Evaluating Active Microbial Diversity as a Biomarker for Water Body Health at Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO) Event

MSDGC has a total of 210 combined sewer overflow (CSO) locations that discharge to 19 receiving waters including the Ohio River. Consequently, CSOs have been linked to adverse public health effects. An approach using bacterial diversity and signature bacteria assessed by molecular tools are proposed to indicate stream health. Preliminary results with pure culture shows the distinct differences in retention time of the individual species for precursor 16S rRNA, thus providing a relative qualitative and quantitative characterization of species in a precursor 16S complex. This study will identify the key factors that determine the biodiversity of receiving waters before and after CSO events, and to identify the active bacteria under the influence of other contaminants including metals and organic compounds.