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Columbia Environmental Research Center

Welcome to the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Our research focuses on environmental contaminants and the effects of habitat alterations on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. 

News

New USGS model uses dragonflies to estimate freshwater mercury risk on U.S. protected lands

New USGS model uses dragonflies to estimate freshwater mercury risk on U.S. protected lands

USGS Friday's Findings - August 9, 2024

USGS Friday's Findings - August 9, 2024

Friday's Findings - January 26, 2024

Friday's Findings - January 26, 2024

Publications

Reproductive biology of invasive grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) in two North American systems

Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are nonnative, herbivorous freshwater fish that represent an ecological threat in North American waters. However, data are limited on reproductive biology specific to wild populations in midwestern North America, despite recent concern for grass carp establishment within the Great Lakes. Basic information on reproductive traits could be useful to...
Authors
Tammy Michelle Wilson, Matthew Ross Acre, Fred Williams, Robin D. Calfee, Christine M. Mayer, Robert L. Mapes, Chris M. Kemp, Ryan T. Young, Michael E. Byrne

A high efficiency method for the extraction and quantitative analysis of 45 PFAS in whole fish

This study describes and validates a new method for extracting perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from whole-body fish tissue, demonstrates that freeze-dry preservation of tissue conserves bioaccumulative PFAS, and details a method demonstration on Lake Michigan fish. While fish filets are more commonly analyzed for their significance to human health, whole fish are...
Authors
Sarah Balgooyen, Madelynn Scott, Brett R. Blackwell, Erin L. Pulster, Michael B. Mahon, Ryan F. Lepak, Will Backe

What is eDNA method standardization and why do we need it?

The rapid advancement of environmental DNA (eDNA) science in the past two decades has inspired a concomitant growth in the development of eDNA sampling and analytical methods. However, these methods are often developed by individual laboratories or institutions, which can isolate protocols within programmes, agencies or regions and prevent the beneficial exchange of data and ideas...
Authors
Susanna Theroux, Adam Sepulveda, Cathryn L. Abbott, Zachary Gold, Alison W. Watts, Margaret Hunter, Katy E. Klymus, Shana L. Hirsch, Joseph M. Craine, Devin Nicole Jones, Rachel J. Brown, Joshua A. Steele, Miwa Takahashi, Rachel T. Noble, John A. Darling

Science

Modeling and Ecology in Action: Informing Invasive Species Management

The modeling team is at the forefront of developing and applying advanced quantitative methods to better understand and manage invasive species.
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Modeling and Ecology in Action: Informing Invasive Species Management

The modeling team is at the forefront of developing and applying advanced quantitative methods to better understand and manage invasive species.
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USGS Research on 6PPD-quinone: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.
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USGS Research on 6PPD-quinone: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.
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Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS) Dysregulates Lipid Homeostasis in Early Life Stage Fish

A frequently detected perfluorinated compound in the environment, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), can alter lipid metabolism in developing fish. This work identifies a novel mechanism in which PFHxS targets lipid metabolism pathways by using multiple omic techniques and modeling approaches.
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Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS) Dysregulates Lipid Homeostasis in Early Life Stage Fish

A frequently detected perfluorinated compound in the environment, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), can alter lipid metabolism in developing fish. This work identifies a novel mechanism in which PFHxS targets lipid metabolism pathways by using multiple omic techniques and modeling approaches.
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