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Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (on going)
Concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) represent a significant source of non-point source pollution for many estuaries in the U.S.
Concentrated animal feeding operations are a source of nutrients, steroids, antibiotics and metals to estuaries, such as Chesapeake Bay and Pamlico Sound.
In addition to their ecological effects, the contaminants in the runoff may also be useful as indicators of CAFO pollution.
The objectives of this proposed research study are:
- To understand the impacts of CAFOs on coastal ecosystems, as indicated by nutrient and organic matter loading, phytoplankton assemblages, benthic communities, steroid analysis and multiple antibiotic resistance.
- To evaluate the adequacy of this approach for assessing impacted coastal water bodies.
The study will begin in Spring 2004, and a series of products will result from the work:
- A coastal environmental observation system tailored for the assessment of CAFO-related impacts on coastal water quality will be developed.
- A GIS-based data product would be completed as a stand-alone product, with components incorporated into the NS&T thematic website.
The proposed work will also result in new assessment and analytical protocols. As a result, the strategies developed from this project would then be applied to CAFOs in the Southeast.
Data generated from the study would be published in technical reports and in peer-reviewed journals, as appropriate.
Project Partners
Center for Coastal Environmental Health
and Biomolecular Research
Center for Coastal Fisheries Habitat
Research
University of Maryland
National Estuarine Research Reserves
NOAA Air Resources Laboratory
U.S. Geological Survey