Grantee Research Project Results

2008 Progress Report: Transport and Transformation of Natural and Synthetic Steroid Hormones at Beef Cattle and Dairy Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

EPA Grant Number: R833422
Title: Transport and Transformation of Natural and Synthetic Steroid Hormones at Beef Cattle and Dairy Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)
Investigators: Sedlak, David L. , Kolodziej, Edward P. , Harter, Thomas
Institution: University of California - Berkeley , University of Nevada - Reno , University of California - Davis
Current Institution: University of California - Berkeley , University of California - Davis , University of Nevada - Reno
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2010 (Extended to September 30, 2012)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2007 through September 30,2008
Project Amount: $698,103
RFA: Fate and Effects of Hormones in Waste from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOS) (2006) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Endocrine Disruptors , Human Health , Safer Chemicals

Objective:

The objective of our research is to assess the occurrence, fate and transport of natural and synthetic steroid hormones at beef and dairy cattle confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). As part of our project, we are focusing on steroid hormone transport through surface water runoff and groundwater.

Progress Summary:

During the first year of the project, we refined our analytical methods for analysis of synthetic steroid hormones, built and tested equipment for conducting small-scale studies and analyzed samples from several field sites.

As part of our project, steroid hormones are analyzed by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry after solid phase extraction, Florisil cleanup and derivitization. To extend the analytical suite, we developed and tested a new method for the synthetic steroid hormone, trenbolone. After extending the new method to include other synthetic steroid hormones, we will use this approach for analyzing samples collected from our field sites.

To assess the potential for transport of steroid hormones in surface runoff, we analyzed runoff samples from several beef cattle operations in Northern California. We also conducted an experiment in which surface runoff over a manure-containing field was simulated under different conditions. Results of the field measurements and experimental study indicate that concentrations of several different steroid hormones (e.g., estrone, androstenedione and progesterone) of up to 15 ng/L can be released in runoff. This finding is potentially significant because certain steroid hormones can cause adverse impacts to fish and aquatic organisms at concentrations as low as 1 ng/L.

Future Activities:

During the coming year, we plan to continue our efforts to understand the transport of steroid hormones in surface runoff and groundwater. Specifically, we will conduct experiments on the release of steroid hormones in surface runoff with experiments that simulate rainfall and surface runoff on manure-containing plots. We also will collect samples of surface runoff and groundwater at field sites in California, Colorado, and Iowa.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 21 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

estradiol, estrogen, endocrine disruption;, Health, RFA, Scientific Discipline, Environmental Chemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Human Health, endocrine disruptors, Biochemistry, Endocrine Disruptors - Environmental Exposure & Risk, concentrated animal feeding operations, EDCs, animal feeding operations, endocrine disrupting chemicals, CAFOs

Relevant Websites:

http://www.ce.berkeley.edu/~sedlak/ Exit
http://groundwater.ucdavis.edu/ Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

The 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.