Defense Date

12-17-2013

Graduation Date

Spring 2014

Availability

Immediate Access

Submission Type

thesis

Degree Name

MS

Department

Environmental Science and Management (ESM)

Committee Chair

John F Stolz

Committee Member

Peter A Castric

Committee Member

Jay Kuchta

Keywords

coliforms, E. coli, Marcellus Shale, membrane filtration, Pennsylvania, well water

Abstract

Rural private well-water quality and quantity is a global concern. It is currently a significant concern in Pennsylvania because there are no uniform statewide regulations for well construction. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of E. coli and coliforms in private well-water from a small community in Butler County, Pennsylvania. E. coli and coliforms were detected in water samples using EPA standard methods 9222 G. and 9222 B. Well construction, topography and distance from pollution sources (e.g. septic systems), chemical parameters, soil type, and time of year were factors considered in regard to fecal contamination. E. coli and coliform prevalence was 3.7% and 6.8%, respectively, for the 29 wells tested. Combinations of factors are believed to be responsible for fecal contamination of well water in this study. Overall, certain well construction criteria should be met in order to minimize risk to water quality.

Format

PDF

Language

English

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