Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Environmental Chemistry

 

The Environmental Chemistry Branch at the Columbia Environmental Research Center develops and applies innovative methods of sampling and analysis to answer critical questions about the occurrence, distribution, fate and transport of chemicals in all environmental matrices (water, tissues, sediments, air, and others).  This information is then used to determine potential exposure pathways and risks to organisms and ecosystems.

 

Contact David Alvarez, PhD, Branch Chief

Browse Topics

Filter Total Items: 6
link
picture of a deer

A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).
Learn More
link
image of scientists collecting insects

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
Learn More
link
image of SERFN graphic

Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
Learn More
link
Environmental Chemistry

Environmental Chemistry Branch Structure

The Environmental Chemistry Branch is made up of four research sections working collectively towards the common goal of providing information on the role of chemicals in the environment.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Environmental Chemistry Branch Structure

The Environmental Chemistry Branch is made up of four research sections working collectively towards the common goal of providing information on the role of chemicals in the environment.
Learn More
link
diluter

Analytical Capabilities

The Environmental Chemistry Branch has a modern laboratory facility with dedicated spaces for sample preparation, inorganic and organic analyses.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Analytical Capabilities

The Environmental Chemistry Branch has a modern laboratory facility with dedicated spaces for sample preparation, inorganic and organic analyses.
Learn More
link
Scientists collect water samples in a stream using a pushpoint sampler

Project Involvement

The Environmental Chemistry Branch has the expertise to contribute to all levels of the project from study design to reporting. As a research lab, we maintain the flexibility needed to adapt to the changing needs of a study, while providing sufficient Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) to insure confidence in the results.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Project Involvement

The Environmental Chemistry Branch has the expertise to contribute to all levels of the project from study design to reporting. As a research lab, we maintain the flexibility needed to adapt to the changing needs of a study, while providing sufficient Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) to insure confidence in the results.
Learn More