Progress 08/15/08 to 08/31/12
Outputs
Target Audience: Target Audiences: Northwest Ohio has one public access to lake Erie located within Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP), which provides recreational access for an economically depressed region with a high percentage of racial minorities. Attendance has decreased by 50% in the last decade due to high levels of Escherichia coli and algae.The goal was to identify means by which pollutants from agriculture and business could be intercepted at the land-water interface prior to entering western Lake Erie. Thus, the target audience includes: recreational and commercial (fishing) users of Lake Erie, owners of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), agricultural users of biosolids that are produced during sewage treatment processes, and businesses with a legacy of pollutants. Efforts: Target audiences were reached via the activities of members of the Maumee Bay Bacterial Task Force, an advisory and oversight comittee established for this project and for other projects of ours that involve remediation and restoration of the target site. Members include representatives of Lucas County Health Department; the City of Oregon, OH; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources; Hull and Associates, Toledo, OH; US Army Corps of Engineers; the Toledo Mdtropolitan Area Council of Governments; Lucas County Engineer's Office; the Lake Erie Center; the University of Toledo; the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; and Jerusalem Township, OH. Three MS candidates, one Ph.D. candidate and three undergraduates student researchers were instructed during this time with respect to the project's methodology and scope. Presentations and publications by pertinent individuals are provided in the following section. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Training Activities: Students trained in whole or part within this grant's purview by faculty mentors - 3 M.S. candidates (completed); 4 Ph.D. cadidates (3 completed, one in progress); one postdoctoral researcher. Students involved directly in this project and others from relevant Departments took Restoration Ecology in which the study is used as a case study. Attendance was 8 - 10 students per year. Professional Development: Students are required to present their findings at national/regional scientific conferences (Listed previously); students also attend workshops relevant to the research area. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results are regularly reported during quartlery meetings of the Wolf Creek Committee which includes political jurisdictions of the watershed, the state and Wood and Lucas County agencies, theUniversityofToledo, the Ohio DNR, and with TMACOG (Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments) serving as a facilitator. Minutes of the meetings are made available to the public (http://www.tmacog.org/Environment/Wolf_Creek.htm) as are plans for projects designed to improve water quality for the Wolf Creek Watershed and specifically western Lake Erie. The first meeting for hte general public to learn of our projects was held in 2007. The next meeting will be held in Spring of 2015. Dr. Dwyer has been interviewed by local television stations on several occassions (e.g.http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/26218519/ut-pond-naturally-removes-phosphorous-bacteria-from-runoff-water) during which the outcome of the research has been disseminated. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact: Disposal of wastes from confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), waste water treatment plants, and manufacturing industries can potentially introduce pathogens, inorganic (e.g. nutrients and metals) and organic compounds (e.g. antibiotics and hormones) into the environment. Disposal from CAFOs and waste treatment processes often involve the application of processed wastes to farm fields that benefit from the inherent organics and nutrients. Farm field irrigation and rain water may transport microorganisms and organics into nearby surface and groundwater. Each soil and transportable agent have properties that influence the rate and extent to which transport occurs. By creating models that explain transport, it is possible to predict the appropriate width of soil buffer strips that will limit off-site transport and the distances from soil surface to drainage tiles that will retain these agents at the site of application. Students and faculty worked to produce both conceptual and mathematical models for these predictions with partners that included the Webzra dairy (CAFO), the Port Clinton, OH wastewater treatment plant (biosolids) and an industry that was involved in glass manufacturing (arsenic) for which a confidentiality agreement is in place. The models were tested in mesocosms built at the University of Toledo's Stranahan Arboretum. The models accurately predicted transport for bacteria; other models for arsenic and organics are still in development. Publications are in preparation (theses have been completed) to describe how the models can be used to predict soil depth and buffer strip width for on-site containment of bacteria. The accomplishments for the above goals are addressed in sequential order. i) Model creation - Major activities completed/experiments conducted: The initial model used to describe bacterial transport was based on the advection-dispersion model created by Ron Harvey and colleagues for the transport of colloids through a sand-gravel aquifer: C(t)/Co = Vo/(Aq(4paL*x)(0.5) exp[-( x-x’ )2/(4αL*x’ )-kpx’] Experiments were done in the laboratory to determine if a modified version of the model could be used for bacterial transport in a soil matrix by passing Escherichia coli through soil columns and statistically comparing model output to actual values for distance-dependent densities of the bacterium. Data collected: Agricultural soil was packed into vertical glass columns; a solution of sodium bromide was passed through the columns to obtain parameters (time, velocity of flow and volumetric flow) for the model as written above. Once flow parameters were obtained, the model was used to predict the densities of Escherichia coli that would be present in the outfall of each column. To obtain the data, water containing E. coli was passed through each column; effluent was collected and bacterial densities were enumerated. Data for bacterial densities then were statistically compared to model predictions. Summary statistics and discussion of results: The model was accurate for the column distances tested, ranging from 30 cm (r-squared values of 0.98) to 60 cm (r-squared values of 0.74). This level of accuracy lead to field experiments to verify the models predictive capabilities. By having a model that is based on soil and microbial characteristics, it should be possible to predict distance-dependent densities for any combination of soil and microorganism. Field practitiioners could use the model to determine the necessary width of buffer strips to retain microorganisms and necessary depth from soil surface to drainage tiles to retain microorganisms (in both cases, the goal is to reduce densities of microorganisms to levels that are appropriate for entering the environment. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: A model that can be used to predict distance-dependent densities of bacteria through soil was verified as accurate in its predictive capabilities using soil microcosms. ii and iii) Model verification and extension to CAFO-derived pollutants - Major activities completed/experiments conducted: The predictive capabilities of the advection-dispersion model were verified with experiments using meso-scale field microcosms. In-ground, lysimeters (diameter = 4 feet; depth = 2 feet; n=3) were used to simulate microbial transport with vertical flow of water; in-ground, horizontal cells (length = 6 feet; depth = 2 feet; n=4) were used to simulate transport with both a vertical and horizontal flow path. Transport of E. coli was monitored for each system in saturated flow conditions and the data compared to the corresponding model outputs. Data Collected: Solutions of sodium bromide were passed through the mesocosm soils to obtain appropriate model parameters. E. coli were then added to either CAFO-derived liquid or biosolids obtained from a sewage treatment plant; the suspensions containing the bacteria were then applied to the surfaces of the lysimeters and field cells, respectively. Distance-dependent densities of bacteria exiting collection points for both types of mesocosm were obtained over time and compared to the model predictions to determine the accuracy of the model in a simulated field setting. Summary statistics and discussion of results: The model successfully predicted distance-dependent densities of E. colifor the lysimeters (r-squared value of 0.48) and field cells (r-squared value of 0.70). These results verify the accuracy of the model under field settings and lead to transport experiments. Key outcomes or other accomplishments realized: The advection-dispersion model was verified under field settings as accurately describing transport of E. coli through soils present in mesocosms that simulate agricultural buffer strips (lysimeters) and tile drainage in agricultural fields (field cells). For typical ag-soils in NW Ohio, our results suggest that minimum distance for bacterial transport through a sandy loam soil to achieve densities of 126 CFU (colony forming units) ofE. coliper100 mL (Ohio EPA Water Quality Standards) is 254 cm and to achieve densities of 576 CFU ofE. coliper100 mL (EPA - Infrequent Full Body Contact standard) is 123 cm. For a silt-loam soil, the minimum distance needed to achieve densities of 576 CFU ofE. coliper100 mL (EPA - Infrequent Full Body Contact standard) is 80 cm. Using these criteria, the model may be used by practitioners to determine for fields receiving biosolids and liquid manure if (1) the width of buffer strips and (2) the depth from soil surface to drainage tiles are sufficient for the containment of bacteria. iv) Design of a wetland for Maumee Bay State Park - Major activities completed/experiments conducted: A comprehensive design was completed for a wetland within Maumee Bay State Park (MBSP), Ohio. Data collected: N/A Summary statistics and discussion of results: N/A Key outcomes and other accomplishments realized: The design was used in the appllication for a grant from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to construct a wetland within MBSP that would reduce the input of E. coli to Lake Erie. The grant was funded in 2011 for ~ $1.4 M. Wetland construction is scheduled for completion in August 2014, after which monitoring will be done to assess any improvement in water quality as a result of the removal of E. coli.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Kamalika Ganguly, Jordan R.Rofkar, Jonathan M. Bossenbroek. Using an Agent Based Model to examine Arsenic flow and Uptake by plants. Abstract presented at 28th Annual International Conference on Soils, Sediments, Water and Energy, October 15-18, 2012, Amherst, MA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Long, D.M.* R.W. Jackwood, J.R. Rofkar, P.M. McLain, and D. F. Dwyer (2013) Predicting the Roles of Soil Depth and Type on Transport of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in Biosolids Using an Advection-Dispersion Model. Midwest Graduate Research Symposium. The University of Toledo, Toledo OH, April 20th, 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Long, D.M.* R.W. Jackwood, J.R. Rofkar, P.M. McLain, and D. F. Dwyer (2013) Predicting the Roles of Soil Depth and Type on Transport of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in Biosolids Using an Advection-Dispersion Model. Ohio Academy of Science Regional Science Consortium. The University of Findlay, Findlay OH, April 6th , 2013.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Long, D. M.* and D.F. Dwyer. (2013). Human Biosolids and Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Retention Time and Soil Depth on Survival and Transport of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and Coliphage in Biosolid-amended Agricultural Soil. Sustainable U conference, Toledo OH, November 1st, 2012.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Jackwood, R.W. Predicting fate and transport of fecal bacteria through soils using an advection-dispersion model. The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Long, Danielle, M. The role of retention time and soil depth on the survival and transport of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. in biosolid amended soil. The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Gorr, Matthew. Arsenic remediation using constructed treatment wetlands. The University of Toledo. Toledo, OH.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Rofkar, J. R., D. F. Dwyer and D. M. Bobak. 2014. Uptake and toxicity of arsenic, copper, and silicon in Azolla caroliniana and Lemna minor. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 16:155-166.
- Type:
Book Chapters
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Chowdhury, R., D. S. Apul, and D. F. Dwyer. 2009. Preliminary studies for designing a wetland for arsenic treatment. Groundwater Modeling, Management, and Contamination. F. K Luka and L. W. Jonas, eds., Nova Publishers, pp. 151-166
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Kamalika Ganguly, Jordan R.Rofkar, Jonathan M. Bossenbroek.Development of an Agent Based Model for predicting Arsenic flow and uptake through a small-scale constructed wetland.Abstract presented at Swarmfest 2013: Annual Swarmfest Conference, July 8-9, 2013, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Ganguly, K., J. Rofkar, J.M. Bossenbroek. Using an Agent Based Model to Examine Arsenic Flow and Uptake by Plants. The University of Toledo, Midwest Graduate research symposium, March 24 2012. Regional (V)
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Jackwood, Ryan, Dwyer, Daryl. (2013). Role of Retention Time and Soil Depth on transport and Survival of Esherichia coli. 2013 National Nonpoint Source Monitoring Conference & Workshops. Cleveland, Oh, October 28-30, 2013
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Long, D.M.*(2013) Role of soil depth and retention time on the survival of E. coli, Enterococcus and F+ coliphage in biosolid-amended agricultural fields. Central Catholic High School, Toledo OH, January 22nd, 2013.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2013
Citation:
Rofkar, J. R. and D. F. Dwyer. 2013. Irrigation of three wetland plant species and a hyperaccumulating fern with arsenic-laden solutions: observations of growth, arsenic uptake, nutrient status, and chlorophyll content. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 15:561-572.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2010
Citation:
Rofkar, J. R. and D. F. Dwyer. 2010. Effects of light regime, temperature, and plant age on uptake of arsenic by Spartina pectiniata and Carex strict. International Journal of Phytoremediation. 13:528-537
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Progress 08/15/08 to 08/14/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs: (1) Greenhouse- and laboratory-based, wetland microcosms were used to study the hydraulic properties of the soil that will be used for eventual wetland construction. Small microcosms (56 x 15 x 14 cm) were constructed with input and output ports and samplers to collect pore water throughout the soil matrices. Solutions of bromide were used as conservative tracers and passed through these microcosms. The time to reach the samplers was used to model the movement of water. Experiments were repeated using large-scale wetland mesocosms (3 x 1.2 x 1.2 m) located at the Environmental Remediation and Restoration Experimental Park, at the Stranahan Arboretum, the University of Toledo. The data are being analyzed as part of the Master of Science thesis for Mr. Matthew Gorr using a modified version of Hydrus 2D (PC Progress, Inc.). The results will be used as a baseline model by which we can predict the movement of water through wetlands. This baseline will be used to study the movement of both industrially-derived arsenic and chemical compounds and microorganisms that are present in wastes obtained from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). (2) Methods were developed to detect and quantify a number of organic contaminants that are associated with agricultural and animal husbandry runoff. Extraction of the chemical compounds from dairy wastes was done by extraction using solid phase and/or pressurized liquid extraction (SPE and PLE, respectively). Methods to detect and identify these compounds were developed using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The chemicals studied to date include natural and synthetic hormones (Group 1) plus an assortment of human and animal associated antibiotics and antimicrobials (Group 2). (3) Funding was obtained from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to purchase land that will be used to develop wetlands to intercept contaminants that are present in the Wolf Creek watershed, prior to its entering Lake Erie. We are working with the Maumee Bay Bacterial Task Force (MMBTF), which includes an engineering firm, Hull and Associates, to design the wetlands that will be used for this purpose. Data from the above tasks and from two other USDA-funded projects will be used in for the purpose of creating the design. Separate reports entered via forms AD-421 describe these two projects. Events/dissemination: Quarterly meetings of the MBBTF are used to update the group and to disseminate information. This group includes the Ohio EPA, Lucas County Department of Health, the Toledo Area Metropolitan Council of Governments, and the City of Oregon, in which the wetlands will be constructed. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Daryl Dwyer (PI) has been responsible for oversight of the project team and advised one Master's degree candidate, Matthew Gorr, who is currently writing his thesis. Defne Apul (co-PI) has advised one PhD student, Jill Shalabi, working on model development and verification. Unfortunately, Ms. Shalabi has left the degree program for health reasons. Alison Spongberg (co-PI) has done method development for antibiotic and hormone quantification. She has advised one Ph.D student, Chenxi Wu, who is writing his Ph.D dissertation. She also has one technician, Mr. Jason Witter, who performed much of the method development. Von Sigler (co-PI) obtained a Master's degree candidate during the reporting period, Lawrence Deardruff, who is starting the microbiological work outlined in the proposal. Partner organizations include: the USDA-ARS located at the University of Toledo for heavy metal analysis and members of the Maumee Bay Bacterial Task Force, including Hull and Associates, Inc., Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, City of Oregon, and United States Geological Survey, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Lucas County Health Department. Collaborators include Professors Jonathon Bossenbroek, Jamie Martin-Hayden, and Richard Becker in the Department of Environmental Sciences, who are helping with model formulation. Training and development: Two undergraduate students were hired as researchers for the microcosm and mesocosm studies under the direction of Daryl Dwyer. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: The project was initiated with Matthew Gorr working on the data collection and development of wetland micro- and mesocosms and with Jill Shalabi working with him on model development. With the departure of Ms. Shalabi, Dr. Dwyer needed to do the modeling aspect of the work with Mr. Gorr. His thesis objective was altered for this reason. The work appears to be progressing with the help of the above mentioned collaborators. Mr. Deardruff also started his degree program only at the end of the reporting period, which means that we are one year behind in that aspect of the work. This was unavoidable, as we did not have graduate candidates available at the time that the grant was initiated.
Impacts
Sensitive detection of Group 1 compounds by LC-MS/MS using electrospray ionization (ESI) has been achieved by combining a derivitization agent to the sample matrix post extraction. Quantification was achieved using isotope dilution and standard calibration curves. A single stage reverse SPE extraction using Supelco ENVI-18 material has been found to work well (recoveries >80%) for most Group 1 compounds. PLE of hormones from manure and soil by use of a Dionex ASE-200 is still in process of being developed. The detection and extraction of Group 2 compounds of interest was achieved using a combination of SPE, PLE and LC-MS/MS detection. Extraction using PLE and further clean up using SPE for soil, biosolids and plant material was optimized and returned acceptable recoveries with low variation (>80% recovery and <20% variation in general). Detection limits are in the ng L-1 or ug g-1 for most compounds. The plant species Azolla caroliniana was tested in single dosing experiments in both single compound and mixed matrices. Biomass, biomass concentration and solution concentration were evaluated. This preliminary experimentation will help narrow the necessary parameters needed to further test effects of spiking on biomass (i.e. chlorophyll and biomass area), and contaminant interaction with inorganic co-constituents such as arsenic. Preliminary data show that at tested concentrations an effect on biomass was detected in mixed matrices, and that most group 2 compounds have uptake potential.
Publications
- Wu, Chenxi, A.L. Spongberg and J.D. Witter. 2008. Use of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous determination of various pharmaceuticals in surface water. The International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry 88/14: 1033-1048.
- Wu, Chenxi, A.L. Spongberg and J.D. Witter. 2009 Pharmaceutical and personal care products in an agricultural landscape, Western Lake Erie Basin. IAGLR, Toledo, Ohio, May 22, 2009.
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