Supporting Agencies
Project I:
Exposure: Detection, Fate and Transport of Agents
Investigators:
- Charles P. Gerba, University of Arizona (gerba@ag.arizona.edu)
- Chris Choi, University of Arizona (cchoi@cals.arizona.edu)
- Ian Pepper, University of Arizona (ipepper@ag.arizona.edu)
- Syed Hashsham, Michigan State University, (hashsham@msu.edu)
- Paul Keim, Northern Arizona University (Paul.Keim@nau.edu)
- Mark Nicas, University of California, Berkley (mnicas@berkeley.edu)
- William Nazaroff, University of California, Berkley (nazaroff@ce.berkeley.edu)
Institutions:
- University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ
- Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
- University of California, Berkley, CA
Project Summary:
The goal of this project is to improve our ability to quantify exposure to biological agents of concern (Category A and B agents) in drinking water systems and indoor air environments. Because BAC agents are too hazardous to work with in the environments we wish to study, it will be necessary to develop surrogates so that assessments can be made under real world conditions. This project draws together several groups with extensive experience in the detection, transport and fate of BAC in aerosols, water and fomites, and transmission dynamics of Category A and B agents in the environment. This goal will be met through a series of specific sub-project objectives Including:
- Development of BAC surrogates;
- Validation of detection methods (Assessment of best methods; Surrogate methods identification; Sample needs for risk models; Gene sequences as a tool in risk assessment);
- Modeling BAC in water systems (model development and design; Field studies utilizing the Water Village);
- Survival and transfer via fomite surfaces;
- Development and validation of a discrete-time Markov chain model for Airborne BAC within a room;
- Evaluation of particle fate and transport in a room;
- Model for resuspension of particles and;
- Determination particle size distribution in aerosols.
Expected Results or Benefits:
It is anticipated that this Project will result in an improvement in the ability to determine the exposure to BAC during contamination events in the indoor environment (air and surfaces) and via water. Thus an assessment of the detection methods and better exposure estimates will inform the risk framework and the management strategies that are needed including clean up targets defined by "safety" levels.