Grantee Research Project Results

Quantification and Modeling of Perchlorate Impacts from Fireworks on Drinking Water Sources

EPA Grant Number: R840554
Title: Quantification and Modeling of Perchlorate Impacts from Fireworks on Drinking Water Sources
Investigators: Jackson, W. Andrew , Anderson, Todd A. , Rao, Balaji , Coates, John , Ledford, Sarah H , Sturchio, Neil , Meter, Kimberly Van , Batista, Jacimaria R.
Current Investigators: Jackson, W. Andrew , Anderson, Todd A. , Batista, Jacimaria R. , Rao, Balaji , Coates, John , Ledford, Sarah H , Sturchio, Neil , Meter, Kimberly Van
Institution: Texas Tech University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: May 1, 2023 through May 2, 2025
Project Amount: $2,499,579
RFA: Assessing Perchlorate Occurrence in Ambient Waters Following the Usage of Fireworks Request for Applications (RFA) (2022) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Drinking Water , Endocrine Disruptors , Water Quality

Description:

In the U.S, hundreds of millions of pounds of fireworks are ignited each year. Previous studies have shown that perchlorate (ClO₄^-) is a major ingredient in fireworks. Perchlorate is a drinking water concern due to its potential health effects based on its inhibition of iodide uptake by the thyroid and subsequent impacts on thyroid hormone production. After fireworks use, residual non-combusted ClO₄^- (as aerosols or particulates) are deposited onto the ground or water surface. Some studies have documented increased ClO₄^- concentrations in both surface and ground waters near major fireworks displays. However, there is only limited data on the relationship between firework use and its impact on drinking water sources due to increased ClO₄^- concentrations.

Objective:

We propose to evaluate the following hypotheses regarding the impact of fireworks on drinking water sources: 1) Fireworks will have a variable impact on surface water dependent on the mass of consumed fireworks, the dilution potential (rate and magnitude) of the water source, and the rate of biological perchlorate attenuation; 2) Impact will also depend on the magnitude of both direct deposition onto the water surface and the magnitude of subsequent inputs due to runoff or infiltration; 3) ClO₄^- concentrations in drinking water sources can be predicted based on fireworks consumption, hydraulic and ecological properties of the drinking water source, and hydrology of the region.

Approach:

The proposed hypotheses will be evaluated through 1) field studies (5 5 sites) of the temporal evolution of ClO₄^- concentrations and isotopic composition in diverse (climate, surface water type) surface drinking water sources and groundwater drinking sources before and after centralized fireworks displays (e.g. 4^th of July) in areas with and without public dispersed use of fireworks; 2) evaluations of aerial deposition at study sites and nationally, 3) nation-wide surveys of PWS intakes before and after periods of fireworks, 4) watershed modeling combined with acquisition of population distribution and fireworks usage data.

Expected Results:

The proposed research will result in a robust data set and model updated/expanded models that address the temporal response of ClO₄^- concentrations in drinking water supplies to fireworks usage. The survey results will allow direct assessment of the impact of fireworks on drinking water sources. The research will also produce a predictive screening model to evaluate impact based on site specific hydraulic, hydrologic, and ecological conditions as well as fireworks use.   

Supplemental Keywords:

 watersheds, groundwater, environmental chemistry, hydrology, biochemistry, molecular biology, monitoring, modelling, southwest, southeast, northeast, west

Progress and Final Reports:

2023 Progress Report