USGS: Science Topics: contamination and pollution

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Contamination and pollution

Introduction of harmful substances into the environment by human action or natural processes.

Subtopics:
Nonpoint-source pollution (11 items)
Industrial pollution (25 items)
Pesticide and herbicide contamination (24 items)
Toxic radionuclide contamination (12 items)
Toxic trace element contamination (40 items)
Pharmaceutical contamination (3 items)

Water pollution (13 items)
Soil pollution (1 items)
Air pollution (7 items)

Related topics:

Results 171 - 180 of 182 listed by similarity [list alphabetically]

Trace metals related to historical iron smelting at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Berks and Chester Counties, Pennsylvania [More info]: Iron ore containing elevated concentrations of trace metals was smelted here during 113 years of operation (1771-1883). We sampled a variety of materials nearby to determine the amount of metals such as arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, and zinc.
Twelve Years of Monitoring Phosphorus and Suspended-Solids Concentrations and Yields in the North Fork Ninnescah River above Cheney Reservoir, South-Central Kansas 1997-2008 [More info]: Water quality is important here because this reservoir is the primary supply for Wichita, Kansas. Due to low streamflow during the monitoring period, we expect suspended sediment and phosphorus to be more variable in the future.
Understanding beach health throughout the Great Lakes -- Continuing research [More info]: Outlines tactical problems that make it difficult for beach managers to use scientific information to make beach closure and advisory decisions. Explains methodologies we are using to address those problems and better prepare local decision makers.
Understanding beach health throughout the Great Lakes-Entering a new era of investigations [More info]: People who manage recreational areas need better, more timely estimates of the likelihood that the beach and lake waters will be hazardous to human health, and which factors cause those hazards.
Understanding pesticides in California's Delta [More info]: The Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta is the hub of California's water system and an important habitat for fish and wildlife. USGS research has provided resource managers and other stakeholders with a good understanding of how pesticides enter the Delta.
Understanding processes affecting mineral deposits in humid environments [More info]: Contaminants from mines move more easily from ore materials and mine waste piles to surrounding estuaries and living organisms when water moves through the mine site. Geochemical results shown here will help people mitigate the negative effects.
Urban development results in stressors that degrade stream ecosystems [More info]: Explains which aspects of stream ecosystems are harmed by urban development and how, along with implications for those who manage urban ecosystems.
USGS develops geophysical methods to improve remediation monitoring and site characterization [More info]: Short news article describing the use of electrical resistivity tomography to improve imaging of tracer flow in ground water.
USGS guide to federal environmental laws and regulations [More info]: Guide to major U.S. environmental statutes and corresponding regulations on air quality, fish and wildlife conservation, cultural and historic resources, solid and hazardous substances, public lands, farmlands, and water resources.
USGS Indiana District adopts White River [More info]: Volunteers from the USGS in Indiana, their families, and friends donate two Saturdays a year for a river-cleanup.

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