RIVERSIDE--Researchers at UC Riverside are investigating ways to better protect our water and food supplies.

Dr. Sharon Walker is leading a group of students in researching the affect of environmental particles in aquatic environments.

They are focused on E.coli and Salmonella.

They are also focused on the environmental implications of nanotechnology.

“Our research is preemptive, looking at our ability to filter out the nanoparticles. How do they move in the environment, do they filter out naturally in the soil or can we remove them with conventional water treatment?" she said.

Dr. Walker says there is the possibility that the July outbreak of Salmonella in jalapenos was associated with contaminated irrigation water.

Story Date: October 10, 2008