Grantee Research Project Results
2022 Progress Report: Fate and Transport of Unregulated Organic Contaminants in Biosolids - Development of a Human and Environmental Exposure Risk Framework
EPA Grant Number: R840247Title: Fate and Transport of Unregulated Organic Contaminants in Biosolids - Development of a Human and Environmental Exposure Risk Framework
Investigators: Prasse, Carsten , Nachman, Keeve , Burke, Thomas A.
Institution: Johns Hopkins University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: September 1, 2021 through May 13, 2025
Project Period Covered by this Report: September 1, 2021 through August 31,2022
Project Amount: $1,498,000
RFA: National Priorities: Evaluation of Pollutants in Biosolids (2020) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Water Quality , Water , Water Treatment
Objective:
We propose a transdisciplinary and highly innovative project to develop a flexible framework for the prioritization of biosolids-associated organic contaminants (BOCs). The objectives are to 1) characterize the occurrence, fate, and transport of BOCs after land application of biosolids; 2) model BOC exposures and perform hazard and risk assessments to identify high-priority BOCs; and 3) utilize an array of communication channels to translate our findings and methodology for the wastewater and agriculture communities, regulators, and the general public.
Progress Summary:
During the initial monitoring period, we have made progress on characterizing the occurrence of biosolids-associated organic compounds (BOCs) using nontarget analysis (Objective 1). This includes obtaining biosolids samples from across the United States and developing a workflow for BOC detection using high resolution mass spectrometry. During the monitoring period, we also hired additional personnel to support this project.
Future Activities:
In the next monitoring period we will conduct a series of laboratory experiments to assess biotransformation, leaching, and plant uptake, translocation and metabolism of BOCs. These laboratory experiments will be used to inform our interpretation of results obtained from our first field study this upcoming season.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 8 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
measurement methods; environmental chemistry; organics; human healthProgress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.