CICEET Progress Report for the period 9/15/04 Through 3/15/05

Project Title: A New Autonomous Technology for Monitoring Microbial Indicators of Fecal Con-tamination in Coastal Waters
Principal Investigator(s): Alfred K. Hanson
Additional Investigator(s): David C. Smith, Heather L. Saffert
Project Start Date: September 1, 2005

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 2

Tasks to meet objectives

1. Testing with the bench-top prototype (see Figure 2),
2. Transitioning the bench-top into a submersible prototype,
3. The laboratory testing, evaluation, optimization and improvement of the submersible prototype.

Progress on Tasks

1. Testing with the bench-top prototype;
   1. The bench-top prototype has been redesigned to conserve heat more efficiently and to protect the optics from accidental water damage.
   2. Preliminary disinfection studies with bromine were carried out, which showed its effectiveness at higher concentrations.
   3. Calibrations of the bench-top prototype have been conducted and have demonstrated the high sensitivity of the optical detectors.
2. Transitioning the bench-top into a submersible prototype;
   1. SubChem Systems, Inc. engineers are designing a submersible prototype based upon the specifications and requirements resulting from testing with the bench-top prototype.
   2. Fabricate a submersible prototype.
3. Laboratory testing, evaluation, and optimization and improvement of the submersible prototype; Not completed.

Difficulties
During testing of the bench-top prototype, a redesign of the instrument was necessary to stabilize the incubation temperature and ensure proper flow through the fluidics. In addition, the electronics of the optics were accidentally damaged and needed to be repaired by the manufacturer. Both of these activities caused some delay in establishing the design criteria and specifications for the submersible prototype.

Project Objectives for Next Reporting Period

Objectives
For the next reporting period, we plan to continue working toaccomplish the previously stated objectives. We expect to finish laboratory testing with the bench-top prototype this spring and then begin working in the lab and field with a submersible prototype during the summer.

Tasks to Meet Objectives

1. To complete the bench-top prototype testing, the following tasks will be performed:
   1. Test in the lab for detection of known concentrations of ATCC strains of E. coli and enterococci
   2. Evaluate a disinfection step between samples with bromine
   3. Test with field samples from marine waters
   4. Assess whether a filtration step is necessary
   5. Develop quantification software program and test further.
2. The designs for the submersible field prototype will be modified based on the results of Objective 1. The submersible prototype is scheduled to be fabricated during May.
3. Laboratory testing of the submersible prototype will be conducted. The instrument will be modified as needed.
   1. Test for detection of known concentrations of ATCC strains of E. coli and enterococci.
   2. Test with field samples from marine waters.
   3. Refine quantification software program.
4. Prepare a standard operating procedure for using and calibrating the field instrument.
5. Conduct some preliminary tests in situ in Narragansett Bay.

Work Plan for Next Reporting Period
Same as described in the tasks for the next reporting period.

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives
We expect that we will meet the project objectives.

Overall Project Timeline Update
Year 1 Objectives (see above):
Objective 1 - completed by May.
Objective 2 - completed by June.
Objective 3 - June-July.
Objective 4 - ongoing until August.
Objective 5 ­ July-September.

Year 2: The demonstration of the technology will remain the same as planned.

Preliminary Data
Engineering test data have been collected demonstrating the capabilities of the bench top prototype for temperature control and the calibration of the optical detectors. Preliminary data is also available on the effectiveness of a bromine solution for between measurement disinfection.

Dissemination
Conferences:
Heather Saffert presented a poster at two conferences that acknowledged CICEET funding: the USEPA National Beach Conference Oct. 13-15, 2004 San Diego, CA and the NEERS Conference Oct. 21-23, 2004 Block Island Rhode Island. In addition, she attended the 20th Anniversary Conference of the SurfRider Foundation, October 16-17, 2004 Costa Mesa, CA.

Contact with End Users:
In the fall, we met with the end users from EPA region I and the RI Department of Health. .

Outreach:
David Smith gave a presentation to an undergraduate class at Brown on Monday March 14, 2005 about water quality issues and discussed this and another related CICEET project.

Expenditures
The expenditures are in the range anticipated for the work accomplished to date.

End User Advisor Feedback
Name: David Burnett
Organization: Rhode Island Dept. of Health

Location:
3 Capitol Hill, Room 203
Providence, RI 02908

Phone number: 401-222-2749
E-mail: davidb@doh.state.ri.us

1) At this stage, what are the potential applications for this research? Please discuss how you and others could potentially use the technology.
The enumeration of enterococci bacteria in a quick and accurate manner will assist in the protection of public health at Rhode Island’s beaches. Currently, the approved method yields accurate results in 24 hours, which means there is a 24-hour lag between sampling and closure of a facility. This lag means the public is exposed to potentially disease causing bacteria while the test is being performed. A faster method would ensure the Rhode Island Department of Health is able to close and open beaches with the optimal protection of public health and minimize the public’s exposure to pathogens.

2) What, if anything, has changed about this project's potential applicability since the last reporting period (not applicable to the first Progress Report)?
There has been no change in this project’s potential applicability.

3) Do you see any key challenges that the researchers may want to address or keep in mind?
Our concerns focused on the validation and comparison testing of the equipment once it is ready to take off ‘the bench’. I believe the project plan adequately addresses those challenges and the department will assist the Investigators with comparison testing.

4) Does this report offer you enough information to adequately address the above questions?
The report does provide adequate information.