Grantee Research Project Results

2008 Progress Report: An Integrated Approach to Developing a Total Facility Estrogen Budget at a Swine Farrowing CAFO

EPA Grant Number: R833420
Title: An Integrated Approach to Developing a Total Facility Estrogen Budget at a Swine Farrowing CAFO
Investigators: Kullman, Seth W. , Linden, Karl G. , Reckhow, Kenneth H. , Meyer, M. T.
Current Investigators: Kullman, Seth W. , Meyer, M. T. , Reckhow, Kenneth H.
Institution: Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences , Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory , Pratt School of Engineering , North Carolina State University
Current Institution: North Carolina State University , Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences , Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory
EPA Project Officer: Aja, Hayley
Project Period: February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2013 (Extended to January 31, 2014)
Project Period Covered by this Report: February 1, 2008 through January 31,2009
Project Amount: $663,532
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:

Little information is available regarding the concentration, release, fate and transport of estrogenic compounds in animal waste treatment and storage facilities. Naturally occurring estrogens in animal wastes present an emerging risk to terrestrial and aquatic environments through their potential release and action as endocrine disruptors. Given the trend in agriculture toward concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and the extensive volume of waste generated, the potential for environmental impact “cannot be overstated”. Large data gaps include: operation specific generation, and concentrations and fate of these hormones and their conjugates and metabolites throughout CAFO facilities. Specifically, little data has been generated evaluating estrogen loads from differing swine operations such as farrowing and finishing facilities. We must develop quantitative information regarding: reproductive status and estrogen excretion by individual animals, the stability of estrogens in open pit holding lagoons and mobility of estrogens to surface waters following spray field application of swine waste as fertilizer. To address these data gaps, we focus on a swine farrowing CAFO based on its operational units. By creating a hierarchical structure, assessments of estrogen fate will be “parameterized” and used for input into a Bayesian network model.

Progress Summary:

Two primary objectives were designed in the original study. The objective of aim 1 is to establish “total facility estrogen budget” based upon composite measurements of natural estrogenic compounds throughout a swine farrowing (CAFO). This aim is comprised of three tasks.

The objective of Task A is to determine total animal estrogen output from differing operational phases within the swine CAFO. This objective supports our hypothesis that operational practices are a primary determinant of total facility estrogen budgets. Within year one we have assessed estrogen concentrations from individual animals and large groups of penned animals to establish our initial parameters of estrogen output.

LC/MS/MS analysis indicated the presence of multiple parent hormones and their associated conjugates in swine urine including 17β‐estradiol, 17α‐estradiol, estrone, estriol, estrone‐3‐sulfate, 17β‐3‐sulfate, estriol‐3‐sulfate, estrone glucuronide, and 17β‐estradiol‐glucuronide. In general, estrone was the most abundant estrogen present in the urine samples (up to 3,300 ng/l) followed by 17β‐estradiol and estriol. Some individuals, however, displayed very high concentrations of 17β‐estradiol (>12,000 ng/l) followed by 17α‐estradiol and estriol, with little formation of estrone. A similar pattern was observed for estrogen conjugates with estrone‐3‐sulfate, the most ubiquitous conjugate and some individuals exhibiting lower concentrations of the others detected. Additional reproductive hormones were detected in sow urine including: androstenedione, testosterone, progesterone and sulfate/glucuronide conjugates of each.

Analysis of urine samples using the yeast estrogen assay demonstrated significant estrogenic activity in each urine sample tested. Estrogen (17β‐estradiol‐standard) equivalents (EEQ) were established for each sample and ranged between 6.85E‐12 and 6.18043E‐07 M equivalents. While the YES assay does not distinguish between individual compounds this assay measures the biologically available and active forms of compounds capable of interacting with the human estrogen receptor. All values for the YES results are given in relation to the activity of 17β‐estradiol. For reference, the limit of detection for this assay is approximately 1.0E‐13 M estradiol. Reference (non‐contaminated) surface water in North Carolina ranges between non‐detect and 5.0E‐12 M. Most urine samples were between 10E‐10 and 10E‐9 M activities.

The objective of Task B is to thoroughly characterize the stability and fate of estrogens in the holding lagoons. As the lagoons are the largest reservoir of estrogens at the CAFO, they represent an essential factor for a total facility estrogen budget. Preliminary lagoon samples were taken in spring of 2009. LC/MS/MS analysis of lagoon solids and liquids is currently in process. YES data of lagoon sample liquids demonstrates that lagoons contain significant estrogenic activity ~ 5.0E‐9. A full‐scale sampling of the lagoon is planned for June 15, 2009.

The intent of Task C is to measure estrogen concentration and stability of estrogens in field plots receiving lagoon waste as fertilizer. Secondly, we are also interested in determining the degree of off‐site movement of estrogens and document the potential environmental significance of these inputs. Preliminary field samples were taken in spring of 2009. Samples are being processed for analytical and YES analysis.

For Specific Aim 2 we have developed a Bayesian network (BN) model that characterizes causal relationships for a total facility estrogen budget in a probabilistic manner. There are three main tasks to develop a BN model, including construction of the model structure, parameterization of model variables, and model inference. As with our facility, we have establish three primary nodes for our model that reflect estrogen flow from animal barns, to the waste lagoon, to the spray fields, and ultimately to runoff toward ground and surface water. The preliminary structure of the BN models was constructed based on expert elicitation and has been refined by reflecting the input of other experts, such as toxicologists, chemists, soil experts, and swine facility experts in an iterative manner. Each model structure consists of relevant model elements to characterize the estrogen concentration, fate, and transport in terms of the three different types of estrogens, while also accounting for the total estrogen budget.

Future Activities:

Activities for Aims 1 and 2 will continue. Sampling for lagoon studies will commence in June of 2009, followed by sampling of field plots receiving lagoon spray applications.

Journal Articles:

No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 28 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

CAFO, estrogens, fate and transport, mass balance

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.