Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit, Southern Appalachian CESU

archived

The successful University partner will be required to (1) conduct real-time PCR assays for (a) total Bacteroides, (b) Bacteroides sp indicators for at least two animal hosts (for example human and bovine), and (c) common human pathogens on water samples collected and provided by USGS, and (2) collaborate with USGS scientists in analyzing, interpreting, and publishing the resulting data and interpretations. The fecal source tracking assay is based on real-time polymerase chain reaction amplification of a region of the 16S rRNA gene of Bacteroides sp. The human pathogen assays to be performed will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Each Bacteroides analysis will consist of three assays (AllBac, HuBac, and BoBac) and each Pathogen analysis will consists of at least two assays (Salmonella and one E. coli pathogen marker). The University providing this support must demonstrate (1) in-house real time PCR capabilities, (2) familiarity with Tennessee streams, water-quality conditions, and bacteria sources and communities, and (3) a record of successful application of real-time PCR assays to bacteria source tracking in reflected in peer-reviewed publications on the topic.

High