Title:

G03-NPS-15 Endocrine Modulators and Excess Nutrients in Little Medicine and West Locust Creeks

Sponsor:

University of Missouri - Rolla/Huang

Project Manager:

YUE-Wern Haung
1870 Miner Circle, 101 ME Annex
Rolla, MO 65409-1330
573-341-6589

Project Period:

6/1/2003 - 5/31/2007

319 Grant Funds:

$293,266

Project Description:

Endocrine Modulators and Excess Nutrients in
Little Medicine and West Locust Creeks

Animal farms in Mercer, Putnam and Sullivan counties of northern Missouri have raised approximately one million hogs. Hogs excrete glucronide or sulfo- conjugated hormones. Also, animal feed contains some phytochemicals that are estrogenic. Animal waste contains both sex hormones and phytoestrogenic metabolites from animal feed. Recent studies show estrogens in hog and cattle effluent effects fish and turtles populations. Much of the animal waste in these counties is land applied. The soil is highly erosive. Potential problems with runoff and incidental spill of animal waste into adjacent rivers and streams in Missouri have been reported. However, the levels and fates of estrogenic chemicals in animal waste are poorly documented. The potential impact of these chemicals on the quality of surface and ground waters and aquatic ecosystems will be assessed during the course of this monitoring project.


Project Description
UMR will establish sampling sites at each of two sites on the Little Medicine Creek and two sites on West Locust Creek.
UMR will sample each site once a month unless conditions such as drought or severe snowfall prevent sampling. UMR will sample on additional dates if other observations (e.g., overflows or personal communications) detect excessive waste related spills or heavy rainfall conditions.


Objectives
1. To establish the levels and biological effects of estrogenic chemicals in animal wastes in the study watersheds.
2. To assess nutrient levels and ten other important water parameters in the study watersheds.
3. To provide the public, local farmers and DNR with a booklet and concise brochure containing facts and past studies around the world on endocrine disruption in the environment, and how this relates to nonpoint source pollution in waterbodies.
4. To provide educational benefits to undergraduates and graduates by offering related courses and hands-on field experiences

Methods Employed
The project is primarily a monitoring project that will use the information gathered to inform students as well as local citizens about NPS pollution from land applied animal wastes, and its impact on water quality.

Products
Fact sheet on endocrine Disruption
Brochure to promote awareness of emerging contaminants in agricultural activities
Scientific publications

Project Sponsor
University Of Missouri - Rolla

Cooperating Agencies
Outreach and Extension, University of Missouri - Lincoln University

Contact
Dr. Yue-Wern Huang
University of Missouri - Rolla
Rolla, MO 65409
573-341-6589