Besides conducting research and teaching a graduate course, Finley responds to many requests for help with water-quality problems. He and Dr. Steve Hamilton, professor of biology, are investigating and helping resolve problems that occur when polluted water reaches lakes and streams through such indirect sources as leaching of livestock wastes, faulty sewage systems, fertilizers and pesticides. Dr. Don Dailey, associate professor of biology, has waded into the investigation of water pollutants as well. For two years, he and a graduate student have researched antibiotic-resistant bacteria in ground water. We sampled surface waters in Robertson County that receive farm run-off and found Enterococci that are resistant to tetracycline.
Antibiotic resistance is linked to a genetic marker that can be transferred to other bacteria.
Other members of the biology department are hard at work on water-related issues as well. Dr. Jeff Lebkuecher, plant physiologist, studies the effects of pollutants on algae productivity. Algae productivity and sediment from soil erosion are good indicators of water quality. His data offers clues to pollution runoff and allows researchers to rapidly assess water-quality. Lyle plans and facilitates teacher workshops throughout the state.