ARS | Publication request: Relationship of land uses with occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in streams of southeastern Minnesota

Submitted to: Annual Water Resources Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 14, 2012
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
Citation: Fairbairn, D., Spande, E., Rice, P.J., Arnold, W., Novak, P., Koskinen, W.C., Barber, B., Swackhamer, D. 2012. Relationship of land uses with occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern in streams of southeastern Minnesota [abstract]. Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 16-17, 2012, St. Paul, MN, page 9. Available: http://www.cce.umn.edu/Documents/CPE-Conferences/Water-Resources-2012-Abstract-Book.pdf.

Technical Abstract: Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) have been detected in surface waters, including compounds suspected or known to cause adverse human or ecological effects. Goals of the project are to (1) characterize CEC profiles and land uses associated with sub-watersheds and (2) identify CEC-land use “fingerprints” (unique profiles of chemical markers) to indicate the influence of a given land use on water quality. Our approach includes collecting water and sediments samples, five times per year for two years, at four sites near Rochester, MN. Sample extracts (solvent and/or solid phase) are analyzed using liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Land use analysis (McGhie Betts, Inc), water chemistry and flow will accompany the CEC data. Sampling began in 2011 and the project will be completed in June 2013. Anticipated results will provide tools to identify sources of surface water contaminants in Minnesota and other locations, providing insight for targeting the most effective mitigation approaches.