A recent article in the Fredericksburg Free Press highlighted a new University of Mary Washington initiative that is testing the Rappahannock River weekly for fecal coliform bacteria and sharing the results publicly. Led by Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science Tyler Frankel, the program aims to provide residents with accessible information before swimming, fishing, paddling, or otherwise enjoying one of the region's most important waterways.
Dr. Tyler Frankel is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Mary Washington. He is an expert on ecotoxicology, specifically the impact of pharmaceutical, industrial waste products, & pesticides on aquatic wildlife.
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The project addresses a significant gap in environmental monitoring. While bacteria levels can change rapidly following rainfall and other environmental conditions, routine testing has historically been limited. Frankel and his student research team are collecting samples from five locations along the river and building a long-term database that can help identify contamination trends and potential pollution sources. The effort also provides valuable hands-on research opportunities for students while generating information with direct public health benefits.
“There isn’t really a program that exists like that for the Rappahannock where the public can get access to weekly data sets.” — Tyler Frankel, Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, University of Mary Washington
The research focuses on fecal coliform bacteria, including E. coli, which can enter waterways through sewage, failing septic systems, agricultural runoff, pets, wildlife, and other sources. Elevated levels can pose health risks to people who come into contact with contaminated water, making timely and accessible monitoring an important tool for both recreation and environmental stewardship.
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Interested in discussing water quality monitoring, bacterial contamination in rivers, watershed management, citizen science, or environmental health risks?
Connect with Tyler Frankel, Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Mary Washington, for expert insight into water quality testing, pollution tracking, environmental monitoring, and the science behind protecting freshwater ecosystems.
