Joel Stokdyk is a Biologist with the Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) with the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
EXPERTISE
Analysis of human and agricultural zoonotic pathogens and fecal indicators in environmental matrices
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Large-volume sampling techniques for analysis of viruses and bacteria in water
Human enteric viruses in groundwater
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Occurrence, fate and transport, and health effects of viruses in the environment
Persistence of pathogens in soil, groundwater, and surface water
Plant-soil-microbe interactions
Factors affecting pathogen contamination of drinking water wells
CURRENT PROJECTS
Southwest Wisconsin groundwater and geology (SWIGG) study
Wells and enteric-disease transmission, epidemiological trial
Viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens and fecal markers in groundwater for public water supplies in Minnesota
Groundwater contamination occurrence, source, variability with depth to bedrock, and relationship to recharge in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin
Education and Certifications
2014. MS, Natural Resources. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
2012. BS, Soil and Land Management with minor in Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis; Wetland Science Certificate. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Science and Products
Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin
The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...
Assessing the health risk from waterborne pathogens for public users recreating on future Iowa Water Trails recreation sites near Des Moines
Scientists at LIDE are collaborating with Polk County Conservation in central Iowa to estimate the health risk posed to recreators in the Des Moines River and tributaries. Samples collected over two years are tested for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens, and health risk is estimated using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Health risk will also be compared to microbial source...
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.
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.
Norovirus outbreak caused by a new septic system
Patrons and employees of a new restaurant were affected by acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea); initial tests were positive for fecal contamination. Investigators utilized a unique combination of epidemiological, microbial, and hydrogeological evidence that identified a new septic system as the source of the contamination.
Groundwater viruses in Minnesota drinking water wells
In Minnesota, 74% of the State’s population relies on groundwater to supply their drinking water. Outbreaks of waterborne viral illness have been associated with groundwater, and surveys show that 30 percent of drinking water wells may be contaminated. LIDE is helping the State determine the occurrence of groundwater-borne viruses and the risk of illness in Minnesota groundwater.
About LIDE
The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) is an interagency collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. As a research laboratory, LIDE’s roles in research-based collaborations range from developing research questions and experimental designs to analyzing samples and interpreting data.
Sampling and analytical capabilities
Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems. LIDE collects and analyzes samples from groundwater, surface water, runoff, wastewater, sediments, soil, manure, compost, digestate, and air.
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identifies and quantifies microorganisms in environmental samples by detecting a unique target sequence of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a tool for estimating human health risks from exposure to pathogens via food, water, air, and other environmental routes.
Science and Products
- Science
Well Water Advisory Forecasts for northeast Wisconsin
The fractured bedrock of northeast Wisconsin is vulnerable to groundwater contamination because water and contaminants can move quickly. LIDE is launching a study to predict contamination of private wells in northeast WI using Runoff Risk Advisory Forecasts (RRAF). RRAF is an online tool that forecasts conditions conducive to surface runoff, and the long-term vision is to leverage its forecasts to...Assessing the health risk from waterborne pathogens for public users recreating on future Iowa Water Trails recreation sites near Des Moines
Scientists at LIDE are collaborating with Polk County Conservation in central Iowa to estimate the health risk posed to recreators in the Des Moines River and tributaries. Samples collected over two years are tested for viral, bacterial, and protozoan pathogens, and health risk is estimated using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). Health risk will also be compared to microbial source...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.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.Norovirus outbreak caused by a new septic system
Patrons and employees of a new restaurant were affected by acute gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea); initial tests were positive for fecal contamination. Investigators utilized a unique combination of epidemiological, microbial, and hydrogeological evidence that identified a new septic system as the source of the contamination.Groundwater viruses in Minnesota drinking water wells
In Minnesota, 74% of the State’s population relies on groundwater to supply their drinking water. Outbreaks of waterborne viral illness have been associated with groundwater, and surveys show that 30 percent of drinking water wells may be contaminated. LIDE is helping the State determine the occurrence of groundwater-borne viruses and the risk of illness in Minnesota groundwater.About LIDE
The Laboratory for Infectious Disease and the Environment (LIDE) is an interagency collaborative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service. As a research laboratory, LIDE’s roles in research-based collaborations range from developing research questions and experimental designs to analyzing samples and interpreting data.Sampling and analytical capabilities
Molecular and culture analysis methods are paired with sampling capabilities across environmental matrices to address a wide range of questions and problems. LIDE collects and analyzes samples from groundwater, surface water, runoff, wastewater, sediments, soil, manure, compost, digestate, and air.Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identifies and quantifies microorganisms in environmental samples by detecting a unique target sequence of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA).Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA)
Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is a tool for estimating human health risks from exposure to pathogens via food, water, air, and other environmental routes. - Data
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