20th Annual Student Research Conference
Interdisciplinary
An Analysis Of Microbiota In Forest Lake And Hazel Creek Lake
Lolliann R. Bruce
Dr. Michael Lockhart, Faculty Mentor
Hazel Creek and Forest Lakes are the main water sheds of Kirksville, Missouri. The reason for the assessment is that there was some controversy over the sale of land in the watershed by the City of Kirksville to a cattle farmer who could raise his cattle within 400 feet of Hazel Creek Lake. Citizens were concerned because of possible runoff from the land that the lake could be contaminated with feces as evidenced by the presence of E. coli bacteria. The issue at Forest Lake was that many of the homes near and around Forest Lake have private sewage treatment systems that could overflow and contaminate the lake with sewage. Our research found that there was some E. coli in the lake and creek, but not enough for concern. The lakes are being checked during the spring, summer and fall months just to make sure the numbers do not increase.
Keywords: E. coli, Microbiota, fecal , contamination
Topic(s):Environmental Studies
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 5-3
Location: VH 1432
Time: 9:00 am