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Publications

Dive into our publications and explore the science from the Environmental Health Program (Toxic Substances Hydrology and Contaminant Biology).

Filter Total Items: 3746

Use of environmental tracers and isotopes to evaluate sources of water, nitrate, and uranium in an irrigated alluvial valley, Nebraska

The effects of irrigation canals and the North Platte River on ground-water movement and quality in an irrigated alluvial valley, western Nebraska, were evaluated using environmental tracers. The results indicated that most of the ground water in the alluvium was derived from the North Platte River and generally was less than 30 years old. Ground-water-recharge rates varied substantially from abou
Authors
Ingrid M. Verstraeten, John K. Böhlke, Thomas F. Kraemer, James C. Cannia

Natural attenuation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds in ground water at Operable Unit 1, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Washington

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) evaluated the natural attenuation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOCs) in ground water beneath the former landfill at Operable Unit 1 (OU 1), Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Division Keyport, Washington. The predominant contaminants in ground water are trichloroethene (TCE) and its degradation byproducts cis-1,2-dichloroethene (cisDCE) and vinyl chlori
Authors
Richard S. Dinicola, S. E. Cox, J. E. Landmeyer, P. M. Bradley

Influence of natural organic matter on the adsorption of metal ion onto clay particles

The influence of natural organic matter (NOM) on the adsorption of Al, Fe, Zn, and Pb onto clay minerals was investigated. Adsorption experiments were carried out at pH = 5 and pH = 7 in the presence and absence of NOM. In general, the presence of NOM decreased the adsorption of metal ions onto the clay particles. Al and Fe were strongly influenced by NOM, whereas Zn and Pb adsorption was only sli
Authors
D. Schmitt, Howard E. Taylor, G. R. Aiken, D.A. Roth, F.H. Frimmel

Evaluating behavior of oxygen, nitrate, and sulfate during recharge and quantifying reduction rates in a contaminated aquifer

This study evaluates the biogeochemical changes that occur when recharge water comes in contact with a reduced aquifer. It specifically addresses (1) which reactions occur in situ, (2) the order in which these reactions will occur if terminal electron acceptors (TEAs) are introduced simultaneously, (3) the rates of these reactions, and (4) the roles of the aqueous and solid-phase portions of the a
Authors
Jennifer T. McGuire, David T. Long, Michael J. Klug, Sheridan K. Haack, David W. Hyndman

Determination of methyl mercury by aqueous phase ethylation, followed by gas chromatographic separation with cold vapor atomic fluorescence detection

A recent national sampling of streams in the United States revealed low methyl mercury concentrations in surface waters. The resulting median and mean concentrations, calculated from 104 samples, were 0.06 nanograms per liter (ng/L) and 0.15 ng/L, respectively. This level of methyl mercury in surface water in the United States has created a need for analytical techniques capable of detecting sub-n
Authors
John F. De Wild, Mark L. Olsen, Shane D. Olund

Trace, minor and major element data for ground water near Fairbanks, Alaska, 1999-2000

No abstract available.
Authors
S. H. Mueller, R. J. Goldfarb, G. L. Farmer, R. Sanzolone, M. Adams, P. M. Theodorakos, S.A. Richmond, R. Blaine McCleskey

Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory--Determination of wastewater compounds by polystyrene-divinylbenzene solid-phase extraction and capillary-column gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A method for the determination of 67 compounds typically found in domestic and industrial wastewater is described. The method was developed in response to increasing concern over the impact of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in wastewater on aquatic organisms. This method also may be useful for evaluating the impact of combined sanitary and storm-sewer overflow on the water quality of urban streams
Authors
Steven D. Zaugg, Steven G. Smith, Michael P. Schroeder, Larry B. Barber, Mark R. Burkhardt

Chemical evolution of the Salton Sea, California: Nutrient and selenium dynamics

The Salton Sea is a 1000-km2 terminal lake located in the desert area of southeastern California. This saline (∼44 000 mg l−1 dissolved solids) lake started as fresh water in 1905–07 by accidental flooding of the Colorado River, and it is maintained by agricultural runoff of irrigation water diverted from the Colorado River. The Salton Sea and surrounding wetlands have recently acquired substantia
Authors
Roy A. Schroeder, William H. Orem, Yousif K. Kharaka

Chromium isotopes and the fate of hexavalent chromium in the environment

Measurements of chromium (Cr) stable-isotope fractionation in laboratory experiments and natural waters show that lighter isotopes reacted preferentially during Cr(VI) reduction by magnetite and sediments. The 53Cr/52Cr ratio of the product was 3.4 ± 0.1 per mil less than that of the reactant.53Cr/52Cr shifts in water samples indicate the extent of reduction, a critical process that renders toxic
Authors
Andre S. Ellis, Thomas M. Johnson, Thomas D. Bullen