Water Health and Applied Microbiology Lab

o Temple University’s College of Public Health recently posted a video on the most up-to-date information on COVID-19!

Fecal indicator bacteria are a broad group of organisms that can indicate a water source is contaminated. Some of these bacteria include E. coli and Total Coliforms (which we talked about on Tuesday)! To learn more, visit the link below! https://mi.water.usgs.gov/h2oqual/BactHOWeb.html

Coliform bacteria are a large group of bacteria that live in the environment. Although only a few species of coliform bacteria actually cause illness in humans, they can indicate if your water is being contaminated. For more info: https://extension.psu.edu/coliform-bacteria

Are you on a private well? Does coal burning or mining/processing occur near your property? If so, you might want to test your water for Arsenic. Arsenic can be naturally occurring and can come from man made activities. Drinking water contaminated by arsenic has been known to cause cancer as well as skin and gastrointestinal problems. To learn more, visit the CDC link below!

Ever wonder how the CDC came up with their guidelines for mask-wearing and social-distancing? Below is a TikTok that describes how wearing a mask can affect your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found an increase in Google searches for gastrointestinal symptoms prior to COVID-19 outbreaks. The researchers believe this can be used to predict possible COVID-19 hotspots. To learn more about this study and its findings, visit the link below!

Ultrafiltration is a process where water is run through permeable membranes to clear it of contaminants like heavy metals, suspended solids, and organic waste. This type of water treatment is often used in addition to other filters to further clean your drinking water. To learn more about the science behind ultrafiltration, visit the link below!