Water Quality
Algae to the Rescue for Nature-Based Water Treatment
By Vanessa Countryman
The IWH partnered with our affiliated faculty for the development of a nature-based technology known as algal turf scrubbers (ATS). This system utilizes the natural properties of algae to cleanse wastewater of various contaminants.
“The ATS is simply a downward sloping flow-way onto which a substrate is attached,” said Anthony Siccardi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. “Water pulses over the system stimulating the colonization of the substrate by algae.”
Water quality is improved by reducing nutrient pollution, but it also demonstrates a remarkable capacity to decrease antibiotic-resistant bacteria by approximately 20%.
IWH researchers are expanding their research to assess this nature-based technology’s capability to begin a new era of sustainable wastewater treatment.
WellAware Program Targets Rural Drinking Water
This summer, the IWH will be working with rural residents in Evans and Tattnall County to test private drinking water wells for hazardous contaminants. Supported by a grant from the CARES Foundation, this study will focus on cancer-causing pollution found in drinking water. Participants can get a free drinking water test for filling out a short survey. Survey answers will help us to understand how the health and experiences of drinking from private wells may impact cancer screening initiatives. A town hall event in each county will bring together communities to discuss concerns and possible solutions for the future. Currently, this project will support doctoral-level research, but we look forward to the expansion of this project in the years to come.
Safe Water Together Glynn County Program Installs New Community Lab
By Luke Roberson
Glynn County is known as a gateway to beaches on Jekyll and Saint Simons Island, with Brunswick as the county’s administrative center. However, the area is also recognized for four Superfund sites – areas listed by the US Environmental Protection Agency as needing significant environmental cleanup and remediation.
County Commissioner Allen Booker raised an issue regarding increased subsistence fishing in Terry Creek during the pandemic—a water body directly impacted by decades of contamination by the Hercules Landfill. Despite advisories and monitoring by the EPA and Hercules, the local community continues to fish there.
The reasons behind this are multifaceted, encompassing tradition, geography, culture, and economic necessity. Historically, environmental research and messaging have often excluded those with lower incomes and people of color, even though they face the highest health risks from pollution.
In February, the IWH began a series of training sessions for our participants, with certifications to collect and log data into the Georgia Adopt-A-Stream database, the largest volunteer water quality monitoring organization in Georgia. In March, we installed a mini-lab with water monitoring gear, safety equipment, and an aquatic bacteria analysis system owned by the Safe Water Together team.
As we head into the summer sampling season, the team will grow in numbers, capacity, and capability. Two summer interns will join the group and collect information on water quality and the community’s perceptions and attitudes on how they can make policy changes with the data they collect.
Meet the Team at the IWH
The Institute for Water and Heath at Georgia Southern relies on our interdisciplinary team to get things done for our communities on the Georgia Coast and beyond. We use a blend of science, expertise, communication, and technological know-how to answer questions that lie at the intersection of water and health. In this video, produced by our Communications Student Vanessa Countryman, Dr. Asli Aslan, Director and founder talks about our mission and how our diverse expertise gives us an edge when we are solving the complex issues around water. Dr. Jake Loveless, our Lab Manager discusses his background and the importance of conservation. Luke Roberson, the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator goes over how communication is essential to making a public impact with research, and Victoria Clower, our Graduate Researcher recalls her personal connection to rural water quality and her dedication to the mission of the IWH.
The IWH Celebrates Grand Opening of its Lab with New Federal Funding
On Monday, March 25th, The Institute for Water and Health celebrated its grand opening and was awarded $2.04 million in federal funding for its Safe Water Together Program. Founding director, Asli Aslan was joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero, Representative Buddy Carter, Provost Carl Reiber, Vice-President for Research and Economic Development Christopher Curtis, and many others who were instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition.
“Today is an important milestone for our journey started two years ago, a vision born out of recognizing the need for a research center for our most valuable resource in the region,” said Dr. Asli Aslan, Director of The Institute for Water and Health.
The Institute for Water and Health (IWH) was established in 2021 in response to the critical need for a research center focused on our region’s precious water resources. The opening of the IWH laboratory marks a significant step forward in confronting intricate water-related challenges and improving public health by employing advanced technology. As the lab was under construction, IWH staff worked with community members, policymakers, and Georgia Southern-affiliated faculty to create several innovative research projects.
”We thank our university leadership for supporting us. Our institute will serve as a beacon for research, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to improve water resources and promote well-being for generations to come.”
Dr. Asli Aslan, Founding Director of the IWH
“The institute conducts water research, develops new technologies, and partners with our community stakeholders to tackle complex issues and provide scientific data and solutions that foster safe and sustainable water uses,” said Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University.
The Institute continues to grow in capacity and capability, serving as an example of Georgia Southern’s dedication to providing the highest quality technological resources for its students, faculty, and community. The new funding will empower local communities to develop and implement holistic solutions, fortify infrastructure resilience, and guarantee equitable access to pristine water for all citizens.