Keith A Loftin, Ph.D.
Products and information related to Keith Loftin.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 30
The Influence of Aerosols on Harmful Algal Toxin Production and Maintenance
The primary objective of this study is to determine what aerosol events (desert dust storms, volcanic eruptions, fires) or pathways contribute to the propagation of harmful algal toxins. This study provides insight into what type of aerosol events contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Understanding Drivers of Cyanotoxin Production in the Lake Okeechobee Waterway
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other researchers combined field and laboratory approaches in two studies to understand the factors that drive cyanobacterial bloom development and associated cyanotoxin production in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and Estuary, and the Indian River Lagoon in response to the large-scale Lake Okeechobee cyanobacteria bloom in 2016.
Understanding Associations between Mussel Productivity and Cyanotoxins in Lake Erie
Study findings indicate that cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins were not associated with mussel mortality at the concentrations present in Lake Erie during a recent study (2013-15), but mussel growth was lower at sites with greater microcystin concentrations.
New Method Developed to Quantify Spatial Extent of Cyanobacterial Blooms
This study provides a method for quantifying changes in the spatial extent of cyanobacterial blooms at local and regional scales using remotely sensed data to determine if bloom occurrence and size are increasing or decreasing for inland water resources.
Satellite Imagery Used to Measure Algal Bloom Frequency—Steps Toward Understanding Exposure Risk
Study explores the utility and limitations of currently available remotely sensed satellite data for identifying the frequency of algal blooms in the Nation's lakes and reservoirs. This information provides a first step toward the goal of understanding exposure risk to protect the health of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Cyanobacteria from 2016 Lake Okeechobee Harmful Algal Bloom Photo-Documented
New report provides photographic documentation and identification of the cyanobacteria present in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River, and St. Lucie Canal during an extensive algal bloom in 2016.
Evaluating Linkages Between Algal Toxins and Human Health
The amino acid β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by cyanobacteria and has been suggested by human health researchers as a causal factor for degenerative neurological diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinsonism, and dementia. An objective review concluded that this hypothesis is not supported by existing data.
USGS Scientist Receives Award for Assistance with National Wetlands Assessment
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Dr. Keith A. Loftin received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water's Achievement in Science and Technology Award for his contributions to the National Wetlands Condition Assessment.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Filter Total Items: 26
Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of cyanobacteria cultures from Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake (CA, USA, 2016) for cyanotoxins and algal toxins
Cyanobacteria are common in inland water bodies. Many strains are known to produce potent toxins (cyanotoxins) which can impact human and animal health in sufficient concentrations. Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake are two impaired lakes in California with frequent cyanobacteria blooms that are not monitored for toxin production. These data document the liquid chromatography triple...
Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of cyanotoxins and algal toxins in estuary samples collected from California, USA, in 2016-17
Cyanobacteria are primary producers present in many water bodies, certain types of which may produce potent toxins (known as cyanotoxins). They are known to impact human and animal health when exposed through recreational activities, consumption, and inhalation. In an effort to understand the presence of toxin-producing cyanobacteria in California water bodies, cyanobacteria samples were...
Cyanotoxin Concentration and Phytoplankton Community Composition Data for Surface Water Samples Collected at Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina during summer 2015
Data release including concentrations of cyanotoxins and phytoplankton community composition data for water samples collected from the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina during 2015.
Phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides the phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are raw tallies, not calculated abundances or concentrations. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples...
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides phytoplankton data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are reported as raw calculated values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples collected as part of a...
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides discretely measured cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin), chlorophyll...
Velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake Okeechobee...
Microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 9 to 17, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake...
Analytical inorganic chemistry results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the...
Matrix inhibition PCR and Microtox 81.9% screening assay analytical results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the...
Exposure potential of salt marsh units in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to environmental health stressors
Natural and anthropogenic contaminants, pathogens, and viruses are found in soils and sediments throughout the United States. Enhanced dispersion and concentration of these environmental health stressors in coastal regions can result from sea level rise and storm-derived disturbances. The combination of existing environmental health stressors and those mobilized by natural or...
Concentrations of glyphosate and atrazine compounds in 100 Midwest United States streams in 2013
Glyphosate and atrazine are the most intensively used herbicides in the United States. Temporal patterns in glyphosate and atrazine concentrations were measured weekly by the USGS during the 2013 growing season in 100 small streams in the Midwestern United States. Concentrations also were measured every 2 days at a subset of 8 of the sites, all located in Missouri. Glyphosate was...
Filter Total Items: 83
Integrative monitoring strategy for marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and toxins across the freshwater-to-marine continuum
Many coastal states throughout the USA have observed negative effects in marine and estuarine environments caused by cyanotoxins produced in inland waterbodies that were transported downstream or produced in the estuaries. Estuaries and other downstream receiving waters now face the dual risk of impacts from harmful algal blooms (HABs) that occur in the coastal ocean as well as those...
Authors
Meredith D. A. Howard, Jayme Smith, David A. Caron, Raphael M. Kudela, Keith Loftin, Kendra Hayashi, Rich Fadness, Susan Fricke, Jacob Kann, Miranda Roethler, Avery O. Tatters, Susanna Theroux
Satellites quantify the spatial extent of cyanobacterial blooms across the United States at multiple scales
Previous studies indicate that cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) frequency, extent, and magnitude have increased globally over the past few decades. However, little quantitative capability is available to assess these metrics of cyanoHABs across broad geographic scales and at regular intervals. Here, the spatial extent was quantified from a cyanobacteria algorithm applied to...
Authors
Blake Schaeffer, Erin Urquhart, Megan M. Coffer, Wilson B. Salls, Richard P. Stumpf, Keith Loftin, P. Jeremy Werdell
A validation of satellite derived cyanobacteria detections with state reported events and recreation advisories across U.S. lakes
Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) negatively affect ecological, human, and animal health. Traditional methods of validating satellite algorithms with data from water samples are often inhibited by the expense of quantifying cyanobacteria indicators in the field and the lack of public data. However, state recreation advisories and other recorded events of cyanoHAB occurrence...
Authors
Peter Whitman, Blake Schaeffer, Wilson B. Salls, Megan M. Coffer, Sachidananda Mishra, Bridget N. Seegers, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, P. Jeremy Werdell
Detecting algal toxins and organic contaminants of concern in the environment
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and...
Authors
Julie E. Dietze, Rachael F. Lane, Keith Loftin, Daniel L. Tush, Michaelah C. Wilson
Site- and individual-level contaminations affect infection prevalence of an emerging infectious disease of amphibians
Emerging infectious disease outbreaks are one of multiple stressors responsible for amphibian declines globally. In the northeastern United States, ranaviral diseases are prevalent in amphibians and other ectothermic species, but there is still uncertainty as to whether their presence is leading to population level effects. Further, there is also uncertainty surrounding the potential...
Authors
Kelly Smalling, Brittany Mosher, Luke Iwanowicz, Keith Loftin, Adam Boehlke, Michelle L. Hladik, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Nandadevi Córtes-Rodríguez, Robin Femmer, Evan H. Campbell Grant
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, California Water Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center
A review of algal toxin exposures on reserved federal lands and among trust species in the United States
Associated health effects from algal toxin exposure are a growing concern for human and animal health. Algal toxin poisonings may occur from contact with or consumption of water supplies or from ingestion of contaminated animals. The U.S. Federal Government owns or holds in trust about 259 million hectares of land, in addition to the Trust species obligations. We completed the first...
Authors
Zachary Laughrey, Victoria G. Christensen, Robert J. Dusek, Sarena Senegal, Julia S. Lankton, Tracy Ziegler, Lee C. Jones, Daniel K. Jones, Brianna Williams, Stephanie Gordon, Gerald A. Clyde, Erich B Emery, Keith Loftin
Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase gene, and cyanotoxin occurrence among selected large river sites of the conterminous United States, 2017–18
The U.S. Geological Survey measured cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins at 11 river sites throughout the conterminous United States in a multiyear pilot study during 2017–19 through the National Water Quality Assessment Project to better understand the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in large inland and coastal rivers. This report focuses on the first...
Authors
Robert E. Zuellig, Jennifer L. Graham, Erin Stelzer, Keith Loftin, Barry H. Rosen
Satellites for long-term monitoring of inland U.S. lakes: The MERIS time series and application for chlorophyll-a
Lakes and other surface fresh waterbodies provide drinking water, recreational and economic opportunities, food, and other critical support for humans, aquatic life, and ecosystem health. Lakes are also productive ecosystems that provide habitats and influence global cycles. Chlorophyll concentration provides a common metric of water quality, and is frequently used as a proxy for lake...
Authors
Bridget N. Seegers, P. Jeremy Werdell, Ryan Vandermeulen, Wilson B. Salls, Richard P. Stumpf, Blake Schaeffer, Tommy Owens, Sean Bailey, Joel Scott, Keith Loftin
Assessing cyanobacterial frequency and abundance at surface waters near drinking water intakes across the United States
This study presents the first large-scale assessment of cyanobacterial frequency and abundance of surface water near drinking water intakes across the United States. Public water systems serve drinking water to nearly 90% of the United States population. Cyanobacteria and their toxins may degrade the quality of finished drinking water and can lead to negative health consequences...
Authors
Megan M. Coffer, Blake Schaeffer, Katherine Foreman, Alex Porteous, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, Jeremy Werdell, Erin Urquhart, Ryan Albert, John A. Darling
Satellite remote sensing to assess cyanobacterial bloom frequency across the United States at multiple spatial scales
Cyanobacterial blooms can have negative effects on human health and local ecosystems. Field monitoring of cyanobacterial blooms can be costly, but satellite remote sensing has shown utility for more efficient spatial and temporal monitoring across the United States. Here, satellite imagery was used to assess the annual frequency of surface cyanobacterial blooms, defined for each...
Authors
Megan M. Coffer, Blake Schaeffer, Wilson B. Salls, Erin Urquhart, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, P. Jeremy Werdell, John A. Darling
Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA
A pilot-scale expanded target assessment of mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in point-of-consumption drinking water (tapwater, TW) was conducted in Puerto Rico (PR) to continue to inform TW exposures and corresponding estimations of cumulative human-health risks across the US. In August 2018, a spatial synoptic pilot assessment of than 524 organic, 37 inorganic, and select...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Ingrid Y. Padilla, Kristin Romanok, Kelly Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Mary C. Cardon, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Jr. Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Michelle L. Hladik, Christopher P. Higgins, Luke Iwanowicz, Rachael F. Lane, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
Public and private tapwater: Comparative analysis of contaminant exposure and potential risk, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
BackgroundHumans are primary drivers of environmental contamination worldwide, including in drinking-water resources. In the United States (US), federal and state agencies regulate and monitor public-supply drinking water while private-supply monitoring is rare; the current lack of directly comparable information on contaminant-mixture exposures and risks between private- and public...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Denis R. LeBlanc, Kristin Romanok, Kelly Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Mary C. Cardon, Jimmy M. Clark, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Jr. Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Christopher P. Higgins, Michelle L. Hladik, Luke Iwanowicz, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, National Water Quality Laboratory
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 30
The Influence of Aerosols on Harmful Algal Toxin Production and Maintenance
The primary objective of this study is to determine what aerosol events (desert dust storms, volcanic eruptions, fires) or pathways contribute to the propagation of harmful algal toxins. This study provides insight into what type of aerosol events contribute to harmful algal blooms.
Understanding Drivers of Cyanotoxin Production in the Lake Okeechobee Waterway
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and other researchers combined field and laboratory approaches in two studies to understand the factors that drive cyanobacterial bloom development and associated cyanotoxin production in Lake Okeechobee, the St. Lucie River and Estuary, and the Indian River Lagoon in response to the large-scale Lake Okeechobee cyanobacteria bloom in 2016.
Understanding Associations between Mussel Productivity and Cyanotoxins in Lake Erie
Study findings indicate that cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins were not associated with mussel mortality at the concentrations present in Lake Erie during a recent study (2013-15), but mussel growth was lower at sites with greater microcystin concentrations.
New Method Developed to Quantify Spatial Extent of Cyanobacterial Blooms
This study provides a method for quantifying changes in the spatial extent of cyanobacterial blooms at local and regional scales using remotely sensed data to determine if bloom occurrence and size are increasing or decreasing for inland water resources.
Satellite Imagery Used to Measure Algal Bloom Frequency—Steps Toward Understanding Exposure Risk
Study explores the utility and limitations of currently available remotely sensed satellite data for identifying the frequency of algal blooms in the Nation's lakes and reservoirs. This information provides a first step toward the goal of understanding exposure risk to protect the health of humans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
Cyanobacteria from 2016 Lake Okeechobee Harmful Algal Bloom Photo-Documented
New report provides photographic documentation and identification of the cyanobacteria present in Lake Okeechobee, the Caloosahatchee River, and St. Lucie Canal during an extensive algal bloom in 2016.
Evaluating Linkages Between Algal Toxins and Human Health
The amino acid β-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA) is produced by cyanobacteria and has been suggested by human health researchers as a causal factor for degenerative neurological diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinsonism, and dementia. An objective review concluded that this hypothesis is not supported by existing data.
USGS Scientist Receives Award for Assistance with National Wetlands Assessment
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Dr. Keith A. Loftin received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water's Achievement in Science and Technology Award for his contributions to the National Wetlands Condition Assessment.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Filter Total Items: 26
Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of cyanobacteria cultures from Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake (CA, USA, 2016) for cyanotoxins and algal toxins
Cyanobacteria are common in inland water bodies. Many strains are known to produce potent toxins (cyanotoxins) which can impact human and animal health in sufficient concentrations. Lake Elsinore and Canyon Lake are two impaired lakes in California with frequent cyanobacteria blooms that are not monitored for toxin production. These data document the liquid chromatography triple...
Liquid Chromatography Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis of cyanotoxins and algal toxins in estuary samples collected from California, USA, in 2016-17
Cyanobacteria are primary producers present in many water bodies, certain types of which may produce potent toxins (known as cyanotoxins). They are known to impact human and animal health when exposed through recreational activities, consumption, and inhalation. In an effort to understand the presence of toxin-producing cyanobacteria in California water bodies, cyanobacteria samples were...
Cyanotoxin Concentration and Phytoplankton Community Composition Data for Surface Water Samples Collected at Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina during summer 2015
Data release including concentrations of cyanotoxins and phytoplankton community composition data for water samples collected from the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina during 2015.
Phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides the phytoplankton tally sheet, including photomicrographs, for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are raw tallies, not calculated abundances or concentrations. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples...
Phytoplankton data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides phytoplankton data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. All data are reported as raw calculated values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. The dataset includes all routine and quality assurance/quality control samples collected as part of a...
Cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected at eleven large river sites throughout the United States, June through September 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides discretely measured cyanotoxin, chlorophyll-a, and cyanobacterial toxin genetic data for samples collected from eleven large river sites throughout the United States, from June through September 2017. Discrete water-quality samples were analyzed for cyanotoxins (anatoxin, cylindrospermopsin, microcystin, and saxitoxin), chlorophyll...
Velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides velocity test data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 10 to 13, 2017. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake Okeechobee...
Microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, July 9 to 17, 2017
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Data Release provides microcystin, chlorophyll, and cell-count data for assessing the effect of salinity tolerance on cyanobacteria associated with a harmful algal bloom in Lake Okeechobee, Florida. All data are reported as raw measured values and are not rounded to USGS significant figures. Water and algal bloom material were collected from Lake...
Analytical inorganic chemistry results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the...
Matrix inhibition PCR and Microtox 81.9% screening assay analytical results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the...
Exposure potential of salt marsh units in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to environmental health stressors
Natural and anthropogenic contaminants, pathogens, and viruses are found in soils and sediments throughout the United States. Enhanced dispersion and concentration of these environmental health stressors in coastal regions can result from sea level rise and storm-derived disturbances. The combination of existing environmental health stressors and those mobilized by natural or...
Concentrations of glyphosate and atrazine compounds in 100 Midwest United States streams in 2013
Glyphosate and atrazine are the most intensively used herbicides in the United States. Temporal patterns in glyphosate and atrazine concentrations were measured weekly by the USGS during the 2013 growing season in 100 small streams in the Midwestern United States. Concentrations also were measured every 2 days at a subset of 8 of the sites, all located in Missouri. Glyphosate was...
Filter Total Items: 83
Integrative monitoring strategy for marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and toxins across the freshwater-to-marine continuum
Many coastal states throughout the USA have observed negative effects in marine and estuarine environments caused by cyanotoxins produced in inland waterbodies that were transported downstream or produced in the estuaries. Estuaries and other downstream receiving waters now face the dual risk of impacts from harmful algal blooms (HABs) that occur in the coastal ocean as well as those...
Authors
Meredith D. A. Howard, Jayme Smith, David A. Caron, Raphael M. Kudela, Keith Loftin, Kendra Hayashi, Rich Fadness, Susan Fricke, Jacob Kann, Miranda Roethler, Avery O. Tatters, Susanna Theroux
Satellites quantify the spatial extent of cyanobacterial blooms across the United States at multiple scales
Previous studies indicate that cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (cyanoHAB) frequency, extent, and magnitude have increased globally over the past few decades. However, little quantitative capability is available to assess these metrics of cyanoHABs across broad geographic scales and at regular intervals. Here, the spatial extent was quantified from a cyanobacteria algorithm applied to...
Authors
Blake Schaeffer, Erin Urquhart, Megan M. Coffer, Wilson B. Salls, Richard P. Stumpf, Keith Loftin, P. Jeremy Werdell
A validation of satellite derived cyanobacteria detections with state reported events and recreation advisories across U.S. lakes
Cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) negatively affect ecological, human, and animal health. Traditional methods of validating satellite algorithms with data from water samples are often inhibited by the expense of quantifying cyanobacteria indicators in the field and the lack of public data. However, state recreation advisories and other recorded events of cyanoHAB occurrence...
Authors
Peter Whitman, Blake Schaeffer, Wilson B. Salls, Megan M. Coffer, Sachidananda Mishra, Bridget N. Seegers, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, P. Jeremy Werdell
Detecting algal toxins and organic contaminants of concern in the environment
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and...
Authors
Julie E. Dietze, Rachael F. Lane, Keith Loftin, Daniel L. Tush, Michaelah C. Wilson
Site- and individual-level contaminations affect infection prevalence of an emerging infectious disease of amphibians
Emerging infectious disease outbreaks are one of multiple stressors responsible for amphibian declines globally. In the northeastern United States, ranaviral diseases are prevalent in amphibians and other ectothermic species, but there is still uncertainty as to whether their presence is leading to population level effects. Further, there is also uncertainty surrounding the potential...
Authors
Kelly Smalling, Brittany Mosher, Luke Iwanowicz, Keith Loftin, Adam Boehlke, Michelle L. Hladik, Carly R. Muletz-Wolz, Nandadevi Córtes-Rodríguez, Robin Femmer, Evan H. Campbell Grant
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, California Water Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center
A review of algal toxin exposures on reserved federal lands and among trust species in the United States
Associated health effects from algal toxin exposure are a growing concern for human and animal health. Algal toxin poisonings may occur from contact with or consumption of water supplies or from ingestion of contaminated animals. The U.S. Federal Government owns or holds in trust about 259 million hectares of land, in addition to the Trust species obligations. We completed the first...
Authors
Zachary Laughrey, Victoria G. Christensen, Robert J. Dusek, Sarena Senegal, Julia S. Lankton, Tracy Ziegler, Lee C. Jones, Daniel K. Jones, Brianna Williams, Stephanie Gordon, Gerald A. Clyde, Erich B Emery, Keith Loftin
Cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase gene, and cyanotoxin occurrence among selected large river sites of the conterminous United States, 2017–18
The U.S. Geological Survey measured cyanobacteria, cyanotoxin synthetase genes, and cyanotoxins at 11 river sites throughout the conterminous United States in a multiyear pilot study during 2017–19 through the National Water Quality Assessment Project to better understand the occurrence of cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in large inland and coastal rivers. This report focuses on the first...
Authors
Robert E. Zuellig, Jennifer L. Graham, Erin Stelzer, Keith Loftin, Barry H. Rosen
Satellites for long-term monitoring of inland U.S. lakes: The MERIS time series and application for chlorophyll-a
Lakes and other surface fresh waterbodies provide drinking water, recreational and economic opportunities, food, and other critical support for humans, aquatic life, and ecosystem health. Lakes are also productive ecosystems that provide habitats and influence global cycles. Chlorophyll concentration provides a common metric of water quality, and is frequently used as a proxy for lake...
Authors
Bridget N. Seegers, P. Jeremy Werdell, Ryan Vandermeulen, Wilson B. Salls, Richard P. Stumpf, Blake Schaeffer, Tommy Owens, Sean Bailey, Joel Scott, Keith Loftin
Assessing cyanobacterial frequency and abundance at surface waters near drinking water intakes across the United States
This study presents the first large-scale assessment of cyanobacterial frequency and abundance of surface water near drinking water intakes across the United States. Public water systems serve drinking water to nearly 90% of the United States population. Cyanobacteria and their toxins may degrade the quality of finished drinking water and can lead to negative health consequences...
Authors
Megan M. Coffer, Blake Schaeffer, Katherine Foreman, Alex Porteous, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, Jeremy Werdell, Erin Urquhart, Ryan Albert, John A. Darling
Satellite remote sensing to assess cyanobacterial bloom frequency across the United States at multiple spatial scales
Cyanobacterial blooms can have negative effects on human health and local ecosystems. Field monitoring of cyanobacterial blooms can be costly, but satellite remote sensing has shown utility for more efficient spatial and temporal monitoring across the United States. Here, satellite imagery was used to assess the annual frequency of surface cyanobacterial blooms, defined for each...
Authors
Megan M. Coffer, Blake Schaeffer, Wilson B. Salls, Erin Urquhart, Keith Loftin, Richard P. Stumpf, P. Jeremy Werdell, John A. Darling
Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA
A pilot-scale expanded target assessment of mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in point-of-consumption drinking water (tapwater, TW) was conducted in Puerto Rico (PR) to continue to inform TW exposures and corresponding estimations of cumulative human-health risks across the US. In August 2018, a spatial synoptic pilot assessment of than 524 organic, 37 inorganic, and select...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Ingrid Y. Padilla, Kristin Romanok, Kelly Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Mary C. Cardon, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Jr. Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Michelle L. Hladik, Christopher P. Higgins, Luke Iwanowicz, Rachael F. Lane, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
Public and private tapwater: Comparative analysis of contaminant exposure and potential risk, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA
BackgroundHumans are primary drivers of environmental contamination worldwide, including in drinking-water resources. In the United States (US), federal and state agencies regulate and monitor public-supply drinking water while private-supply monitoring is rare; the current lack of directly comparable information on contaminant-mixture exposures and risks between private- and public...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Denis R. LeBlanc, Kristin Romanok, Kelly Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Mary C. Cardon, Jimmy M. Clark, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Jr. Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Christopher P. Higgins, Michelle L. Hladik, Luke Iwanowicz, Keith Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, National Water Quality Laboratory