Bathroom sinks are home to diverse communities of microbes that are influenced by how we use and clean them. The Sink Microbiome Project is a nationwide community science initiative that investigates how sink design, cleaning practices, and everyday activities shape these microbial communities. By participating, you are helping researchers better understand the microbes that live in our homes and identify ways to support healthier indoor environments.
Overview
Sample Distribution by State
Each bubble represents a state; size reflects the number of samples collected. Hover over a bubble for details.
Most Common Bacteria by State
Bacteria Collected from Sink Drains
Bacteria by Major Group (Phylum)
Drain vs. Countertop Similarity
How similar are the bacterial communities found in the sink drain compared to the countertop? Each dot represents one household. Hover for details.
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Learn More About the Science
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Noticed a pattern or have a hypothesis about what shapes the microbial communities in bathroom sinks? We'd love to hear from you.
Make sure to check back! Comparative results are continually updated, as new samples arrive.
This work was supported primarily by the Engineering Research Centers Program of the National Science Foundation under NSF Cooperative Agreement No. EEC-2133504.