Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Sunday, June 29th, Business meeting 1. Lakhwinder Hundal welcomed the attendees and introduced Lola Olabode from WERF to the group. Lola provided a brief update on WERF’s initiative on trace organics (TOrCs) research and data gathering efforts to assist USEPA with risk assessment of TOrCs in land applied biosolids. 2. Rick Stevens, USEPA made a presentation and demonstrated use of a risk screening tool (BCRAM) developed by EPA. The screening toll can be used to determine potential risks from TOrCs in land applied biosolids. Rick also discussed risk assessment of (Barium, Beryllium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Silver, 4-Choroaniline, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Nitrate, and Nitrite land applied biosolids. W-2170 members had a good discussion with Rick. Some members volunteered to review the document and provide comments to Rick. 3. Update from Project Director – Jeff Steiner – Jeff gave W-3170 approval update and gave the good news that the renewal proposal has been officially approved and we are now officially called W-3170 Committee. He emphasized on demonstrating the impact of research conducted by the committee members. He also indicated that he will not accept individual progress reports. The progress report should be for the entire committee and should clearly show what was accomplished, what is its impact, and what was done to educate the stakeholders (public outreach and education components) and disseminate information. 4. Selected members presented state reports. 5. Ellen Phillips made a presentation and shared challenges she faced while discussing biosolids in Cook County, Illinois, and the type of information is needed to address user concerns and public perception about biosolids. She suggested that the group should prepare a white paper addressing common concerns/perceptions about metals in biosolids. 6. Group had a good discussion on this issue. Some members decided to continue this discussion with each other to come up with some ideas for the group to explore. 7. Future Meetings: Nick Basta offered to host the meeting in Columbus. Chip Elliot offered to host it in State College. 2015: Lakhwinder Hundal proposed to host the next meeting along with WEFTEC in Chicago. 2016: Columbus, OH (proposed by Nick Basta) Objective 1: Evaluate the chemistry and bioavailability of trace elements, organic microconstituents and nutrients in residuals and residuals-amended soils to assess the environmental and health risks. The research performed to accomplish objective 1included a) direct chemical measurements of nitrogen, phosphorus, trace elements, and organic compounds in the applied residual and upon transformation and/or transport through the environment and b) bioassays to assess bioavailability. Impact: Research studies conducted by Nick Basta (Ohio Sate University and MWRDGC collaborative study) show that biosolids is a highly desirable material to restore and revitalize soil ecosystem services to degraded soils in urban areas. Study was conducted to evaluate soil blends that include biosolids restored ecosystem services in the degraded Calumet, IL area. Beneficial use of biosolids in this manner is very “green.” Urban organic byproducts are reused in the soil blends. Our farmland soil, often used as “borrowed soil” to restore urban degraded land, is not needed for restoration thus preserving our farmland natural resource for future generations. Research conducted by Dr. Brown (University of Washington) show that use of biosolids and other residuals based soil amendments also offers multiple opportunities and benefits for urban agriculture. Previous work has shown that high Fe biosolids composts can reduce the bioaccessibility of soil Pb in situ (Brown et al., 2012). This work has been continued by other members of the W 3170 research group (Ganga Hettiarachchi, Kansas State University). Our work has also shown that use of biosolids soil products can improve soil properties (McIvor et al., 2012). As community gardens sprout across the country, using residuals soils amendments has the potential to make these gardens grow. Successful garden programs result in healthier communities by improving nutrition, increasing physical activity and increasing community strength. There are environmental consequences of being able to predict the transport of antibiotics in the soil profile. If the antibiotics remain in the surface soil, this approach of applying wastewater effluent to managed lands in excess of plant water requirements, reduces the quantity of antibiotics delivered to surface water sources. Direct exposure of aquatic species to antibiotics and antibiotic resistant microorganisms from wastewater disposal via discharge to surface waters is thus reduced. There are economic and environmental consequences to the development of antibiotic resistance in microorganisms living in soil irrigated with wastewater effluent. If the resistance development poses greater risks for human health or the environment than direct discharge of effluent to surface water bodies, the alternative of reuse for irrigation and groundwater recharge may be somewhat constrained.

Evaluating and understanding the chemistry and availability of contaminants in various waste residuals is critical to safe and sustainable management of the wastes. For the major management practice of land application, being able to predict the behavior of the contaminants is paramount. Of the many potential contaminants in biosolids and animal manures, trace organic compounds, also known as micro-constituents, are of special interest. Emphasis was given to mathematical model development to predict micro-constituent behavior, particularly losses to water bodies, in amended soils, and to estimation of risk to humans and the environment from the applied waste constituents. Data from several studies, both laboratory and field were used to calibrate and test the mathematical model of micro-constituent loss to water bodies. Human risk assessments were based on parameters measured in turfed areas irrigated with reclaimed water. Micro-constituent (specifically, endocrine disrupting chemicals) were quantified in the irrigation water, on grass surfaces, and on denim dragged over the wet grass and used to estimate exposure of a young child playing on the grass soon after irrigation. The modeling effort suggested that only small percentage losses of micro-constituents that are water-insoluble are likely, except under extraordinary conditions. Modeling efforts also identified soil, waste, and environmental conditions where losses could be significant, and where additional research is necessary. Risk assessment using highly conservative estimates of child behavior (that result in extraordinary exposure), nevertheless suggested minimal hazard. Concentrations of endocrine disruptors in the reclaimed waters were low, exposures to children were low, and overall risk was exceptionally small except under unique conditions. Risk associated with the reuse of reclaimed waters was estimated individually for select compounds and may under-estimate risk associated with the total array of chemicals that can be present. Additional characterization of reclaimed waters for additional chemicals is suggested to support the growing use of reclaimed waters in a safe and sustainable manner. William and Watson also investigated the development of antibiotic resistance in soil microorganisms living in soil at the site of effluent irrigation. Initial results indicate an increase in resistance to the widely used antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole. Additional work will be conducted to confirm these initial results. William and Watson investigated the use of Hydrus 1D and Hydrus 2D for the purpose of predicting the transport of calcium, magnesium and sodium through soil receiving approximately 150 to 250 cm of effluent per year. We found strong agreement between predicted and measured concentrations, indicating the model parameters utilized represented the site very well. The increase in the ratio of sodium to calcium + magnesium at deeper depths of the soil indicates the potential for the development of future reductions in the ability of water to drain from the profile. As a part of this effort we obtained sorption data and dispersivity data for the site. In the coming year we plan to apply the model to predict transport of sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim through the soil profile. Stehouwer et al conducted a 3-month study on the leaching of secondary effluent spiked with 17 beta-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), 17 alpha-ethynlestradiol (EE2), and a bromide (Br) tracer through undisturbed cubic soil lysimeters (61 cm on a side) cut from areas containing Hagerstown silt loam and Morrison sandy loam soils. The results show that Br tracer emerged from the lysimeters after only ~0.1 pore volumes of effluent had been leached, indicating the presence of preferential flow paths that potentially enhance downward migration of solutes. The leachate estrogen concentrations were generally <10% of the applied levels, suggesting retention and or degradation by the soils. The HYDRUS 1D model was used to estimate the transport parameters of the hormones. Concentrations of carbamazazepine (CBZ) were determined in soils receiving wastewater irrigation for >25 years under three different land uses: cropped, grassed, and forested. Triplicate soil cores were collected at each of the land uses to a depth of 120 cm. Extractions for CBZ were performed using 5-g soil samples and 20 mL of acetonitrile. The extracted solutions were analyzed on a liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometer. The samples were also analyzed for supporting information such as organic carbon, pH, and electrical conductivity. Results suggest that there is accumulation of the CBZ in the surface soils, which have the highest organic carbon content. Average concentrations of CBZ in the surface soils were 4.92, 2.9, and 1.92 ng/ g, for the forested, grassed, and cropped land uses, respectively. The majority of the CBZ was found in the upper 30 cm of the profile. Our results suggest that the soils adsorb CBZ and slow its movement into groundwater, compared to the movement of non-adsorbed chemicals. Ongoing experiments using mushroom compost for warm-season grass production on mined lands showed significant increase in switchgrass to the economic threshold of 10 Mg/ha, but also substantial increases in soil P levels. Nemmers et al. measured the sorption of arsenate [As(V)] on three texturally diverse NM soils in the presence and absence of treated municipal wastewater effluent using batch experiments. The presence of wastewater effluent decreased the Freundlich Kf values for As(V) on all soils at all reaction times. Furthermore, wastewater effluent caused the % As(V) sorbed over time to remain low, for all three soils, regardless of the initial As(V) concentration. Thus, it appears that while soil is an effective sorbent for As(V) in simple aqueous solutions like the ones used to create Kf reference values, when the contaminant is added with wastewater effluent (a more complex ionic mixture), the sorption capacity of the soil is decreased. Xu et al. (NMSU) conducted batch and column experiments to investigate the adsorption capacities of metals and metalloids by drinking water treatment residuals. Meanwhile, the leaching of organic, inorganic and microorganisms from drinking water treatment residuals were evaluated as adsorbents for water treatment or soil application. Xu et al. (NMSU) investigated the treatment technologies to remove chemical contaminants from reclaimed water and desalination residuals for potential beneficial use. The organic and inorganic contaminants such as heavy metals, arsenic, and trace organic pollutants in reclaimed water and treated concentrate were evaluated to assess the environmental and health risk-based effects through irrigation and surface discharge. Xu et al. (NMSU) completed a comprehensive produced water quality analysis for quantifying potential environmental impacts and water treatment requirements for wastewater produced in oil and gas operations. Basta et al conducted a A 3-yr study in collaboration with Hundal et al from MWRDGC using organic amendments, including biosolids, for ecological restoration of degraded land. The objective of our study was to evaluate the use of biosolids for ecological restoration. Specific emphasis was placed on comparison of the performance of biosolids (BS) with vegetative compost (VC) in restoring ecological function to degraded soil while minimizing environmental impact. This was accomplished by a three year field study. Field scale runoff plots of 3 x 9 m, with 4 replications of 5 treatments were installed in Calumet, IL. Treatments were 2 different rates of BS, VC, a custom mix of biosolids, iron oxide rich water treatment residual (WTR) and biochar, and existing soil as a control. Plots were seeded with 33 native grass, legume, and forb species. Performance was evaluated for (1) restoration of native vegetative community, (2) soil quality, (3) soil microbial function and ecology, and (4) earthworm population and reproduction. Rainfall runoff from experimental plots was collected for 2 years and analyzed to evaluate the impact of nutrients and contaminants on water quality. Biosolids improved soil quality parameters more than other treatments. The results show that vegetative performance and community measures responded favorably to both VC and BS but response to BS more pronounced. Biosolids produced the highest vegetative quality with respect to plant tissue N (i.e. protein). None of the treatments resulted in elevated trace metals in plants. Biosolids and VC had a positive effect on soil enzymatic activity and microbial function. Both BS and VC improved earthworm reproductive health. Biosolids increased juveniles more than VC. In general, rainfall runoff quality was most affected immediately after plot establishment. Runoff N was reduced to background levels after 1 year. Runoff P was more sustained in BS treatments over time. Biosolids treatment with WTR decreased runoff P. Of the 119 microconstituents (i.e. PPCPs) analyzed, 20 were measured at detection level concentrations. None were above the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) for daphnia and all were below probable no-effect levels (PNEC). Recommendations include (1) use of biosolids for restoration not to exceed a 2.5 cm application rate blended with WTR, (2) management practices that control sediment loss from site until vegetation is established. Hue’s group evaluated potential of reducing arsenic (As) availability in sugar cane lands with iron amendments. Former sugar cane lands on the Island of Hawaii have elevated soil As from historical use of arsenical pesticides. The bioaccessible fraction of total As (AsTOT) is a measure of the potential for human As uptake by incidental ingestion of soil, and is used in the assessment of human health risk and the determination of the need for remedial action. Ferric chloride plus lime and ferrous sulfate plus lime were applied to As-contaminated soils in a field plot setting to determine the potential for reducing in vitro bioaccessible As (AsIVBA) by formation of additional iron (Fe) oxyhydroxide substrate. The two Fe sources performed similarly in reducing AsIVBA over a 2-year observation period, with 30-41% reduction in AsIVBA for 0.25 wt% Fe dosing (dry soil basis) and 59-63% reduction for 0.5 wt% Fe dosing. Addition of phosphate to treated and untreated soils caused a significant increase in AsIVBA. Iron-treated and control soils showed more than twice the AsIVBA after addition of 1500 mg P kg-1. The cost of in situ treatment of As-contaminated soil with ferrous sulfate plus lime to lower AsIVBA was estimated to be an order of magnitude less than excavation and landfill disposal on the Island of Hawaii, making the technology a viable alternative when remedial action objectives were based on AsIVBA levels. Barbarick et al evaluated impact of annual and long-term applications (since 1992 and 1999 at two different locations) on changes in nutrient and trace metal chemistry in dryland agroecosystems. The results of their research indicate that biosolids from the Littleton/Englewood Wastewater Treatment Plant have not created any trace-metal or nutrient accumulation problems in soil. These results demonstrate that biosolids from Littleton/Englewood could be recycled on dryland wheat and corn in Eastern Colorado locations from 2000-2013 without adversely affecting crop yields or soil health. These findings aided the USEPA Region 8 in recycling over 80% of the biosolids in region through beneficial land application. Xia et al. performed field research that used a mass balance approach to gain insight into the transport and dissipation of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) following land application of manure. There was growth of bacterial hosts containing ARGs and/or horizontal gene transfer immediately following slurry application and following a lag (13 days) for dry-stack-amended soils. No effects on tet(G), tet(O), or tet(W) soil concentrations were observed despite the presence of these genes in applied manure. Dissipation rates were fastest for ermF in slurry-treated soils (logarithmic decay coefficient of ?3.5) and for sul1 and sul2 in dry-stack-amended soils, and evidence for surface and subsurface ARG transport was not observed. From the work by Nemmers et al., soil arsenate sorption after treated municipal wastewater land application has implications for land application practices in New Mexico as well as at other arid and semi-arid sites. The findings caution against depending on tabulated reference sorption values when designing wastewater treatment facilities with land application sites, and advise to test the in situ sorbents, sorptives and sorbates that will be present. Energy companies and local water users are interested in cost-effective alternatives for beneficial use of grey water produced water from the oil and gas exploration industry. A screening tool by Plumlee et al. may now be used to compare estimated costs for a specific site, in order to determine whether the costs per barrel for beneficial reuse are more or less than the site-specific disposal costs. A critical review by Xu et al. examined and clarified the economic and ecological barriers to widespread desalination of brackish waters at inland sites, such as New Mexico. Research conducted by Hue et al shows that by reducing the bioaccessibility of soil arsenic, the potential toxicity of As to humans and the environment can be minimized. OUTREACH W-2170 group organized and hosted a 2.5 day Soil In The City Conference to educate engineers, landscape architects, designers, biosolids management leaders, contractors/consultants, developers, builders, city planners, arborists, foresters, urban gardeners, researchers and educators on beneficial uses of biosolids. The conference was attended by 120 participants from four countries and received coverage by ASA press and by local radio in Chicago. Selected papers from the conference will be published an invited special issue of Journal of Environmental Quality. Dr. Brown’s group have contributed sections to the SSSA Soils in the City webpage on contaminants in soils (written by Sally Brown) and establishing community gardens (Kristen McIvor). We have organized sessions at the SSSA annual meetings in 2012 and 2013 on this topic. We are also co- editing a book on this topic. Katrina Mendrey (Dr. Brown’s MS student) authored a section for the SSSA Soils in the City web page on bioretention systems that references this work. Dr. Brown also co-chaired a symposium at the Soil Science Society of America annual conference on urban agriculture. I am currently co- editing a two book series on urban agriculture to be published by Springer. Kristen McIvor, the director of community gardens in Tacoma Pierce County and Elizabeth Hodges Snyder, Assistant Professor at the University of Alaska are the co- editors. Dr. Brown writes a monthly column in Biocycle magazine that focuses on sustainable use of residuals. In addition, she wrote two articles for the magazine on the benefits of using residuals. Dr. Stehouwer organized a workshop for natural resource managers that resulted in 15 participants gaining new skills to interpret soil test results related to soil physical properties and soil sustainability at a site being developed. A presentation was given to biosolids professionals on the impact of NRCS Code 590 policies on phosphorus application due to land application of biosolids. A presentation was given to biosolids professionals on use of residuals for mined land production of warm-season grasses. Dr. Basta made a presentation to over 100 people as a part of MWRDGC’s annual seminar series to share the results of the 3-year ecosystems study with the stakeholders, elected officials, and government agencies such as U.S. Wildlife and Fisheries, USEPA, Illinois DNR, NRCS, and city of Chicago DOE, and members NGOs. MWRDGC hosted annual sustainability workshops to educate general public and elected officials about the benefits of using residuals. Results of research work have been disseminated to the scientific community on and off campus through reports to OPP wastewater committee for management of wastewater effluent, national scientific meeting attendees at the Soil Science Society of America and presentations at on-campus seminars. Dr. O’Connor (University of Florida) published several journal articles to disseminate findings of research and numerous PowerPoint presentations to lay audiences. City and County Councils, interested citizen groups). University students from various majors also benefited from presentations (PowerPoints, posters, etc.) offered at on-campus conferences, usually centered on graduate student participation. Objective 2: Evaluate the agronomic and environmental benefits/advantages of land applying residual by-products and/or substituting such materials for fertilizers. Use of biosolids as a beneficial fertilizer in agricultural ecosystems Evanylo and Ervin compared the application rates of two biosolids products (anaerobically digested & dewatered – AD, and AD amended with woody waste - ADW) and inorganic fertilizer on agronomic and environmental parameters related to sod production on a silt loam soil in Virginia from 2009 to 2012. The biosolids products were applied annually at estimated plant available nitrogen (PAN) rates of 98 kg/ha, 196 kg/ha, and 294 kg/ha for a tall fescue-Kentucky bluegrass mixture. All treatments were compared to a synthetic fertilizer control that supplied 196 kg N/ha/y. Only the 196 kg PAN/ha and 294 kg PAN/ha AD rates matched the control in producing an acceptable quality sod in ten months, and only the 294 kg PAN/ha AD rate was able to produce biomass yields and sod tensile strength comparable to the control. Our PAN estimates of 30% organic nitrogen mineralization overestimated the PAN for both biosolids products, and supplemental nitrogen may be needed to improve the performance of the lower biosolids rates. More accurate mineralization rates of the ADW are necessary to produce acceptable quality sod. Following Virginia biosolids application rate regulations did not result in excessive soil phosphorus levels after three continuous years of application. Most P was exported with the sod, which will serve to reduce the need for supplemental P fertilizer at sod transplant. The highest biosolids rates increased soil organic matter content despite the removal of soil with the sod. Evanylo established field experiments on 4 Virginia soils in October 2012 to compare the availability and leaching potential of nitrogen from two types of biosolids with standard synthetic fertilization practices for wheat in the Virginia coastal plain. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 8 fertility treatments (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg fertilizer N/ha, split between fall and late winter application dates; and two rates each, 50 and 100 kg biosolids N/ha, of lime stabilized and anaerobically digested biosolids applied in October). The 50-kg N/ha rates of biosolids were supplemented with fertilizer N in late winter in order to equalize the total plant available N supplied by the two rates of biosolids. Grain yields were greater with 50% biosolids+50% supplemental fertilizer N than with 100% biosolids on the coarse-textured soil, but there were no differences between biosolids rates on the finer-textured soils. Most of the soil N after grain harvest was located in the top 20 cm of the soil profile, with the 100% biosolids treatment ? urea agronomic N rate. From 2004-2013, Daniels et al. have implemented and monitored a range of soil building treatments including lime+P additions, deep ripping, biosolids applied at 78 Mg/ha, minimum tillage and residue management to rehabilitate eastern Virginia prime farmland disturbed by mineral sands mining. In 2013, the corn yield of restored mined lands exceeded ~80% of non-mined nearby prime farmlands. This work has demonstrated that intensive soil reconstruction will allow for the return of these mine soils to economically viable agriculture although, in comparison to adjacent undisturbed highly productive farmlands, some reduction in average yields over time should be expected. From 2004 to the present, Daniels et al. worked with Weanack Land LLLP to characterize a wide range of dredge spoils to determine their use limiting properties and features. The researchers developed an Excel base screening template that uses approximately 100 chemical and physical laboratory parameters to categorize (A) "clean fill" materials that can be used without monitoring or surface water containment, (B) partially contaminated materials that can be beneficially re-used following remediation with appropriate monitoring, and (c) significantly contaminated materials that should not be used. This “screening template” approach was adopted as permit criteria by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality in fall 2012 and used in 2013 to screen five new potential dredge materials. Daniels et al. monitored the long term conversion of saline dredge materials to upland agricultural soils and local shallow groundwater effects. These materials quickly leach excess soluble salts and Na and were successfully cropped to winter wheat in 2012-13. Daniels et al. evaluated over 20 years of soil and water monitoring across a wide range of mining and construction rehabilitation sites where higher than normal (agronomic) rates of biosolids had been applied with minimal water quality impacts. By 2012, the researchers developed a novel framework for biosolids use on these sites in conjunction with Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The first new permits were issued in 2013 to allow for higher than agronomic rates to be applied for (a) the remediation of disturbed acid-sulfate soils at Stafford Airport and (b) mineral sands mined lands in Dinwiddie and Sussex, Counties. In response to agency and industry needs, Daniels and Evanylo developed an applied research program (along with a set of “policy and procedures” memorandum) to test industrial by-products for certification as soil amendments by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) in 1995. These guidelines specify minimum standards of by-product screening and recommended analytical protocols. Through this program we have developed a novel greenhouse bioassay procedure to (a) detect potential phytotoxicities that are not always apparent from laboratory testing and (b) specify appropriate field loading rates. We have tested over 30 different residuals to-date, and more than 20 have been labeled for use as soil amendments or conditioners in Virginia. During the 2013 reporting year, we tested two tobacco processing residues, four paper mill sludges, three wood ash materials, and three biosolids ashes for potential soil amendment certification. University of Minnesota researchers initiated new studies to recycle phosphorus from biosolids. The overall objective of this research is to evaluate a commercially available source of struvite derived from wastewater as a slow release phosphate source for potato production. To accomplish this objective, a field study was initiated on a loamy sand soil at the Sand Plain Research Farm in Becker, Minnesota to determine the effects of struvite, on Russet Burbank potato yield and quality. The struvite used is a commercially available phosphorus (P) fertilizer source derived from biosolids wastewater sold as Crystal Green. The soil at this site tested in the medium range for available P. The study included a control that did not receive any P and eleven P treatments. Treatments compared struvite and monoammonium phosphate (MAP) banded at planting at 84 and 112 kg P2O5/ha; preplant applications of MAP vs. struvite at 112 kg P2O5/ha; and various combinations of MAP and struvite applied as a band at planting at 84 and 112 kg P2O5/A. Following harvest in early October, tubers were sorted, graded according to size, and then evaluated for quality and internal disorders. Results show that the struvite source when combined with a conventional P source has the greatest potential for improving potato yield and quality. Banded applications were more effective than preplant broadcast applications. This research will be repeated in subsequent years to determine consistency of P response. Use of biosolids as a beneficial soil amendment for urban/brownfield soils The objectives Kansas State University research (Hettiarachchi et al.) were to access the plant availability of lead (Pb), arsenic (As), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); bioaccessibility and speciation of soil Pb, and As; and dermal absorption of soil PAHs in contaminated urban soils; and effectiveness of soil organic amendments on reducing contaminant bioavailability. Field experiments were conducted in Kansas City, MO; Indianapolis, IN; Tacoma, WA; Seattle, WA; Pomona, CA; Philadelphia, PA; and Toledo, OH. These sites had elevated concentrations of Pb, As and/or PAH in soils. A control treatment (no-compost) and various compost-types (leaf compost and/or composted biosolids, non-composted biosolids, mushroom compost) were used as treatments. A leafy vegetable, a fruiting vegetable and a root crop were grown for two growing seasons. The treatments were arranged in split-plot design (main plot factor: compost; sub-plot factor plant-type). An in vitro steady fluid experiment was conducted using human skins to examine the dermal transfer of soil PAHs. The concentrations of Pb, As, and PAHs in the vegetables were low, except Pb in root crops. Compost reduced the bioaccessibility of Pb and/or As. Selected soil samples from some study sites were analyzed for speciation of Pb using extended x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy. The predominant Pb species were Pb sorbed to Fe oxy(hydr)oxide and to organic C. Stable Pb phosphates (pyromorphite) was formed during the in vitro extraction. Dermal transfer experiments showed PAHs in the contaminated soils did not transfer through the skin. Stratum conium of the skin acted as a barrier for dermal transfer of soil PAHs. In general, the risk of food chain transfer of soil Pb, As, and PAHs were low in the studied sites and can be further reduced by compost addition. Bioaccessibility of Pb and As in urban soils were low. Bioaccessible Pb and/or As in the compost-added soils were less than that of the no-compost soils; compost addition reduced the potential of transferring soil Pb to humans via vegetable consumption and direct soil ingestion. Dermal absorption of soil PAHs was insignificant. No detectable differences were observed between contaminated soil and contaminated soil mixed with biosolids, both indicated no detectable amounts of dermal absorption of soil PAHs. OUTREACH In collaboration with Purdue Extension, a workshop was held in Indianapolis, IN, on February 2, 2013. Presentation was entitled “Soil Contaminants in Urban Environments: Availability and Plant Uptake” and “Urban Soil Quality and Best Management Practices” (Hettiarachchi and Martin). This workshop was attended by 50 people. Registration had to be cut off at 50 because of room capacity. On March 14, 2014, Hettiarachchi and Martin provided a workshop in Tacoma, WA to interested community members. Approximately 40 people attended this workshop, which took place on a large boat and was organized in cooperation with Kristen McIvor, the Community Garden Program Manager for Pierce County. Sabine Martin (Kansas State University) gave a presentation at the annual Missouri Waste Control Coalition (MWCC) conference on July 1, 2013 entitled “Risky Business? - Growing Food Crops on Brownfields Sites”. MWCC is a not-for-profit organization, concerned with environmental issues. Hettiarachchi gave a press conference titled “Reducing human exposure to soil contaminants from urban agriculture” at the 248th American Chemical Society meeting. A workshop entitled “Growing Plants Successfully on Challenging Sites” was conducted in collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU) Extension October 26, 2013 in Burlington Colorado. A workshop was conducted in collaboration with Denver Urban Gardens, a not-for-profit organization supporting community gardens in the Denver metro area and EPA Region 8 on November 16, 2013 in Denver, CO. The title of the workshop was “Growing Food in Urban Soils”. Sally Brown at University of Washington and Ganga Hettiarachchi at Kansas State University co-organized a special symposium titled “Making Urban Soils Safe and Suitable For Agriculture” at the Soil Science Society of America 2013 Annual Meeting held in Tampa, FL, November 2013. This symposium included presenters from EPA, USDA, State Health Department, some local government and academia. Plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? W-2170 officially terminates September 30, 2014, so there will be no additional work on the objectives specified. A new Multi-Sate project, however, has been approved, and most previous representatives will again participate. The new project has different, but similar, objectives as W-2170, so similar approaches will be used to address similar concerns. Data generated is expected to continue to add to our basic understanding of contaminant fate, transport and risk assessment in the environment and to humans. Additional understanding should also enhance our ability to estimate risk and to use wastes in safe and sustainable ways.

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Knopf, and M.Y.Dabie. 2013. Serum estrogenicity and biological responses in African catfish raised in wastewater ponds in Ghana. Science Total Environ. 463-464: 1182-1191. Walker, C.W., J.E. Watson, C. Williams. 2012. Occurrence of carbamazepine in soils under different land uses receiving wastewater. J. Environ. Qual. 41:1263-1267. Mexal, J.G., G.A. Picchioni, M.K. Shukla, A.L. Ulery, and W.C. Lindemann. 2014. Land application of municipal wastewater to desert ecosystems: Case studies identifying risks and opportunities. J. Arid Land Studies (In Press). Picchioni, G.A., J. Ruiz, R.M. Goss, and J.G. Mexal. 2014. Nursery crop growth response to municipal biosolids: Species salt and xeric adaptation a key factor? Compost Sci. Utilization 22:138-152. Lin, L., X. Xu, C. Papelis, T.Y. Cath,, and P. Xu. 2014. Sorption of metals and metalloids from reverse osmosis concentrate on drinking water treatment. Solids Separation Purification Technol. (In Press). Plumlee, M.H., J.F. Debroux, D. Taffler, X. Mayer, K.G. Dahm, N.H. Hancock, P. Xu, J.E. Drewes, and T.Y. Cath. 2014. Coalbed methane produced water screening tool for treatment technology and beneficial use. J. Unconventional Oil and Gas Resources 5:22-34. Nemmers, S.J., A.L. Ulery, and M.K. Shukla. 2013. Sorption and mobility of arsenic in desert soils when applied with municipal wastewater effluent. New Mexico Acad. Sci. 44:137-148. Xu, P., T. Cath, A.P. Robertson, M. Reinhard, J.O. Leckie, and J.E. Drewes. 2013. Critical review of desalination concentrate management, treatment and beneficial use. Environ. Engin. Sci. 30:502-514. Xu, P., M. Capito, and T. Cath. 2013. Selective removal of arsenic and monovalent ions from brackish water reverse osmosis concentrate. J. Hazardous Materials 260:885-891. Picchioni, G.A., M.K. Shukla, J.G. Mexal, M. Babcock, A. Ruiz, T.W. Sammis, and D.S. Rodriguez. 2012. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan Desert shrubland: Implications for water quality and mineral deposition. Arid Land Res. Mgt. 26:211-226. Picchioni, G.A., J.G. Mexal, M.K. Shukla, A. Ruiz, M. Babcock, D.L. Daniel, and D.S. Rodriguez. 2012. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan Desert shrubland: Impacts on the natural vegetation. Arid Land Res. Mgt. 26:312-327. Luo, H., P. Xu, and Z. Ren. 2012. Long-term performance and characterization of microbial desalination cells in treating domestic wastewater. Bioresource Technol. 120:187-193. Lombard, K., M. O’Neill, A. Ulery, J. Mexal, B. Onken, S. Forster-Cox, and T. Sammis. 2011. Fly ash and composted biosolids as a source of Fe for hybrid poplar: A greenhouse study. Appl. Environ. Soil Sci. 2011:1-11. Babcock, M., M.K. Shukla, G.A. Picchioni, J.G. Mexal, and D. Daniel. 2009. Chemical and physical properties of Chihuahuan Desert soils irrigated with industrial effluent. Arid Land Res. Mgt. 23:47-66. Nemmers, S.J. 2010. Sorption and mobility of arsenic in desert soils when applied with municipal wastewater effluent. Ph.D. Dissertation, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. Advisor: A.L. Ulery. Picchioni, G.A., J.G. Mexal, and M.K. Shukla. 2014. Land application of treated industrial wastewater on a Chihuahuan Desert shrubland: Water quality assessment, mineral deposition and recovery, and effects on the vegetation. New Mexico Agric. Expt. Sta. Bull. 807, 44 p. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces. Shukla, M.K., J.G. Mexal, G.A. Picchioni, T. Sammis, D. Daniel, P. Adhikari, and M. Babcock. 2012. Land application of industrial effluent on a Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem: Impact on soil physical and hydraulic properties. WRRI Tech. Completion Rept. No. 351, 66 p. New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute, Las Cruces, NM. Jardine,P.M., M.A. Stewart, M.O. Barnett, N.T. Basta, S.C. Brooks, S. Fendorf, T.L. Mehlhorn. 2013. Influence of Soil Geochemical and Physical Properties on Chromium (VI): Sequestration and Bioaccessibility. Environ. Sci. Technol. 47:11241-11248. Juhasz,A.L., N.T. Basta, and E. Smith. 2013. What is required for the validation of in vitro assays for predicting contaminant relative bioavailability? Considerations and criteria. Environmental Pollution 180:372-375. Minca, K.K., N.T. Basta, and K.G. Scheckel. 2013. Using the Mehlich-3 soil test as an inexpensive screening tool to estimate total and bioaccessible Pb in urban soils. J. Environ. Qual. 42(5):1518-1526. Richards, J.R., J.L. Schroder, H. Zhang, N.T. Basta, Y. Wang, and M.E. Payton. 2012. Trace elements in benchmark soils of Oklahoma. Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 76:2031-2040. Sullivan, T.S., Gottel, N.T., Basta, N., Jardine, P.J3, and C.W. Schadt. 2012. Firing range soils yield a diverse array of fungal isolates capable of Pb-mineral solubilization. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 78(17): 6078-6086. Sloan, J.J., P.A.Y. Ampim, N.T. Basta, and R. Scott. 2012. Addressing the need for soil blends and amendments for the highly modified urban landscape. SSSAJ. 76:1133-1141. Dick, Richard P., Qin Wu, Nicholas T. Basta. 2012. Biomethylation of Arsenic in Contaminated Soils. In M.H. Wong (ed.) Environmental Contamination – Health Risks and Ecological Restoration. CRC Press. Taylor & Francis Group, Oxon UK. Busalacchi D., Nicholas Basta, Lakhwinder Hundal, Jennifer Tvergyak, Roman Lanno and Richard P. Dick. 2012. Evaluation of Biosolids for Ecological Restoration of Degraded Soil: A Field Study. Presentation 318-2, ASA, CSSA, and Soil Science Society International Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH. Oct. 21 to 24, 2012. Basta, N., Shane D. Whitacre, Kirk Scheckel, Bradley Miller and Stan Casteel. 2012. Assessing Oral Human Bioavailability of Arsenic in Soil with in Vitro Gastrointestinal Methods. Presentation 409-8, ASA, CSSA, and Soil Science Society International Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH. Oct. 21 to 24, 2012. Whitacre, Shane D., Nicholas Basta, Valerie Mitchell and Perry Myers, 2012. Bioavailability Measures for Arsenic in Gold Mine Tailings. Presentation 412-1, ASA, CSSA, and Soil Science Society International Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH. Oct. 21 to 24, 2012. Richey Jamie, Nicholas Basta and Shane D. Whitacre. 2012. The Influence of the Physicochemical Parameters of An in Vitro Gastrointestinal Method On the Bioaccessibility of Arsenic and Other Trace Elements in Contaminated Soils. Presentation 412-2, ASA, CSSA, and Soil Science Society International Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH. Oct. 21 to 24, 2012. Alpers,C.N., V.L. Mitchell, N.T. Basta, S.W. Casteel, A.L. Foster, A.E. Blum, C.S. Kim, P. Myers, T.L. Burlak, and L. Hammersley. 2012. Evaluating the Bioavailability, Bioaccessibility, Mineralogy, and Speciation of Arsenic in Mine Waste and Soils, Empire Mine Low-sulfide Gold-quartz Vein Deposit, Nevada County, California. U.S. EPA Hardrock Mining Conference 2012: Advancing Solutions for a New Legacy. Denver, CO. Apr 3-5, 2012 Mitchell, Alpers, Basta, Casteel, Foster, Kim, Naught, Myers. 2012. Alternative Methods for the Prediction of Relative Bioavailability of Arsenic in Mining Soils. Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA. March 11-15, 2012. Sharma, K., Priyanka Yadav, Zhiqiang Cheng, Nicholas Basta and Parwinder S. Grewal. 2012. Heavy metal contamination in two post-industrial cities. OARDC Annual Research Forum, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. April, 2012. Basta, N.T. and E.A. Dayton. 2012. Chemical controls of P in the soil. Soil and Water Conservation Society Ohio Chapter Winter Meeting. Reynoldsburg, OH. Jan. 17, 2012. Basta, N.T., S.W. Whitacre, N. Johnson, C. Everett, and L. Daniels. 2013. Evaluating and optimizing impacts of mining on community well-being. ARIES Annual Meeting, Morgantown, WV. Sept. 10-12, 2013. Basta, N.T. 2013. Are phosphorus in situ Pb stabilization treatments equal? Biogeochemical Interactions Affecting Bioavailability and Remediation of Hazardous Substances in the Environment Session: Lead Phosphate Amendments, 246th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Indianapolis, Indiana, September 8-12, 2013. Basta, N.T. 2013. Using Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility for Risk Assessment and Remediation of Upland Soils. Electric Power Research Institute Coal Combustion Products Environmental Issues 2013 Summer Meeting Broomfield, Colorado, July 16-17, 2013. Whitacre, S.D., N.T. Basta, V.L. Mitchell, and P. Myers. 2013. Bioavailability Measures for Arsenic in Gold Mine Tailings Using Agricultural Soil Tests to Estimate Total and Bioaccessible Pb in Urban Soils. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Basta, N.T., K.G.Scheckel, K.D. Bradham, D. J. Thomas, S.W. Whitacre, and B.W. Miller. 2013 Arsenic Speciation, In Vitro Gastrointestinal Bioaccessibility, and Predicted Human Bioavailability from Ingestion of Contaminated Soil. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Dayton, E.A. and N.T. Basta. 2013. Prediction of Trace Element Contaminant Phytoaccumulation Using Soil Property or Soil Extraction Data. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Juhasz, A.L., N. Basta and E. Smith. 2013. What is Required for the Validation of In Vitro Assays for Predicting Contaminant Relative Bioavailability? Considerations and Criteria. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Siebielec, G., N.T. Basta, K. Minca and S.D. Whitacre. 2013. Bioaccessibility of Lead, Cadmium and Arsenic in Sorbent Amended Soils. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Beyer. W. N., N. Basta, and R. Chaney. 2013. Evaluation of In Vitro Bioaccessibility Tests in Predicting the Bioavailability of Soil Lead to Birds. Joint MERA/ICOBTE Sponsored Symposium: Trace Element Bioavailability for Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: Concepts and Recent Advances. Organizers: N. Basta, E. Van Genderen, and C. Schlekat. 12th International Conference for Trace Element Biogeochemistry (ICOBTE), Athens, GA, USA. June 16-20, 2013. Basta, N.T., S.W. Whitacre, K.K. Minca, N. Johnson, C. Everett, and L. Daniels. 2013. Evaluating toxic agents and potential exposure routes to Appalachian coal mining communities. Environmental considerations in energy production conference, Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration and ARIES, Chaleston, WV. April 13-17, 2013. (invited) Basta, N. 2013. Trace Element Sorption Reversibility and Bioavailability During Earthworm and Plant Bioassays. Sorption Reversibility of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants in Natural Solids: The Elephant in the Room? Session. 245th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, New Orleans, LA. April 7-11, 2013. Basta, N. 2013. Using In Vitro Gastrointestinal Bioaccessibility Methods to Measure Arsenic Bioavailability and Risk from Ingestion of Food and Soil. Arsenic Contamination of Food and Water Symposium, 245th ACS National Meeting & Exposition, New Orleans, LA. April 7-11, 2013. Basta,N.T. 2013. Using Biosolids to Restore and Revitalize Soil Ecosystem Services to Degraded Soils in the Calumet Region. Ecological Restoration Seminar and Workshop. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Cicero, IL. Jan. 18, 2013. Ahmad, A., N. Hue, and T. Radovich. 2014. Nitrogen release patterns of some locally made composts and their effects on the growth of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa, Chinensis group) when used as soil amendments. Compost Sci. & Utilization, vol. 22. (in press). Cutler, W. , A. El-Kadi, N. Hue, J. Peard, C. Ray and K. Scheckel . 2014. Iron Amendments to Reduce Bioaccessible Arsenic. J. Hazardous Materials. (in press). McDaniel, J. P., M. E. Stromberger, K. A. Barbarick, and W.Cranshaw. 2013. Survival of Aporrectodea caliginosa and its effects on nutrient availability in biosolids amended soil. Appl. Soil Ecol. 71:1-6. Barbarick, K.A., T. Gourd, and J. McDaniel. 2012. Application of anaerobically digested biosolids to dryland winter wheat. Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Report. TR13-3. McDaniel, J.P., G. Butters, K.A. Barbarick, and M.E. Stromberger. 2013. Earthworm effects on chemical leaching. American Society of Agronomy Abstract 349-3. Presented in Tampa, FL on 6 November 2013. Fahrenfeld, N., K. Knowlton, L. A. Krometis, W. C. Hession, K. Xia, E. Lipscomb, K. Libuit, B. L. Green, A. Pruden. 2013. Effect of Manure Application on Abundance of Antibiotic Resistance Genes and their Attenuation Rates in Soil: Field-Scale Mass Balance Approach. Environ. Sci. Technol. 48:2643–2650. Gunatilake, S. R., S. Steelhammer, J. W. Kwon, J. Rodriguez, K. Xia, K. Armbrust, and T. E. Mlsna. 2013. Analysis of Estrogens in Wastewater using solid phase extraction, the QuECHERS cleanup, and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J. AOAC International. 96: 1440-1447. Howard J., B. Dubay, S. McElmurry, J. Clemence, and W. Daniels. 2013. Comparison of sequential extraction and bioaccessibility analyses of lead using urban soils and reference materials. Water Air and Soil Pollution (2013) 224:1678. Ketchem, A.J., R.A. Clark, R. Peer, and G. Evanylo. 2013. Field testing of bone screening and beneficial reuse of large animal mortality compost. ASABE Meeting Presentation Paper Number: 131596496. Kansas City, MO. July 21 – 24. Harms, A., D. Presley, G.M. Hettiarachchi, and S.J. Thien. 2013. Assessing the Needs Urban Gardeners and Farmers: Soil Contamination. Journal of Extension. 51 (1). Martin, S. and G.M. Hettiarachchi. Gardening on Brownfields: Obtaining Property Information and Site History. KSRE Pub. # MF 3078. Martin, S. and G.M. Hettiarachchi. Gardening on Brownfields: Testing Your Soil for Nutrients, pH and Organic Matter. KSRE Pub. # MF 3095. Martin, S. and G.M. Hettiarachchi. Gardening on Brownfields: Historical Property Usage and Implications. KSRE Pub. # MF 3096. Gudichuttu, V., G.M. Pierzynski, G.M. Hettiarachchi and L.R. Baker. 2013. Long-term Influence of Compost on Soil Chemical Parameters, Function of Microbes and Avoidance Response of Earthworms when Applied to Heavy Metal Contaminated Mine Wastes. 12th International Conference on Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements. Athens, GA. June 16-20, 2013. Hettiarachchi, G.M. 2013. Growing crops on Brownfields Sites- How safe is it? National Brownfields Conference. May 15-17. Athens, GA. Hettiarachchi G.M. C. Attanayake, P. Defoe, S. Martin, and G. M. Pierzynski. 2013. Field Based Evaluations of Trace Element Transfer from Contaminated Urban Garden Soils to Vegetables. American Society of Horticultural Science Annual Conference, 22-25 July 2013, Palm Desert, CA. Davis, L., K. Roozeboom, V. Pidlisnyuk, M. Bel, I. Nagyova, Z. Melichova, L. Erikson, and G.M. Hettiarachchi. 2013. Perennial Grass Miscanthus for biomass Production and Phytoremediation of Slightly Contaminated Land. America's Grasslands Conference, Aug 12-14, 2013, Manhattan, KS. Hettiarachchi, G.M., C. Attanayake, P. Defoe, S. Martin, and G. M. Pierzynski. 2013. Potential for Transfer of Lead, Arsenic and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Amended Urban Soils to Vegetables and Humans. American Chemical Society Fall 2013 National Meeting. September 8-12, Indianapolis, IN. Martin, S. and G.M. Hettiarachchi. 2013. Community Gardens on Brownfields –Should you be Scared? Society of Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology North America 34th Annual Meeting. November 2013. Nashville, TN. Hettiarachchi, G.M., C. Attanayake, P. Defoe, S. Martin, and G. M. Pierzynski. 2013. Contaminant transfer from urban garden soils to plants-Do we need to worry? ASA/SSSA/CSA Annual Meetings, Oct. 2013, Tampa, FL. Attanayake, C., G.M. Hettiarachchi, D. Van der Merwe, and G.M. Pierzynski. 2013. Transfer of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Urban Soils to Humans via Dermal Absorption. ASA/SSSA/CSA Annual Meetings, Oct. 2013, Tampa, FL. Defoe, P., G. M. Hettiarachchi and C. Benedict. 2013. Reducing Bioaccessibility of Lead and Arsenic in a Contaminated Urban Garden Soil. ASA/SSSA/CSA Annual Meetings, Oct. 2013, Tampa, FL. OUTREACH In collaboration with Purdue Extension, a workshop was held in Indianapolis, IN, on February 2, 2013. Presentation was entitled “Soil Contaminants in Urban Environments: Availability and Plant Uptake” and “Urban Soil Quality and Best Management Practices” (Hettiarachchi and Martin). On March 14, 2014, Hettiarachchi and Martin provided a workshop in Tacoma, WA to interested community members. This workshop was organized in cooperation with Kristen McIvor, the Community Garden Program Manager for Pierce County. Sabine Martin (Kansas State University) gave a presentation at the annual Missouri Waste Control Coalition (MWCC) conference on July 1, 2013 entitled “Risky Business? - Growing Food Crops on Brownfields Sites”. MWCC is a not-for-profit organization, concerned with environmental issues. Hettiarachchi gave a press conference titled “Reducing human exposure to soil contaminants from urban agriculture” at the 248th American Chemical Society meeting. A workshop entitled “Growing Plants Successfully on Challenging Sites” was conducted in collaboration with Colorado State University (CSU) Extension October 26, 2013 in Burlington Colorado. A workshop was conducted in collaboration with Denver Urban Gardens, a not-for-profit organization supporting community gardens in the Denver metro area and EPA Region 8 on November 16, 2013 in Denver, CO. The title of the workshop was “Growing Food in Urban Soils”. Sally Brown at University of Washington and Ganga Hettiarachchi at Kansas State University co-organized a special symposium titled “Making Urban Soils Safe and Suitable For Agriculture” at the Soil Science Society of America 2013 Annual Meeting held in Tampa, FL, November 2013. This symposium included presenters from EPA, USDA, State Health Department, some local government and academia.