Water Microbiology Laboratory

The Water Microbiology Laboratory is a separately managed space for experiments and analyses targeting pathogen indicator organisms in the environment. In addition to standard classical microbiology equipment (e.g. incubators, 4 C refrigerators, vacuum pumps, glassware, etc), a separate area designated for molecular analyses is equipped with an Eppendorf RealCycler, -80 C freezer, and laminar flow hood (biosafety cabinet). Ongoing projects within this space include efforts to determine the origin of fecal contamination in rural drinking water via source-tracking and the quantification of in-stream reservoirs of E. coli and enterococci. In addition, this space is also used by the Virginia Household Water Quality Extension Program for the analysis of participant samples, and hosts several laboratory exercises for sophomore and junior level BSE classes.

Laboratory Equipment

• Incubators
  
• 4 °C refrigerators
• Vacuum pumps
• Quantitray sealer
• RO water system
• Area designated for molecular analyses:
• Eppendorf RealCycler
• 80 °C freezer
• Biological Safety cabinet

Principal Investigator