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At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
USGS2023

Microbial source tracking and land use associations for antibiotic resistance genes in private wells influenced by human and livestock fecal sources

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing public health problem that requires an integrated approach among human, agricultural, and environmental sectors. However, few studies address all three components simultaneously. We investigated the occurrence of five antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the class 1 integron gene ( intI1 ) in private wells drawing water from a vulnerable aquifer influenced by residential septic systems and land-applied dairy manure. Samples ( n = 138) were collected across four seasons from a randomized sample of private wells in Kewaunee County, Wisconsin. Measurements of ARGs and intI1 were related to microbial source tracking (MST) markers specific to human and bovine feces; they were also related to 54 risk factors for contamination representing land use, rainfall, hydrogeology, and well construction. ARGs and intI1 occurred in 5–40% of samples depending on target. Detection frequencies for ARGs and intI1 were lowest in the absence of human and bovine MST markers (1-30%), highest when co-occurring with human and bovine markers together (11-78%), and intermediate when co-occurring with just one type of MST marker (4-46%). Gene targets were associated with septic system density more often than agricultural land, potentially because of the variable presence of manure on the landscape. Determining ARG prevalence in a rural setting with mixed land use allowed an assessment of the relative contribution of human and bovine fecal sources. Because fecal sources co-occurred with ARGs at similar rates, interventions intended to reduce ARG occurrence may be most effective if both sources are considered.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2024

Quantitative microbial risk assessment for ingestion of antibiotic resistance genes from private wells contaminated by human and livestock fecal sources

We used quantitative microbial risk assessment to estimate ingestion risk for intI1 , erm (B), sul1 , tet (A), tet (W), and tet (X) in private wells contaminated by human and/or livestock feces. Genes were quantified with five human-specific and six bovine-specific microbial source-tracking (MST) markers in 138 well-water samples from a rural Wisconsin county. Daily ingestion risk (probability of swallowing ≥1 gene) was based on daily water consumption and a Poisson exposure model. Calculations were stratified by MST source and soil depth over the aquifer where wells were drilled. Relative ingestion risk was estimated using wells with no MST detections and >6.1 m soil depth as a referent category. Daily ingestion risk varied from 0 to 8.8 × 10 −1 by gene and fecal source (i.e., human or bovine). The estimated number of residents ingesting target genes from private wells varied from 910 ( tet (A)) to 1,500 ( intI1 and tet (X)) per day out of 12,000 total. Relative risk of tet (A) ingestion was significantly higher in wells with MST markers detected, including wells with ≤6.1 m soil depth contaminated by bovine markers (2.2 [90% CI: 1.1–4.7]), wells with >6.1 m soil depth contaminated by bovine markers (1.8 [1.002–3.9]), and wells with ≤6.1 m soil depth contaminated by bovine and human markers simultaneously (3.1 [1.7–6.5]). Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) were not necessarily present in viable microorganisms, and ingestion is not directly associated with infection. However, results illustrate relative contributions of human and livestock fecal sources to ARG exposure and highlight rural groundwater as a significant point of exposure.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2009

Geographic relatedness and predictability of Escherichia coli along a peninsular beach complex of Lake Michigan

To determine more accurately the real-time concentration of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in beach water, predictive modeling has been applied in several locations around the Great Lakes to individual or small groups of similar beaches. Using 24 beaches in Door County, Wisconsin, we attempted to expand predictive models to multiple beaches of complex geography. We examined the importance of geographic location and independent variables and the consequential limitations for potential beach or beach group models. An analysis of Escherichia coli populations over 4 yr revealed a geographic gradient to the beaches, with mean E. coli concentrations decreasing with increasing distance from the city of Sturgeon Bay. Beaches grouped strongly by water type (lake, bay, Sturgeon Bay) and proximity to one another, followed by presence of a storm or creek outfall or amount of shoreline enclosure. Predictive models developed for beach groups commonly included wave height and cumulative 48-h rainfall but generally explained little E. coli variation (adj. R 2 = 0.19-0.36). Generally low concentrations of E. coli at the beaches influenced the effectiveness of model results presumably because of low signal-to-noise ratios and the rarity of elevated concentrations. Our results highlight the importance of the sensitivity of regressors and the need for careful methods evaluation. Despite the attractiveness of predictive models as an alternative beach monitoring approach, it is likely that FIB fluctuations at some beaches defy simple prediction approaches. Regional, multi-beach, and individual beach predictive models should be explored alongside other techniques for improving monitoring reliability at Great Lakes beaches. Copyright ?? 2009 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. All rights reserved.

Journal of Environmental Quality↗
USGS2010

The green alga, Cladophora, promotes Escherichia coli growth and contamination of recreational waters in Lake Michigan

A linkage between Cladophora mats and exceedances of recreational water quality criteria has been suggested, but not directly studied. Th is study investigates the spatial and temporal association between Escherichia coli concentrations within and near Cladophora mats at two northwestern Lake Michigan beaches in Door County, Wisconsin. Escherichia coli concentrations in water underlying mats were significantly greater than surrounding water (p < 0.001). Below mat E. coli increased as the stranded mats persisted at the beach swash zone. Water adjacent to Cladophora mats had lower E. coli concentrations, but surpassed EPA swimming criteria the majority of sampling days. A signifi cant positive association was found between E. coli concentrations attached to Cladophora and in underlying water (p < 0.001). The attached E. coli likely acted as a reservoir for populating water underlying the mat. Fecal bacterial pathogens, however, could not be detected by microbiological culture methods either attached to mat biomass or in underlying water. Removal of Cladophora mats from beach areas may improve aesthetic and microbial water quality at affected beaches. These associations and potential natural growth of E. coli in bathing waters call into question the efficacy of using E. coli as a recreational water quality indicator of fecal contaminations. Copyright ?? 2010 by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America. All rights reserved.

Journal of Environmental Quality↗
USGS2000

Water Flows in the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

The Necedah National Wildlife Refuge (NNWR), in Juneau County, Wisconsin (fig. 1). contains extensive wetlands areas commonly recog- nized as providing habitat and protection for migratory birds and endangered species. Because of concerns with potential changes to the water resources that supply the Refuge, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey undertook a one-year study to characterize the water resources of the Refuge in 1998. That study, which focused on quantifying the surface water and ground-water flows into and out of the Refuge, was intended to serve as a baseline condition of water resources on the Refuge.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1997

Unit-area loads of suspended sediment, suspended solids and total phosphorus from small watersheds in Wisconsin

Watershed planners in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) and in Wisconsin county governments use estimates of loads of total solids and total phosphorus in streams for numerous management purposes. A few examples of these are to establish load reduction goals, to estimate the relative magnitude of nonpoint sources compared to point sources, and to estimate phosphorus loads to lakes. Solids and phosphorus are two of the most common nonpoint contaminants resulting from agricultural activity. Loads can be estimated either by monitoring the water quantity and water quality in a watershed or by modeling those same factors. Monitoring is the most accurate method for load estimation, but it is also time consuming and expensive. A simple method of estimating loads of chemical constituents or suspended solids in a watershed is to use unit-area loads that have been calculated from monitored data to estimate loads in watersheds where monitoring data are not available. A "unit-area load" is defined as the mass of a particular constituent transported by a stream, divided by the drainage area of the watershed.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1993

Hydrology and water quality of the Forest County Potawatomi Indian Reservation, Wisconsin

This report presents data from a study by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Forest County Potawatomi Community of Wisconsin, to document the hydrology and water quality of the Potawatomi Indian Reservation in southern Forest County. Data were collected from October 1981 through September 1987. Glacial sand and gravel forms the primary aquifer on the reservation. This aquifer is unconfined, and its saturated thickness ranges from approximately 200 feet to zero feet in areas where the bedrock crops out. Horizontal hydraulic conductivity of the glacial deposits is estimated to range from 0.4 to 48 feet per day. Three watersheds encompass the Reservation: The Wolf, the North Branch Oconto, and the Peshtigo. Estimates of base-flow discharge that will occur on the average once every 2 years for a 7- day period for Reservation streams range from 7.5 ft3/s (cubic feet per second) for North Branch Oconto at Wabeno to 32 ft3/s for the Rat River near Wabeno. Ground water in the study area is a calcium magnesium bicarbonate type and is suitable for most uses. The ground water sampled during the study was slightly alkaline and moderately hard to very hard; median hardness was 135 mg/L (milligrams per liter) as calcium carbonate. Alkalinity of ground water ranged from 79 to 318 mg/L; median alkalinity was 123 mg/L as calcium carbonate. With the exception of nitrate in water from one well sampled, constituent concentrations were less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL's) for drinking water. Nitrate plus nitrite concentration was 15 mg/L as N, or 50 percent greater than the MCL, in one well located one-half mile northeast of Lake Lucerne. Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCL's) for iron were exceeded in water from two wells. In one of these two well waters, the manganese concentration equaled the SMCL. Streams on the Reservation also contain a calcium magnesium bicarbonate type water. The stream waters are slightly alkaline and are considered soft to moderately hard; median hardness in stream samples was 56 mg/L as calcium carbonate. The alkalinity in stream samples ranged from 46 to 59 mg/L as calcium carbonate; the median value was 51 mg/L. Stream water is intermediate between hard, alkaline ground water and soft, acidic precipitation and surface runoff. Low but detectable concentrations of chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, mercury, and zinc were detected in most bottom-material samples. Water quality of three lakes on the Reservation is variable and depends on the degree of connection with the ground-water system. In general, Bug Lake and Devils Lake are in poor hydraulic connection with the ground-water system, and their waters contain low concentrations of dissolved solids and alkalinity and low pH. King Lake is in good hydraulic connection with the ground-water system, and its waters contain higher concentrations of dissolved solids and alkalinity and higher pH than Bug and Devils Lakes.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1993

Hydrology of Little Rock Lake in Vilas County, north-central Wisconsin

Water budgets were developed for Little Rock Lake for October 1983 through September 1990 as part of a study to evaluate the chemical and biological effects of artificially acidifying one basin of the two-basin lake. The 17.9-hectare seepage lake is situated in 60- to 90-meter-thick, predominantly sand and gravel glacial deposits of Vilas County, north-central Wisconsin. Annual precipitation during the study varied from 647 to 926 mm (millimeters). Average annual precipitation during 1951-80, based on nearby National Weather Service stations, was 825 mm. Annual evaporation from the lake surface ranged from 495 to 648 mm. Total lake-stage fluctuation was 930 mm during the study. Lake volume at the maximum stage was 31 percent greater than at the minimum lake stage. Inflow to the lake was dominated by precipitation, which was about 99 percent of total inflow. Ground-water inflow to the lake was transient, occurring only intermittently during October 1983 through September 1986, and amounted to only about 1 percent of total inflow. No ground water flowed into the lake from October 1986 through September 1990. Evaporation accounted for about two-thirds of total outflow from the lake, and lake water discharging to the underlying aquifer accounted for the remainder. The average hydraulic residence times for the 7-year study period were 3.9, 3.3, and 4 years for the entire lake, the south basin, and the north basin, respectively; corresponding chemical residence times were 10.9, 9.3, and 10 years.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1906

Zinc and lead deposits of the Upper Mississippi Valley

The zinc and lead mines of the upper Mississippi Valley are in the southwest portion of Wisconsin and in adjacent parts of Illinois mid Iowa. The boundaries of the region are in part indefinite, since sporadic occurrences of the minerals are found outside the mining region proper. It is usual to define the area as including Grant, Lafayette, and Iowa counties in Wisconsin, Jo Daviess County in Illinois, and an irregular narrow belt of territory in Clayton and Dubuque counties paralleling the Mississippi River in Iowa. In this report a slightly smaller area is discussed, the region being limited on the east by the meridian of 90° west longitude. East of this meridian there are a few scattered prospects, hut comparatively little mining has been done in recent years in the area beyond the boundary indicated, so that it is sufficiently accurate for present purposes.

Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin↗
USGS2003

Surface-water-resources information for the Ho-Chunk Nation lands and vicinity, Wisconsin

The Ho-Chunk Nation is interested in documenting water-quality conditions in streams adjacent to their Reservation lands in Wisconsin and developing management plans to protect these water resources. The Nation uses these waterways for recreation and as a source for food, and therefore, is dedicated to maintaining and restoring their quality. Ho-Chunk lands encompass more than 10,000 acres ranging primarily over 17 counties in Wisconsin. The study areas for this report include streams adjacent to Ho-Chunk Nation residential lands: Potch-Hah-Chee, Sandpillow, Mission, Bluewing, Chakh Hah Chee, Winnebago Heights, Indian Heights, and Ho-Chunk Village. These residential areas, or housing sites, are located along or near the Middle Branch Embarrass, Black, Lemonweir, and Wisconsin Rivers or their tributaries. Water-quality data were compiled and summarized, and basin maps showing land cover and previous sampling sites are presented. Qualitative assessments of factors that could potentially affect water quality were summarized from the literature. Quantitative data were available from several studies (more than 5) for the Potch-Hah-Chee area, few studies (1?5) for the Sandpillow, Mission, Ho-Chunk Village, and Indian Heights areas, and no studies for the Bluewing, Chakh Hah Chee, and Winnebago Heights areas. Data analysis was limited to averaging basic water-quality constituents for the Middle Branch Embarrass River in the Potch-Hah-Chee area. The mainstem Wisconsin and Black Rivers have been extensively studied elsewhere and are not independently re-evaluated here. Qualitative assessments indicate that agricultural activities are the main contributing factor to water quality and fish habitat problems in the studied areas. Index of Biotic Integrity ratings, based on fish data, were available for 5 sites on 3 streams. Hilsenhoff Biotic Index ratings, based on macroinvertebrate data, were available for 21 sites on 4 streams. This information will serve as baseline data and as a guide to ongoing study and management of these waters by the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1992

Seroprevalence of Lyme disease in gray wolves from Minnesota and Wisconsin

To determine the seroprevalence of Lyme disease in gray wolves (Canis lupus) from various counties of Minnesota and Wisconsin (USA), 589 serum samples were collected from 528 wolves from 1972 to 1989. An indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test was used to detect the presence of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi. Titers of greater than or equal to 1:100 were considered positive. Results were confirmed by testing a few selected sera by Western blotting. Of the 589 sera tested, 15 (3%) had IFA titers of greater than or equal to 1:100. Three of the positive samples were collected from Douglas County in Wisconsin and twelve were from Minnesota counties. This study indicates that wolves are exposed to B. burgdorferi and are susceptible to Lyme disease.

Journal of Wildlife Diseases↗
USGS2023

Connecting flood-related fluvial erosion and deposition with vulnerable downstream road-stream crossings

Fluvial erosion is increasingly responsible for infrastructure and building damages associated with floods as the intensity of extreme rainfalls hit rural and urban rivers in a variety of climate settings across the United States. Extreme floods in 2016 and 2018 caused widespread culvert blockages and road failures, including extensive damage along steep tributaries and ravines in the Marengo River, Wisconsin, watershed during 2016 and 2018. A study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Wisconsin Wetlands Association (WWA), Ashland County, and the Northwest Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (NWRPC) investigated the special concern of fluvial erosion hazards (FEHs) associated with gullying, streamside landslides, and the loss of wetland storage in headwaters. In 2019, a pilot study was begun to map and classify ephemeral and perennial streams and wetlands in terms of their sensitivity to FEHs. This study combined data from field-based rapid geomorphic assessments (RGAs) coupled with a stream network-wide geographic information system (GIS) approach for mapping stream segments, referred to as fluvial process zones (FPZ), sensitive to erosion, deposition, and channel change. The GIS approach used nationally available 10-meter (m) resolution topology and an extended stream network to map FPZs based on Strahler stream order, stream power, channel slope, presence of adjacent steep valley sides and headwater flats, and adjacent landform setting. Bankfull channel widths derived from RGA-based hydraulic geometry curves combined with drainage areas, an estimate of bankfull flow, and channel slope were used to calculate specific stream power for the FPZs. Lastly, the FPZs were characterized by their location within three major landform settings that affect erosion potential. The resulting vulnerability maps provided a screening framework to identify FPZs that are sensitive to incision, gullying and mass wasting along steep headwater ephemeral channels, as well as downstream perennial channels that have the potential for valley-side landslides, coarse sediment deposition, and channel change. Lastly, each FPZ was characterized in terms of hydrologic alteration associated with ditching. The vulnerability mapping products and rankings of sensitivity of FPZs will ultimately be used by Ashland County and their collaborators to prioritize natural flood management projects that mitigate FEHs, restore hydrology, and reconnect channels with adjacent wetlands and floodplains.

Wisconsin↗
USGS1997

Bibliography of selected references on the hydrogeologic and chemical properties of the Galena-Platteville bedrock unit in Illinois and Wisconsin, 1877-1997

This report presents selected references concerning the Galena-Platteville deposits in Illinois and Wisconsin published from 1877 to 1997. Sources of the bibliographic information are the Universities of Illinois and Wisconsin Library Computer Systems; Illinet Online; the Illinois and Wisconsin District Libraries of the U.S. Geological Survey; U.S. Geological Survey Selected Water Resources Abstracts; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports; and Federal, State, and local agencies, corporations, and consultants. The bibliography is arranged alphabetically, by county, in Illinois and Wisconsin. The references available for each county are arranged alphabetically by author. In addition, one or more selected hydrogeologic key words describing the content of the reference follow each listing. These key words are geophysical properties, hydraulic properties, inorganic geochemistry, lithology, organic geochemistry, physical properties, and water use. Included in the bibliography are 186 references obtained for 15 counties in Illinois and 21 counties in Wisconsin.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2022

Wisconsin and Landsat

Wisconsin could be called a State of icons, and many of the icons can trace their roots to the abundant resources within its four borders. Big beer companies in Milwaukee that began in the 1800s made their beer from water from nearby lakes and rivers, kept it cool with ice from those same sources, and stored it in containers made of harvested wood from State forests. Dairy and cheese factories rely on milk from dairy farms with fields and pastures and generate billions in revenue for the State’s economy. The Wisconsin Dells, Door County, and the Northwoods draw tourists with their natural beauty and recreation opportunities. Wisconsin contains more than 17 million acres of hardwood and coniferous forest, much of it on land reforested since the large-scale timber cutting of the 1800s and early 1900s. The Badger State boasts nearly 15,000 lakes within its borders and touches two Great Lakes—a bit of Lake Superior and a considerable length of western Lake Michigan. Wisconsin ranks second in the Nation for milk production, but it ranks first for cheese, cranberries, snap beans, and milk goats. Data and imagery from Landsat Earth observation systems assist agencies and land managers in monitoring these resources and planning for future management. Here are several ways Landsat benefits Wisconsin.

Wisconsin↗