Evaluation of beach monitoring and notification systems for recreational bathing

Advisor: Dr. Joseph Atkinson (Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering)
Other Mentors: None
Primary Activities: Great Lakes modeling

Project Summary: A common problem in many lakes including the Great Lakes is frequent beach closings due to bacteria (fecal coliform) counts or the presence of foul-smelling algae. A project started three summers ago is investigating local monitoring and notification systems, so that people can remotely determine conditions at a beach. Monitored data include temperature, turbidity, wave climate, and others. Current activities involve finding innovative ways of developing an index that could be used to quantify the overall conditions, including social input, to determine “quality” of a beach day. Students will monitor data collection at one or two local beaches in Lake Erie, observe conditions at the beach, and conduct surveys of beach-goers. Related activities include regression analysis to predict fecal coliform concentrations, and incorporation of monitored data, modeled (predicted) bacteria conditions, and social input to develop a management support tool for beach operators.

Skills/Courses Recommended: Basic knowledge of hydrology and water quality; statistics (optional)
Anticipated Conference Presentation(s): Great Lake Research Consortium