New research project: Transport of microorganisms in groundwater

Karst and water in the Swabian Alb are the focus of the new research project. Gütersteiner waterfalls near Bad Urach, image: Franzfoto/wikipedia

The DFG-funded PrePat project aims to show how bacteria, viruses and antibiotic resistance genes are transported in groundwater. To this end, the behaviour of microorganisms on their way through the karst aquifer is being analysed in studies on the Swabian Alb. Project partners are TU Berlin, TU Bergakademie Freiberg and TZW.

Climate change is exacerbating water scarcity and negatively impacting water quality through heavy rain events and droughts in many regions of the world. A better understanding of the spread of microbiological contaminants in groundwater is important to counteract this.

The DFG funded project PrePat ("Development and application of non-pathogens and extracellular DNA for predicting transport and attenuation of pathogens and antibiotic resistance genes in groundwater") aims to improve the understanding of the transport of bacteria, viruses and antibiotic resistance genes in groundwater. 

Further information

Project page TZW
Press release TU Berlin 
Press release TU Freiberg

 

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