Yilin Zhuang

0000-0001-9588-4969

Private Wells 101: Bacterial Contamination and Shock Chlorination

Yilin Zhuang and Mary Lusk

Reclaimed Water in Your Florida-Friendly Edible Landscape

Terra Freeman, Tiare Silvasy, Yilin Zhuang, and Esen Momol

Reclaimed water plays a significant role in water conservation, a goal of every Florida-Friendly Landscape. However, using reclaimed water on plants harvested and consumed from the home landscape must be approached with caution for vegetables, fruit trees, herbs, and other edible crops due to the risk of contamination from pathogens and salts. Before using reclaimed water in your Florida-Friendly edible garden, it is important to have a clear understanding of what it is and how it can be safely used. The target audience for this new 4-page publication of the UF/IFAS Environmental Horticulture Department is Florida residents who irrigate landscapes, including edibles, with reclaimed water. Written by Terra Freeman, Tiare Silvasy, Yilin Zhuang, and Esen Momol.

Household Drinking Water Testing for Public and Private Water Supplies

Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby

Drinking water comes from a variety of sources including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. While public water systems are monitored under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells. This EDIS publication is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about home water testing. It also serves as a guideline for well owners to understand household drinking water testing and what tests would be appropriate for the situation.

Mission Planner: An Open-Source Alternative to Commercial Flight Planning Software for Unmanned Aerial Systems

Jesse Chintanadilok, Sahaj Patel, Yilin Zhuang, and Aditya Singh

All UASs need periodic maintenance and repair. These changes have raised questions among Extension agents regarding which UASs to purchase and use, and how these changes affect their operations going forward. Free and open-source (FOSS) options may be a very useful alternative to commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) UASs. Written by Jesse Chintanadilok, Sahaj Patel, Yilin Zhuang, and Aditya Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, August 2022.

WebODM: An Open-Source Alternative to Commercial Image Stitching Software for Uncrewed Aerial Systems

Sahaj Patel, Jesse Chintanadilok, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Yilin Zhuang, Joseph Strickland, and Aditya Singh

This publication aims to help UAS operators become familiar with advanced data processing tools integrated into the WebODM FOSS. The central aim of this publication is to underscore the process and sequence involved in producing data and outcomes by acquainting users with the fundamental features of WebODM. Written by Sahaj Patel, Jesse Chintanadilok, Brittany Hall-Scharf, Yilin Zhuang, Joseph Strickland, and Aditya Singh, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, February 2024.

Sandbag Disposal: Environmental and Practical Considerations After the Storm

Whitney Elmore, Laura Valencia, Yilin Zhuang, and Angela Lindsey

Sandbags are an essential tool for flood prevention and control and are commonly used by homeowners and commercial owners. However, after a storm has passed and floodwaters have receded, sand from sandbags is often not properly discarded. This article addresses the impacts of improper disposal of sand from sandbags and provides steps for proper disposal. Written by Whitney Elmore, Laura Valencia, Yilin Zhuang, and Angela Lindsey, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, February 2025.

Pozos privados 101: contaminación bacteriana y la cloración de choque

Yilin Zhuang y Mary Lusk. Traducido por Andrea Albertin.

Este documento está dirigido a los residentes de Florida que dependen de pozos privados para su suministro de agua potable. El propósito educar a los propietarios de pozos sobre los riesgos de contaminación bacteriana, particularmente después de eventos de inundación, y proporcionar una guía detallada para realizar una cloración de choque efectiva. La cloración de choque es un método crucial para desinfectar pozos contaminados y asegurar la potabilidad del agua. Además, se ofrecen recomendaciones sobre el uso correcto de cloro, la importancia de pruebas de laboratorio post-desinfección, y consideraciones sobre la posible necesidad de sistemas de desinfección continuos en casos de contaminación persistente. 

Cost-Share Programs for Soil Moisture Sensors and Irrigation Projects in Florida: A Guide for Agricultural Growers

Akshara Athelly, Sandra M. Guzmán, Yvette Goodiel, and Yilin Zhuang

This publication provides an overview of the soil moisture sensor-related cost-share programs available in Florida, summarizing eligibility, timelines, application steps, and relative benefits to help growers navigate available financial support efficiently. Written by Akshara Athelly, Sandra M. Guzmán, Yvette Goodiel, and Yilin Zhuang, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, December 2025.

From Wells to Wellness: An Introduction to Drinking Water Systems in Florida

Weizhe Weng, Andrea Albertin, and Yilin Zhuang

Safe drinking water is a fundamental requirement for human health and well-being. This publication is part of a series that aims to illuminate the critical issues surrounding drinking water quality and Florida’s drinking water system. We introduce the different categories of Florida’s drinking water system and discuss relevant federal and state-level regulations for each category. Information sources and channels are provided for readers to access drinking water information in their communities. The content is designed to benefit a diverse audience, including researchers, communications and outreach experts, environmental professionals, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It seeks to clarify the facts and explain the regulatory framework governing drinking water systems, identify areas that require targeted extension programs, and aid in the development of outreach materials to ensure the provision of safe drinking water.

Private Well 101: Drinking Water Standards

Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby

Drinking water comes from a variety of sources, including public water systems, private wells, or bottled water. While public water systems are monitored under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, private wells are not regulated. Private well users are responsible for the management and protection of their wells and water quality. This publication of the Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences is for Florida homeowners who are interested in learning more about drinking water standards. It also serves as a reference for well owners to understand their drinking water quality. Major revision by Yilin Zhuang, Andrea Albertin, and Arthur G. Hornsby; 10 pages.