Teresa Conneely
tconneel@microbio.umass.edu

My research project explores the microbial use of natural organic matter (NOM) in drinking water supplies. NOM, when reacted with chlorine, is a precursor of potentially carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs). In addition, the biodegradable fraction of NOM, biodegradable dissolved organic matter (BDOM), can contribute to the growth of bacteria in drinking water distribution systems. Different watersheds are known to result in waters with different levels of BDOM, however the factors that lead to these differences are not fully understood.

The initial objective of this research is to investigate sources, nature, and long-term variability of that part of natural organic matter in source waters that microorganisms can biodegrade and/or assimilate. Future plans are to evaluate the impact of BDOM on the formation of disinfection byproducts and investigate the microbial communities that may be involved in the biodegradation of BDOM and DBPs

More information on this project is available at:
Watershed sources and long-term variability of BDOC and NOM as precursors
This work is funded by the American Water Works Association Research Foundation and overseen by the US-EPA.

A parallel research project investigates one source of NOM (maple leaf) in more detail. Maple trees are one plant species found surrounding the Wachusetts reservoir. Therefore, maple leaf leachate is a potential source of NOM in this drinking water reservoir.