Modeling the fate and transport of 17β-estradiol in the South River watershed in Virginia

摘要: Hormones excreted by livestock metabolisms often enter surface water through feces and urine can potentially cause adverse impacts to aquatic biota. This study involved a modeling analysis of 17β-estradiol (E2), prevalent estrogen, in the South River watershed located Augusta County, Virginia from 2013 2015. Cattle manure, poultry litter, biosolids, septic systems, wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were considered as sources E2 this study. The EPA's BASINS framework was configured track fate transport E2. first-order kinetics wash-off model adopted characterize attenuation results indicated that flow rate major input affecting simulated levels water. During storm events, on land transported into rivers runoff released streams diluted high flow. Variations concentrations depended relative magnitudes loads point nonpoint sources. Modeling showed below lowest observable effect level (LOEL) for fish. However, practices storing manure before application fencing off keep cattle out are encouraged prevent potential receiving feedlot runoff.