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Research Rationale

Rebecca Renner reported on the presenence of hormones in cattle feedlots. This article states "The central question raised ... is whether steroids are adsorbed to the soil or whether they go into the drainage water."

Photograph from Renner (2002; ES&T 36:194A-197A)

Experimental Procedures

In our studies, we have done a series of experiments using agriculturally significant soils and a sequence of hormones.

Batch sorption and column transport experiments were used to identify the fate and transport of radio-labeled 17b-estradiol and testosterone in a series of soils that contain various organic matter and particles sizes.

Sorption, transport, and transformation processes were observed and modeled using Hydrus-1D.

 

Batch Sorption

A vial was filled with soil, water, and small amounts of 14C labeled hormone. Concentrations were measured through time to identify the sorption behavior through time and at different concentrations.

Column Transport

 14C 17b-estradiol and testosterone were applied at the surface of a 16 cm long column and the effluent was analyzed for the presence of eradicable compound. Thin layer chromatography was then used to identify whether the 14C was "parent" compound or if it was a metabolite.

Results

 

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Feb, 2006

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