| Project Attribute | Project Details |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Analysis of antimicrobial resistance in private water drinking supplies |
| EPA Project Code | 2019-W-PhD-14 |
| Lead Organisation | Maynooth University (MU) |
| Coordinator | Fiona Walsh |
| EPA Research 2014 – 2020 Theme(s) | Water: Theme 1: Safe Water EPA Research Pillars |
| Project Start and End Dates | Start: 01/09/2019 End (if applicable): 31/08/2023 Revised End Date (if applicable): |
| EPA Project Type | |
| EPA Award Type | STRIVE – Scholarships |
| Current Project Status | Grant Awarded |
| Total Funding Amount | 48000.00 |
| Project Abstract/Description | The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as one of the major global threats to the human society and recommends intensive monitoring for the identification and surveillance of critical hotspots, aimed at reducing resistance dissemination. Private drinking water (PDW) supplies in Ireland contain high levels of Escherichia coli, which indicates that these water supplies are linkers between human or animal waste, the environment and human consumers of the water and are a likely source and sink of AMR. This project will analyse the levels and variety of AMR to critically important antibiotics using citizen science to engage PDW supply users in Ireland. We will analyse the genetic components conferring the AMR in the water and map the AMR genes to the host bacteria in the water. This research will provide the information on the variety and abundances of AMR across PDW in Ireland and whether these genes are present in pathogenic or non-pathogenic bacteria. This data is required to assess the risk posed from AMR to human health in PDW across Ireland. It will also engage the public to raise awareness of the importance of well water testing and maintenance. |
| EPA Scientific Officer | AliceWemaere |