Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2008NE169B

Geographic trends in contamination of Nebraskas surface waters as indexed by sex steroids of common carp

Institute: Nebraska
Year Established: 2008 Start Date: 2008-03-01 End Date: 2009-03-28
Total Federal Funds: $28,880 Total Non-Federal Funds: $58,198

Principal Investigators: Kevin Pope, Alan Kolok, Daniel Snow

Abstract: The specific objective of this project is to document occurrence and concentrations of steroidogenic contaminants in water from 20 lakes and reservoirs throughout Nebraska and examine geographic variation in effects of sex steroids on adult common carp. We hypothesize that sex steroid profiles will vary considerably across the state, and will be associated with bioavailability of steroidogenic compounds within each water body. If correct, this study will provide preliminary data and direction for proposals geared at the USGS 104 G and US EPA STAR programs to access potential risks associated with contamination of surface waters, which was identified by UNL Water Center and Water Resources Research Initiative as a top 10 water challenge for Nebraska.