PROBLEM
While research and monitoring efforts have identified endocrine active chemicals (EACs) and pharma in WWTP effluent and receiving streams, and endocrine disruption responses in fish downstream of those effluents, the number of WWTPs sampled among the various studies represents a small fraction (less than 5 percent) of the WWTPs in Minnesota. There is evidence that there are sources of EACs and pharmaceuticals to aquatic ecosystems other than WWTP effluent; however, little is known about additional sources. In addition, there is compelling evidence of accumulation of EACs and pharmaceuticals in the bottom sediments of streams and lakes but few sites have been monitored. Information on the concentrations EACs and pharmaceuticals in water and sediments are needed to determine relative contributions of contaminants from WWTP effluent and upstream sources and to estimate potential organism exposure.
OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE
The USGS in collaboration with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Saint Cloud State University, University of St. Thomas, and the University of Colorado collaborated on this study to determine the occurrence of EACs and pharmaceuticals in water samples collected from the effluents from 25 WWTPs and at sites upstream and downstream of WWTP effluent discharge in Minnesota during September-November 2009. The second objective is to measure concentrations of EACs and pharmaceuticals in bottom sediments collected upstream and downstream of effluent discharges, and the third objective is to estimate estrogenicty of water samples using an in-vitro bioassay, and concentrations of plasma vitellogenin and other sex characteristics of caged fish from onsite exposure experiments.
RELEVANCE AND BENEFITS
This study is a priority issue outlined in the Minnesota Water Science Center Science and the USGS strategic plans to provide information to better define and protect the quality of the Nation’s water resources, and provide a more quantitative understanding of the sources, fate, and effects of chemicals entering streams. This study will provide information to local, state, and federal agencies that manage water resources needed to evaluate potential effects of WWTP effluents on water resources. Specifically, this study will provide information on the relative contributions of selected contaminants from WWTP and upstream sources. In addition, the results from this study will help decision makers within the study area, in Minnesota, and across the country to (a) effectively manage surface-water resources for domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial, recreational, and ecological uses; (b) protect and enhance water resources for human health, aquatic health, and environmental quality, and (c) contribute to wise physical and economic development of the Nation’s resources for the benefit of present and future generations, (d) provide an understanding of relations between WWTP characteristics and type types of contaminants detected in effluent. This effort will help to further refine results from previous studies concerning the presence and occurrence of EACs and endocrine disruption in Minnesota.
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U.S. Department of the Interior |
U.S. Geological Survey
