This project seeks to understand the extent of transport and impact of septic system contaminants through shallow Adirondack Soils following fluctuating peaks in system usage. We will analyze for pharmaceutical compounds, antimicrobial resistance, and fecal indicators. We will test for 26 residues across 12 classes of compounds. We will screen for 35 antibiotic resistance genes along with fecal indicator microbes. The site contains a complex of septic systems and associated leach fields with a series of cabins. We have traced number of users and duration of stay in all residences associated with this septic complex throughout the year. A series of 9 shallow groundwater wells were installed to capture the septic plume on its way to Arbutus Lake, a minimally impacted watershed in the High Peaks region of the Adirondacks. This septic complex is the only anthropogenic wastewater source in the watershed. In addition to the wells outlined in Figure 1, we also monitored the lake shore nearest septic influence, lake outlet and primary inlet and are leveraging the extensive watershed data already collected at these sites to locate the newly collected information into our understanding of this watershed. Sample collection has been completed for this project, with a total of 5 field campaigns from April through November. Sampling occurred approximately once monthly for the duration of that period. Sample analysis for soil characteristics (phosphorous, pH, texture) has begun and DNA has been extracted from all samples for resistance gene analysis and fecal indicator bacteria quantification. Sample analysis will be completed in Spring 2026, with several public facing events planned for sharing out results to both scientific and public audiences in late spring 2026 after completion of the award.
Selected activities have included
July-Aug 2024: Virtual & in person project kick-off meeting
Sept 2024: Onboarding of master’s student Rikesh Rasaili to the project.
Oct-Nov 2024: Field visit and installation of 9 wells; Method development for AMR detection at Clarkson
May 2025: First samples collected; ARG analysis method development and undergraduate student training at Clarkson. Presentation of study design at two conferences by Rikesh Rasaili: NIAMRRE Annual Meeting (Durham, NC) and CoE Annual Meeting (Syracuse, NY)
June-Nov 2025: Field Campaigns, ARG analytes determined, ESF undergraduate students trained in sample collection and DNA extraction.
Jan-Mar 2026: Residue analysis, ARG quantification, Fecal indicator bacteria detection method development and residue sample analysis. Continued sample collection through Fall 2025.
May-Jun 2026: Result analysis & presentations at ESF and locally in Adirondacks