Field sampling in the Hells Canyon Reservoir Complex, with Dr. M. Marvin-DiPasquale at the bow of the sediment collection boat. Photographer: D. Krabbenhoft.
Mark Marvin-DiPasquale, PhD
Dr. Marvin-DiPasquale is a Research Microbiologist for the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.
A native of Rochester NY, Dr. Marvin-DiPasquale is Project Chief in the Water Mission Area (WMA) Earth System Processes Division (ESPD). He is the science lead of the "Microbial Biogeochemistry” workgroup and the project manager of the WMA "Proxies Project". He completed a B.S. in Chemistry at SUNY StonyBrook in 1987 and a Ph.D. in 1995 from University of Maryland, Marine and Estuarine Environmental Science Program, with a focus on the microbial ecology of Chesapeake Bay sediments. He began a career at USGS (Menlo Park, CA) as a ‘National Research Council’ post-doc in 1995, and became a Project Chief in 2004. During much of his USGS tenure, his research focus has been on mercury cycling in various ecosystems, including: the San Francisco Bay watershed and associated mining areas throughout CA; FL Everglades; Carson River, NV (mercury Superfund site); coastal Louisiana; Patagonia region of Argentina; Puget Sound, WA; USGS-NAWQA and USGS-WEBB Study Units in OR, FL, WI, SC, NY, CO, GA, PR, and VT.
Research Interests: microbial ecology, biogeochemistry, estuarine and freshwater ecology, mercury and other trace metal biogoechemistry
Science and Products
Microbial Biogeochemistry Core Technology Team
About the Research The Microbial Biogeochemistry Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program focuses on environmental questions in aquatic systems (sediment and water) involving the linkages between major biogeochemical cycles (those involving carbon, sulfur, iron and nitrogen) and those associated with contaminants of concern.
Proxies Project
The Proxies Project is a series of studies to improve our understanding of water contaminants and water quality hazards. These studies develop models and technical approaches for estimating concentrations and assessing risk associated with: - harmful algal blooms (HABs) - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - 12 elements of concern (EoC)
Remote Sensing of Mercury Pollution in South San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay has a long history of being subject to natural resources exploitation and pollution. Ongoing flux of contaminants into the bay, legacy pollution from the Gold Rush era and structural modifications still influence the natural ecosystem today. This project aims to map multiple forms (i.e. species) of mercury -- one of the major contaminants in the bay -- to help inform restoration...
High Resolution Temporal and Spatial Mapping of Mercury and Methylmercury in Surface Waters of the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of significant concern in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and watershed (Bay-Delta). The formation, fate, and transport of methylmercury (MeHg), a particularly toxic organic form of Hg that readily bioaccumulates in wildlife, has been studied extensively throughout the system. However, there is widespread recognition of the need for more comprehensive monitoring...
Mercury cycling, bioaccumulation, and risk across western North America: a landscape scale synthesis linking long-term datasets
Mercury (Hg) is a serious environmental problem that is impacting ecological and human health on a global scale. However, local and regional processes are largely responsible for producing methylmercury, which drives ecological risk. This is particularly true in western North America where the combination of diverse landscapes, habitat types, climates, and Hg sources may...
Hells Canyon Sediment Collection
Field sampling in the Hells Canyon Reservoir Complex, with Dr. M. Marvin-DiPasquale at the bow of the sediment collection boat. Photographer: D. Krabbenhoft.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in surface waters
Left: USGS Employee L. Windham-Myers showing a surface water sample collected in acid-cleaned mason jar (deployed for 24 hours) for a mercury study conducted at the Cosumnes River Nature Preserve (CA). Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 10/29/2014.
Left: USGS Employee L. Windham-Myers showing a surface water sample collected in acid-cleaned mason jar (deployed for 24 hours) for a mercury study conducted at the Cosumnes River Nature Preserve (CA). Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 10/29/2014.
Laboratory approaches for quantifying microbial process rates and analyte concentrations
Left: Distillation rig used in the measurement of microbial sulfate reduction rates associated with a method based on the incubation of sediment samples with radioactively labeled sulfate. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 3/5/2001.
Left: Distillation rig used in the measurement of microbial sulfate reduction rates associated with a method based on the incubation of sediment samples with radioactively labeled sulfate. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 3/5/2001.
Taking surface sediment measurements at Crissy Marsh in San Francisco, CA.
USGS researcher Jennifer Agee taking surface sediment oxidation-reduction and pH measurements at Crissy Marsh, a vegetated saltmarsh near the Golden Gate Bridge (background) in San Francisco, CA. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers.
USGS researcher Jennifer Agee taking surface sediment oxidation-reduction and pH measurements at Crissy Marsh, a vegetated saltmarsh near the Golden Gate Bridge (background) in San Francisco, CA. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers.
Collecting Rice Sample
USGS researcher, Dr. Windham-Myers, collecting a white rice sample after 2 months of growth.
USGS researcher, Dr. Windham-Myers, collecting a white rice sample after 2 months of growth.
Wildlife and Agricultural Wetlands
A diversity of birds forage for small fish and invertebrates on fallow fields throughout the year.
A diversity of birds forage for small fish and invertebrates on fallow fields throughout the year.
Rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant
USGS employee showing the rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant, which is a critical zone for microbiological and biogeochemical processes.
USGS employee showing the rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant, which is a critical zone for microbiological and biogeochemical processes.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in wetland environments.
Left Image: Managed wetland at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Preserve (California Central Valley) showing mixed flocks of foraging birds. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
Left Image: Managed wetland at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Preserve (California Central Valley) showing mixed flocks of foraging birds. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in surface sediments.
Left: USGS Employee Sherry Wren removing a square meter of surface sediment in pickleweed dominated marsh along the Petaluma River (California), for a study designed to investigate the role of marsh plant root zone on the cycling of mercury. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers. Date: 4/4/2006
Left: USGS Employee Sherry Wren removing a square meter of surface sediment in pickleweed dominated marsh along the Petaluma River (California), for a study designed to investigate the role of marsh plant root zone on the cycling of mercury. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers. Date: 4/4/2006
Ecosystem restoration research in South San Francisco Bay.
Hilltop view of the Ravenswood ponds (right side of levee) in South San Francisco Bay. These former salt-production ponds were subsequently slated for a major wetland restoration project.
Hilltop view of the Ravenswood ponds (right side of levee) in South San Francisco Bay. These former salt-production ponds were subsequently slated for a major wetland restoration project.
Surface sediment sampling in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh.
USGS researchers Jennifer Agee and Le Kieu sampling surface sediment in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
USGS researchers Jennifer Agee and Le Kieu sampling surface sediment in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
Science and Products
Microbial Biogeochemistry Core Technology Team
About the Research The Microbial Biogeochemistry Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program focuses on environmental questions in aquatic systems (sediment and water) involving the linkages between major biogeochemical cycles (those involving carbon, sulfur, iron and nitrogen) and those associated with contaminants of concern.
Proxies Project
The Proxies Project is a series of studies to improve our understanding of water contaminants and water quality hazards. These studies develop models and technical approaches for estimating concentrations and assessing risk associated with: - harmful algal blooms (HABs) - per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) - 12 elements of concern (EoC)
Remote Sensing of Mercury Pollution in South San Francisco Bay
San Francisco Bay has a long history of being subject to natural resources exploitation and pollution. Ongoing flux of contaminants into the bay, legacy pollution from the Gold Rush era and structural modifications still influence the natural ecosystem today. This project aims to map multiple forms (i.e. species) of mercury -- one of the major contaminants in the bay -- to help inform restoration...
High Resolution Temporal and Spatial Mapping of Mercury and Methylmercury in Surface Waters of the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta
Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of significant concern in the San Francisco Bay-Delta estuary and watershed (Bay-Delta). The formation, fate, and transport of methylmercury (MeHg), a particularly toxic organic form of Hg that readily bioaccumulates in wildlife, has been studied extensively throughout the system. However, there is widespread recognition of the need for more comprehensive monitoring...
Mercury cycling, bioaccumulation, and risk across western North America: a landscape scale synthesis linking long-term datasets
Mercury (Hg) is a serious environmental problem that is impacting ecological and human health on a global scale. However, local and regional processes are largely responsible for producing methylmercury, which drives ecological risk. This is particularly true in western North America where the combination of diverse landscapes, habitat types, climates, and Hg sources may...
Hells Canyon Sediment Collection
Field sampling in the Hells Canyon Reservoir Complex, with Dr. M. Marvin-DiPasquale at the bow of the sediment collection boat. Photographer: D. Krabbenhoft.
Field sampling in the Hells Canyon Reservoir Complex, with Dr. M. Marvin-DiPasquale at the bow of the sediment collection boat. Photographer: D. Krabbenhoft.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in surface waters
Left: USGS Employee L. Windham-Myers showing a surface water sample collected in acid-cleaned mason jar (deployed for 24 hours) for a mercury study conducted at the Cosumnes River Nature Preserve (CA). Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 10/29/2014.
Left: USGS Employee L. Windham-Myers showing a surface water sample collected in acid-cleaned mason jar (deployed for 24 hours) for a mercury study conducted at the Cosumnes River Nature Preserve (CA). Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 10/29/2014.
Laboratory approaches for quantifying microbial process rates and analyte concentrations
Left: Distillation rig used in the measurement of microbial sulfate reduction rates associated with a method based on the incubation of sediment samples with radioactively labeled sulfate. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 3/5/2001.
Left: Distillation rig used in the measurement of microbial sulfate reduction rates associated with a method based on the incubation of sediment samples with radioactively labeled sulfate. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale. Date: 3/5/2001.
Taking surface sediment measurements at Crissy Marsh in San Francisco, CA.
USGS researcher Jennifer Agee taking surface sediment oxidation-reduction and pH measurements at Crissy Marsh, a vegetated saltmarsh near the Golden Gate Bridge (background) in San Francisco, CA. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers.
USGS researcher Jennifer Agee taking surface sediment oxidation-reduction and pH measurements at Crissy Marsh, a vegetated saltmarsh near the Golden Gate Bridge (background) in San Francisco, CA. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers.
Collecting Rice Sample
USGS researcher, Dr. Windham-Myers, collecting a white rice sample after 2 months of growth.
USGS researcher, Dr. Windham-Myers, collecting a white rice sample after 2 months of growth.
Wildlife and Agricultural Wetlands
A diversity of birds forage for small fish and invertebrates on fallow fields throughout the year.
A diversity of birds forage for small fish and invertebrates on fallow fields throughout the year.
Rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant
USGS employee showing the rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant, which is a critical zone for microbiological and biogeochemical processes.
USGS employee showing the rhizosphere (root zone) of a wetland plant, which is a critical zone for microbiological and biogeochemical processes.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in wetland environments.
Left Image: Managed wetland at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Preserve (California Central Valley) showing mixed flocks of foraging birds. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
Left Image: Managed wetland at the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Preserve (California Central Valley) showing mixed flocks of foraging birds. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
Studies of contaminant biogeochemistry and microbial processes in surface sediments.
Left: USGS Employee Sherry Wren removing a square meter of surface sediment in pickleweed dominated marsh along the Petaluma River (California), for a study designed to investigate the role of marsh plant root zone on the cycling of mercury. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers. Date: 4/4/2006
Left: USGS Employee Sherry Wren removing a square meter of surface sediment in pickleweed dominated marsh along the Petaluma River (California), for a study designed to investigate the role of marsh plant root zone on the cycling of mercury. Photographer: L. Windham-Myers. Date: 4/4/2006
Ecosystem restoration research in South San Francisco Bay.
Hilltop view of the Ravenswood ponds (right side of levee) in South San Francisco Bay. These former salt-production ponds were subsequently slated for a major wetland restoration project.
Hilltop view of the Ravenswood ponds (right side of levee) in South San Francisco Bay. These former salt-production ponds were subsequently slated for a major wetland restoration project.
Surface sediment sampling in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh.
USGS researchers Jennifer Agee and Le Kieu sampling surface sediment in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
USGS researchers Jennifer Agee and Le Kieu sampling surface sediment in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government