest Wisconsin are often overlain by shallow soils, so private wells are potentially vulnerable to contamination by nitrate and pathogens from the land surface. The goal of this study is to evaluate the extent and causes of private well water contamination in three southwest Wisconsin counties.
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Illustration showing potential sources of pathogen contamination for Lake Michigan beaches

Environmental factors and risk estimation for waterborne pathogens at three Great Lakes beaches

The goals of this study were to quantify pathogen concentrations in water at three Lake Michigan beaches, identify environmental factors that influence pathogen occurrence and variability, and to estimate health risks for recreational swimmers.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
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Environmental factors and risk estimation for waterborne pathogens at three Great Lakes beaches

The goals of this study were to quantify pathogen concentrations in water at three Lake Michigan beaches, identify environmental factors that influence pathogen occurrence and variability, and to estimate health risks for recreational swimmers.
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Photo showing traveling-gun manure irrigation system at a Wisconsin farm

Evaluating the risks of airborne pathogens from manure irrigation

Manure irrigation, which is the application of liquid animal manure by irrigation, is increasing. However, the risk of airborne pathogen transmission from manure to humans during spray irrigation is not well-understood. To determine how pathogens can spread using manure irrigation, LIDE measured air concentrations and risk of illness due to exposure to pathogens in the irrigation spray.
By
Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment
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Evaluating the risks of airborne pathogens from manure irrigation

Manure irrigation, which is the application of liquid animal manure by irrigation, is increasing. However, the risk of airborne pathogen transmission from manure to humans during spray irrigation is not well-understood. To determine how pathogens can spread using manure irrigation, LIDE measured air concentrations and risk of illness due to exposure to pathogens in the irrigation spray.
Learn More
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