Progress 07/01/06 to 06/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report reflects a summary of the work under this grant. The project aimed to address concerns expressed by the National Research Council over the application of Class B biosolids to permitted farm fields and we built on previous results to investigate potential impacts on human health. GIS Database: We collected data into a GIS to create layers of data including roads, waterways, schools, soil data, biosolids permitted fields, and biosolids application rates for the project. Central State University (CSU) compiled the permitted fields and available application records for Greene County. Youngstown State University (YSU) obtained available historical application records and tracked final destination of WWTPs in Mahoning County. The databases generated interest as a tool that has the potential for use by other researchers or entities. Epidemiological Study: An epidemiological survey was conducted in Lucas County Ohio in a similar design as the survey conducted in Wood County. Analysis was performed on Wood County (Khuder, et al., 2007) and Lucas County. The available biosolids application records in these counties were entered into a database for further evaluation. Epidemiological data was evaluated using respondent addresses and a comparison to distances and illnesses. Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products: We investigated the degradation of specific pharmaceutical compounds in the biosolids under various environmental conditions. Microbial transport: Water samples from drain tiles and ditches were collected pre- and post- biosolids application, while biosolids samples were collected during application. Samples were processed for E. coli density, E. coli community fingerprinting using DGGE, and BOX-PCR fingerprinting of E. coli isolates. Aerosol Field Work: Sampling was performed with a wind tunnel and in the field. We evaluated the potential use of impactors to sample bioaerosols on sludge-applied fields with a constructed outdoor wind tunnel. E. coli were dispersed to an array of impactor samplers containing media designed to select for and differentiate E. coli. Field work took place during application on a permitted field which was sampled multiple times between July and October 2008, including pre-application, during application and post-application. A control field was also sampled. Sampling included the biosolids, soil, direct reading particle size spectrum instrument, direct reading ultrafine particle instrument, filter, impactor, biosampler, and weather station. Filter samples were analyzed for total dust and metals. Densities of culturable heterotrophic bacteria were quantified. DNA fingerprints were generated for isolate and community samples. Modeling: A screening model was developed to determine the concentration and risk due to the aerosols released in air in nearby area after conducting a literature review on the subject. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty: Kevin Czajkowski - PI - GIS - Dept. of Geography and Planning (GEPL), University of Toledo; Michael Bisesi, Sheryl Milz, Sadik Khuder, Farhang Akbar and Brian Fink - epidemiological study and bioaerosols -Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, University of Toledo; Alison Spongberg, Daryl Dwyer, Von Sigler, pathogens and pharmaceuticals, Department of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo. Robert Vincent, Sridhar Balaji - GIS, remote sensing, Bowling Green State University. Peter Clapham - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Cleveland State U.; Mandy Munro-Stasiuk - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Kent State U.; Bradley Shellito - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Youngstown State U.; S.I. Sritharan and K.V. Nedunuri - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Water Resources, Central State U. Staff: Teresa Benko, Matthew Gottfried, Timothy Ault, April Ames GEPL, U. of Toledo; Jason Witter and Hilary Nightingale, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo Graduate Students: Michael Spalvieri, Stanislov Nikolov, Sumandeep Sudini, Jennifer Rader, and Xiaochun Wu - GEPL, U. of Toledo; Malak Esseili, Issmat Kassem, Chenxi Wu, Damien Terry, Pam Stuffolino and Jona Scarbro - Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo; Stephanie Walker - Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security, U. of Toledo; Chris Tanner, Michael Bourne, Ghanasharyam Neupane, and Matthew Seudkamp - Dept. of Geology, Bowling Green State U. Undergraduate Students: Stephen Kramer - GEPL, U. of Toledo Alycia Pittenger and Diana Brandon - Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo; Bryan Smith, Taajwar Penn, Bartina Smith, and Antonio Proctor - Water Resources, Central State U.; Melinda Stahl and Dan Gouch - Cleveland State U.; Craig Strahler and Wook Rak Jung - Dept. of Geography, Youngstown State Youngstown State U.; Kristin Walls and Jennifer Amendola - Dept. of Geography, Kent State U. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audience is the biosolids research community, wastewater treatment plant works, local officials and the public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Data evaluation from the field experiments has resulted in the drafting and submittal of technical articles to peer-reviewed journals. Eight articles were published. Multiple presentations took place at conferences and symposia. PPCPs: We identified approximately 50 compounds in wastewater influent, effluent and biosolids that are classified as antibiotics, anti-depressants, anti-coagulants, anti-psychotics, etc. Results from evaluating the occurrence of PPCPs in an area of mixed land use, with stream and ditch waters receiving input from urban, agricultural, and septic system runoff indicate the occurrence of many PPCPs is likely due to septic system discharge and field tile discharge after biosolids application. Additional information regarding experimental design, methodology and detailed results is in Wu et al (2009b). Results of CSO research indicate that the occurrence of PPCPs along the two rivers is varied, but similar to other reported data. This data was presented at two venues in poster format and will be used in future projects. Both triclosan and triclocarban compounds can persistent in soils, with biosolids application increasing sorptive strength but having no effect on degradation. Detailed study design, methodology and results are in Wu et al (2009b). Microbial transport: Heavy rainfall events induced high densities of E. coli in tile drains from fields receiving Class B biosolids, although land-applied biosolids did not significantly increase the E. coli density in receiving waters. Fingerprinting analysis indicated that biosolids was a likely source contributing to tile drain E. coli densities, as well as other, undefined sources. Aerosol: Overall, results from the wind tunnel determined few E. coli were collected by the impactors during several trials, suggesting that the water droplets were too large to carry the bacteria throughout the tunnel. Field sampling demonstrated no significant changes in bacteria densities in the air or soil as a result of biosolids applications during sampling events were reported. Modeling: A spreadsheet model BDRM 1.0 (Bioaerosols Dispersion and Risk Model Version 1.0) was developed to incorporate all possible variations in dispersion and transport. This model incorporates a classical Gaussian model for a point source, and a modified Gaussian model for an area source. A new solution was subsequently derived for the convective-diffusion equation for an area source incorporating wind shear near the ground, based on the K-theory. This equation is also incorporated in the BDRM 1.0. Remote Sensing: Remote sensing models were developed where LANDSAT TM imagery of bare-soil fields can be used to quantify and map the spatial variation of total phosphorous, copper and sulfur in soils.
Publications
- Spongberg, A. L. and J. D. Witter, 2008. Pharmaceutical compounds in the wastewater process stream in northwest Ohio, Science of the Total Environment, 397:148-157.
- Wu, C., A. L. Spongberg, and J. D. Witter. 2008. Use of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for simultaneous determination of various pharmaceuticals in surface water, International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 88:1033-1048.
- Wu, C., A. L. Spongberg, and J. D. Witter. 2008. Determination of the persistence of pharmaceuticals in biosolids using liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, Chmosphere, 53:511-518.
- Wu, C., Witter, J.D., Spongberg, A.L., and K. Czajkowski. 2009a. Monitoring Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural Landscape, Western Lake Erie Basin. Water Research 43:3407-3416.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. 2009b. Adsorption and degradation of triclosan and triclocarban in soils and biosolids amended soils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 57:4900-4905.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. 2009c. Sorption and biodegradation of selected antibiotics in biosolids. Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A 44(5):454-461.
- Esseili, M. A. 2009. Characterization of Fecal Pollution Sources Associated with Urban Runoff and Land Applied Biosolids. Ph.D. dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (Ecology-Track) at the University of Toledo.
- Akbar-Khanzadeh F, Ames, A, Bisesi M, Czajkowski K, Funa R, Walker S, Bell-Dzide D, Karichu J. Aerosol Concentration and Size Distribution in Two Agricultural Farm Fields during Application of Class B Biosolids and Other Major Farming Activities. Presented at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 31-June 5, 2008.
- Esseili, M., V. Sigler, I. Kassem and K. Esseili. 2008. Evidence for the offsite transport of pathogen indicator bacteria associated with land-application of biosolids. Presented at the 108th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, June 1-5, Boston, MA.
- Esseili, M, V. Sigler, I. Kassem and K. Esseili. 2008. Evidence for the offsite transport of E. coli associated with land-application of biosolids into surface water. Presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, March 29, Muncie, IN.
- Sigler, V. 2007. Where is it coming from A community fingerprinting approach to microbial pollution source tracking. Presented at the Environmental Pathogens Information Network Regional Workshop, September 14, Chicago, IL.
- Swan, K.L, and A.L. Spongberg (mentor). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of carbamazepine on biosolids treated agricultural soil. Posters at the Capitol: Undergraduate Research in Northwest Ohio. Columbus, OH, April 2009.
- Swan, K.L., Carpenter, L., and A.L. Spongberg. Investigation of the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in The Ottawa River and Swan Creek, Lucas County, OH. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, November 1st, 2008.
- Swan, K.L., Carpenter, L., and A.L. Spongberg. Investigation of the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Two Maumee River Confluent Tributaries. 25th Annual OVC SETAC Meeting. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, October 3rd, 2008.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural landscape, Western Lake Erie Basin. International Conference on Great Lakes Research, Toledo, OH, May 18-22, 2009.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Sorption of the Antibacterial Agents Triclosan and Triclocarban in Soils. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, November 1st, 2008.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Monitoring Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural Landscape, Western Basin, Lake Erie. 25th Annual OVC SETAC Meeting. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, October 3rd, 2008.
- Kassem, I., V. Sigler and M. Esseili. 2008. The detection of the mecA gene in antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens inhabiting fresh waters. Presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, March 29, Muncie, IN.
- Esseili, M. V. Sigler and I. Kassem. 2008. Optimization of DGGE community fingerprinting for characterizing Escherichia coli communities associated with fecal pollution. Water Research, 42(17):4467-4476.
- Khuder S., S.A. Milz, M. Bisesi, R. Vincent, W. McNulty and K. Czaikowski. 2007. Health survey of residents living near farm fields permitted to receive biosolids. Arch. Environ. Occup. Health. 62(1):5−11.
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Progress 07/01/08 to 06/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: GIS database: UT generated distances from households that participated in the health survey to the nearest biosolids applied field for Wood County. YSU accounted for the final destination of all WWTPs inside Mahoning County and obtained copies of historical application records. Microbial transport: Water samples from drain tiles and drainage ditches (upstream and downstream of biosolids applied and control field drainage tiles) were collected pre- and post- biosolids application, while biosolids samples were collected during subsurface application. Samples were processed for E. coli density, E. coli community fingerprinting using DGGE, and BOX-PCR fingerprinting of E. coli isolates. Aerosols: Air and soil samples were collected from agricultural fields, pre-, during, and post- biosolids applications to determine the role of biosolids as a source of bacteria for the airborne microbial population. Densities of culturable heterotrophic bacteria were quantified. Well-isolated bacteria colonies were collected and stored in glycerol stocks at -80 degrees F for further analysis. DNA extraction is in progress from all impinger samples and isolates and completed from soil samples. Once extracted, air, isolate and soil DNA will be amplified using PCR followed by BOX-PCR and DGGE to generate DNA fingerprints for isolate and community samples. DNA processing for DGGE fingerprinting was tested using known concentrations of E. coli to ensure the low concentrations of bacteria found in air would be detectable. All techniques will be repeated on biosolids samples collected during application. Patterns in the similarities of bands on the fingerprints will be assessed with fingerprint analysis software to determine if biosolids applications were a source of bacteria to the air and soil. Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products: Several projects were completed and submitted for publication (Wu et al, 2009a,b,c). A study looking at the occurrence of 34 PPCPs using the recently published method (Wu et al, 2008b) was begun within an area of mixed land use, with stream and ditch waters receiving input from urban, agricultural and septic system runoff. Briefly, surface water and sediments were collected from many locations along ditches and streams over time and were analyzed for the compounds of interest. Also collected were pre and post biosolids applied soils from several fields, along with drainage tile water when possible. Data was combined in a GIS database and analyzed further for relationships to land use, location of septic systems and biosolids application. An undergraduate summer research project was conducted to sample and analyze two local rivers flowing thru the city of Toledo for PPCPs and determine if CSOs along their paths contributed to PPCP load. A second project to describe the degradation and sorption behavior of triclosan and triclocarban in soils and biosolids amended soils was also conducted. Epidemiological Study: Data analysis was the focus. Remote Sensing: We developed remote sensing models where LANDSAT TM imagery of bare-soil fields can be used to quantify and map the spatial variation of total phosphorous, copper and sulfur in soils. PARTICIPANTS: Participants (Faculty): Kevin Czajkowski - PI - GIS - Dept. of Geography and Planning (GEPL), University of Toledo; Michael Bisesi, Sheryl Milz, Sadik Khuder, Farhang Akbar and Brian Fink - epidemiological study and bioaerosols -Department of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, University of Toledo; Alison Spongberg, Daryl Dwyer, Von Sigler, and- pathogens and pharmaceuticals, Department of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo. Robert Vincent, Sridhar Balaji - GIS, remote sensing, Bowling Green State University. Peter Clapham - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Cleveland State U.; Mandy Munro-Stasiuk - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Kent State U.; Bradley Shellito - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Youngstown State U.; S.I. Sritharan and K.V. Nedunuri - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Water Resources, Central State U. Participants (Staff): Teresa Benko, Matthew Gottfried, Timothy Ault - Department of Geography & Planning, University of Toledo; Jason Witter, Hilary Nightingale, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo; Jona Scarbro - Lake Erie Center and Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo; Patricia Grospiron - Ohio Aerospace Institute. Participants (Graduate Students): Malak Esseili, Issmat Kassem, Chenxi Wu -Dept. of Environmental Sciences, University of Toledo; Jennifer Rader - Dept. of Geography & Planning, University of Toledo. Advisory Committee: Frank Gibbs - USDA - Hancock County - Agricultural Dept.; Lou Glatzer - Professor Emeritus - Dept. of Environmental Sciences at UT; Ellen Harrison - former Director of Cornell Waste Management Institute; Troy Hertzfeld - Owner/Operator of a local chicken farm; Sheridan Kidd Haack - USGS - Lansing, Michigan; Lynda McCarthy - Ryerson U. - Ontario; Jack Ritchie - Superintendent - local recycling plastics firm; Alan Rubin - Retiree of US EPA; Jim Smith - US EPA - National Risk Management Research Laboratory - Cincinnati, OH. TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audience is the biosolids research community, wastewater treatment plant works, local officials and the public. Release of information to the public has been selective. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
We have continued analysis of soil, water, and air samples. Data evaluation from the field experiments has resulted in the drafting and submittal of technical articles to peer-reviewed journals. Additionally, information has been presented at conferences and symposia. Microbial transport: Although land-applied biosolids did not significantly increase the E. coli density in receiving waters, heavy rainfall events induced high densities of E. coli in tile drains from fields receiving Class B biosolids. Furthermore, fingerprinting analysis indicated that biosolids was a likely source contributing to tile drain E. coli densities, as were other, undefined sources. Aerosols: No significant changes in bacteria densities in the air or soil resulted from biosolids applications. PPCPs: Results of the study looking at the occurrence of 34 PPCPs in the area of mixed land use, with stream and ditch waters receiving input from urban, agricultural, and septic system runoff indicate that occurrence of many PPCPs is likely due to septic system discharge and discharge from field tile after biosolids application. Experimental design, methodology and detailed results can be found in Wu et al (2009b). Results of the CSO research indicate that the occurrence of PPCPs along these two rivers is varied, but similar to other reported data. Unfortunately CSO discharge is weather dependent and an accurate assessment of their contributions in the time period of the summer research project was not possible. This data was presented at two venues in poster format and will be used in future projects. Results indicate that both triclosan and triclocarban compounds can be persistent in soils, with biosolids application increasing sorptive strength but having no effect on degradation. Detailed study design, methodology and results can be found in Wu et al (2009b).
Publications
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., Witter, J.D., and M. Fang. Tracing pharmaceuticals and personal care products in agricultural soils amended with biosolids. Science of the Total Environment. (In Review, August, 2009)
- Swan, K.L, and A.L. Spongberg (mentor). Adsorption and desorption characteristics of carbamazepine on biosolids treated agricultural soil. Posters at the Capitol: Undergraduate Research in Northwest Ohio. Columbus, OH, April 2009.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Sorption of the Antibacterial Agents Triclosan and Triclocarban in Soils. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, November 1st, 2008.
- Swan, K.L., Carpenter, L., and A.L. Spongberg. Investigation of the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in The Ottawa River and Swan Creek, Lucas County, OH. Sigma Xi Research Symposium, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, November 1st, 2008.
- Swan, K.L., Carpenter, L., and A.L. Spongberg. Investigation of the Occurrence of Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in Two Maumee River Confluent Tributaries. 25th Annual OVC SETAC Meeting. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, October 3rd, 2008.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Monitoring Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural Landscape, Western Basin, Lake Erie. 25th Annual OVC SETAC Meeting. Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, October 3rd, 2008.
- Wu, C., Witter, J.D., Spongberg, A.L., and K. Czajkowski. 2009a. Monitoring Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural Landscape, Western Lake Erie Basin. Water Research 43: 3407-3416.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. 2009b. Adsorption and degradation of triclosan and triclocarban in soils and biosolids amended soils. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 57: 4900-4905.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. 2009c. Sorption and biodegradation of selected antibiotics in biosolids. Journal of Environmental Science and Health Part A 44:5: 454-461.
- Esseili, M. A. 2009. Characterization of Fecal Pollution Sources Associated with Urban Runoff and Land Applied Biosolids. Ph.D. dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for The Doctor of Philosophy in Biology (Ecology-Track) at the University of Toledo.
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J.D. Witter. Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products in an Agricultural landscape, Western Lake Erie Basin. International Conference on Great Lakes Research, Toledo, OH, May 18-22, 2009.
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Progress 07/01/07 to 06/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: This report reflects work supported under this grant during its second year of operation. One other grant was running concurrently with this one, 2005-06223, in its third year. The majority of work conducted on this grant was during its first year. Human Pathogens in Runoff: The impact of biosolids application on microbial activity is in the process of being assessed using the fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (FDA) and community level physiological profiling. Aerosols: The air contaminant monitoring was continued and consisted of aerosol monitoring performed in two farm fields in Northwest Ohio. Samples included PM2.5, particle-size spectrum, and ultrafine particle measurement. The major activities covered on farm-field 1 were harvesting, sludge application, disking and planting. Challenging issues related to field monitoring continue to be: (1) the site activities schedule such as disking by the farmer has been extremely unpredictable therefore it is very difficult to coordinate sampling; (2) Weather conditions are very unpredictable. Modeling: A conceptual framework was put together to develop a screening model to determine the concentration and risk due to the aerosols released in air in nearby area after conducting a literature review on the subject. A spreadsheet model will be developed incorporating the classical Gaussian equations, turbulence theory from the USEPA's AERMOD model and one-hit exponential risk model. The screen model will incorporate the calculations for emission rates from typical applications using emission factors derived from the field studies reported in the literature. The model will also incorporate risk due to pathogens, particulate matter, and heavy metals. The model output is expected to give the concentration of the bioaerosol at different distances including contribution of pathogen, particulate matter, and heavy metals. The output will also incorporate daily one time exposure probability of infection and annual probability of exposure. The model will be evaluated using available data and the experimental data collected by other project researchers. Statistical indicators will be used to assess the performance of the model. GIS Database: Work on the GIS layers for the project continued with UT, BGSU and other OhioView consortium universities working together to compile information. UT generated addresses for the Lucas County epidemiological study. In addition, Central State U. compiled the EPA permitted fields that were missing from the Greene County EPA field shapefile. The database containing information on sludge application rates, nutrient and heavy metal composition has been linked with the Ohio EPA permitted fields layer for Greene County. A few additional sites not present in the original EPA permitted field layer were appended to the layer using the vicinity maps. Maps showing heavy metal application and sludge application rates have been plotted. Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products: We are currently investigating the degradation of specific pharmaceutical compounds in the biosolids under various environmental conditions. Epidemiological Study: Analysis of Lucas County data is being conducted. PARTICIPANTS: Faculty: Kevin Czajkowski - PI - GIS - Dept. of Geography and Planning (GEPL), U. of Toledo; Michael Bisesi, Sheryl Milz, Sadik Kudher, Farhang Akbar and Brian Fink -epidemiological study and bioaersols -Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security, U. of Toledo; Daryl Dwyer, Von Sigler, and Alison Spongberg - pathogens and pharmaceuticals, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo; Robert Vincent - GIS, remote sensing, Bowling Green State U; Peter Clapham - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Cleveland State U.; Mandy Munro-Stasiuk - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Kent State U.; Bradley Shellito - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Youngstown State U.; S.I. Sritharan and K.V. Nedunuri - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Water Resources, Central State U. Staff: Timothy Ault - GIS specialist - GEPL, U. of Toledo; Jason Witter - Research Technician and Hilary Nightingale, Research Technician, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo; April Ames - Project Manager, U. of Toledo; Patricia Grospiron - Ohio Aerospace Institute; Pam Stuffolino and Jona Scarbro - Lake Erie Center and Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo; Graduate Students: Malak Esseili, Issmat Kassem, Chenxi Wu - Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo; Stephanie Walker, Robert Funa, D Bell-Dzide, James Karichu - Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security, U. of Toledo; Advisory Committee: Frank Gibbs - USDA - Hancock County - Agricultural Dept.; Lou Glatzer - Professor Emeritus - Dept. of Earth, Ecological & Environmental Sciences at UT; Ellen Harrison - Director of Cornell Waste Management Institute; Troy Hertzfeld - Owner/Operator of a local chicken farm; Sheridan Kidd Haack - USGS - Lansing, Michigan; Lynda McCarthy - Ryerson U. - Ontario; Jack Ritchie - Superintendent - local recycling plastics firm; Alan Rubin - Retiree of US EPA; Jim Smith - US EPA - National Risk Management Research Laboratory - Cincinnati, OH TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audience is the biosolids research community, wastewater treatment plant works, local officials and the public. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
We have continued analysis of soil, water, and air samples. Data evaluation from the field experiments has resulted in the drafting and submittal of technical articles to peer-reviewed journals. Three articles are currently in press. Additionally, information has been presented at conferences and symposia.
Publications
- Wu, C., Spongberg, A.L., and J. D. Witter. 2008. Streamlined solid phase extraction and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of various pharmaceuticals in surface water. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry (In press).
- Akbar-Khanzadeh F, Ames, A, Bisesi M, Czajkowski K, Funa R, Walker S, Bell-Dzide D, Karichu J. Aerosol Concentration and Size Distribution in Two Agricultural Farm Fields during Application of Class B Biosolids and Other Major Farming Activities. Presented at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition, Minneapolis, Minnesota, May 31-June 5, 2008.
- Esseili, M., V. Sigler, I. Kassem and K. Esseili. 2008. Evidence for the offsite transport of pathogen indicator bacteria associated with land-application of biosolids. Presented at the 108th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, June 1-5, Boston, MA.
- Esseili, M, V. Sigler, I. Kassem and K. Esseili. 2008. Evidence for the offsite transport of E. coli associated with land-application of biosolids into surface water. Presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, March 29, Muncie, IN.
- Kassem, I., V. Sigler and M. Esseili. 2008. The detection of the mecA gene in antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens inhabiting fresh waters. Presented at the annual meeting of the Ohio Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, March 29, Muncie, IN.
- Sigler, V. 2007. Where is it coming from A community fingerprinting approach to microbial pollution source tracking. Presented at the Environmental Pathogens Information Network Regional Workshop, September 14, Chicago, IL.
- Esseili, M. V. Sigler and I. Kassem. 2008. Optimization of DGGE community fingerprinting for characterizing Escherichia coli communities associated with fecal pollution. Water Research (in press).
- Kassem, I., V. Sigler and M. Esseili. 2008. mecA-containing pathogens isolated from urban, recreational waters. Journal of Clinical Microbiology (in press).
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Progress 07/01/06 to 06/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The work conducted under this grant builds on previous work supported by the USDA. Human Pathogens in Runoff The impact of biosolids application on microbial activity is in the process of being assessed using the fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis assay (FDA) and community level physiological profiling (BIOLOG assays). Bioaerosol Data Collection We initiated a study to determine the potential for the use of impactors to sample bioaerosols on sludge-applied fields. For this, an outdoor wind tunnel was constructed by joining two temporary, open-ended, car-ports to make a 12 m x 3 m tunnel. Three, 1.2 m diameter fans were used to generate an air stream at one end of the tunnel. E. coli were dispersed by an FMC agricultural sprayer into the air stream generated by the fans. A 3 x 4 array of impactor samplers containing media designed to select for and differentiate E. coli were used to collect the aerosols dispersed throughout the tunnel. Overall, few E. coli were collected by the
impactors during several trials, suggesting that the water droplets were too large to carry the bacteria throughout the tunnel. The air contaminant monitoring for the USDA project was continued under this grant and consisted of bioaerosol and non-bioaerosol (aerosol) monitoring performed in two farm fields located in the cities of Perrysburg and Oregon. Samples included PM2.5, direct readout particle-size spectrum, and Ultrafine particle (< 0.1 microns) measurement. 12 days of aerosol sampling were conducted. The major activities covered on farm-field 1 were harvesting, sludge spray-application, discing and planting. Some of the most challenging issues related to bioaerosoal and aerosol field monitoring continue to be: (1) the site activities schedule such as discing by the farmer has been extremely unpredictable therefore it is very difficult to coordinate sampling; (2) Weather conditions are also very unpredictable. GIS Database Work on the GIS layers for the project continued with
UT, BGSU and other OhioView consortium universities working together to compile information. Of particular note, UT generated addresses for the Lucas County epidemiological study. In addition, Central State University compiled the EPA permitted fields that were missing from the Greene County EPA field shapefile. The database containing information on sludge application rates, nutrient and heavy metal composition has been linked with the Ohio EPA permitted fields layer for Greene County. A few additional sites not present in the original EPA permitted field layer were appended to the layer using the vicinity maps. Maps showing heavy metal application and sludge application rates have been plotted. Pharmaceutical Personal Care Products We are currently investigating the degradation of specific pharmaceutical compounds in the biosolids under various environmental conditions. Epidemiological Study An epidemiological survey was conducted in Lucas County Ohio. Surveys were sent out in a
similar fashion as the survey conducted in Wood County. Surveys have returned but analysis has not yet been conducted on this data set.
PARTICIPANTS: Faculty Kevin Czajkowski - PI - GIS - Dept. of Geography and Planning (GEPL), U. of Toledo Michael Bisesi, Sheryl Milz, Sadik Kumar, Farhang Ackbar and Brian Fink - epidemiological study and bioaersols -Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security, U. of Toledo Daryl Dwyer, Von Sigler, and Alison Spongberg - pathogens and pharmaceuticals, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo. Robert Vincent - GIS, remote sensing, co-investigator, Bowling Green State U. Peter Clapham - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Cleveland State U. Mandy Munro-Stasiuk - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Kent State U. Bradley Shellito - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Youngstown State U. S.I. Sritharan and K.V. Nedunuri - GIS expansion for Epi Study, Water Resources, Central State U. Staff Teresa Benko - Project Manager, Matthew Gottfried - Data Manager, Timothy Ault - GIS specialist - GEPL, U. of Toledo James Coss - Data Specialist, Lake Erie Center, U. of Toledo Jason Witter - Lab Technician and
Hilary Nightingale, Lab Technician, Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo April Ames and Melissa Witherspoon - Delta Environmental Patricia Grospiron - Ohio Aerospace Institute Graduate Students Michael Spalvieri, Stanislov Nikolov, Sumandeep Sudini, Jennifer Rader, and Xiaochun Wu - GEPL, U. of Toledo Pam Stuffolino and Jona Scarbro - Lake Erie Center and Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo Damien Terry - Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo Jonathan May and Stephanie Walker - Dept. of Public Health and Homeland Security, U. of Toledo Chris Tanner, Michael Bourne, Ghanasharyam Neupane, and Matthew Seudkamp - Dept. of Geology, Bowling Green State U. Undergraduate Students Stephen Kramer - GEPL, U. of Toledo Alycia Pittenger and Diana Brandon - Dept. of Environmental Sciences, U. of Toledo Bryan Smith, Taajwar Penn, Bartina Smith, and Antonio Proctor - Water Resources, Central State U. Melinda Stahl and Dan Gouch - Cleveland State U. Craig Strahler and Wook
Rak Jung - Dept. of Geography, Youngstown State Youngstown State U. Kristin Walls and Jennifer Amendola - Dept. of Geography, Kent State U. Our Advisory Board Members are as follows: Frank Gibbs - USDA - Hancock County - Agricultural Dept. Lou Glatzer - Professor Emeritus - Dept. of Earth, Ecological & Environmental Sciences at UT Troy Hertzfeld - Owner/Operator of a local chicken farm Sheridan Kidd Haack - USGS - Lansing, Michigan Lynda McCarthy - Ryerson U. - Ontario Jack Ritchie - Superintendent - local recycling plastics firm Alan Rubin - Recent Retiree of US EPA Jim Smith - US EPA - National Risk Management Research Laboratory - Cincinnati, OH
TARGET AUDIENCES: Our target audience are the biosolids research community, wastewate treatment plant works, local officials and then the public. We have been very careful in what we release to the public.
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: There were no major changes to the project.
Impacts
Preliminary results indicate that more study is required.
Publications
- Accepted: Khuder, S., S. Milz, M. Bisesi, K. Czajkowski, R. Vincent, and W. McNulty, 2007, Health Survey of Residents Living Near Biosolids Permitted Farm Fields, Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.
- Submitted: Spongberg, A. and J. Witter, 2007, Pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater treatment plant influent, effluent and sludge from Northwest Ohio, Science of the Total Environment.
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