Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2012KY207B

Sampling for pharmaceuticals in Kentucky surface waters

Institute: Kentucky
Year Established: 2012 Start Date: 2012-03-01 End Date: 2013-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $5,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $10,022

Principal Investigators: E. Glynn Beck

Abstract: A USDA Southern Regional Water Program pilot study is being conducted to assess the presence of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in surface water in 10 southern states. As part of that pilot study, 8-10 watersheds will be sampled for Fluoroquinolones (antibiotics) and estrogen in Kentucky. This proposal will expand on the USDA pilot study in Kentucky by including 6 additional watersheds throughout the state (2 eastern, 2 central, and 2 western Kentucky) to provide better geographical and land use coverage and build on the existing/ongoing emerging contaminant research. An undergraduate chemistry student will be trained in field sampling and laboratory analytical methods associated with the selected PPCPs. Surface water samples will be analyzed for antibiotics and estrogen using ELISA kits in conjunction with a microtiter plate reader (for the antibiotics) and a magnetic particle reader (for estrogen).