Project Description

Wastewater-based epidemiology is a fast-evolving field with direct application and benefit in the management of pandemics. A key distinction of this approach is the ability to monitor entire communities or neighborhoods. However, when getting closer to structures, a separate question arises: are we performing fecal or wastewater sampling? When wastewater arrives at treatment facilities, the material is well mixed, a condition not often seen right at the outfall of premise plumbing. Therefore, this study will (1) develop a dye tracer surrogate feces+urine combo, (2) test the mixture within the laboratory through blender tests, and (3) test the mixture in the field to identify the boundary point between feces and wastewater sampling through on-campus flushing and manhole monitoring. This will assist in the best placement of sampler units in monitoring studies as well as inform where specialized ethical considerations and care for privacy should occur.

Special Requirement

Students that have taken an Environmental Process, Wastewater Engineering, Fluid Dynamics, or Hydrology course are preferred.

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