Preliminary Characterization of the Microbial Ecology of the Upper Florida Aquifer and Literature Review of the Microbe-Induced Changes in Metal Mobility and Toxicity during Aquifer Storage and Recovery Testing

Recently, as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) Regional Study project, the project delivery team has proposed that microbiological studies be performed during the different phases of ASR well field planning, development, and use. The focus of ongoing research in ASR microbiology is from the perspective of public health and these efforts are designed to address regulatory issues, such as survival of indicator microorganisms and pathogens.
The scope of work includes a suite of assays that will compliment the ongoing public health microbiology investigations and address concerns about the impact of injected waters on the native microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. Additionally, a literature review will be conducted to compile, synthesize and assess the published literature on microbially induced changes in mobility and toxicity of metals associated with aquifer matrices in geologic formations that have been designated as storage zones for ASR systems located in South Florida.