Water Quality
Rein in the Runoff
Researchers worked closely with town managers, planning commission members, stormwater managers, and residents to evaluate stormwater run-off issues in Spring Lake watershed in West Michigan. The research team developed a variety of tools to help community leaders select and implement strategies for reducing run off and improving water quality, including computer models of runoff in the watershed, a range of maps, a detailed comparison of stormwater management techniques, and several example ordinances. Ultimately, Spring Lake watershed can serve as model for communities around the Great Lakes that struggle with stormwater runoff issues.
R/WQ-1, dates: 2007-2009
Alan Steinman and Elaine Sterrett-Isely, Grand Valley State University - Annis Water Resources Institute
See: Project results
Impact: New Techniques Shed Light on Genetic Pollution at Coastal Beaches
Sea Grant-funded researchers at Central Michigan University studied the genetics of bacteria found in beaches along Lakes Huron, Michigan, Superior, and St. Clair. They found that E. Coli, a bacteria that usually lives in the digestive track of mammals, is nearly ubiquitous in sandy beaches of the Great Lakes. Although E. Coli is usually harmless to people, a few strains can cause illness. Researchers also assessed whether beach bacteria contain three specific genes that would make them resistant to antibiotics. In tests conducted in 2005, they found that while two of the genes are rare, one of the genes was detected in 80 percent of beach sand samples analyzed. If this gene is transferred into disease-causing bacteria, potential infections would be harder to treat with traditional antibiotics. Research about the public health implications is on-going.
Project: Genetic Pollution: Coastal Beaches as Environmental Reservoirs of Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance Genes
R/PSC-5, dates: 2005-2008
Elizabeth Wheeler Alm, Central Michigan University
Water Quality and Public Health Risks in the Great Lakes
M/PD-10, dates: 2003-2006
Joan Rose, Michigan State University
An Evaluation of Seasonal and Temporal Variability in Potential trace Metal Remobilization in Coastal Wetlands Sediments Using Voltametric Microelectrode Technology and Solid Phase Extraction Techniques
R/ES-20, dates: 2003-2006
Brent Lewis, Kettering University
Prevalence of Mycobacterium spp. in Michigan Great Lakes Fish and Water
M/PD-2, dates: 2001-2004
Mohamed Faisal, Michigan State University
An Environmental Monitoring Network for Lake St. Clair
Elevated bacteria levels in Lake St. Clair have led to frequent closings of popular beaches in Southeast Michigan. With assistance from NOAA-GLERL, researchers developed a way to predict water quality conditions in Lake St. Clair and to aid local officials in predicting beach closures. Using advanced data collection and remote sensing technology, the system provided timely and accurate predictions of nearshore water quality conditions and potential threats to human health. The system was used as a management tool by local agencies, and automated buoy data was made available to the general public via web site. The methods, approach and monitoring network used in Lake St. Clair are transferrable to other areas in the Great Lakes affected by beach closures.
R/EM-7, dates: 2001-2004
Guy Meadows, University of Michigan
Bioregulation of Trace Metals in the Great Lakes
R/ES-17, dates: 1999-2002
Jerome Nriagu, University of Michigan
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