Grant Information
| Knowledge Area | Subject of Investigation | Field of Science | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 133 - Pollution Prevention and Mitigation | 210 - Water resources | 2050 - Hydrology | 100% |
Statement of Issues and Justification: Agricultural production can result in the contamination of soil, air, and water resources. Identifying and quantifying the physical, chemical, and biological processes that control the behavior of organic chemicals in the environment is imperative for improving management of agrochemicals, minimizing contamination of natural resources, and remediating currently contaminated environments. This research project will address two significant issues: (1) the persistence and availability in the environment (including bioavailability, transport, uptake, and degradation) of pesticides used in agricultural production and (2) the fate of organic and nanoparticle contaminants applied to soil found in animal manures, biosolids and wastewater. Because of the potential for contamination it is critical that chemicals are employed in ways that minimize contamination risks and that environments currently contaminated with organic chemicals be effectively remediated. Evaluating and quantifying the behavior of organic chemicals in soil and water is vital for the development of sound strategies that ensure sustainable agriculture by protecting natural resources through minimizing contamination risks and implementing effective remediation practices. The long-term goal of this project is to minimize environmental contamination from pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and related organic chemicals and nanoparticles. We propose to conduct a cooperative research program that elucidates fundamental mechanisms of chemical behavior and applies this knowledge at multiple spatial and temporal scales. In combination with mechanistic models, the principles of chemical behavior will be incorporated into management models. Research conducted will be useful in the continued development of best management practices for minimizing environmental contamination, as well as in the development of efficient and comparatively inexpensive strategies for remediating contaminated environments. Results of the research conducted by members of this multistate project group will be applicable to both agricultural ecosystems and to urban systems. Thus it will help to fulfill USDA goals to enhance protection of soil and water resources across a range of agricultural ecosystems. By developing better management techniques, the risks of adverse environmental and health effects of contaminants will be minimized. Outcomes or projected Impacts: A better understanding of environmental impacts of pesticides, pharmaceuticals, hormones, and nanomaterials, with subsequent application of management practices which reduce the risk for environmental contamination.
Soil extraction and preservation techniques, both long-term and short-term sorption kinetics, and the formation of irreversibly bound residues will be studied after varying incubation periods,including use of soil materials contaminated and aged in the field and laboratory. Outreach Plan The results of collaborative projects described above will be made available to intended users in several ways: Peer-reviewed journal articles and review articles are published in the scientific literature and available by subscription, at libraries, or on-line. Participants in the symposium on the fate of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in agricultural ecosystems will hear research results at the symposium and will have opportunity to interact with project members who are presenting results. Extension specialists in soil and water quality will participate in the meeting on agricultural pharmaceuticals and will learn about the groups activities by presentations and informal interactions at the meeting. Technical reports concerning methodological protocols and best management practices for pesticides and pharmaceuticals in agricultural ecosystems will be posted on the projects web site at NIMSS. Extension publications will be issued by participating experiment stations. Members will present the latest information about pesticides and agricultural pharmaceuticals to the general public at agricultural field days in the participating states.
Target Audience
Scientists, Graduate Students, Wastewater Treatment Operators, General Public.
Changes / Problems
Nothing Reported
Training & Professional Development
One graduate student received training associated with both a MS and a PhD in the area of chemical analysis of estrogens in soils, and in the area of research design and analysis. Another graduate student was trained in the area of chemical analysis of antibiotics in soils and plant tissue, and also in the area of detection of antibiotic resistance development in soils.
Dissemination Streams
Publication of refereed journal articles, meetings with wastewater treatment and local officials related to replicating the tertiary treatment system used in some of the projects, presentation of research results at national meetings.
Next Reporting Steps
Nothing Reported