The average number of emerging contaminants detected was greatest in wastewater influent and effluent, landfill leachate, and ground water underlying a waste dump (41, 27, 34, and 14 compounds, respectively), and least in ground and drinking water (1 and 2, respectively). The number of compounds detected in surface water varied with site proximity to wastewater effluent discharge. Stream sites located directly downstream of wastewater treatment plant discharge had a greater average number of detections (9) than sites not in direct proximity to wastewater discharge (4). Thirteen emerging contaminants detected in this study are documented endocrine disrupters; however, few aquatic or human health standards exist for the compounds analyzed, so the risks to humans and ecosystems are not known.

Available Publications

Lee, K.E., Barber, L.B., Cahill, J.D., Furlong E.T., Kolpin, D.W., Meyer, M.T., Zaugg, S.D., 2004, Presence and distribution of organic wastewater compounds in wastewater, surface, ground, and drinking waters, Minnesota, 2000-02: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific-Investigations Report 2004-5138.

More Information

• Project contact: Kathy Lee
• Reconnaissance of Organic Wastewater Indicators in Minnesota Water Resources