Watershed Scale Fate and Transport of Hormones From Poultry Waste.

Steroid hormones are classified as endocrine disruptive compounds which have potential adverse impact on ecosystem and human health. We are in the process of a watershed-level survey of hormone occurrence in Upper Satilla River Basin in southeast Georgia, where poultry industry is heavily populated. Both water and sediment samples are being collected from 12 sample sites on a predetermined schedule and at storm events. Common water quality parameters are monitored at the time of sample collection. 17β-estradiol, estrone, estriol, ethinylestradiol and testosterone will be analyzed and used as indicators of contamination. The objectives are to determine the occurrence and level of hormones on a watershed level, and identify the relationship, if any, between the occurrence and magnitude of hormones pollution and poultry farming and/or land application of poultry manure as well as environmental conditions.