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Molecular Tracers of Contaminant Sources to Surface Water Drinking Supplies

EPA Grant Number: R828159
Title: Molecular Tracers of Contaminant Sources to Surface Water Drinking Supplies
Investigators: Standley, Laurel J. , Kaplan, Louis A. , Newbold, J. Denis
Institution: Stroud Water Research Center, Inc
EPA Project Officer: Krishnan, Bala S.
Project Period: July 1, 2000 through December 31, 2001 (Extended to December 31, 2002)
Project Amount: $220,000
RFA: Exploratory Research - Environmental Chemistry (1999)
Research Category: Engineering and Environmental Chemistry

Description:

The objective of this research is to develop a more quantitative method for apportioning the contribution of contaminants from point source effluents and nonpoint source runoff to surface waters that are drinking water supplies (e.g., rivers and reservoirs). In preliminary research, we developed a suite of molecular tracers for several potential contaminant sources that included waste water treatment plants, agricultural runoff, urban/suburban runoff, and wildlife. Although accurate, the molecular tracer method is not yet quantitative. We hypothesize that: (1) unique compounds, i.e. molecular tracers, that are constituents of runoff or effluent of contaminant sources reflect the contribution of these sources to contaminant budgets in drinking water supplies; (2) although the in-stream fate of contaminants and corresponding molecular tracers may differ, selection of more than one tracer can strengthen quantification of contaminant sources; and (3) threshold values for molecular tracers can be determined that are predictive for unacceptable levels of contamination (i.e. contaminant threshold values).

Approach:

Our approach is threefold: (1) concentrations and relative proportions of molecular tracers will be determined for contaminant sources; (2) the distribution of tracers in various riverine compartments (e.g. water column, suspended particles, and sediments) will be measured in receiving waters of study streams; and (3) transport and transformation processes that control the riverine fate of the molecular tracers will be investigated.

Expected Results:

Results from this research will provide essential information regarding tracer occurrence and fate that is needed to develop a quantitative method for apportioning sources of contaminants in drinking water supplies. By quantitatively addressing fate and transport of the molecular tracers in streams and rivers, this work will provide the framework for future modeling efforts. Beneficiaries of this work include the drinking water industry and all users of water resources by targeting remedial efforts where they will achieve the greatest improvement.

Publications and Presentations:

Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 3 publications for this project

Supplemental Keywords:

risk assessment, water quality, , Water, Air, Scientific Discipline, Waste, RFA, Remediation, Engineering, Chemistry, & Physics, Drinking Water, Wet Weather Flows, Hydrology, Environmental Chemistry, Contaminated Sediments, drinking water contaminants, treatment, water quality, wastewater treatment, molecular tracer, other - risk management, fate and transport, monitoring, surface water, quantitative method, nonpoint source runoff, contaminated sediment, agriculture, contaminant transport, transport containment, non-point sources, point source effluents, threshold values

Progress and Final Reports:
2000 Progress Report
Final Report

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.

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