Trace organic contaminant (TOrC) mixtures in Minnesota littoral zones: Effects of on-site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) proximity and biological impact

On-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) are an international wastewater management strategy for rural and semi-rural communities without access to centralized sewage treatment. These systems are a suspected source of trace organic contaminants (TOrCs) that may be responsible for endocrine disrupting effects to resident fish species in Minnesota Lakes. This study assessed localized porewater concentrations of TOrCs in near-shore environments across five Minnesota Lakes. Sampling sites were designated as either likely (HOME) or unlikely (REF) to receive OWTS discharges based on their proximity to shoreline households. Sampling sites also served as sunfish spawning habitats concurrently studied for biological impacts to resident adult males. Two-group hypothesis tests demonstrated significantly (p = .02) higher total TOrC concentrations in HOME (Mean = 841 ng/L) versus REF (Mean = 222 ng/L) sites. HOME sites also contained a wider suite of TOrC detections relative to REF sites. The distance to the nearest household (most proximal distance; MPD) negatively correlated (r = −0.62) with total TOrC concentrations. However, 2,4-D and DEET were major contributors to these total concentrations, suggesting that anthropogenic influence from households may not be exclusively attributed to OWTS discharges. Further, TOrC presence and elevated nitrogen concentrations in REF site porewater suggest additional, non-household TOrC discharges to these lakes. Significantly higher blood concentrations of vitellogenin (p = .03) and 11-ketotestosterone (p = .01) were observed in adult male sunfish captured from HOME versus REF sites. Comparisons between chemical and biological data indicate enhanced bioactive effects of co-contaminants. The findings from this study demonstrate multiple diffuse transport pathways contribute to the presence of biologically active TOrC mixtures in Minnesota Lakes, and mitigation efforts should consider minimizing residential inputs of chemicals associated with both outdoor and OWTS activity. •OWTSs are a potential diffuse source of TOrCs in Minnesota Lakes.•TOrC concentrations increase with residential proximity.•Increased endpoints of endocrine disruption in fish near residences•Targeted analysis may limit understanding of mixture bioactivity. [Display omitted]