BVU Student, Kayla Hartmann, Awarded Funds To Research Pollutants in Storm Lake Wastewater

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Kayla Hartmann

STORM LAKE, IA (02/20/2013)(readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) student, Kayla Hartmann, has been awarded a scholarship from Veolia Water North America to conduct research on effluent from Storm Lake's wastewater treatment plant. Veolia (www.veoliawaterna.com) contracts with the City of Storm Lake to provide comprehensive drinking water and wastewater services for the community.

Kayla is a junior environmental science major from Albert Lea, Minn. Her research will focus on the use of a bacteria (Sphingomonas) for remediation of a specific endocrine-disrupting compound (17 Beta Estradiol ) during wastewater processing. Her research will analyze wastewater entering and leaving the treatment facility.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are observed in wastewater effluent at varying concentrations, according to Dr. Melinda Coogan, assistant professor of biology and Kayla's faculty advisor. "These compounds are present in numerous consumer products and enter treatment plants as 'down the drain' chemicals that are not federally-regulated but are of particular interest due to their biochemical processes. Studies have shown that they may contribute to numerous reproductive problems among aquatic organisms, especially those that live their lifecycles within effluent receiving streams."

Kayla is the fourth BVU student over the past four years to receive the Veolia scholarship. The students primarily use the funds to purchase ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) kits that allow them to assess levels of environmental pollutants used for their specific projects.