ARS | Publication request: Estrogenic Activity and Estrogens of Surface Waters in Proximity to a Large Dairy

Submitted to: Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: July 31, 2009
Publication Date: November 20, 2009
Citation: Shappell, N.W., Billey, L.O., Elder, K.H. 2009. Estrogenic Activity and Estrogens of Surface Waters in Proximity to a Large Dairy. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC)Abstract Book, New Orleans, LA, November 19-23, 2009. Abstract 31, page 11.

Technical Abstract: Large concentrated animal farms have been the subject of intense public scrutiny, in part due to concern about environmental release of endocrine disruptors. To assess the potential impact of a large dairy herd (greater than 2000 milking head) using best management practices, area surface waters and drain tile run-off were evaluated for estrogenic activity (E-Screen) and estrogens (LC MSMS). Samples were collected before and after application of wastewater (as lagoon liquor, solids, and press effluent) via center pivot irrigation and soil injection. To assess background E-activity, samples were collected upstream from the municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), downstream of WWTP, below animal housing, below sites of field application, and from two drain tile sites. Total N and P were - evaluated, in addition to water volume and flow parameters. Fifty four thousand tons of waste (from ~1,000 milking head) were applied to ~2,000 acres. The post-application E2Eq values were similar to preapplication values, with the exception of drain tile samples which increased by ' 2, and all surface waters had E2Eq activity below the no observable effect concentration for E2 of 1ng/L. Manure slurries were extracted by liquid solvents, followed by three separate SPE columns. In spite of rigorous clean-up, matrix effects resulted in ion suppression that precluded confidence in quantitation of estrogens. With this caveat, relative concentrations were: estrone > 17a-E2 > 17ß-E2. These results indicate field application of animal wastes using best management practices do not have to increase the biological estrogenic activity of surrounding surface waters.