Great Lakes Recreational Water Security: Microbial community characterization, source tracking and remediation through meta-genomics

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Microbial (bacterial and algal) contamination in recreational and drinking water is of particular concern as it can directly affect human health and have large economic impacts (e.g., beach closures, fisheries losses, water treatment costs, etc.). In the Great Lakes, microbial contamination has increased substantially, with beach closures in the Essex region at 4X previous levels. Additionally, dangerous levels of microcystin, a toxin produced by algal blooms, have been recorded in Lake Erie. Furthermore, preliminary data indicate that current monitoring for E. coli (human pathogen indicator) may generate false positive and negative results. It is thus critical that reliable, rapid and predictive methods are developed to characterize potentially hazardous microbial contaminants. This proposal uses an integrated approach to identify, predict and treat harmful microbial outbreaks to ensure water security. Specifically, Lake St. Clair and western Lake Erie will be used to develop and apply genomics-based assays for aquatic microbial contaminants. Our proposal consists of three Themes: 1) Microbial Community Characterization (Identification): We will use Next Generation sequencing to identify the bacterial and algal communities over time and space. 2) Microbial Community Dynamics (Prediction): We will use hydrodynamic modelling, genomics-based source tracking and biophysical data to develop predictive models to provide managers an early warning of harmful microbial outbreaks. 3) Microbial Contamination Remediation (Treatment): Using a novel approach for remediation of microbial contamination, we will identify microbial contamination sources and our predictive models will generate a decision making tree for specific remediation actions based on calculated risk levels. Finally, we will work with Industry partners to develop novel "on site" treatment technologies. Our integrated approach will fill a pressing need for novel solutions for microbial water security in large lake systems and result in a suite of tools that could be applied seamlessly around the Great Lakes, across Canada and around the world. Our goal is to use effective partnerships to develop novel technology to address pathogen and toxin threats in our water supplies.