Antibiotics in Minnesota Waters - Phase II - Mississippi River

The occurrences of contaminants including antibiotics, other pharmaceuticals, and personal care products in the environment have gained increasing attention in recent years because of their potential health and ecological impacts. However, serious gaps remain in our understanding of these contaminants and the significance of the threats they may pose, such as to drinking water. Through this appropriation scientists at the University of St. Thomas, Gustavus Adolphus College, and the University of Minnesota will continue work focused on the threats posed by antibiotics to understand which antibiotics are of the most concern – for example, because of their potential to increase antibiotic resistance – and to delineate their urban and rural sources. The first phase focused on antibiotics in the Minnesota River and this phase will focus on the Mississippi River. Findings will help develop strategies to manage threats and minimize future impacts posed by antibiotics to human and ecological health.