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

Submitted to: SETAC Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 24, 2012
Publication Date: November 11, 2012
Citation: Fairbairn, D., Kaufenberg 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. SETAC North America 33rd Annual Meeting, November 11-15, 2012, Long Beach, California. Available: http://longbeach.setac.org/sites/default/files/SETAC-abstract-book-2012.pdf.

Technical Abstract: Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC), pharmaceuticals, and other 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 in the study area 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 (grab and time-composited), passive organic contaminant integrative sampler (POCIS), and sediment samples, ten weeks 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 for thirty CECs including pesticides, natural and synthetic hormones, household and industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals and personal care products, veterinary medications, and phytoestrogens. Land use analysis (McGhie Betts, Inc), water chemistry, and flow data accompany the CEC data. CEC concentration profiles are analyzed in light of land use variations amongst subwatersheds, seasonal conditions, precipitation patterns and other hydrologic factors. 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.