Research Associate Professor, Aquatic & Fishery Sciences
Marine Ballast Water Specialist, Washington Sea Grant
herwig@u.washington.edu, 206-685-2163

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aquatic microbiology, microbial ecology and diversity, bioremediation

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Research

Ballast Water and Control of Introduction of Nonindigenous Aquatic Species

Ballast Water Treatment Technology

Enormous quantities of ballast water are transported from one region of the world to another. This transport has been suggested to be a major vector for the introduction of nonindigenous species. Some species, such as the zebra mussel have caused huge economic problems. The University of Washington is participating in several different projects to examine potential ballast water treatment technologies. We are examining ozone, UV light, and a natural biocide called SeaKleen.

Puget Sound Ballast Water Survey

Commercial ships that enter Puget carry ballast water filled with many organisms, from viruses and bacteria to phytoplankton and zooplankton. Scientists and students from the University of Washington board ships that enter Puget Sound and examine the microbiology, chemistry, and zooplankton contained in ship ballast water.

Microbiology of Contaminated Groundwater

The Herwig Lab has participated for nearly 10 years on a bioremediation related project that includes faculty and students from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the College of Forestry. Research in recent years has focused on the aerobic and anaerobic transformation of chlorinated solvents, such as perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene, and the identification of microorganisms capable of transforming these contaminants.

Microbiology of Larval Fish

This is a relatively new research topic in the Herwig Lab. A Ph.D. graduate student is planning to examine the microbiology of larval sablefish or rockfish. Little is known about the microbiology of fish larvae in general, and nothing has been published about the microbiology of sablefish or rockfish.