From Water and Wastewater.com

Industry News
Pathogen Risk Assessment Proposals Wanted
By Dawn Forsythe
Aug 20, 2008 - 11:42:12 AM

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) is now accepting proposals for research that will lead to better risk assessment of pathogens in recreational waters. The research results will also support efforts to revise health-based recreational ambient water quality criteria under the Clean Water Act.

Proposals must be received by 5:00 p.m. (EDT), October 8, 2008.

WERF is providing funding for researchers to identify and fill data gaps pertaining to waterborne pathogens and indicators from various sources. The research team should also incorporate the data into quantitative microbial risk assessment models (QMRA) and other frameworks for recreational waters. This research will provide tools that can help managers prioritize source control and treatment programs. The research results will also support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's efforts to revise water quality criteria for pathogens and pathogen indicators.

"Dealing with waterborne pathogens and related regulations is among the top challenges faced by subscribers," says Dan Woltering, WERF's Director of Research. "This research effort is an integral and timely component of future water quality criteria and of wastewater and stormwater management solutions."

The research will include the following components:

-Compilation of information on waterborne pathogen and indicator concentrations and loads contributed from various sources
-Statistical summary of the types, concentrations, and loadings of waterborne pathogens from the different sources of water contamination
-Field sampling and lab analyses to fill data gaps
-Incorporation of data into risk assessment frameworks and pathogen models

The complete request for proposals, with instructions, can be viewed at www.werf.org. Contact WERF program director Rhonda Kranz at rkranz@werf.org for more information on this research effort or the proposal process. Please forward this announcement to potential proposers.

This RFP is one component of WERF's body of research on wastewater microbes and public health. The Water Environment Research Foundation, formed in 1989, is America's leading independent scientific research organization dedicated to wastewater and stormwater issues. We have managed nearly 400 research projects, valued at more than $85 million.

For more information contact:
Water Environment Research Foundation
635 Slaters Lane, Suite 300
Alexandria, VA 22314
Telephone: 703-684-2470
Fax: 703-299-0742
Web site: http://www.werf.org/



© Copyright 1998 - 2009 Water and Wastewater.com