Dec. 22, 2000—A new WERF project aims to evaluate different methods that have been used for microbial risk assessment (MRA) and demonstrate through case studies the most applicable MRA methods for reclaimed water applications.

The project, sponsored by the Water Environment Research Foundation, is identified as Project 00-PUM-3, Evaluation of Microbial Risk Assessment Techniques and Applications in Water Reclamation.

The project will critically review and evaluate the utility of the different methods that have been used for microbial risk assessment (MRA), and to demonstrate through case studies (i.e., relative risk assessment of human exposure from specific reclaimed water applications) the most applicable MRA methods for reclaimed water applications within the context of existing U.S. reuse regulations, and to identify potential regulatory constraints.

The research also includes the development of criteria for a computer interface, which will allow regulatory and/or reclamation agencies to take advantage of the identified MRA framework and methods.

The principal investigator, Dr. Adam Olivieri of EOA, Inc., has assembled a research team whose expertise spans the fields of public health, microbial risk assessment, infectious diseases, environmental engineering, water reclamation, public policy, and water quality management.

The first research task is to establish a comprehensive database of articles, reports, and books to document the status, advantages, and limitations of different types of MRA techniques that have been developed.

Although EOA has previously compiled an extensive library related to issues associated with the use of reclaimed water, they need to update their existing database with articles, reports, and books for selected topics associated with microbial risk assessment and the pathogens under investigation (Cryptosporidium spp., enteric viruses, and Legionella or E. coli O157:H7).

For further information on the project contact project manager Lola Olabode at lolabode@werf.org.