Minnesota Water Resources Conference - Water Resources Center ...

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS
Tuesday, Monday, October 27 23
Poster Session 4:45–5:45
Hydroxylated Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Photolysis Quantum Yields and Product Identification
Peter Steen, University of Minnesota, stee0219@umn.edu; William Arnold, University of Minnesota; Matthew Grandbois,
University of Minnesota; Kristopher McNeill, University of Minnesota
Hydroxylated analogues of the ubiquitous polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have recently been found
in surface waters, snow, rain, and wastewater/sewage treatment plant effluent. In addition to being natural
products and known metabolites of PBDEs, OH-PBDEs are potentially produced during the wastewater
treatment process. This study investigated the photolysis of 6-OH-BDE47 and three chlorinated derivatives,
3-Cl-6-OH-BDE47, 5-Cl-6-OH-BDE47 and 3,5-Cl-6-OH-BDE47, which are hypothesized to be produced upon
disinfection with chlorine. Quantum yields were determined for both the protonated and deprotonated species,
and photoproducts were identified.
The Future of Energy and Minnesota’s Water Resources
Sangwon Suh, University of Minnesota, sangwon@umn.edu; Laura Schmitt Olabisi, University of Minnesota; Yi-Wen Chiu,
University of Minnesota
Minnesota’s water resources are poised to undergo significant changes in the coming decades. There is an
urgent need to integrate an analysis of demands on Minnesota’s water resources with scenarios of future energy
production. We are developing an integrated spatial model to analyze the future of MN’s water budget with
particular attention to changes in water demand under different scenarios. Key trends incorporated into the
scenarios include (1) biofuel production (considering water needs for irrigation of the biofuel feedstock as well
as for processing); (2) changes in the electricity grid mix considering Minnesota’s Renewable Energy Standards;
(3) demographic changes; and (4) climate change. We combine scenarios of water demand with GIS mapping
and water balance techniques to deliver spatially and temporally explicit water budget projections for each
scenario. Our findings will allow us to better understand the interactions between agricultural policy, energy
policy, demographic changes and Minnesota’s water budget, so that policymakers can be better informed about
how their decisions affect water resources. We present our initial findings through a series of maps depicting
Minnesota’s potential spatial water budgets in the future.
Citizen Stream Monitoring—Examples and Lessons Learned
Bill Thompson, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, bill.thompson@pca.state.mn.us
Citizen stream monitoring (CSM) is an important component in many of Minnesota’s watershed and water
quality improvement projects. It is useful for assessment, education, awareness-building, water quality data
collection, and evaluation purposes. Volunteer data has been used to “fill-in-the-gaps” temporally and spatially.
Several projects using CSM will be highlighted, including the Watonwan River Watershed and the Whitewater
River Watershed. The dedication and resourcefulness of the many volunteers and local staff will be highlighted.
Examples of the data that is produced, the information that is developed, and the lessons learned from various
projects will be covered. Possible changes to improve upon some of the basic CSM formats will be introduced
and assessed.
53 Minnesota Water Resources Conference, October 27–28, 2008