Description
The National Park Service intends to award a single source justified cooperative agreement to the University of New Mexico for a project to evaluate the impacts of UV-C treatment on cave microbial communities in three parks. The project aims to culture microbes from cave sediments and test the effects of UV-C on the growth and viability of these microbes. The project will be led by Dr. Northup, who has over 32 years of experience in researching cave fungi and bacteria. The project will involve sampling and analysis of cave microclimate data, as well as the development of a study plan and protocols for mitigation of the effects of Pd on bats. The project is expected to generate new knowledge and advance the public understanding of the impacts of UV-C treatments on native cave bacteria.
Key aspects of the project include:
* Culturing microbes from cave sediments and testing the effects of UV-C on their growth and viability
* Sampling and analysis of cave microclimate data
* Development of a study plan and protocols for mitigation of the effects of Pd on bats
* Collaboration between the University of New Mexico and the National Park Service
* The project is expected to last for 16 months, from September 15, 2018, to December 31, 2019.