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Indicators for Pesticides, Nutrients, and Toxic Chemicals in Midwest Streams
Objective:
Development of benthic macroinvertebrate and algae indicator database for pesticides, nutrients, and toxic chemicals as part of the Landscape Indicators for Pesticide Study (LIPS).
Approach:
- Measure pesticides, pesticide metabolites, nutrients, and major ions in stream water and sediment
- Identify taxa that are indicative of targeted pollutants
- Determine if indicator taxa can be used to assess pesticide contamination in streams
Why This Research Is Needed:
Pesticides, nutrients, industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals can dramatically affect water quality and stream biota in areas with substantial agricultural, industrial, or urban development. Since thorough measurements are not possible in every watershed because of cost and practical constraints, biological indicators may offer a means to efficiently estimate the condition of streams with respect to pesticides and other stressors in the Midwest.
EERD Experience:
- 2001 sampled streams in the Mid-Atlantic Region
- 2002-2003 began planning for 2004 Midwest stream sampling
- 2003 participated in LIPS Midwest rollout workshops
- 2004 sampled streams in the Midwest, sample analyses to be completed in July 2005
Expected Outputs/Outcomes:
Indicators of pesticides in streams will help stakeholders to identify impaired or imperiled waters results from pesticides.
Partners:
Contact: Michael D. Moeykens (moeykens.michael@epa.gov) Cincinnati, OH