Integrated Science Teams
Hydrologists, geologists, chemists, biologists, and geographers work together in the field and laboratories across the United States
Hydrologists, geologists, chemists, biologists, and geographers work together in the field and laboratories across the United States
Featured Science Activities
Science activities are summarized in a series of feature articles
Science activities are summarized in a series of feature articles
Questions We Answer
Examples of how specialized teams of scientists answer high priority environmental health science questions.
Examples of how specialized teams of scientists answer high priority environmental health science questions.
Toxic Substances Hydrology
Science Centers and scientists supported by Toxic Substances Hydrology develop and apply advanced analytical methods, field investigations, laboratory studies, and modeling capabilities to understand sources, movement, and exposure pathways of chemical and microbial contaminants in the environment. They are integrated in the Ecosystems Mission Area as the Environmental Health Program.
Featured Science Activities
Featured Science Activities
Our Featured Science Articles Highlight Environmental Health Program Science Activities.
GeoHEALTH-USGS
GeoHEALTH-USGS
The GeoHEALTH–USGS Newsletter—published since 2004—provides information on USGS science activities pertinent to safeguarding the health of fish, wildlife, domesticated animals, and people from environmental exposures to contaminants and pathogens.
News
GeoHEALTH - USGS Newsletter - Issue April 2025
GeoHEALTH - USGS Newsletter - Issue April 2025
GeoHEALTH—USGS Newsletter, March 2025
GeoHEALTH—USGS Newsletter, March 2025
GeoHEALTH—USGS Newsletter, August 2024
GeoHEALTH—USGS Newsletter, August 2024
Publications
Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health
Produced water is a chemically complex waste stream generated during oil and gas development. Roughly four trillion liters were generated onshore in the United States in 2021 (ALL Consulting, 2022, https://www.gwpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Produced_Water_Volumes.pdf). Efforts are underway to expand historic uses of produced water to offset freshwater needs in water-stressed...
Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
The groundwater below the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (the facility) in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, contains fuel compounds from past spills. This study used carbon-14 analyses to distinguish fuel-derived carbon from background carbon, along with other biodegradation indicators, to address two goals: (1) determine the extent and migration direction of groundwater affected by residual fuel...
Interdisciplinary science approach for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and algal toxins—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey Interdisciplinary science approach for harmful algal blooms (HABs) and algal toxins—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Executive SummaryAlgal blooms in water, soils, dusts, and the environment have captured national attention because of concerns associated with exposure to algal toxins for humans and animals. Algal blooms naturally occur in all surface-water types and are important primary producers for aquatic ecosystems. However, excessive algae growth can be associated with many harmful effects...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Kansas Water Science Center, National Wildlife Health Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Landsat Missions
Science
Exploring the Sensitivity of Salmonids to 6PPD-Quinone: Implications for Urban Ecosystems
The USGS is investigating the effects of 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a harmful contaminant found in urban stormwater runoff, on fish and wildlife health, particularly in salmonids. Recent studies have shown that 6PPDQ poses acute toxicity risks, especially to coho salmon, with sensitivity varying by life stage. New research evaluated the lethal and sublethal impacts of 6PPDQ exposure on coastal...
Effective Communication in PFAS Research: Moving Beyond "Ubiquitous"
In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have gained attention for their environmental presence; however, the term "ubiquitous" used to describe them can be misleading. USGS scientists push to use more precise language such as "widespread" and “commonly detected” to avoid confusion and misinformation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the actual occurrence of PFAS...
Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study
The Potomac River is a major watershed in the eastern United States that serves as a crucial water supply for millions of people. USGS researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the contributions of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent to the levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Potomac River. This study included measuring PFAS...