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Cavallin JE, Battaglin WA, Beihoffer J, Blackwell BR, Bradley PM, Cole AR, Ekman DR, Hofer RN, Kinsey J, Keteles K, Weissinger R, Winkelman DL, Villeneuve DL. Effects-Based Monitoring of Bioactive Chemicals Discharged to the Colorado River before and after a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement. Environ Sci Technol 2021; 55:974-984. [PMID: 33373525 PMCID: PMC8135223 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c05269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of the Colorado River near the Moab, Utah, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outflow has detected pharmaceuticals, hormones, and estrogen-receptor (ER)-, glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ)-mediated biological activities. The aim of the present multi-year study was to assess effects of a WWTP replacement on bioactive chemical (BC) concentrations. Water samples were collected bimonthly, pre- and post-replacement, at 11 sites along the Colorado River upstream and downstream of the WWTP and analyzed for in vitro bioactivities (e.g., agonism of ER, GR, and PPARγ) and BC concentrations; fathead minnows were cage deployed pre- and post-replacement at sites with varying proximities to the WWTP. Before the WWTP replacement, in vitro ER (24 ng 17β-estradiol equivalents/L)-, GR (60 ng dexamethasone equivalents/L)-, and PPARγ-mediated activities were detected at the WWTP outflow but diminished downstream. In March 2018, the WWTP effluent was acutely toxic to the fish, likely due to elevated ammonia concentrations. Following the WWTP replacement, ER, GR, and PPARγ bioactivities were reduced by approximately 60-79%, no toxicity was observed in caged fish, and there were marked decreases in concentrations of many BCs. Results suggest that replacement of the Moab WWTP achieved a significant reduction in BC concentrations to the Colorado River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E. Cavallin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN
- Corresponding author: Jenna E. Cavallin, US Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, 6201 Congdon Blvd., Duluth, MN 55804, , 218-529-5246
| | | | - Jon Beihoffer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Enforcement Investigations Center, Region 8, Denver, CO
| | - Brett R. Blackwell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN
| | - Paul M. Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC
| | - Alex R. Cole
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORISE Participant, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN
| | - Drew R. Ekman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ecosystem Processes Division, Athens, GA
| | - Rachel N. Hofer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ORISE Participant, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN
| | - Julie Kinsey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, CO
| | - Kristen Keteles
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Enforcement Investigations Center, Region 8, Denver, CO
| | | | - Dana L. Winkelman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - Daniel L. Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, MN
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Cavallin JE, Battaglin WA, Beihoffer J, Blackwell BR, Bradley PM, Cole AR, Ekman DR, Hofer RN, Kinsey J, Keteles K, Weissinger R, Winkelman DL, Villeneuve DL. Effects-Based Monitoring of Bioactive Chemicals Discharged to the Colorado River before and after a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement. Environ Sci Technol 2021. [PMID: 33373525 DOI: 10.23719/1519052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring of the Colorado River near the Moab, Utah, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outflow has detected pharmaceuticals, hormones, and estrogen-receptor (ER)-, glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ)-mediated biological activities. The aim of the present multi-year study was to assess effects of a WWTP replacement on bioactive chemical (BC) concentrations. Water samples were collected bimonthly, pre- and post-replacement, at 11 sites along the Colorado River upstream and downstream of the WWTP and analyzed for in vitro bioactivities (e.g., agonism of ER, GR, and PPARγ) and BC concentrations; fathead minnows were cage deployed pre- and post-replacement at sites with varying proximities to the WWTP. Before the WWTP replacement, in vitro ER (24 ng 17β-estradiol equivalents/L)-, GR (60 ng dexamethasone equivalents/L)-, and PPARγ-mediated activities were detected at the WWTP outflow but diminished downstream. In March 2018, the WWTP effluent was acutely toxic to the fish, likely due to elevated ammonia concentrations. Following the WWTP replacement, ER, GR, and PPARγ bioactivities were reduced by approximately 60-79%, no toxicity was observed in caged fish, and there were marked decreases in concentrations of many BCs. Results suggest that replacement of the Moab WWTP achieved a significant reduction in BC concentrations to the Colorado River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna E Cavallin
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, United States
| | - William A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Jon Beihoffer
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Enforcement Investigations Center, Region 8, Denver, Colorado 80202, United States
| | - Brett R Blackwell
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, United States
| | - Paul M Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, South Carolina 29210, United States
| | - Alexander R Cole
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, United States
| | - Drew R Ekman
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Ecosystem Processes Division, Athens, Georgia 30605-2700, United States
| | - Rachel N Hofer
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participant, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, United States
| | - Julie Kinsey
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 8, Denver, Colorado 80202, United States
| | - Kristen Keteles
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Enforcement Investigations Center, Region 8, Denver, Colorado 80202, United States
| | - Rebecca Weissinger
- National Park Service, Northern Colorado Plateau Network, Moab, Utah 84532, United States
| | - Dana L Winkelman
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80526, United States
| | - Daniel L Villeneuve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, Duluth, Minnesota 55804, United States
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Bradley PM, Romanok KM, Duncan JR, Battaglin WA, Clark JM, Hladik ML, Huffman BJ, Iwanowicz LR, Journey CA, Smalling KL. Exposure and potential effects of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in protected streams of the US National park Service southeast region. Sci Total Environ 2020; 704:135431. [PMID: 31896231 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Globally, protected areas offer refugia for a broad range of taxa including threatened and endangered species. In the United States (US), the National Park Service (NPS) manages public lands to preserve biodiversity, but increasing park visitation and development of surrounding landscapes increase exposure to and effects from bioactive contaminants. The risk (exposure and hazard) to NPS protected-stream ecosystems within the highly urbanized southeast region (SER) from bioactive contaminants was assessed in five systems based on 334 pesticide and pharmaceutical analytes in water and 119 pesticides in sediment. Contaminant mixtures were common across all sampled systems, with approximately 24% of the unique analytes (80/334) detected at least once and 15% (49/334) detected in half of the surface-water samples. Pharmaceuticals were observed more frequently than pesticides, consistent with riparian buffers and concomitant spatial separation from non-point pesticide sources in four of the systems. To extrapolate exposure data to biological effects space, site-specific cumulative exposure-activity ratios (ΣEAR) were calculated for detected surface-water contaminants with available ToxCast data; common exceedances of a 0.001 ΣEAR effects-screening threshold raise concerns for molecular toxicity and possible, sub-lethal effects to non-target, aquatic vertebrates. The results illustrate the need for continued management of protected resources to reduce contaminant exposure and preserve habitat quality, including prioritization of conservation practices (riparian buffers) near stream corridors and increased engagement with upstream/up-gradient property owners and municipal wastewater facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA.
| | - Kristin M Romanok
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ USA
| | | | | | - Jimmy M Clark
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Michelle L Hladik
- U.S. Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Bradley J Huffman
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Luke R Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center , Kearneysville, WV USA
| | - Celeste A Journey
- U.S. Geological Survey, South Atlantic Water Science Center, Columbia, SC USA
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ USA
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Battaglin WA, Bradley PM, Iwanowicz L, Journey CA, Walsh HL, Blazer VS. Pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides, and other bioactive contaminants in water, sediment, and tissue from Rocky Mountain National Park, 2012-2013. Sci Total Environ 2018; 643:651-673. [PMID: 29957431 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.06.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides, and other bioactive contaminants (BCs) are commonly detected in surface water and bed sediment in urban and suburban areas, but these contaminants are understudied in remote locations. In Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado, USA, BCs may threaten the reproductive success and survival of native aquatic species, benthic communities, and pelagic food webs. In 2012-2013, 67 water, 57 sediment, 63 fish, 10 frog, and 12 quality-control samples (8 water and 4 sediment) were collected from 20 sites in RMNP. Samples were analyzed for 369 parameters including 149 pharmaceuticals, 22 hormones, 137 pesticides, and 61 other chemicals or conditions to provide a representative assessment of BC occurrence within RMNP. Results indicate that BCs were detected in water and/or sediment from both remote and more accessible locations in RMNP. The most commonly detected BCs in water were caffeine, camphor, para-cresol, and DEET; and the most commonly detected BCs in sediment were indole, 3-methyl-1H-indole, para-cresol, and 2,6-dimethyl-naphthalene. Some detected contaminants, including carbaryl, caffeine, and oxycodone, are clearly attributable to direct local human input, whereas others may be transported into the park atmospherically (e.g., atrazine) or have local natural sources (e.g., para-cresol). One or more pharmaceuticals were detected in at least 1 sample from 15 of 20 sites. Most of the 29 detected pharmaceuticals are excreted primarily in human urine, not feces. Elevated net estrogenicity was observed in 18% of water samples, and elevated vitellogenin in blood was observed in 12% of male trout, both evidence of potential endocrine disruption. Hormone concentrations in sediment tended to be greater than concentrations in water. Most BCs were observed at concentrations below those not expected to pose adverse effects to aquatic life. Results indicate that even in remote locations aquatic wildlife can be exposed to pharmaceuticals, hormones, pesticides, and other bioactive contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Denver Federal Center, MS 415, Denver, CO 80225-0046, United States of America.
| | - Paul M Bradley
- U.S. Geological Survey, 720 Gracern Rd, Suite 129, Columbia, SC 29210-7651, United States of America
| | - Luke Iwanowicz
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV 25430, United States of America
| | - Celeste A Journey
- U.S. Geological Survey, 720 Gracern Rd, Suite 129, Columbia, SC 29210-7651, United States of America
| | - Heather L Walsh
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV 25430, United States of America
| | - Vicki S Blazer
- U.S. Geological Survey, Leetown Science Center, Kearneysville, WV 25430, United States of America
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Weissinger RH, Blackwell BR, Keteles K, Battaglin WA, Bradley PM. Bioactive contaminants of emerging concern in National Park waters of the northern Colorado Plateau, USA. Sci Total Environ 2018; 636:910-918. [PMID: 29729508 PMCID: PMC6794149 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), wastewater indicators (WWIs), and pesticides (herein, Contaminants of Emerging Concern [CECs]) have been documented in surface waters throughout the world and have associated risks to aquatic life. While much research has focused on temperate and urbanized watersheds, less is known about CEC presence in semi-arid landscapes, where water availability is limited and populations are low. CEC presence in water and sediment is reported for 21 sites in eight U.S. national parks in the northern Colorado Plateau region. From 2012 to 2016, at least one PPCP and/or WWI was detected at most sites on over half of sampling visits, indicating that CECs are not uncommon even in isolated areas. CEC detections were generally fewer and at lower concentrations than in urbanized or agricultural watersheds. Consistent with studies from other U.S. regions, the most frequently detected CECs in this study include DEET, caffeine, organophosphorus flame retardants, and bisphenol A in water and fecal indicators and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment. Maximum concentrations in this study were generally below available water quality benchmarks, sediment quality guidelines, and risk assessment thresholds associated with vertebrates. Additional work is needed to assess the potential activity of hormones, which had high reporting limits in our study, and potential bioactivity of environmental concentrations for invertebrates, microbial communities, and algae. Potential sources of CEC contamination include upstream wastewater effluent discharges and National Park Service invasive-plant-control herbicide applications. CEC occurrence patterns and similarities between continuous and isolated flow locations suggest that direct contamination from individual visitors may also occur. While our data indicate there is little aquatic health risk associated with CECs at our sites, our results demonstrate the ubiquity of CECs on the landscape and a continued need for public outreach concerning resource-use ethics and the potential effects of upstream development.
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Rohr JR, Brown J, Battaglin WA, McMahon TA, Relyea RA. A pesticide paradox: fungicides indirectly increase fungal infections. Ecol Appl 2017; 27:2290-2302. [PMID: 28763165 PMCID: PMC5711531 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
There are many examples where the use of chemicals have had profound unintended consequences, such as fertilizers reducing crop yields (paradox of enrichment) and insecticides increasing insect pests (by reducing natural biocontrol). Recently, the application of agrochemicals, such as agricultural disinfectants and fungicides, has been explored as an approach to curb the pathogenic fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which is associated with worldwide amphibian declines. However, the long-term, net effects of early-life exposure to these chemicals on amphibian disease risk have not been thoroughly investigated. Using a combination of laboratory experiments and analysis of data from the literature, we explored the effects of fungicide exposure on Bd infections in two frog species. Extremely low concentrations of the fungicides azoxystrobin, chlorothalonil, and mancozeb were directly toxic to Bd in culture. However, estimated environmental concentrations of the fungicides did not reduce Bd on Cuban tree frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis) tadpoles exposed simultaneously to any of these fungicides and Bd, and fungicide exposure actually increased Bd-induced mortality. Additionally, exposure to any of these fungicides as tadpoles resulted in higher Bd abundance and greater Bd-induced mortality when challenged with Bd post-metamorphosis, an average of 71 d after their last fungicide exposure. Analysis of data from the literature revealed that previous exposure to the fungicide itraconazole, which is commonly used to clear Bd infections, made the critically endangered booroolong frog (Litoria booroolongensis) more susceptible to Bd. Finally, a field survey revealed that Bd prevalence was positively associated with concentrations of fungicides in ponds. Although fungicides show promise for controlling Bd, these results suggest that, if fungicides do not completely eliminate Bd or if Bd recolonizes, exposure to fungicides has the potential to do more harm than good. To ensure that fungicide applications have the intended consequence of curbing amphibian declines, researchers must identify which fungicides do not compromise the pathogen resistance mechanisms of amphibians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason R. Rohr
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Jenise Brown
- University of South Florida, Department of Integrative Biology, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
- SWCA Environmental Consultants, Pittsburgh, PA, 15017, USA
| | | | | | - Rick A. Relyea
- Department of Biological Sciences, Rensselaer Polytechnic Inst., Troy, NY 12180, USA
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Hossack BR, Puglis HJ, Battaglin WA, Anderson CW, Honeycutt RK, Smalling KL. Widespread legacy brine contamination from oil production reduces survival of chorus frog larvae. Environ Pollut 2017; 231:742-751. [PMID: 28863397 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Advances in drilling techniques have facilitated a rapid increase in hydrocarbon extraction from energy shales, including the Williston Basin in central North America. This area overlaps with the Prairie Pothole Region, a region densely populated with wetlands that provide numerous ecosystem services. Historical (legacy) disposal practices often released saline co-produced waters (brines) with high chloride concentrations, affecting wetland water quality directly or persisting in sediments. Despite the potential threat of brine contamination to aquatic habitats, there has been little research into its ecological effects. We capitalized on a gradient of legacy brine-contaminated wetlands in northeast Montana to conduct laboratory experiments to assess variation in survival of larval Boreal Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris maculata) reared on sediments from 3 local wetlands and a control source. To help provide environmental context for the experiment, we also measured chloride concentrations in 6 brine-contaminated wetlands in our study area, including the 2 contaminated sites used for sediment exposures. Survival of frog larvae during 46- and 55-day experiments differed by up to 88% among sediment sources (Site Model) and was negatively correlated with potential chloride exposure (Chloride Model). Five of the 6 contaminated wetlands exceeded the U.S. EPA acute benchmark for chloride in freshwater (860 mg/L) and all exceeded the chronic benchmark (230 mg/L). However, the Wetland Site model explained more variation in survival than the Chloride Model, suggesting that chloride concentration alone does not fully reflect the threat of contamination to aquatic species. Because the profiles of brine-contaminated sediments are complex, further surveys and experiments are needed across a broad range of conditions, especially where restoration or remediation actions have reduced brine-contamination. Information provided by this study can help quantify potential ecological threats and help land managers prioritize conservation strategies as part of responsible and sustainable energy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake R Hossack
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 790 E. Beckwith Ave., Missoula, MT, 59801, USA.
| | - Holly J Puglis
- U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, 4200 New Haven Rd., Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - William A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, 1 DFC MS 415, Denver, CO, 80225, USA
| | - Chauncey W Anderson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Water Science Center, 2130, SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR, 97215, USA
| | - R Ken Honeycutt
- U.S. Geological Survey, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, 790 E. Beckwith Ave., Missoula, MT, 59801, USA
| | - Kelly L Smalling
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, 3450, Princeton Pike, Suite 110, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA
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Barber LB, Paschke SS, Battaglin WA, Douville C, Fitzgerald KC, Keefe SH, Roth DA, Vajda AM. Effects of an Extreme Flood on Trace Elements in River Water-From Urban Stream to Major River Basin. Environ Sci Technol 2017; 51:10344-10356. [PMID: 28862461 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b01767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Major floods adversely affect water quality through surface runoff, groundwater discharge, and damage to municipal water infrastructure. Despite their importance, it can be difficult to assess the effects of floods on streamwater chemistry because of challenges collecting samples and the absence of baseline data. This study documents water quality during the September 2013 extreme flood in the South Platte River, Colorado, USA. Weekly time-series water samples were collected from 3 urban source waters (municipal tap water, streamwater, and wastewater treatment facility effluent) under normal-flow and flood conditions. In addition, water samples were collected during the flood at 5 locations along the South Platte River and from 7 tributaries along the Colorado Front Range. Samples were analyzed for 54 major and trace elements. Specific chemical tracers, representing different natural and anthropogenic sources and geochemical behaviors, were used to compare streamwater composition before and during the flood. The results differentiate hydrological processes that affected water quality: (1) in the upper watershed, runoff diluted most dissolved constituents, (2) in the urban corridor and lower watershed, runoff mobilized soluble constituents accumulated on the landscape and contributed to stream loading, and (3) flood-induced groundwater discharge mobilized soluble constituents stored in the vadose zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry B Barber
- U.S. Geological Survey , 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Suzanne S Paschke
- U.S. Geological Survey , Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - William A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey , Denver Federal Center, Denver, Colorado 80225, United States
| | - Chris Douville
- City of Boulder , 4049 75th Street, Boulder, Colorado 80301, United States
| | - Kevin C Fitzgerald
- U.S. Geological Survey , 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
- Carollo Engineers, Inc. , 12592 W Explorer Drive, Boise, Idaho 83713, United States
| | - Steffanie H Keefe
- U.S. Geological Survey , 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - David A Roth
- U.S. Geological Survey , 3215 Marine Street, Boulder, Colorado 80303, United States
| | - Alan M Vajda
- University of Colorado Denver , CB171, Denver, Colorado 80217, United States
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Battaglin WA, Smalling KL, Anderson C, Calhoun D, Chestnut T, Muths E. Potential interactions among disease, pesticides, water quality and adjacent land cover in amphibian habitats in the United States. Sci Total Environ 2016; 566-567:320-332. [PMID: 27232962 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.05.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To investigate interactions among disease, pesticides, water quality, and adjacent land cover, we collected samples of water, sediment, and frog tissue from 21 sites in 7 States in the United States (US) representing a variety of amphibian habitats. All samples were analyzed for >90 pesticides and pesticide degradates, and water and frogs were screened for the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) using molecular methods. Pesticides and pesticide degradates were detected frequently in frog breeding habitats (water and sediment) as well as in frog tissue. Fungicides occurred more frequently in water, sediment, and tissue than was expected based upon their limited use relative to herbicides or insecticides. Pesticide occurrence in water or sediment was not a strong predictor of occurrence in tissue, but pesticide concentrations in tissue were correlated positively to agricultural and urban land, and negatively to forested land in 2-km buffers around the sites. Bd was detected in water at 45% of sites, and on 34% of swabbed frogs. Bd detections in water were not associated with differences in land use around sites, but sites with detections had colder water. Frogs that tested positive for Bd were associated with sites that had higher total fungicide concentrations in water and sediment, but lower insecticide concentrations in sediments relative to frogs that were Bd negative. Bd concentrations on frog swabs were positively correlated to dissolved organic carbon, and total nitrogen and phosphorus, and negatively correlated to pH and water temperature. Data were collected from a range of locations and amphibian habitats and represent some of the first field-collected information aimed at understanding the interactions between pesticides, land use, and amphibian disease. These interactions are of particular interest to conservation efforts as many amphibians live in altered habitats and may depend on wetlands embedded in these landscapes to survive.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Colorado Water Science Center, Lakewood, CO, United States
| | - K L Smalling
- U.S. Geological Survey, New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ, United States
| | - C Anderson
- U.S. Geological Survey, Oregon Water Science Center, Portland, OR, United States
| | - D Calhoun
- U.S. Geological Survey South Atlantic Water Science Center, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - T Chestnut
- National Park Service, Mount Rainer National Park, Ashford, WA, United States
| | - E Muths
- U.S. Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Bradley PM, Battaglin WA, Iwanowicz LR, Clark JM, Journey CA. Aerobic biodegradation potential of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in surface-water sediment at Rocky Mountain National Park, USA. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016; 35:1087-1096. [PMID: 26588039 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in surface water and bed sediment threaten the structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. In natural, remote, and protected surface-water environments where contaminant releases are sporadic, contaminant biodegradation is a fundamental driver of exposure concentration, timing, duration, and, thus, EDC ecological risk. Anthropogenic contaminants, including known and suspected EDCs, were detected in surface water and sediment collected from 2 streams and 2 lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado, USA). The potential for aerobic EDC biodegradation was assessed in collected sediments using 6 (14) C-radiolabeled model compounds. Aerobic microbial mineralization of natural (estrone and 17β-estradiol) and synthetic (17α-ethinylestradiol) estrogen was significant at all sites. Bed sediment microbial communities in Rocky Mountain National Park also effectively degraded the xenoestrogens bisphenol-A and 4-nonylphenol. The same sediment samples exhibited little potential for aerobic biodegradation of triclocarban, however, illustrating the need to assess a wider range of contaminant compounds. The present study's results support recent concerns over the widespread environmental occurrence of carbanalide antibacterials, like triclocarban and triclosan, and suggest that backcountry use of products containing these compounds should be discouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul M Bradley
- South Atlantic Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Luke R Iwanowicz
- Leetown Science Center, US Geological Survey, Kearneysville, West Virginia, USA
| | - Jimmy M Clark
- South Atlantic Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Celeste A Journey
- South Atlantic Water Science Center, US Geological Survey, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Smalling KL, Reeves R, Muths E, Vandever M, Battaglin WA, Hladik ML, Pierce CL. Pesticide concentrations in frog tissue and wetland habitats in a landscape dominated by agriculture. Sci Total Environ 2015; 502:80-90. [PMID: 25244036 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.08.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Habitat loss and exposure to pesticides are likely primary factors contributing to amphibian decline in agricultural landscapes. Conservation efforts have attempted to restore wetlands lost through landscape modifications to reduce contaminant loads in surface waters and providing quality habitat to wildlife. The benefits of this increased wetland area, perhaps especially for amphibians, may be negated if habitat quality is insufficient to support persistent populations. We examined the presence of pesticides and nutrients in water and sediment as indicators of habitat quality and assessed the bioaccumulation of pesticides in the tissue of two native amphibian species Pseudacris maculata (chorus frogs) and Lithobates pipiens (leopard frogs) at six wetlands (3 restored and 3 reference) in Iowa, USA. Restored wetlands are positioned on the landscape to receive subsurface tile drainage water while reference wetlands receive water from overland run-off and shallow groundwater sources. Concentrations of the pesticides frequently detected in water and sediment samples were not different between wetland types. The median concentration of atrazine in surface water was 0.2 μg/L. Reproductive abnormalities in leopard frogs have been observed in other studies at these concentrations. Nutrient concentrations were higher in the restored wetlands but lower than concentrations thought lethal to frogs. Complex mixtures of pesticides including up to 8 fungicides, some previously unreported in tissue, were detected with concentrations ranging from 0.08 to 1,500 μg/kg wet weight. No significant differences in pesticide concentrations were observed between species, although concentrations tended to be higher in leopard frogs compared to chorus frogs, possibly because of differences in life histories. Our results provide information on habitat quality in restored wetlands that will assist state and federal agencies, landowners, and resource managers in identifying and implementing conservation and management actions for these and similar wetlands in agriculturally dominated landscapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly L Smalling
- US Geological Survey New Jersey Water Science Center, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.
| | - Rebecca Reeves
- Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Erin Muths
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Mark Vandever
- US Geological Survey, Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Michelle L Hladik
- US Geological Survey, California Water Science Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Clay L Pierce
- US Geological Survey, Iowa Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Ames, IA, USA
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Battaglin WA, Rice KC, Focazio MJ, Salmons S, Barry RX. The occurrence of glyphosate, atrazine, and other pesticides in vernal pools and adjacent streams in Washington, DC, Maryland, Iowa, and Wyoming, 2005-2006. Environ Monit Assess 2009; 155:281-307. [PMID: 18677547 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-008-0435-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Vernal pools are sensitive environments that provide critical habitat for many species, including amphibians. These small water bodies are not always protected by pesticide label requirements for no-spray buffer zones, and the occurrence of pesticides in them is poorly documented. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of glyphosate, its primary degradation product aminomethylphosphonic acid, and additional pesticides in vernal pools and adjacent flowing waters. Most sampling sites were chosen to be in areas where glyphosate was being used either in production agriculture or for nonindigenous plant control. The four site locations were in otherwise protected areas (e.g., in a National Park). When possible, water samples were collected both before and after glyphosate application in 2005 and 2006. Twenty-eight pesticides or pesticide degradation products were detected in the study, and as many as 11 were identified in individual samples. Atrazine was detected most frequently and concentrations exceeded the freshwater aquatic life standard of 1.8 micrograms per liter (microg/l) in samples from Rands Ditch and Browns Ditch in DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. Glyphosate was measured at the highest concentration (328 microg/l) in a sample from Riley Spring Pond in Rock Creek National Park. This concentration exceeded the freshwater aquatic life standard for glyphosate of 65 microg/l. Aminomethylphosphonic acid, triclopyr, and nicosulfuron also were detected at concentrations greater than 3.0 microg/l.
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Affiliation(s)
- William A Battaglin
- US Geological Survey, P.O. Box 25046 MS 415, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO 80225, USA.
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Abstract
Historical streamflow and concentration data were used in regression models to estimate the annual flux of nitrogen (N) to the Gulf of Mexico and to determine where the nitrogen originates within the Mississippi Basin. Results show that for 1980-1996 the mean annual total N flux to the Gulf of Mexico was 1,568,000 t yr-1. The flux was about 61% nitrate N, 37% organic N, and 2% ammonium N. The flux of nitrate N to the Gulf has approximately tripled in the last 30 years with most of the increase occurring between 1970 and 1983. The mean annual N flux has changed little since the early 1980s, but large year-to-year variations in N flux occur because of variations in precipitation. During wet years the N flux can increase by 50% or more due to flushing of nitrate N that has accumulated in the soils and unsaturated zones in the basin. The principal source areas of N are basins in southern Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio that drain agricultural land. Basins in this region yield 1500 to more than 3100 kg N km-2 yr-1 to streams, several times the N yield of basins outside this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Goolsby
- U.S. Geological Survey, MS406, DFC, Lakewood, CO 80225, USA
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Furlong ET, Burkhardt MR, Gates PM, Werner SL, Battaglin WA. Routine determination of sulfonylurea, imidazolinone, and sulfonamide herbicides at nanogram-per-liter concentrations by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Sci Total Environ 2000; 248:135-46. [PMID: 10805234 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(99)00537-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Sulfonylurea (SU), imidazolinone (IMI), and sulfonamide (SA) herbicides are new classes of low-application-rate herbicides increasingly used by farmers. Some of these herbicides affect both weed and crop species at low dosages and must be carefully used. Less is known about the effect of these compounds on non-crop plant species, but a concentration of 100 ng/l in water has been proposed as the threshold for possible plant toxicity for most of these herbicides. Hence, analytical methods must be capable of detecting SUs, IMIs, and SAs at concentrations less than 100 ng/l in ambient water samples. The authors developed a two-cartridge, solid-phase extraction method for isolating 12 SU, 3 IMI, and 1 SA herbicides by using high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) to identify and quantify these herbicides to 10 ng/l. This method was used to analyze 196 surface- and ground-water samples collected from May to August 1998 throughout the Midwestern United States, and more than 100 quality-assurance and quality-control samples. During the 16 weeks of the study, the HPLC/ESI-MS maintained excellent calibration linearity across the calibration range from 5 to 500 ng/l, with correlation coefficients of 0.9975 or greater. Continuing calibration verification standards at 100-ng/l concentration were analyzed throughout the study, and the average measured concentrations for individual herbicides ranged from 93 to 100 ng/l. Recovery of herbicides from 27 reagent-water samples spiked at 50 and 100 ng/l ranged from 39 to 92%, and averaged 73%. The standard deviation of recoveries ranged from 14 to 26%, and averaged 20%. This variability reflects multiple instruments, operators, and the use of automated and manual sample preparation. Spiked environmental water samples had similar recoveries, although for some herbicides, the sample matrix enhanced recoveries by as much as 200% greater than the spiked concentration. This matrix enhancement was sample- and compound-dependent. Concentrations of herbicides in unspiked duplicate environmental samples were typically within 25% of each other. The results demonstrate the usefulness of HPLC/ESI-MS for determining low-application-rate herbicides at ambient concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- E T Furlong
- US Geological Survey, National Water Quality Laboratory, Denver, CO 80225-0046, USA.
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Scribner EA, Battaglin WA, Goolsby DA, Thurman EM. Changes in herbicide concentrations in Midwestern streams in relation to changes in use, 1989-1998. Sci Total Environ 2000; 248:255-63. [PMID: 10805244 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(99)00547-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Water samples were collected from Midwestern streams in 1994-1995 and 1998 as part of a study to help determine if changes in herbicide use resulted in changes in herbicide concentrations since a previous reconnaissance study in 1989-1990. Sites were sampled during the first significant runoff period after the application of pre-emergent herbicides in 1989-1990, 1994-1995, and 1998. Samples were analyzed for selected herbicides, two atrazine metabolites, three cyanazine metabolites, and one alachlor metabolite. In the Midwestern USA, alachlor use was much greater in 1989 than in 1995, whereas acetochlor was not used in 1989 but was commonly used in 1995. The use of atrazine, cyanazine, and metolachlor was approximately the same in 1989 and 1995. The median concentrations of atrazine, alachlor, cyanazine, and metolachlor were substantially higher in 1989-1990 than in 1994-1995 or 1998. The median acetochlor concentration was higher in 1998 than in 1994 or 1995.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A Scribner
- U.S. Geological Survey, Lawrence, KS 66049, USA.
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Battaglin WA, Furlong ET, Burkhardt MR, Peter CJ. Occurrence of sulfonylurea, sulfonamide, imidazolinone, and other herbicides in rivers, reservoirs and ground water in the Midwestern United States, 1998. Sci Total Environ 2000; 248:123-33. [PMID: 10805233 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(99)00536-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Sulfonylurea (SU), sulfonamide (SA), and imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides are relatively new classes of chemical compounds that function by inhibiting the action of a plant enzyme, stopping plant growth, and eventually killing the plant. These compounds generally have low mammalian toxicity, but plants demonstrate a wide range in sensitivity to SUs, SAs, and IMIs with over a 10,000-fold difference in observed toxicity levels for some compounds. SUs, SAs, and IMIs are applied either pre- or post-emergence to crops commonly at 1/50th or less of the rate of other herbicides. Little is known about their occurrence, fate, or transport in surface water or ground water in the USA. To obtain information on the occurrence of SU, SA, and IMI herbicides in the Midwestern United States, 212 water samples were collected from 75 surface-water and 25 ground-water sites in 1998. These samples were analyzed for 16 SU, SA and IMI herbicides by USGS Methods Research and Development Program staff using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Samples were also analyzed for 47 pesticides or pesticide degradation products. At least one of the 16 SUs, SAs or IMIs was detected above the method reporting limit (MRL) of 0.01 microg/l in 83% of 130 stream samples. Imazethapyr was detected most frequently (71% of samples) followed by flumetsulam (63% of samples) and nicosulfuron (52% of samples). The sum of SU, SA and IMI concentrations exceeded 0.5 microg/l in less than 10% of stream samples. Acetochlor, alachlor, atrazine, cyanazine and metolachlor were all detected in 90% or more of 129 stream samples. The sum of the concentration of these five herbicides exceeded 50 microg/l in approximately 10% of stream samples. At least one SU, SA, or IMI herbicide was detected above the MRL in 24% of 25 ground-water samples and 86% of seven reservoir samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- W A Battaglin
- U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Regional Hydrologist, Denver, CO 80225, USA.
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Abstract
Nitrogen from the Mississippi River Basin is believed to be at least partly responsible for the large zone of oxygen-depleted water that develops in the Gulf of Mexico each summer. Historical data show that concentrations of nitrate in the Mississippi River and some of its tributaries have increased by factors of 2 to more than 5 since the early 1900s. We have used the historical streamflow and concentration data in regression models to estimate the annual flux of nitrogen (N) to the Gulf of Mexico and to determine where the nitrogen originates within the Mississippi Basin. Results show that for 1980-1996 the mean annual total N flux to the Gulf of Mexico was 1,568,000 t/year. The flux was approximately 61% nitrate as N, 37% organic N, and 2% ammonium as N. The flux of nitrate to the Gulf has approximately tripled in the last 30 years with most of the increase occurring between 1970 and 1983. The mean annual N flux has changed little since the early 1980s, but large year-to-year variations in N flux occur because of variations in precipitation. During wet years the N flux can increase by 50% or more due to flushing of nitrate that has accumulated in the soils and unsaturated zones in the basin. The principal source areas of N are basins in southern Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio that drain agricultural land. Basins in this region yield 800 to more than 3100 kg total N/km2 per year to streams, several times the N yield of basins outside this region. Assuming conservative transport of N in the Mississippi River, streams draining Iowa and Illinois contribute on average approximately 35% of the total N discharged by the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico. In years with high precipitation they can contribute a larger percentage.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Goolsby
- US Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, Denver, CO 80225, USA.
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Lawrence GB, Goolsby DA, Battaglin WA, Stensland GJ. Atmospheric nitrogen in the Mississippi River Basin--emissions, deposition and transport. Sci Total Environ 2000; 248:87-99. [PMID: 10805230 DOI: 10.1016/s0048-9697(99)00533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric deposition of nitrogen has been cited as a major factor in the nitrogen saturation of forests in the north-eastern United States and as a contributor to the eutrophication of coastal waters, including the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of the Mississippi River. Sources of nitrogen emissions and the resulting spatial patterns of nitrogen deposition within the Mississippi River Basin, however, have not been fully documented. An assessment of atmospheric nitrogen in the Mississippi River Basin was therefore conducted in 1998-1999 to: (1) evaluate the forms in which nitrogen is deposited from the atmosphere; (2) quantify the spatial distribution of atmospheric nitrogen deposition throughout the basin; and (3) relate locations of emission sources to spatial deposition patterns to evaluate atmospheric transport. Deposition data collected through the NADP/NTN (National Atmospheric Deposition Program/National Trends Network) and CASTNet (Clean Air Status and Trends Network) were used for this analysis. NOx Tier 1 emission data by county was obtained for 1992 from the US Environmental Protection Agency (Emissions Trends Viewer CD, 1985-1995, version 1.0, September 1996) and NH3 emissions data was derived from the 1992 Census of Agriculture (US Department of Commerce. Census of Agriculture, US Summary and County Level Data, US Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census. Geographic Area series, 1995:1b) or the National Agricultural Statistics Service (US Department of Agriculture. National Agricultural Statistics Service Historical Data. Accessed 7/98 at URL, 1998. http://www.usda.gov/nass/pubs/hisdata++ +.htm). The highest rates of wet deposition of NO3- were in the north-eastern part of the basin, downwind of electric utility plants and urban areas, whereas the highest rates of wet deposition of NH4+ were in Iowa, near the center of intensive agricultural activities in the Midwest. The lowest rates of atmospheric nitrogen deposition were on the western (windward) side of the basin, which suggests that most of the nitrogen deposited within the basin is derived from internal sources. Atmospheric transport eastward across the basin boundary is greater for NO3- than NH4+, but a significant amount of NH4+ is likely to be transported out of the basin through the formation of (NH4)2SO4 and NH4NO3 particles--a process that greatly increases the atmospheric residence time of NH4+. This process is also a likely factor in the atmospheric transport of nitrogen from the Midwest to upland forest regions in the North-East, such as the western Adirondack region of New York, where NH4+ constitutes 38% of the total wet deposition of N.
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