Environmental Microbiology Laboratory
Led by Dr. Marek Kirs, the Environmental Microbiology Laboratory is committed to advancing microbiological research that addresses the unique needs of Hawaii and other Pacific Islands. Our work focuses on identifying, characterizing, and developing innovative solutions to water and environmental challenges in these regions. A major emphasis of our research is on microbial water quality and its implications for public health.
In addition, we explore the diversity of microbial life, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic, as an indicator of environmental health. By investigating how microbial diversity responds to environmental changes, we aim to deepen our understanding of the intricate connections between the environment and human health.
At the heart of our mission is the integration of environmental and public health sciences. Recognizing the profound interdependence between human well-being and environmental health, we strive to develop integrative approaches to address pressing global health challenges.
Marek Kirs
Associate Researcher, Water Resources Research Center
My research focuses on microbiology and related public health issues with the overarching goal of improving water environments and public health. His research projects cover a wide range of aquatic environments and issues and are typically guided by the State of Hawaiʻi’s needs and interests. He is currently working on projects ranging in topics from biological and sediment monitoring, application of a qPCR based test for enterococci as a rapid beach management tool in Hawaiʻi, and microbial communities and sources of bacteria in Honolulu’s drinking water supply.
Nu Jahat Jabin
Graduate Research Assistant
Environmental microbiology and metagenomics.
Sierra Lopez
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Beach water quality monitoring on O'ahu and assessing Enterolert test specificity and fecal contamination in coastal waters.
Isabella Krunitzky
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Beach water quality monitoring, fecal bacteria testing.
Current Projects
- Microbial Water Quality Indicators and Associated Health Risk in Hawaii’s Recreational Waters. Funded by HI Department of Health
- The Microbiological Water Quality of Oahu Beaches. Funded by HI Department of Health
- Groundwater microbes as indicators of bioremediation efforts and ecosystem recovery. Funded by Office of Naval Research
- Animal reservoirs of pathogenic Leptospira in American Samoa Funded by WRIP/United States Geological Survey
- The biological and sediment study on marine communities near the City's ocean sewer outfalls. Funded by the City and County of Honolulu
Recent Publications
- McLellan, S.L., Chariton, A., Codello, A. McClary-Gutierrez, Schussman, M.K., Marzinelli, E.M., Neil, J.M., Schott, E.J., Bowen, J.L., Vineis, J.H., Maignien, L., Lemonnier, C., Perennou, M., Gibb, K.S., Zhou, G-J., Leung, K.M.Y., Kirs, M., Griffith, J., Steele, J. Swearer, S. E., O’Brier, A., Song, D., Li, J. Steinberg, P.D.. 2024. Universal microbial indicators provide surveillance of sewage contamination in harbours worldwide. Nature Water, 2, 1061–1070.
- Kirs, M., Kisand, V., Nelson, C.E., Dudoit, T., Moravcik, P.S. 2020 Distinct bacterial communities in tropical island aquifers. PLoS One. 2020 Apr 30;15(4):e0232265.
- Kirs, M., Kisand, V., Wong M., Caffaro-Filho R.A., Harwood, V.J., Moravcik, P., Yoneyama, B. 2017. Fujioka, R.S Multiple lines of evidence to identify sewage as the cause of water quality impairment in an urbanized tropical watershed. Water Res. 116:23-33.
- Kirs, M. Moravcik, P., Gyawaili, P., Hamilton, K., Kisand, V., Gurr, I., Schuler, C. Ahmed, W. 2017. Rainwater Harvesting in American Samoa: Current Practices and Health Risks. Environ. Sci. Pollut. R. 24:12384–1239.
- Kirs, M., Caffaro-Filho R.A., Wong M., Harwood, V.J., Moravcik, P., Fujioka, R.S. 2016 Evaluation of human-associated Bacteroides and human polyomaviruses as microbial source tracking markers in Hawaii. Appl. Env. Microbiol. 72(12):7567-7574
- Fujioka RS, Solo-Gabriele HM, Byappanahalli MN, Kirs M. 2015 U.S. Recreational Water Quality Criteria: A Vision for the Future. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 12(7):7752-76.