Concentration of Vibrio Bacteria Over Six Months in Knitting Mill Creek, Norfolk, Virginia
Description/Abstract/Artist Statement
Vibrio is a genus of bacteria in which some members are infamous for causing food-borne and water-borne diseases in humans. The brackish water of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries provide suitable habitats for many species of Vibrio to survive and grow. Knitting Mill Creek (KMC), located immediately east of Colley Avenue North, is a tidal creek connected to the Lafayette River and subsequently Chesapeake Bay. Water samples were collected weekly from two locations along KMC between September 2023 and February 2024, within one hour of high tide. Samples were then transported to the laboratory and filtered. The filter was placed on Petri dishes containing TCBS (Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile-Salt Sucrose) agar. Incubation at 30℃ followed, and colony-forming units (CFU) were counted 20 to 26 hours later. Concentrations ranged from 2,300 CFU/mL in September to/mL in February. Water temperature was positively correlated with concentrations. There was a steady decrease in concentrations as water temperature decreased from Fall to Winter. These results align with previous studies and are significant in predicting the abundance of these potential pathogens in non-optimal conditions, such as cold weather.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Fred Dobbs
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Ocean and Earth Sciences
College Affiliation
College of Sciences
Presentation Type
Poster
Disciplines
Environmental Health and Protection | Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology | Oceanography | Pathogenic Microbiology
Session Title
Poster Session
Location
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Start Date
March 2024
End Date
March 2024
Concentration of Vibrio Bacteria Over Six Months in Knitting Mill Creek, Norfolk, Virginia
Learning Commons Lobby @ Perry Library
Vibrio is a genus of bacteria in which some members are infamous for causing food-borne and water-borne diseases in humans. The brackish water of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries provide suitable habitats for many species of Vibrio to survive and grow. Knitting Mill Creek (KMC), located immediately east of Colley Avenue North, is a tidal creek connected to the Lafayette River and subsequently Chesapeake Bay. Water samples were collected weekly from two locations along KMC between September 2023 and February 2024, within one hour of high tide. Samples were then transported to the laboratory and filtered. The filter was placed on Petri dishes containing TCBS (Thiosulfate-Citrate-Bile-Salt Sucrose) agar. Incubation at 30℃ followed, and colony-forming units (CFU) were counted 20 to 26 hours later. Concentrations ranged from 2,300 CFU/mL in September to/mL in February. Water temperature was positively correlated with concentrations. There was a steady decrease in concentrations as water temperature decreased from Fall to Winter. These results align with previous studies and are significant in predicting the abundance of these potential pathogens in non-optimal conditions, such as cold weather.