Pathogenic Microorganisms in Water

Melissa Lenczewski

Northern Illinois University

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Activities collection (view details)

This activity was selected for the On the Cutting Edge Exemplary Teaching Collection

Resources in this top level collection a) must have scored Exemplary or Very Good in all five review categories, and must also rate as "Exemplary" in at least three of the five categories. The five categories included in the peer review process are

Scientific Accuracy
Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
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Initial Publication Date: November 4, 2005 | Reviewed: June 6, 2013 (see revision history: 3 events)

Summary

This activity introduces students to sampling and testing for microorganisms in different water sources. It also tests iodine tablets to kill coliform bacteria which interest many students. The activity utilizes prepared kits to keep preparation easy.

Water supply/water resource evaluation, Water quality/chemistry , ...(more) | High School (9-12), College Introductory, College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16), Graduate/Professional

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Context

Audience

This can be used from junior high school activity to graduate level classes. It can be done in everything from an introductory environmental science class to hydrogeology to geomicrobiology.

Skills and concepts that students must have mastered

Can be combined with field sampling of water samples.

How the activity is situated in the course

This can be a stand-alone exercise or combined with geochemical water sampling.

Goals

Content/concepts goals for this activity

- Methods for groundwater sampling
- Water quality evaluation

Higher order thinking skills goals for this activity

- Analysis of data
- Evaluation of water quality

Other skills goals for this activity

- Lab and field sampling
- Group project

Description of the activity/assignment

Pathogenic Microorganisms in Water: Traditionally, groundwater has been used without treatment because the soil acts as a filter, removing pathogenic microorganisms. Some potential sources of pathogens (or disease causing organisms) in groundwater include septic tanks, leaking sewer lines, sewage sludge, intentional groundwater recharge with sewage, irrigation with sewage, direct injection of sewage, domestic solid waste disposal (landfills) and sewage oxidation ponds. The objective of the session is to introduce hydrogeologist to the types of microorganisms, sources of pathogens, and a simple exercise that can be incorporated into a hydrogeology class.