Estrogenic activity and nutrient losses in surface runoff after winter manure application to small watersheds

Epilithic biofilms, POCIS, and water samples as complementary sources of information for a more comprehensive view of aquatic contamination by pesticides and pharmaceuticals in southern Brazil

Spatial-temporal monitoring of the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in water requires rigor in the choice of matrix to be analyzed. The use of matrices, isolated or combined, may better represent the real state of contamination. In this sense, the present work contrasted the effectiveness of using epilithic biofilms with active water sampling and with a passive sampler-POCIS. A watershed representative of South American agriculture was monitored. Nine sites with different rural anthropic pressures (natural forest, intensive use of pesticides, and animal waste), and urban areas without sewage treatment, were monitored. Water and epilithic biofilms were collected during periods of intensive pesticide and animal waste application. After the harvest of the spring/summer crop, a period of low agrochemical input, the presence of pesticides and pharmaceuticals was monitored using the POCIS and epilithic biofilms. The spot water sampling leads to underestimation of the level of contamination of water resources as it does not allow discrimination of different anthropic pressures in rural areas. The use of endogenous epilithic biofilms as a matrix for the analysis of pesticides and pharmaceuticals is a viable and highly recommended alternative to diagnose the health of water sources, especially if associated with the use of POCIS.

Estrogenic activity response to best management practice implementation in agricultural watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

Best management practices (BMPs) have been predominantly used throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed (CBW) to reduce nutrients and sediments entering streams, rivers, and the bay. These practices have been successful in reducing loads entering the estuary and have shown the potential to reduce other contaminants (pesticides, hormonally active compounds, pathogens) in localized studies and modeled load estimates. However, further understanding of relationships between BMPs and non-nutrient contaminant reductions at regional scales using sampled data would be beneficial. Total estrogenic activity was measured in surface water samples collected over a decade (2008-2018) in 211 undeveloped NHDPlus V2.1 watersheds within the CBW. Bayesian hierarchical modeling between total estrogenic activity and landscape predictors including landcover, runoff, BMP intensity, and a BMP*agriculture intensity interaction term indicates a 96% posterior probability that BMP intensity on agricultural land is reducing total estrogenic activity. Additionally, watersheds with high agriculture and low BMPs had a 49% posterior probability of exceeding an effects-based threshold in aquatic organisms of 1 ng/L but only a 1% posterior probability of exceeding this threshold in high-agriculture, high-BMP watersheds.

Retrospective analysis of estrogenic endocrine disruption and land-use influences in the Chesapeake Bay watershed

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and its watershed includes river drainages in six states and the District of Columbia. Sportfishing is of major economic interest, however, the rivers within the watershed provide numerous other ecological, recreational, cultural and economic benefits, as well as serving as a drinking water source for millions of people. Consequently, major fish kills and the subsequent finding of estrogenic endocrine disruption (intersex or testicular oocytes and plasma vitellogenin in male fishes) raised public and management concerns. Studies have occurred at various sites within the Bay watershed to document the extent and severity of endocrine disruption, identify risk factors and document temporal and spatial variability. Data from these focal studies, which began in 2004, were used in CART (classification and regression trees) analyses to better identify land use associations and potential management practices that influence estrogenic endocrine disruption. These analyses emphasized the importance of scale (immediate versus upstream catchment) and the complex mixtures of stressors which can contribute to surface water estrogenicity and the associated adverse effects of exposure. Both agricultural (percent cultivated, pesticide application, phytoestrogen cover crops) and developed (population density, road density, impervious surface) land cover showed positive relationships to estrogenic indicators, while percent forest and shrubs generally had a negative association. The findings can serve as a baseline for assessing ongoing restoration and management practices.

Surveillance of plasticizers, bisphenol A, steroids and caffeine in surface water of River Ganga and Sundarban wetland along the Bay of Bengal: occurrence, sources, estrogenicity screening and ecotoxicological risk assessment

The transboundary River Ganga serves as a conduit for meltwater from the Himalayas and is a major freshwater source for two thirds of Indian population before emptying into the Sundarban Delta, the largest estuary in the Bay of Bengal. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and bisphenol A (BPA) used as organic plastic additives can pollute the aquatic environment receiving plastic litter. Hence, we have investigated these EDCs in water samples from Ganga and Sundarban wetland of India. Since these compounds exhibit estrogenic potential, we have further measured steroids and evaluated the estrogenic activity (estradiol equivalents, BioE2Eqs) using an in-vitro bioassay (E-Screen). Further BioE2Eqs were compared with the sum of predicted estradiol equivalents based on the chemical concentrations of PAEs and BPA by E-Screen (ChemE2Eq) and YES factors (ChemYES). Caffeine was measured as a marker for anthropogenic wastewater discharge. Results showed that the highest BioE2Eq (below the lowest observable effect of E2 on fish) was associated with sites having sewer outfalls in the middle stretch of the river, and concomitantly coinciding with the elevated concentrations of caffeine. Neither ChemE2Eq nor ChemYES correlated with measured BioE2Eqs. River concentrations of BPA (0.04-4.46 µg/L) and ∑₇plasticizers (0.43-7.63 µg/L) were higher than BPA (0.21-2.82 µg/L) and ∑₇plasticizers (0.85-2 µg/L) in the Sundarban wetland. The only steroids detected were androgens, found at four sites in Ganga (0.007 µg/L± 0.003, mean ± S.D.). The highest estimated ecotoxicological risk to aquatic insect and fish stemmed from BPA. A secondary effect, and a potential impact on human health could be reflected via fish consumption from the productive fisheries region along the lower stretch of River Ganga. Identification of areas of elevated estrogenicity, plasticizer and steroid concentrations in River Ganga can be used to design and implement interventions for the remediation of such emerging contaminants.

Occurrence and Fate of Steroid Estrogens in a Chinese Typical Concentrated Dairy Farm and Slurry Irrigated Soil

Animal husbandry is the second largest source of steroid estrogen (SE) pollutants in the environment, and it is significant to investigate the occurrence and fate of SEs discharged from concentrated animal feeding operations. In this research, with a Chinese typical concentrated dairy farm as the object, the concentrations of SEs (E1, 17α-E2, 17β-E2, E3, and E1-S3) in slurry, lagoon water, and slurry-irrigated soil samples in summer, autumn, and winter were determined. The total concentrations of SEs (mainly E1, 17α-E2, and 17β-E2) in slurry were very high in the range of 263.1-2475.08 ng·L^-1. In the lagoon water, the removal efficiencies of the aerobic tank could reach up to 89.53%, with significant fluctuation in different seasons. In the slurry-irrigated soil, the maximum concentrations of SEs in the topsoil and subsoil were 21.54 ng·g^-1 to 6.82 g·g^-1, respectively. Most of the SEs tended to transport downward and accumulate in the soil accompanied with the complex mutual conversion. Correlations and hierarchical clustering analysis showed a variety of intertransformation among SEs, and the concentrations of SEs were correlated with various physicochemical indexes, such as TN and NO₃^--N of the slurry, chemical oxygen demand of the lagoon water, and the heavy metals of soil. In addition, 17β-estradiol equivalency assessment and risk quotients indicated that the slurry irrigation and discharge of the lagoon water would cause potential estrogenic risks to the environment. Consequently, reasonable slurry irrigation and lagoon water discharge are essential to efficiently control SE pollution in the environment.

Estrogenicity of agricultural runoff: A rainfall simulation study of worst-case scenarios using fresh layer and roaster litter, and farrowing swine manure

Scientists have correlated land application of animal wastes as fertilizer with the feminization of fish. Two questions were asked. 1) Under a worst case scenario when animal waste (layer and roaster litter, or farrowing swine slurry) is applied and tilled in 24 h prior to a surface-runoff producing rainfall, will estrogenic equivalents exceed the Lowest Observable Effect Concentration (LOEC) for fish (10 ng/L)? 2) Can calcium concentrations in runoff, measured using a rapid meter-based method, be used as a sentinel of elevated estrogenic activity? In a 3-yr study wastes were surface-applied and incorporated and 24 h later, 1.5 by 3 m plots were subjected to simulated rainfall and again 1 wk. and 3 wk. later. Nutrients in runoff were also measured, and in year 1 total coliforms and E. coli. were assessed. Except for an initial preliminary test run, runoff from all plots and years never exceeded 10 ng/L E2Eq equivalent. Calcium concentrations in runoff were not related to estrogenicity, negating its use as a sentinel marker. Specific estrogens in animal waste and runoff were identified by mass spectrometry with concentrations in runoff dependant on manure source and timing of rainfall. As expected, total coliform and E. coli concentrations in runoff were increased by the application of layer litter. Concentrations of nutrients in runoff would not be expected to result in surface water concentrations higher than guidelines for protection of aquatic species. Animal wastes applied in quantities appropriate for crop nutrient requirements, tilled into the soil surface, in observance of regulations avoiding application within 24 h of a predicted rain event, should not result in estrogen levels of environmental concern.

Co-occurrence characteristics of antibiotics and estrogens and their relationships in a lake system affected by wastewater

Antibiotics and estrogens are recognized as emerging contaminants in the water environment because of their potentially adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. The concentrations of four steroid estrogens (17α-estradiol, 17β-estradiol, estrone, and estriol) and eight antibiotics (norfloxacin, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, metronidazole, sulfapyridine, doxycycline, and sulfamethoxazole) in the Chaohu Lake basin in Anhui province, China, were analyzed along with adjacent wastewater. The levels of the target antibiotics and estrogens were below detection limits (not detected [nd])-89.86 and nd-118.09 ng L^-1 , respectively, in the lake water. All of the target antibiotics and estrogens were detected in sediment, and the concentrations ranged widely (nd-35,544 and nd-16,344 ng kg^-1 , respectively). Antibiotics and estrogens varied spatially in the study area and mostly came from untreated wastewater. Antibiotics and estrogens were associated with water parameters such as pH and total nitrogen. A significant positive correlation was observed between estriol and levofloxacin concentrations (r = .65; p < .01), indicating that levofloxacin from the same source might have inhibited the microbiological degradation of estriol in the surface water. Overall, the estrogens pose a more severe risk than antibiotics to the Chaohu Lake system. However, co-occurrence of antibiotics may affect the fate of estrogens in the same lake media. More attention should be given to estrogens than to antibiotics in wastewater-affected lake systems.

Occurrence, sorption, and transformation of free and conjugated natural steroid estrogens in the environment

Natural steroid estrogens (NSEs), including free estrogens (FEs) and conjugated estrogens (CEs), are of emerging concern globally among public and scientific community due to their recognized adverse effects on human and wildlife endocrine systems in recent years. In this review, the properties, occurrence, sorption process, and transformation pathways of NSEs are clarified in the environment. The work comprehensively summarizes the occurrence of both free and conjugated estrogens in different natural and built environments (e.g., river, WWTPs, CAFOs, soil, and sediment). The sorption process of NSEs can be impacted by organic compounds, colloids, composition of clay minerals, specific surface area (SSA), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and pH value. The degradation and transformation of free and conjugated estrogens in the environment primarily involves oxidation, reduction, deconjugation, and esterification reactions. Elaboration about the major, subordinate, and minor transformation pathways of both biotic and abiotic processes among NSEs is highlighted. The moiety types and binding sites also would affect deconjugation degree and preferential transformation pathways of CEs. Notably, some intermediate products of NSEs still remain estrogenic potency during transformation process; the elimination of total estrogenic activity needs to be addressed in further studies. The in-depth researches regarding the behavior of both free and conjugated estrogens are further required to tackle their contamination problem in the ecosystem. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Sorption of 17β-estradiol to the dissolved organic matter from animal wastes: effects of composting and the role of fulvic acid-like aggregates

Steroid estrogens, such as 17β-estradiol (E2), in animal manure pose a potential threat to the aquatic environment. The transport and estrogenicity of estrogens influence the sorption of estrogens to dissolved organic matter (DOM) in animal manure, and composting treatment alters the structure and composition of the manure. The objectives of the present study were to identify the contribution of the molecular composition of DOM of composted manure to the sorption of E2 and then elucidate the dominant mechanisms involved in the interaction of E2 with manure-derived DOM. The excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that composting significantly altered the chemical composition and structure of DOM. A decrease in the atomic ratios of oxygen (O)/carbon (C) occurred in conjunction with the formation of DOM aggregates in the composted manure, indicating that the hydrophilicity and polarity of the DOM decreased after composting. Composting increased the sorption coefficients (K_DOC-E2) for E2 to DOM, and K_DOC-E2 was positively correlated with the proportion of the fulvic acid (FA)-like fraction and molecular weight (MW) fractions of the DOM (range of 1.0 × 10³-7.0 × 10³ Da and 7.0 × 10³-1.4 × 10⁴ Da). Specifically, E2 showed a tendency for sorption to medium-sized FA-like molecules of DOM aggregates in composted manure. Hydrophobic forces and π-π binding appeared to be the main mechanisms underlying the aforementioned interaction.

Modeling the fate and transport of 17β-estradiol in the South River watershed in Virginia

Hormones excreted by livestock metabolisms often enter surface water through feces and urine and can potentially cause adverse impacts to aquatic biota. This study involved a modeling analysis of 17β-estradiol (E2), a prevalent estrogen, in the South River watershed located in Augusta County, Virginia from 2013 to 2015. Cattle manure, poultry litter, biosolids, septic systems, and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were considered as sources of E2 in this study. The EPA's BASINS modeling framework was configured to track the fate and transport of E2. The first-order kinetics and the wash-off model were adopted to characterize the attenuation and the transport of E2. The modeling results indicated that the flow rate was a major input affecting the simulated E2 levels in the water. During storm events, E2 on the land surface was transported into the rivers by the surface runoff and the E2 released into streams was diluted by the high water flow. Variations of the simulated E2 concentrations in the South River depended on the relative magnitudes of the loads from point and nonpoint sources. Modeling results showed that E2 levels in the South River were below the lowest observable effect level (LOEL) for fish. However, the practices of storing manure before land application and fencing off rivers to keep cattle out of the water are encouraged to prevent the potential for high E2 levels in streams receiving feedlot runoff.

17β-Estradiol mineralization under field and laboratory incubations

Mineralization studies of natural steroid hormones (e.g., 17β-estradiol, E2) are performed in environmental incubators, usually under a constant temperature such as 20°C. In this paper, we present a microcosm protocol that quantified the mineralization of E2 in soils under field temperatures. The nine agricultural soils tested had a wide range of soil organic carbon (1.1 to 5.2%) and clay (9 to 57%) contents. The calculated time over which half of the applied E2 was mineralized (E2-½) ranged from 299 to 910 d, and total E2 mineralization at 48 d (E2-TOT48) ranged from 4 to 13%. In subsequent laboratory incubations, the same soils were incubated under a constant temperature of 20°C, as well as under cyclic temperatures of 14.5°C (14 h) and 11.5°C (10h), which was within the temperature extremes observed in the field microcosms. E2-½ ranged from 157 to 686 d at 20°C and from 103 to 608 d at the cyclic temperatures, with the E2-TOT48 ranging from 6 to 21% at 20°C and from 7 to 30% under cyclic temperatures. Despite the overall 6.75°C lower mean temperatures under the cyclic versus constant temperatures, E2 mineralization was stimulated by the temperature cycles in three soils. Regardless of the incubation, the same loamy sand soil always showed larger E2 mineralization than the other eight soils and this loamy sand soil also had the smallest E2 sorption. Current modeling approaches do not take into consideration the effects of temperature fluctuations in the field because the input parameters used to describe degradation are derived from laboratory incubations at a constant temperature. Across the eight soils, E2-½ was on average 1.7 times larger and E2-TOT48 was on average 0.8 times smaller under field temperatures than under a constant 20°C. Hence, we conclude that incubations at 20°C give a reasonable representation of E2 mineralization occurring under field conditions to be expected in a typical Prairie summer season.

Mixed forest plantations can efficiently filter rainfall deposits of sulfur and chlorine in Western China

Forest filtering is a well-known and efficient method for diminishing atmospheric pollutant (such as SO₄²⁻ and Cl⁻) inputs to soil and water; however, the filtering efficiencies of forests vary depending on the regional vegetation and climate. The rainy area of West China has suffered from heavy rainfall and human activity, which has potentially resulted in large amounts of sulfur and chlorine deposition, but little information is available regarding the filtering effects of typical plantations. Therefore, the migration of SO₄²⁻ and Cl⁻ from rainfall to throughfall, stemflow and runoff were investigated in a camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) plantation, a cryptomeria (Cryptomeria fortunei) plantation and a mixed plantation in a 9-month forest hydrology experiment. The results indicated the following: (i) The total SO₄²⁻ and Cl⁻ deposition was 43.05 kg ha⁻¹ and 5.25 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. (ii) The cover layer had the highest interception rate (60.08%), followed by the soil layer (16.02%) and canopy layer (12.85%). (iii) The mixed plantation resulted in the highest SO₄²⁻ (37.23%) and Cl⁻ (51.91%) interception rates at the forest ecosystem scale, and the interception rate increased with increasing rainfall. These results indicate that mixed plantations can effectively filter SO₄²⁻ and Cl⁻ in this area and in similar areas.

Estrogen Transport in Surface Runoff from Agricultural Fields Treated with Two Application Methods of Dairy Manure

This study compares two methods of dairy manure application-surface broadcast and shallow disk injection-on the fate and transport of natural estrogens in surface runoff from 12 field plots in central Pennsylvania. Ten natural surface runoff events were sampled over a 9-mo period after fall manure application. Results show that the range of estrogen concentrations observed in surface runoff from the broadcast plots was several orders of magnitude higher (>5000 ng L) than the concentrations in runoff from the shallow disk injection plots (<10 ng L). Additionally, the transport dynamics differed, with the majority of the estrogen loads from the surface broadcast plots occurring during the first rainfall event after application, whereas the majority of the loads from the shallow disk injection plots occurred more than 6 mo later during a hail storm event. Total estrogen loads were, on average, two orders of magnitude lower for shallow disk injection compared with surface broadcast. Independent of the method of manure application, 17α-estradiol and estrone were preserved in the field for as long as 9 mo after application. Overall, injection of manure shows promise in reducing the potential for off-site losses of hormones from manure-amended soils.