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At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
USGS2025

Deformity, erosion, lesion, tumor, and parasite (DELT) anomalies in fish communities of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA: A regional assessment and potential landscape drivers

Fish diseases in freshwater ecosystems pose significant ecological and socioeconomic challenges, yet monitoring them in wild populations is complex due to interactions between pathogens, hosts, and environmental conditions. We examine the prevalence and watershed-scale landscape drivers of external deformity, erosion, lesion, tumor, and parasite (DELT) anomalies in 57 riverine fish species using a large dataset (577,266 individuals collected 2008–2019) from the Chesapeake Bay watershed that originated from state and federal agencies. Overall, DELT prevalence was low (1.4%), but was higher in larger, longer-lived species, including Channel Catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus ) (18.9%), Rock Bass ( Ambloplites rupestris ) (7.6%), Smallmouth Bass ( Micropterus dolomieu ) (7.3%), Brown Bullhead ( Ameiurus nebulosus ) (5.6%), and Yellow Bullhead ( Ameiurus natalis ) (5.1%), signifying their potential as regional environmental health indicators. Spatial analysis indicated warmer temperatures increased the estimated probability of DELT occurrence, whereas higher precipitation often mitigated the probability of DELT occurrence. Conservation strategies (e.g., best management practices) had mixed effectiveness in reducing DELT occurrence probability across agricultural and urban landscapes. Across the landscape, various drivers, including harvested forest, impervious land, and pesticide use, influenced DELT occurrence probability differently across species. However, uncertainty remains partly due to low prevalence and variability in sampling methods across agencies. Despite low overall prevalence, DELT occurrence is a rapid fish health indicator. Future research could emphasize species-specific responses and longitudinal studies that incorporate life stages and health indicators. Understanding these intricate, multi-scale interactions is vital for effective monitoring, conservation, and adaptive management of freshwater ecosystems.

Chesapeake Bay watershed↗
USGS2013

Challenge theme 4: People in the Borderlands: Chapter 6 in United States-Mexican Borderlands: Facing tomorrow's challenges through USGS science

The management of shared resources in the United States–Mexican border region requires cooperation from the people of both countries to assess and understand their relation to the environment. Society is dependent on the long-term healthy functioning of ecosystems and their ability to supply food and raw materials. Likewise, resources and services obtained from nature could be used efficiently within the society. A more equitable distribution of costs and benefits related to goods and services can lead to fewer tensions and a higher quality of life for all the people in the Borderlands. Urban development, background contamination from mineral ore deposits, irrigation, sewage effluent, and even global climate change all have the potential to alter the stability of the fragile systems in the Borderlands (Brady and others, 2001, 2002; Norman, 2007, 2010; Gu and others, 2008; Norman, Gray, and others, 2008; Norman, Hirsch, and Ward, 2008; Norman, Callegary, and others, 2010; Norman, Huth, and others, 2010; Norman, Levick, and others, 2010; Norman, Tallent-Halsell, and others, 2010; Norman, Villarreal, and others 2012). Social efficiency means that because resources should be used where they are needed most, they should be distributed proportionally among human societies and individuals (Azar and others, 1996). Despite the critical role natural resources play in maintaining human and environmental health, current knowledge of the manner in which natural and human-caused forces interact to limit these resources—including their quality and quantity (such as through spatiotemporal changes in precipitation, evapotranspiration, pumping of groundwater, and release of contaminants)—is inadequate. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is trying to understand the relation between changing landscapes, changing demographics, and a changing climate in the Borderlands while the environmental, economic, and societal issues continue to be intertwined between the two nations.

United States-Mexico Borderlands↗
USGS2004

Summary of available state ambient stream-water-quality data, 1990-98, and limitations for national assessment

The investigation described in this report summarized data from State ambient stream-water-quality monitoring sites for 10 water-quality constituents or measurements (suspended solids, fecal coliform bacteria, ammonia as nitrogen, nitrite plus nitrate as nitrogen, total phosphorus, total arsenic, dissolved solids, chloride, sulfate, and pH). These 10 water-quality constituents or measurements commonly are listed nationally as major contributors to degradation of surface water. Water-quality data were limited to that electronically accessible from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Storage and Retrieval System (STORET), the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System (NWIS), or individual State databases. Forty-two States had ambient stream-water-quality data electronically accessible for some or all of the constituents or measurements summarized during this investigation. Ambient in this report refers to data collected for the purpose of evaluating stream ecosystems in relation to human health, environmental and ecological conditions, and designated uses. Generally, data were from monitoring sites assessed for State 305(b) reports. Comparisons of monitoring data among States are problematic for several reasons, including differences in the basic spatial design of monitoring networks; water-quality constituents for which samples are analyzed; water-quality criteria to which constituent concentrations are compared; quantity and comprehensiveness of water-quality data; sample collection, processing, and handling; analytical methods; temporal variability in sample collection; and quality-assurance practices. Large differences among the States in number of monitoring sites precluded a general assumption that statewide water-quality conditions were represented by data from these sites. Furthermore, data from individual monitoring sites may not represent water-quality conditions at the sites because sampling conditions and protocols are unknown. Because of these factors, a high level of uncertainty exists in a national assessment of water quality. The purpose of this report is to present a summary of electronically available State ambient stream-water-quality data for 10 selected constituents and measurements from monitoring sites with nine or more analyses for 199098 and to discuss limitations for use of the data for national assessment. These analyses were statistiscally summarized by monitoring site and State, and the results presented in tabular format. Most of the selected constituents or measurements have U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria or guidelines for aquatic-life or drinking-water purposes. A significant finding of this investigation is that for a large percentage of monitoring sites in the Nation, there are insufficient data to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommendations for determining if water-quality conditions are degraded and for making informed decisions regarding total maximum daily loads.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗
USGS2022

Antibiotic resistance in free-ranging wildlife

In this chapter, we provide an overview of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria in wildlife through the presentation of general trends of occurrence among both captive and free-ranging wild animal populations, discussion of importance to human health and wildlife conservation, and identification of priority areas for future research and monitoring efforts. Once most commonly identified in humans and domestic animals, AMR bacteria have now been reported to be widespread among free-ranging and captive wildlife and the broader environment. Antimicrobial resistance has been identified in wildlife inhabiting nearly every country, region, and habitat type from which samples have been obtained, although occurrence may be more common in animals that occupy anthropogenically impacted environments. Though AMR bacteria identified in free-ranging wildlife have generally not been associated with direct health impacts to the host, specific bacteria and types of resistance found in wildlife may be clinically relevant to humans. Furthermore, AMR bacteria harbored by captive or free-ranging animals may complicate veterinary treatment of captive, rare, or vulnerable wildlife provided care. Future investigations may obtain important information on the acquisition and dissemination of AMR bacteria by wildlife through the comparison of resistance harbored by bacteria from wildlife and the environments they occupy. The identification of specific environmental pathways through which resistance may be acquired would help to guide the development of intervention strategies to interrupt further spread of antimicrobial resistance to, from, and among wildlife. Implications of such strategies may also extend more broadly to promote domestic animal, human, and environmental health.

Book chapter↗
USGS1997

Coal-Quality Information - Key to the Efficient and Environmentally Sound Use of Coal

The rock that we refer to as coal is derived principally from decomposed organic matter (plants) consisting primarily of the element carbon. When coal is burned, it produces energy in the form of heat, which is used to power machines such as steam engines or to drive turbines that produce electricity. Almost 60 percent of the electricity produced in the United States is derived from coal combustion. Coal is an extraordinarily complex material. In addition to organic matter, coal contains water (up to 40 or more percent by weight for some lignitic coals), oils, gases (such as methane), waxes (used to make shoe polish), and perhaps most importantly, inorganic matter (fig. 1). The inorganic matter--minerals and trace elements--cause many of the health, environmental, and technological problems attributed to coal use (fig. 2). 'Coal quality' is the term used to refer to the properties and characteristics of coal that influence its behavior and use. Among the coal-quality characteristics that will be important for future coal use are the concentrations, distribution, and forms of the many elements contained in the coal that we intend to burn. Knowledge of these quality characteristics in U.S. coal deposits may allow us to use this essential energy resource more efficiently and effectively and with less undesirable environmental impact.

Fact Sheet↗
USGS2025

Microbiome data management in action workshop: Atlanta, GA, USA, June 12–13, 2024

Microbiome research is revolutionizing human and environmental health, but the value and reuse of microbiome data are significantly hampered by the limited development and adoption of data standards. While several ongoing efforts are aimed at improving microbiome data management, significant gaps still remain in terms of defining and promoting adoption of consensus standards for these datasets. The Strengthening the Organization and Reporting of Microbiome Studies (STORMS) guidelines for human microbiome research have been endorsed and successfully utilized by many research organizations, publishers, and funding agencies, and have been recognized as a consensus community standard. No equivalent effort has occurred for environmental, synthetic, and non-human host-associated microbiomes. To address this growing need within the microbiome research community, we convened the Microbiome Data Management in Action Workshop (June 12–13, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, USA), to bring together key decision makers in microbiome science including researchers, publishers, funders, and data repositories. The 50 attendees, representing the diverse and interdisciplinary nature of microbiome research, discussed recent progress and challenges, and brainstormed actionable recommendations and paths forward for coordinated environmental microbiome data management and the modifications necessary for the STORMS guidelines to be applied to environmental, non-human host, and synthetic microbiomes. The outcomes of this workshop will form the basis of a formalized data management roadmap to be implemented across the field. These best practices will drive scientific innovation now and in years to come as these data continue to be used not only in targeted reanalyses but in large-scale models and machine learning efforts.

Environmental Microbiome↗
USGS2026

Cyanobacterial bloom occurrence and emergency department visits for asthma or wheeze, Wisconsin, 2017–2019

Background: Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) pose risks to human and animal health. Methods: We investigated the relationship between cyanoHABs and asthma or wheeze-related emergency department (ED) visits near three Wisconsin cities (Green Bay, Madison, and Oshkosh) during 2017–2019. CyanoHAB exposure was approximated using the Cyanobacterial Assessment Network remotely sensed satellite indicator of cyanobacterial biomass, a chlorophyl algorithm (Chl BS ) aggregated by water-adjacent ZIP Code Tabulation Areas (ZCTA), and distance weighted from the nearest waterbody. Weekly counts of ED visits for asthma or wheeze were aggregated by ZCTA. Poisson generalized linear models estimated the association between the weekly number of ED visits and weekly Chl BS, adjusting for maximum temperature, dewpoint, fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ), month, and correlation within ZCTA. Results: During 2017–2019, 7,057 ED visits for asthma or wheeze occurred in the study area (42 ZCTAs). Peaks in Chl BS occurred between June and October, with higher values in Lake Winnebago and Lake Mendota compared to Green Bay. Chl BS was not associated with ED visits for asthma or wheeze (adjusted rate ratio = 1.00, 95% confidence interval = 0.99, 1.00), and the presence of onshore winds did not change this result. Monthly aggregations of ED visits and Chl BS showed a monotonic trend between increasing Chl BS and ED visits during July–September. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the utility of remote sensing data in environmental health research. Future studies could explore individual-level exposure and outcomes to refine health risks associated with cyanoHABs.

Wisconsin↗
USGS2001

Transboundary movement of airborne pollutants — A methodology for integrating spaceborne images and ground based data

The availability of relevant and accurate environmental information is essential for environmental policy-makers. Recent improvements in satellite remote sensing technologies, groundbased monitors, and data access have resulted in the ability to observe and assess major atmospheric and ecological events around the world on a timely basis Each of these monitoring technologies reveals different and useful information, yet rarely are the resulting data sets used together in an integrated manner. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Resource Information Database (GRID) office in Sioux Falls identified an environmental issue of global interest as a test case for applying an integrated approach: the transboundary movement of atmospheric pollutants. Transboundary movement of atmospheric pollutants has ramifications for human and environmental health, as well as economic impacts. As a result, it is the focus of many bilateral, regional, and international policy efforts. A central question with atmospheric pollutant transport is how to monitor pollutant movement and how to merge different monitoring datasets into useful information. Highly visible regional plumes of dust, smoke, and urban haze can be seen with satellite sensors, while ground-based monitoring of air pollutants such as fine particulates, SO2 , and toxics occurs at the local level. Integration of these two kinds of measurements allows the user to remotely observe large environmental effects in many areas of the world, while obtaining more detailed information from ground-based monitors. Hence, the combination of satellite-based sensor data and ground-based monitoring data promotes greater understanding of the movement of pollutants than either data set alone. Combined data sets are important for use by both scientists and international policy-makers. A standard methodology did not exist to guide and encourage integrated use of satellite images and ground-based data to monitor and understand major pollution events, such as air pollution. Thus, a small team was assembled to develop a methodology for the integration of satellite images and ground-based data. First, we conducted a literature and project review covering past and current integrated remote and ground-based data projects, a literature search of published work, and a search of data sets and technologies that could be used in a combined form. Second, based on this search and documentation, a general methodology was developed for using integrated spaceborne and ground-based data sets, intended as a guide for general scientists and policy-makers. Third, we found an existing project that was willing to be a pilot for testing the methodology: a U.S. EPANOAA project that was using aerial and ground-based sampling to learn more about the airborne sources of mercury deposition in the Florida Everglades. This document presents the results of the literature and project review, the complete methodology, and the outcome of the Florida Everglades pilot project.

Report↗
USGS2021

Outside the box: Working with wildlife in biocontainment

Research with captive wildlife in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) and 3 (ABSL3) facilities is becoming increasingly necessary as emerging and re-emerging diseases involving wildlife have increasing impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Utilizing wildlife species in a research facility often requires outside the box thinking with specialized knowledge, practices, facilities, and equipment. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) houses an ABSL3 facility dedicated to understanding wildlife diseases and developing tools to mitigate their impacts on animal and human health. This review presents considerations for utilizing captive wildlife for infectious disease studies, including, husbandry, animal welfare, veterinary care, and biosafety. Examples are drawn from primary literature review and collective 40-year experience of the NWHC. Working with wildlife in ABSL2 and ABSL3 facilities differs from laboratory animals in that typical laboratory housing systems, husbandry practices, and biosafety practices are not designed for work with wildlife. This requires thoughtful adaptation of standard equipment and practices, invention of customized solutions and development of appropriate enrichment plans using the natural history of the species and the microbiological characteristics of introduced and native pathogens. Ultimately, this task requires critical risk assessment, understanding of the physical and psychological needs of diverse species, creativity, innovation, and flexibility. Finally, continual reassessment and improvement are imperative in this constantly changing specialty area of infectious disease and environmental hazard research.

ILAR Journal↗
USGS2021

Spatial and temporal variability of nutrients and algae in the Republican River and Milford Lake, Kansas, June through November 2017 and May through November 2018

Milford Lake has been listed as impaired and designated hypereutrophic because of excessive nutrient loading, specifically biologically available orthophosphate. It is the largest lake by surface area in Kansas and is a reservoir built for purposes including water supply and recreation. In 2015, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) divided the lake into three zones (Zones A, B, and C) for recreational monitoring of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Upstream Zone C has historically been more affected by HABs than Zones B and A, and Zone C has historically had the highest phosphorus concentrations. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the KDHE, completed a study in 2017–18 to assess the spatial and temporal variability of nutrients and algae in the Republican River (the primary inflow to Milford Lake) and Milford Lake using spatially and temporally dense data. During the study period, discrete water-quality samples were collected at 36 lake sites, 21 river sites, and 1 pond. All samples were analyzed for nutrients; some samples were also analyzed for chlorophyll, phycocyanin, microcystin, and (or) phytoplankton community composition and abundance. Results from this study provide perspective for understanding the potential role nutrient and algal conditions have in facilitating the formation of HABs and may inform future actions to prevent and mitigate HABs and their potential effects on human and environmental health. In 2017, one low-flow floating synoptic on the Republican River into Zone C of Milford Lake and one 24-hour synoptic in Zone C of Milford Lake were completed. Results from the low-flow floating synoptic on July 17, 2017, at 21 river sites, 8 lake sites, and 1 pond site indicated that the Republican River was not contributing dissolved orthophosphate or total phosphorus concentrations higher than those in the main body of Milford Lake. No patterns in nutrient or total microcystin concentrations were evident from the 24-hour synoptic at two sites on August 24–25, 2017. Total nitrogen was dominated by total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) at both sites. Different oscillation activity in algal biomass and chlorophyll at the two sites demonstrated the variable nature of algal accumulations and their effects on nutrient and dissolved oxygen concentrations. Different patterns in chlorophyll and microcystin concentrations indicate that the relation between algal biomass and cyanotoxin concentrations were different at the two sites, possibly because of differences among algal communities present at each site. Three whole-lake synoptics through Zones A, B, and C in Milford Lake were completed on July 10, August 9, and October 16–17, 2018, at 30 lake sites. Orthophosphate was consistently at least 77 percent of total phosphorus at all sites except the two most uplake sites. At the two most uplake sites, orthophosphate was between 52 and 72 percent of the total phosphorus present at the site. Concentrations of TKN were not consistently increasing or decreasing during 2018. Total nitrogen was dominated by TKN in July and August. Very low concentrations of dissolved nitrate plus nitrite indicate that the nutrient was likely tied up in algal biomass. By October, total nitrogen was approximately one-half TKN and one-half dissolved nitrate plus nitrite. Higher concentrations of dissolved orthophosphate and dissolved nitrate plus nitrite in October than in July and August were likely caused by reduced biological activity (less uptake of nutrients) and lower air and water temperatures. Multiple inflow events (streamflow greater than median daily value) between August and October also may have moved nutrients through the lake. Chlorophyll, phycocyanin, microcystin, and phytoplankton samples were collected at eight sites in 2018. Most sites had their highest chlorophyll concentrations in August. The three most uplake sites had their highest phycocyanin concentrations in July, whereas the other five sites had their highest phycocyanin concentrations in August. Two of 23 samples had detections of total microcystin (0.11 and 0.12 microgram per liter). Phytoplankton community composition mainly consisted of Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Cryptophyta, and Cyanobacteria. Phytoplankton community composition and abundance data described broad seasonal patterns and did not capture the full range of possible conditions at each site.

Kansas↗
USGS2017

Virulence and biodegradation potential of dynamic microbial communities associated with decaying Cladophora in Great Lakes

Cladophora mats that accumulate and decompose along shorelines of the Great Lakes create potential threats to the health of humans and wildlife. The decaying algae create a low oxygen and redox potential environment favoring growth and persistence of anaerobic microbial populations, including Clostridium botulinum , the causal agent of botulism in humans, birds, and other wildlife. In addition to the diverse population of microbes, a dynamic chemical environment is generated, which involves production of numerous organic and inorganic substances, many of which are believed to be toxic to the sand and aquatic biotic communities. In this study, we used 16S-rDNA-based-amplicon sequencing and microfluidic-based quantitative PCR approaches to characterize the bacterial community structure and the abundances of human pathogens associated with Cladophora at different stages (up to 90 days) of algal decay in laboratory microcosms. Oxygen levels were largely depleted after a few hours of incubation. As Cladophora decayed, the algal microbial biodiversity decreased within 24 h, and the mat transitioned from an aerobic to anaerobic environment. There were increasing abundances of enteric and pathogenic bacteria during decomposition of Cladophora , including Acinetobacter , Enterobacter , Kluyvera , Cedecea , and others. In contrast, there were no or very few sequences (< 0.07%) assigned to such groups in fresh Cladophora samples. Principal coordinate analysis indicated that the bacterial community structure was dynamic and changed significantly with decay time. Knowledge of microbial communities and chemical composition of decaying algal mats is critical to our further understanding of the role that Cladophora plays in a beach ecosystem's structure and function, including the algal role in trophic interactions. Based on these findings, public and environmental health concerns should be considered when decaying Cladophora mats accumulate Great Lakes shorelines.

Great Lakes↗
USGS2019

Mercury contamination in resident and migrant songbirds and potential effects on body condition

Methlymercury is a significant risk to environmental health globally. We examined the ecological drivers of methylmercury bioaccumulation in songbirds and its effect on body condition while experimentally removing the potentially confounding and predominant effects of site and habitat. We measured blood and feather mercury concentrations and body condition in nearly 1200 individuals representing resident or migrant songbirds of 52 species and 5 foraging guilds. Songbird mercury concentrations differed among species, foraging guilds, residency status, dates, and ages, but not sexes. Blood mercury concentrations 1) ranged from 0.003 in house finch to 0.85 μg/g ww in American robin, 2) were 125 times greater in insectivores than granivores and 3.6 times greater in insectivores than omnivores, 3) were 3.3 times greater in summer residents than in migrating songbirds, 4) increased by 25% throughout spring and summer, and 5) were 45% higher in adults than juveniles. Songbird mercury concentrations were negatively correlated with body condition, with blood mercury concentrations decreasing by 44% and 34% over the range of standardized body masses and fat scores, respectively. Our results highlight the importance of foraging and migration ecology in determining methylmercury contamination in birds, and the potential for reduced body condition with methylmercury exposure in songbirds.

Environmental Pollution↗
USGS1971

The geochemist’s involvement with the pollution problem

The geochemist can contribute much information of value toward assessing the effect of environment, including inorganic pollution, on health. The average composition of rocks, soils, plants, and water and also the increments of inorganic substances that can be expected in geologic environments of high-metal content are essential for comparison with metal contents of these components of the environment in areas contaminated by various types of inorganic air and water pollution. Background levels of lead, zinc, nickel, chromium, copper, and manganese in soils and in four classes of vegetation have been estimated from collections that were made in remote areas presumed to be free from inorganic contamination. The trace-metal content of soils and plants varies widely in different geologic provinces of the United States; in those areas of high natural mineralization, additions of metals from man-made pollution may compound a possible hazard. Results of sampling in urban areas show that contamination of vegetation by gasoline lead can be expected for at least 1000 ft back from transportation lanes, and that the lead burden is increasing greatly with time. Ore-treatment plants can also be a source of air contamination for several miles downwind and several thousand feet in other directions. Soils of naturally high metal content in a mining district may be further contaminated with both major and minor elements from smelting operations. Recent studies show that volatile elements are released directly to the air from ore deposits in place. Concentrations of mercury, for instance, may be as much as 20 times background for several hundred feet in altitude over ore deposits in which mercury occurs as a relatively minor constituent. The source of inorganic pollution in surface drainage and also in ground water is commonly geologic, as rivers may be contaminated from coal and metal deposits in place and also from mining and smelting operations. More information of the type illustrated should be accumulated and made available to scientists who are working in environmental health, and, in particular, to those involved in the pollution problem. Only by these means can we provide a scientific basis for the enactment of realistic and effective legislation for pollution control.

Book chapter↗
USGS2024

Illegal dumping of oil and gas wastewater alters arid soil microbial communities

The Permian Basin, underlying southeast New Mexico and west Texas, is one of the most productive oil and gas (OG) provinces in the United States. Oil and gas production yields large volumes of wastewater with complex chemistries, and the environmental health risks posed by these OG wastewaters on sensitive desert ecosystems are poorly understood. Starting in November 2017, 39 illegal dumps, as defined by federal and state regulations, of OG wastewater were identified in southeastern New Mexico, releasing ~600,000 L of fluid onto dryland soils. To evaluate the impacts of these releases, we analyzed changes in soil geochemistry and microbial community composition by comparing soils from within OG wastewater dump-affected samples to unaffected zones. We observed significant changes in soil geochemistry for all dump-affected compared with control samples, reflecting the residual salts and hydrocarbons from the OG-wastewater release (e.g., enriched in sodium, chloride, and bromide). Microbial community structure significantly ( P < 0.01) differed between dump and control zones, with soils from dump areas having significantly ( P < 0.01) lower alpha diversity and differences in phylogenetic composition. Dump-affected soil samples showed an increase in halophilic and halotolerant taxa, including members of the Marinobacteraceae, Halomonadaceae, and Halobacteroidaceae, suggesting that the high salinity of the dumped OG wastewater was exerting a strong selective pressure on microbial community structure. Taxa with high similarity to known hydrocarbon-degrading organisms were also detected in the dump-affected soil samples. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential for OG wastewater exposure to change the geochemistry and microbial community dynamics of arid soils.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology↗
USGS2025

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in surface water and sediment in Great Lakes tributaries and relations with watershed attributes

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals of emerging concern that potentially pose risks to human and environmental health. In May–Oct 2018, sediment and passively collected surface water samples were collected from 62 tributary sites of the Laurentian Great Lakes with site catchments spanning various land cover types. Discrete samples of sediment collected manually and time-integrated surface water samples collected with polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were analyzed for 23 and 34 PFAS, respectively. Concentrations of individual PFAS in sediment and surface water varied immensely among sites from below detection to 20,800 ng kg −1 and 247 ng L −1 , respectively. Of all target compounds, PFOS was the most frequently detected in sediment (56 of 62 sites) and had the highest median concentration (132 ng kg −1 ). PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFHpA, and PFNA (full chemical names are listed in online supplementary material Table S2) were detected in all 60 surface water sites, with median estimated concentrations of 5.9, 5.2, 4.6, 3.7, and 1.3 ng L −1 , respectively. Compounds with 8–13 fluorinated carbons comprised a larger proportion of sediment PFAS than compounds with 4–7 fluorinated carbons, whereas compounds with 4–7 fluorinated carbons comprised a greater proportion of PFAS in surface waters. Watershed attributes, including urban land cover, airports per catchment area, and wastewater treatment plants flow percentage were significantly ( p < 0.05) and positively related with PFAS sum concentrations in sediment and (or) surface water. Collectively, these results, albeit with some uncertainty in the estimated concentrations, highlight the relation PFAS occurrence has with human activities and documents widespread low-level PFAS contamination across the Great Lakes basin.

Great Lakes↗
USGS2021

Evaluating the effects of replacing septic systems with municipal sewers on groundwater quality in a densely developed coastal neighborhood, Falmouth, Massachusetts, 2016–19

Land disposal of sewage wastewater through septic systems and cesspools is a major cause of elevated concentrations of nitrogen in the shallow coastal aquifers of southern New England. The discharge of nitrogen from these sources at the coast is affecting the environmental health of coastal saltwater bodies. In response, local, State, and Federal agencies are considering expensive actions to mitigate these effects, including installing municipal sewer systems. To increase the understanding of the effects of municipal sewering on groundwater quality discharging to coastal surface waters, a network of multilevel monitoring wells was established in a densely developed coastal neighborhood on the Maravista peninsula, Falmouth, Massachusetts, which was undergoing conversion from onsite septic disposal to municipal sewering. The geohydrology of the study area on the peninsula is generally characterized as consisting of fine to coarse, well-sorted sands containing 2.9 to 9.3 meters of fresh groundwater and a flow system characterized by a groundwater divide slightly west of the center of the peninsula. The magnitude of hydraulic gradients at the water table is gently sloping, ranging from 0.000032 to 0.00059, and affected by daily and bimonthly tidal fluctuations from adjacent coastal ponds. On the western side of the divide, upgradient from Little Pond, average linear groundwater velocities and traveltimes along shallow flow paths, estimated from observed hydraulic gradients and estimated aquifer hydraulic conductivity and effective porosity, range from 0.076 to 0.094 meters per day and 7.8 to 9.7 years, respectively. The groundwater monitoring network consists of 14 profile sites on the peninsula that each include a multilevel sampler for water-quality data collection and a shallow monitoring well for groundwater-level measurements. The study area encompasses about 230 residences that transitioned from onsite septic disposal to municipal sewering between spring 2017 and summer 2019. An additional multilevel sampler that was in a residential coastal setting but not undergoing sewering also was sampled periodically as a reference site. Elevated nitrogen, as compared to typical uncontaminated, fresh groundwater in the Cape Cod aquifer, predominately as nitrate, was measured in 15 water-quality profiles at nitrate concentrations as great as 26.2 milligrams per liter as nitrogen ( n =749; mean and median values were 5.1 and 4.1 milligrams per liter as nitrogen, respectively). At all 14 profile sites and the reference profile site on a nearby peninsula, wastewater effects were denoted by increased nitrate, boron, and specific conductance, and by decreased pH and dissolved oxygen. The highest concentrations of nitrate typically occurred in the deepest one-half of the freshwater zone and in intervals of suboxic and oxic groundwater. Thickness-weighted mean and maximum nitrate concentrations, and total nitrate mass from four sampling rounds, provided a metric to evaluate expected changes at the 14 profile sites on the peninsula. Nitrate concentrations varied moderately by site between sampling rounds through both the presewering (June 2016 and April 2017) and transitional periods (April 2018 and June 2019). Nitrate concentrations greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maximum contaminant level for nitrate in drinking water (10 milligrams per liter as nitrogen), were detected at 9 of the 14 profile sites and at the reference site. The average of the mean thickness-weighted nitrate concentrations for the four full sampling rounds was greater than 5.0 milligrams per liter as nitrogen at 8 sites (7 profile sites and the reference site) and greater than 8 milligrams per liter as nitrogen at 3 profile sites. The total nitrate mass per square meter of land area at each profile site ranged from 1,830 to 36,800 milligrams per square meter. Nitrate mass flux, across a 500-meter-long section upgradient from Little Pond and covering about 15 percent of the total pond shoreline length, ranged from 124.3 to 192.6 kilograms per year for the four full sampling rounds under three groundwater-flow conditions. The expected improvements in groundwater quality in the freshwater zone should be characterized by decreases in concentrations of dissolved total and inorganic nitrogen and common ions such as boron, chloride, and fluoride. A statistical analysis using the Regional Kendall test for sampling points grouped in specific depth ranges confirmed that water-quality changes were statistically significant in at least one depth group during the 3-year sampling period (nitrate: −0.76 milligram per liter per year; specific conductance: −12.1 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius per year; dissolved oxygen: 0.82 milligram per liter per year); however, the rate at which the water-quality improvements will result in decreases in nitrate mass loads to the coastal ponds primarily depends on groundwater traveltimes and the rate of flushing of wastewater constituents from the aquifer.

Massachusetts↗
USGS2015

Trends in pesticide use on soybean, corn and cotton since the introduction of major genetically modified crops in the United States

BACKGROUND Genetically modified (GM) varieties of soybean, corn and cotton have largely replaced conventional varieties in the United States. The most widely used applications of GM technology have been the development of crops that are resistant to a specific broad-spectrum herbicide (primarily glyphosate) or that produce insecticidal compounds within the plant itself. With the widespread adoption of GM crops, a decline in the use of conventional pesticides was expected. RESULTS There has been a reduction in the annual herbicide application rate to corn since the advent of GM crops, but the herbicide application rate is mostly unchanged for cotton. Herbicide use on soybean has increased. There has been a substantial reduction in the amount of insecticides used on both corn and cotton since the introduction of GM crops. CONCLUSIONS The observed changes in pesticide use are likely to be the result of many factors, including the introduction of GM crops, regulatory restrictions on some conventional pesticides, introduction of new pesticide technologies and changes in farming practices. In order to help protect human and environmental health and to help agriculture plan for the future, more detailed and complete documentation on pesticide use is needed on a frequent and ongoing basis.

Pest Management Science↗
USGS2008

Estuarine sediment transport by gravity-driven movement of the nepheloid layer, Long Island Sound

Interpretation of sidescan-sonar imagery provides evidence that down-slope gravity-driven movement of the nepheloid layer constitutes an important mode of transporting sediment into the basins of north-central Long Island Sound, a major US East Coast estuary. In the Western Basin, this transport mechanism has formed dendritic drainage systems characterized by branching patterns of low backscatter on the seafloor that exceed 7.4 km in length and progressively widen down-slope, reaching widths of over 0.6 km at their southern distal ends. Although much smaller, dendritic patterns of similar morphology are also present in the northwestern part of the Central Basin. Because many contaminants display affinities for adsorption onto fine-grained sediments, and because the Sound is affected by seasonal hypoxia, mechanisms and dispersal pathways by which inorganic and organic sediments are remobilized and transported impact the eventual fate of the contaminants and environmental health of the estuary.

Connecticut, Massachussetts, New York↗