Monitoring Changes In Microbial Composition And Density In Coastal Marine Waters In Essex County, MA: Part I

Abstract

This research tests the hypothesis that periodic assessment of the variety and density of coastal microbes will coincide with the safety or danger of these waters for public use. We will use sterile containers to collect samples from surface water near the Salem State University mussel farm and assess microbes by conventional and genetic reactions. A prolonged study of microbial life in this area may have implications for understanding the impact of current environmental changes.