Award Abstract # 2152491
RAPID: Impact of extreme flooding on groundwater quality following Hurricane Ida

NSF Org: EAR
Division Of Earth Sciences
Recipient: ADMINISTRATORS OF THE TULANE EDUCATIONAL FUND, THE
Initial Amendment Date: September 14, 2021
Latest Amendment Date: September 14, 2021
Award Number: 2152491
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Elizabeth Boyer
EAR
 Division Of Earth Sciences
GEO
 Directorate For Geosciences
Start Date: September 15, 2021
End Date: March 31, 2022 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $49,989.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $49,989.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2021 = $0.00
History of Investigator:
  • Samendra Sherchan (Principal Investigator)
    samendra.sherchan@morgan.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Tulane University
6823 SAINT CHARLES AVE
NEW ORLEANS
LA  US  70118-5665
(504)865-4000
Sponsor Congressional District: 01
Primary Place of Performance: Tulane University
1440 Canal St, Suite 2100
New Orleans
LA  US  70118-5698
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
01
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): XNY5ULPU8EN6
Parent UEI: XNY5ULPU8EN6
NSF Program(s): XC-Crosscutting Activities Pro
Primary Program Source: 01002122DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 7914, 9150
Program Element Code(s): 7222
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.050

ABSTRACT

Hurricane Ida landed near Port Fourchon, Louisiana on August 29, 2021, as a Category 4 major hurricane. Ida was a deadly hurricane with devastating coastal storm surges and destructive winds. It brought heavy rainfall in Southern Louisiana and caused catastrophic flooding in many rural areas mainly Houma and LaPlace, LA. Such large-scale flooding has the potential to transport chemical agents and microbial pathogens and contaminate groundwater. Water wells in the region affected by flooding will be sampled, to assess groundwater quality. The goal of this study is to advance knowledge of the impact of extreme flooding on groundwater quality in coastal Louisiana following hurricane Ida.

The sampling campaign includes collecting 150 samples from groundwater wells, at 1, 3 and 6 months after Hurricane Ida. The study will leverage sampling prior to the event for comparison to post-hurricane data. This project is a time-sensitive and unique opportunity to collect perishable data and improve understanding of the extent of contamination in floodwaters from inland areas to groundwater. Specific objectives are to: (i) determine the source(s) of fecal pollution, heavy metals, and pathogen loads in floodwaters and groundwater post Hurricane Ida, ii) utilize 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize groundwater microbial community changes and iii) Map the spatial distribution of chemical and microbial contamination to identify households at risk of toxic contaminant exposure. The findings from this study will bring visibility the needs for protection and management of groundwater resources. Information will be provided to well owners that can be used to develop guidance for protection of groundwater supplies after severe flooding. It will also aid in future research projects such as evaluation and development of small disinfection technologies for the control and treatment of contaminants in groundwater.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit
and broader impacts review criteria.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.

Print this page

Back to Top of page