Grantee Research Project Results

2023 Progress Report: 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. , 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 Period Covered by this Report: May 1, 2023 through April 30,2024
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

Objective:

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.

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.

Progress Summary:

The project team completed year 1 of a planned 3-yr study. Due to the start date of the project occurring 2 months prior to the main sampling event (July 4^th) and the need for an approved Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), field work was delayed until the second year of the project. As the field sampling activities were delayed until year 2, we have no current data. However, there has been substantial activity in year 1 as outlined below.

Objective 1. Determine the relative impacts of fireworks use on ClO₄^- by direct deposition and secondary contamination from dissolution and transport after precipitation events (runoff).

In year one, our activities focused on preparing site specific sampling plans for two locations, developing a national survey of lakes, and establishing agreements to receive NADP and CASTNET deposition samples. We chose to initially focus on two sites, Cross Lake in Shreveport, LA and the Chattahoochee River in the City of Atlanta. Both of these sites will be evaluated in Year 2. For Cross Lake, we will establish baseline conditions in June for perchlorate concentrations in the Lake, tributaries feeding the Lake, and tributaries that drain the municipal area. In addition, we will establish background total and wet deposition. Once fireworks sales commence, we will monitor the lake, tributaries, and deposition. This monitoring will continue until concentrations reach background conditions. In addition, on the 4^th of July, we will do detailed monitoring of a commercial display on the lake. In Atlanta, sampling will be similar, but we will also be evaluating commercial displays at sports venues leading up and through the 4^th of July. In year 1, we also developed a program to evaluate lakes across the US using an organization of lake volunteers. We have commitments from ~ 300 lake volunteers, who will take samples before and after the 4^th and ship samples for perchlorate analysis.

Objective 2. Evaluate the aerial deposition of ClO₄^- from centralized and dispersed displays.

We have also made arrangements with the NADP to acquire wet deposition samples from locations representing 32 states over a 5-year period, with each location providing a sample prior to the week of the 4^th, the week of the 4^th and a week after the 4^th. These sites represent both, locations where public fireworks sales are allowed, and are illegal, as well as rural and urban settings. We have received similar samples from CASTNET for 28 sites and for two years.

Objective 3-7. Not Scheduled in Year 1.

Future Activities:

In Year 2 of the project (May 1^st, 2024 to April 30^th 2025), we plan to conduct field sampling at two locations as described above, conduct degradation studies for each site, analyze all field samples from each location and the volunteer lake samples, as well as CASTNET and NADP total deposition samples. We will also conduct microbial analysis on one field location. Once this data is available, we will then modify field sampling plans on the remaining locations to incorporate lessons learned and resample the original two locations. Analysis of firework and spent fireworks residue will also commence during year 2.

References:

No publications or presentations have been produced at this time.

Supplemental Keywords:

Perchlorate, fireworks, drinking water sources