Research on the impacts of emerging contaminants on the environment is an important component of ERC research. Knowledge of which compounds, and at what concentrations, significantly impact environmental health, facilitates strategic investment on those issues that have the greatest impact on environmental and human health. For example, several ERC researchers are contributing in the areas of the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals and heavy metals in Missouri rivers.

                                                                         Current Projects in the ERC:

The Wronkiewicz/Adams/Mendoza group is conducting a comprehensive study of the transport and bioavailability of heavy metals in the Big and Black Rivers. These streams have been impacted by mining activity. The heavy metals investigated included lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, cobalt and nickel. It has been found that the distribution and speciation due to metal contaminants in these streams is dominated by particulate material transport due to the slightly alkaline chemistry of the Missouri water systems and low solubility of many metal species. Also, it was found that high flows (floods) are responsible for the efficient transport of contaminated sediments (Sponsors: EPA, Missouri Water Resources Center) (See Faeth et al. 2003; Wronkiewicz et al., 2003; Faeth et al., 2004a; Faeth et al., 2004b.)

• The Huang research group is examining the impacts of pesticide use in Missouri and elsewhere on the reproduction rates and endocrine impacts for amphibians. The work will help establish concentrations of pesticides that may pose significant reproductive impacts on struggling amphibian populations.
  
  
• The Adams/Huang/Gale research group examined correlations between concentrations of heavy metals in game fish and in sediments in Missouri rivers. The metals included endocrine disruptors (e.g., cadmium) as well as lead, zinc and copper. (Sponsor: Doe Run Corp) (See Gale et al., 2004.)
  
  
• The Maglia research group conducted preliminary surveys of mine-drainage exposed amphibian populations and began preliminary teratogenic assays of effects of mine drainage on frog development. The group also surveyed several Acris crepitans populations from Missouri with known malformations. The team described normal development in the species (to be used for baseline comparisons to malformations) and described and categorized several previously unidentified malformations in this declining species.