Relative contributions of selected endocrine active chemicals and pharmaceuticals from wastewater treatment plant effluent and other sources to MN surface waters

The USGS and the MPCA will determine the relative contributions of endocrine active chemicals (EACs) and pharmaceuticals from WWTP effluent to aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective is to measure the concentrations of EACs and pharmaceuticals in water samples collected from the effluents from 20 WWTPs and at sites upstream and downstream of WWTP effluent discharge in Minnesota during 2009-2011. The second objective is to measure concentrations of EACs and pharmaceuticals in bottom sediments collected upstream and downstream of effluent discharges, and the third objective is to estimate estrogenicty of water samples using an in vitro assay. Data collection efforts for this study will coincide with caged fish and on-site exposure experiments conducted by St. Cloud State University (SCSU) under a separate agreement.