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Fate of Hormones in Waste from Concentrated Broiler Feeding Operations

EPA Grant Number: R833419
Title: Fate of Hormones in Waste from Concentrated Broiler Feeding Operations
Investigators: Cabrera, Miguel L. , Fairchild, Brian D. , Franklin, Dorcas H. , Hartel, Peter G. , Hassan, Sayed , Kissel, David E. , Radcliffe, David E. , Vencill, William K.
Institution: University of Georgia , USDA, ARS
EPA Project Officer: Laessig, Susan A.
Project Period: July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2010
Project Amount: $695,620
RFA: Fate and Effects of Hormones in Waste from Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOS) (2006)
Research Category: Endocrine Disruptors

Description:

Objective:

a) determine concentrations of 17β-estradiol, estrone, and testosterone in different classes of broiler litter; b) evaluate the effect of stacking broiler litter on the dynamics of hormone concentrations; c) evaluate the transport and decomposition of radiolabeled hormones mixed with broiler litter and applied on the soil surface; and d) evaluate the effect of runoff occurring at different times after broiler litter application, as well as the effect of mechanical aeration, on the concentration of hormones in surface runoff from grassed plots.

Approach:

A subset of broiler litter samples received by the Agricultural and Environmental Services Laboratory of the University of Georgia will be divided into different classes, and hormone concentrations in each class will be determined. Broiler litter in five stack houses will be sampled at the beginning and end of a storage period to determine the dynamics of hormone concentrations during storage. Radiolabeled hormones in their pure state or mixed with broiler litter will be applied to the surface of soil columns to evaluate transport and decomposition. Grassed, small plots (1.5 x 2 m) will receive simulated rainfall at different times after broiler litter application, in summer and winter, and runoff water and soil samples will be collected and analyzed for hormone concentrations. Grassed, large plots (0.8 ha) fertilized with broiler litter will be used to evaluate the effect of mechanical aeration on the concentration of hormones in soil and surface runoff under field conditions.

Expected Results:

Information on hormone concentration in different classes of broiler litter and at different broiler litter storage times will be useful to determine where research efforts should be concentrated to reduce hormone concentrations. Information on transport and decomposition of hormones in broiler litter placed on the soil surface would allow a better assessment of the risk of contaminating ground and surface waters with hormones in grasslands fertilized with broiler litter. Information on the effect of grassland aeration will be useful to determine if this practice should be used to reduce contamination of surface runoff with hormones derived from broiler litter.

Supplemental Keywords:

risk assessment, water, endocrine disruptors, animal waste, poultry, agriculture, Southeast, ecology,

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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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