Opportunity Title:

Examining the Co-occurrence of Nutrients and Fecal Microbes in an Estuarine Watershed

Research Area:

Water

EPA Lab/Center/Office:

National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)

Location:

Newport, OR

Duration:

3 - 12 months

Brief Summary:

We are interested in a student with field and laboratory expertise, including, but not limited to, experience collecting and processing water samples for various water quality parameters and microbial contaminants.

Opportunity Description:

The intern’s project will be embedded in an ongoing and extensive case study being conducted in the Tillamook estuarine watershed on the Oregon coast. Tillamook Bay is a dynamic system that is ideal for studying the interface between land-use and water quality. The bay is also a National Estuary Program site, allowing for direct collaboration with local stakeholders. The research effort is aimed at understanding the sources of nutrients and fecal microbes into Tillamook Bay and potential effects of these contaminants on human health and water quality. Potential sources of nutrients and fecal bacteria often co-occur, are widespread, and may include human (wastewater treatment plan runoff, septic systems) and animal sources (runoff from dairy operations, wildlife).

The intern will have the opportunity to learn and utilize microbial source tracking techniques, aid in the collection of environmental samples, and design their own complementary experiment. Specifically, the intern will participate in several ongoing projects involving 1) water sampling efforts evaluating nutrient and fecal bacteria loading to the Tillamook Estuary from its watershed and 2) environmental sampling and laboratory-based efforts evaluating the role of environmental reservoirs in facilitating the long-term persistence of fecal microbes in an estuarine system. The intern selected will assist in sampling within Tillamook estuary and its headwater tributaries (the Tillamook, Trask, Kilchis, Miami and Wilson Rivers).  Samples will be collected and analyzed for diverse fecal bacterial groups including conventional FIB (enterococci, E. coli) and fecal source markers (human versus cow/ruminant/avian-specific DNA-based MST markers). Coupled measurements of nitrate (NO3^-) stable isotopes and microbial source tracking (MST) markers will be applied to characterize sources and identify hot spots of nutrient and microbial pollutants, in the hopes of informing mitigation efforts aimed at reducing both nutrient enrichment and microbial contamination.

Opportunities for Professional Development:

The intern will be encouraged to submit their research findings to a peer reviewed journal and present results at scientific conferences. In addition, the intern will be invited to attend a professional development summer seminar series held by NHEERL Post Docs.  The intern will be housed at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC), allowing for additional professional development opportunities including optional attendance at weekly seminar series, technical training and volunteer opportunities, and the ability to interact with a diverse research and environmental management community.

Point of Contact or Mentor:

Amity Zimmer-Faust (zimmer-faust.amity@epa.gov)