OGRL works independently or collaboratively to pair fate and transport with biological
experiments and effects. OGRL has three main focuses:
1. Development and modification of robust analytical methods needed for analysis of
compounds in multiple matrices to address relevant environmental health issues.
2. Conduct independent and collaborative lab to national based studies to provide new
knowledge on source to receptor pathways for potential environmental relevant organic
contaminants.
3. Conduct collaborative research to study correlations between individual compound
and environmental mixture and environmental health effects.
Hot Topics
- A team of scientists from the USGS and the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tanikon Research Station, Switzerland, found that some mycotoxins are common in U.S. stream waters. (more)
- Measuring POEA, a Surfactant Mixture in Herbicide Formulations. (more)
- Groundwater microbial community composition affected during 30-day exposure to sub mg/L concentrations of the antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole.
- Two microbial communities from a sandy aquifer, one acclimated historically to wastewater with sulfamethoxazole and the other unacclimated were exposed to in situ 240-520 μg/L sulfamethoxazole using filter chambers suspended ambient groundwater for 30 days. The unacclimated microbial community displayed greater changes in mortality and impairment, sensitivity to sulfamethoxazole, and community composition than the unacclimated microbial community. The study shows that microbial communities can be affected by concentrations 2-3 orders of magnitude less than those used in clinical applications.
Sample Processing
Samples will be collected using protocols for the collection of pesticide analysis in Shelton, (1994) http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/pubs/ofr94-455/sw-t.html
- Preclean all equipment with a Liquinox/tap-water solution, rinsed with tap water, deonized water, and then methanol, and then air dry.
- Filter sample water through a 0.7-µm pore-size baked glass-fiber filter after a 100 ml rinse of the filter with sample water, into 125-ml (4 oz) baked amber glass bottles (If filtering is not possible, then it can be done upon request at a rate of $30 persample).
- Upon collection, all samples will be kept chilled until shipped to the lab.
Shipping Instructions
Label bottles clearly with waterproof marker or preprinted labels (a paper label completely covered with clear packing tape is preferred). Information required on the bottle is shown:
- -Project code:
- -station id
- -stream/well name/location
- -date and time
- -initials of collector
- -lab method code
Example:
Project code: To be assigned by Julie Dietze
station id: Lake Houston North End, Texas
stream/well name/location: 40305060
date and time: 5-18-06 @ 1015
initials of collector: JD
lab method code: LCGY
Bottle Requirements
Method Required Bottles
LCPD 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCAB 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCEA 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCGY 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMA 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMB 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMNT/IMND *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
IMYT/IMYD *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
IMXT/IMXD *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
Custom Methods Contact Julie Dietze for bottles requirements
*When submitting samples for total analysis (IMNT, IMYT, and IMXT) only fill the bottles half-way to ensure that they do not break when frozen.
The following information form an ASR is required for transfer from the lab database to NWIS batch files/QWDX.
- USGS station ID
- Phone Number
- E-mail Contact
- User Code
- Project Account Number
- Collection Date
- Collection Time
- Sample Medium Code
- Sample Type
A copy of an ASR may be made and enclosed in a watertight bag if sample is also being sent to NWQL. Please make sure the lab methods and any other information specific to our lab is on the ASR sent to Kansas.
Data can be uploaded to the QWDX site upon request with the exception of immunoassay and soils/solids/bed sediment methods.
Glass bottles to be placed in foam sleeves to help prevent breakage. The bottles from each site will then be placed in a ZIPLOCK-type bag, which will help keep them dry in the coolers and keep all bottles from the same site together. All samples will be kept chilled and shipped on ice. Permanently mark the inside lid of the cooler with return address and telephone number. If this is not possible, make certain samples are kept cool until they are shipped to the OGRL.
Coolers will be returned at your project's expense. The three options for cooler return are listed below.
- A. Enclose a return mailing label and correct postage metered for return of cooler by parcel post mail
- B. Return a completed Federal Express shipping label identifying your USGS internal cost code or Federal Express account number.
- C. Enclose a mailing label and internal USGS cost code to have the cooler returned by Federal Express Ground shipping.
The coolers must be sent Monday-Thursday by overnight delivery. The laboratory is not open on Saturday or Sunday. The laboratory is also closed on federal holidays; therefore, coolers should not be sent the day before a holiday.
If you have questions or need to set up a new project, please call Julie Dietze at the following number and use the following address when shipping samples:
OGRL
USGS KS WSC
4821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049
785/832-3564
Organic Geochemistry Research Group
Links
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Acetamide Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCPD
OGRL Enzyme Linked-Imunnosorbent Assay Methods of Analysis
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Colorimetric microtiter plate receptor-binding assay for the detection of freshwater and marine neurotoxins targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Land use patterns, ecoregion, and microcystin relationships in U.S. lakes and reservoirs: a preliminary evaluation
Occurrence of pesticides in groundwater and sediments and mineralogy of sediments and grain coatings underlying the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, 2007
Experimental additions of aluminum sulfate and ammonium nitrate to in situ mesocosms to reduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration
Experimental additions of aluminum sulfateand ammonium nitrate to in situ mesocosms toreduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystinconcentration
A review on cylindrospermopsin: the global occurrence, detection, toxicity and degradation of a potent cyanotoxin
Mycotoxins: diffuse and point source contributions of natural contaminants of emerging concern to streams
Bioassay of estrogenicity and chemical analyses of estrogens in streams across the United States associated with livestock operations
Occurrence and partitioning of antibiotic compounds found in the water column and bottom sediments from a stream receiving two wastewater treatment plant effluents in northern New Jersey, 2008.
Chemical contaminants in water and sediment near fish nesting sites in the Potomac River basin: determining potential exposures to smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
Initial results from a reconnaissance of cyanobacteria and associated toxins in Illinois, August--October 2012
Relations between DNA- and RNA-based molecular methods for cyanobacteria and microcystin concentration at Maumee Bay State Park Lakeside Beach, Oregon, Ohio, 2012
Water samples were collected from Maumee Bay State Park Lakeside Beach, Oregon, Ohio, during the 2012 recreational season and analyzed for selected cyanobacteria gene sequences by DNA-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA-based quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results from the four DNA assays (for quantifying total cyanobacteria, total M
- Overview
OGRL works independently or collaboratively to pair fate and transport with biological
experiments and effects. OGRL has three main focuses:
1. Development and modification of robust analytical methods needed for analysis of
compounds in multiple matrices to address relevant environmental health issues.
2. Conduct independent and collaborative lab to national based studies to provide new
knowledge on source to receptor pathways for potential environmental relevant organic
contaminants.
3. Conduct collaborative research to study correlations between individual compound
and environmental mixture and environmental health effects.Hot Topics
- A team of scientists from the USGS and the Agroscope Reckenholz-Tanikon Research Station, Switzerland, found that some mycotoxins are common in U.S. stream waters. (more)
- Measuring POEA, a Surfactant Mixture in Herbicide Formulations. (more)
- Groundwater microbial community composition affected during 30-day exposure to sub mg/L concentrations of the antibiotic, sulfamethoxazole.
- Two microbial communities from a sandy aquifer, one acclimated historically to wastewater with sulfamethoxazole and the other unacclimated were exposed to in situ 240-520 μg/L sulfamethoxazole using filter chambers suspended ambient groundwater for 30 days. The unacclimated microbial community displayed greater changes in mortality and impairment, sensitivity to sulfamethoxazole, and community composition than the unacclimated microbial community. The study shows that microbial communities can be affected by concentrations 2-3 orders of magnitude less than those used in clinical applications.
Sample Processing
Samples will be collected using protocols for the collection of pesticide analysis in Shelton, (1994) http://water.usgs.gov/nawqa/pnsp/pubs/ofr94-455/sw-t.html
- Preclean all equipment with a Liquinox/tap-water solution, rinsed with tap water, deonized water, and then methanol, and then air dry.
- Filter sample water through a 0.7-µm pore-size baked glass-fiber filter after a 100 ml rinse of the filter with sample water, into 125-ml (4 oz) baked amber glass bottles (If filtering is not possible, then it can be done upon request at a rate of $30 persample).
- Upon collection, all samples will be kept chilled until shipped to the lab.
Shipping Instructions
Label bottles clearly with waterproof marker or preprinted labels (a paper label completely covered with clear packing tape is preferred). Information required on the bottle is shown:
- -Project code:
- -station id
- -stream/well name/location
- -date and time
- -initials of collector
- -lab method code
Example:
Project code: To be assigned by Julie Dietze
station id: Lake Houston North End, Texas
stream/well name/location: 40305060
date and time: 5-18-06 @ 1015
initials of collector: JD
lab method code: LCGY
Bottle Requirements
Method Required Bottles
LCPD 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCAB 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCEA 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
LCGY 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMA 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMB 3-4oz (125mL) amber glass with teflon lined caps
IMNT/IMND *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
IMYT/IMYD *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
IMXT/IMXD *1- 8 oz (250mL) HDPE with polypropylene closure
Custom Methods Contact Julie Dietze for bottles requirements
*When submitting samples for total analysis (IMNT, IMYT, and IMXT) only fill the bottles half-way to ensure that they do not break when frozen.
The following information form an ASR is required for transfer from the lab database to NWIS batch files/QWDX.
- USGS station ID
- Phone Number
- E-mail Contact
- User Code
- Project Account Number
- Collection Date
- Collection Time
- Sample Medium Code
- Sample Type
A copy of an ASR may be made and enclosed in a watertight bag if sample is also being sent to NWQL. Please make sure the lab methods and any other information specific to our lab is on the ASR sent to Kansas.
Data can be uploaded to the QWDX site upon request with the exception of immunoassay and soils/solids/bed sediment methods.
Glass bottles to be placed in foam sleeves to help prevent breakage. The bottles from each site will then be placed in a ZIPLOCK-type bag, which will help keep them dry in the coolers and keep all bottles from the same site together. All samples will be kept chilled and shipped on ice. Permanently mark the inside lid of the cooler with return address and telephone number. If this is not possible, make certain samples are kept cool until they are shipped to the OGRL.
Coolers will be returned at your project's expense. The three options for cooler return are listed below.
- A. Enclose a return mailing label and correct postage metered for return of cooler by parcel post mail
- B. Return a completed Federal Express shipping label identifying your USGS internal cost code or Federal Express account number.
- C. Enclose a mailing label and internal USGS cost code to have the cooler returned by Federal Express Ground shipping.
The coolers must be sent Monday-Thursday by overnight delivery. The laboratory is not open on Saturday or Sunday. The laboratory is also closed on federal holidays; therefore, coolers should not be sent the day before a holiday.
If you have questions or need to set up a new project, please call Julie Dietze at the following number and use the following address when shipping samples:
OGRL
USGS KS WSC
4821 Quail Crest Place
Lawrence, KS 66049
785/832-3564
Organic Geochemistry Research Group
Links - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
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.Acetamide Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCPD
Acetamide herbicides are used to control weeds in row crops such as corn and soybeans. Acetamide herbicides and their degradates are common contaminants in surface and groundwater. Some of the widely detected acid degradates are on the USEPA contaminant candidate list (CCL).OGRL Enzyme Linked-Imunnosorbent Assay Methods of Analysis
Immunoassays are rapid screening techinques that can be used to provide data on a specific compound or class of compunds on a large number of samples. We have used these methods to conduct large scale reconnaissance studies of atrazine in rainfall and cyanobacterial toxins in the USEPA national lake and reservoir reconnaissance study. - Multimedia
Below are multimedia items associated with this project.
- Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Filter Total Items: 107Colorimetric microtiter plate receptor-binding assay for the detection of freshwater and marine neurotoxins targeting the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Anatoxin-a and homoanatoxin-a, produced by cyanobacteria, are agonists of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Pinnatoxins, spirolides, and gymnodimines, produced by dinoflagellates, are antagonists of nAChRs. In this study we describe the development and validation of a competitive colorimetric, high throughput functional assay based on the mechanism of action of freshwater and marine toxiAuthorsFernando Rubio, Lisa Kamp, Justin Carpino, Erin Faltin, Keith A. Loftin, Jordi Molgó, Romulo AraozLand use patterns, ecoregion, and microcystin relationships in U.S. lakes and reservoirs: a preliminary evaluation
A statistically significant association was found between the concentration of total microcystin, a common class of cyanotoxins, in surface waters of lakes and reservoirs in the continental U.S. with watershed land use using data from 1156 water bodies sampled between May and October 2007 as part of the USEPA National Lakes Assessment. Nearly two thirds (65.8%) of the samples with microcystin concAuthorsJohn R. Beaver, Erin E. Manis, Keith A. Loftin, Jennifer L. Graham, Amina I. Pollard, Richard M. MitchellOccurrence of pesticides in groundwater and sediments and mineralogy of sediments and grain coatings underlying the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, 2007
Water and sediment samples were collected from June through October 2007 from seven plots at the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Upper Deerfield, New Jersey, and analyzed for a suite of pesticides (including fungicides) and other physical and chemical parameters (including sediment mineralogy) by the U.S. Geological Survey. Plots were selected for inclusion in this study on tAuthorsTimothy J. Reilly, Kelly L. Smalling, Michael T. Meyer, Mark W. Sandstrom, Michelle Hladik, Adam R. Boehlke, Neil S. Fishman, William A. Battaglin, Kathryn KuivilaExperimental additions of aluminum sulfate and ammonium nitrate to in situ mesocosms to reduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration
Recent studies suggest that nitrogen additions to increase the total nitrogen:total phosphorus (TN:TP) ratio may reduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration in reservoirs. In systems where TP is >100 μg/L, however, nitrogen additions to increase the TN:TP ratio could cause ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Reducing phosphorus via aluminumAuthorsTed D. Harris, Frank M. Wilhelm, Jennifer L. Graham, Keith A. LoftinExperimental additions of aluminum sulfateand ammonium nitrate to in situ mesocosms toreduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystinconcentration
Recent studies suggest that nitrogen additions to increase the total nitrogen:total phosphorus (TN:TP) ratio may reduce cyanobacterial biovolume and microcystin concentration in reservoirs. In systems where TP is >100 μg/L, however, nitrogen additions to increase the TN:TP ratio could cause ammonia, nitrate, or nitrite toxicity to terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Reducing phosphorus via alumiAuthorsTheodore D. Harris, Frank M. Wilhelm, Jennifer L. Graham, Keith A. LoftinA review on cylindrospermopsin: the global occurrence, detection, toxicity and degradation of a potent cyanotoxin
Cylindrospermopsin is an important cyanobacterial toxin found in water bodies worldwide. The ever-increasing and global occurrence of massive and prolonged blooms of cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria poses a potential threat to both human and ecosystem health. Its toxicity is associated with metabolic activation and may involve mechanisms that adversely affect a wide variety of targets inAuthorsArmah A. de la Cruz, Anastasia Hiskia, Triantafyllos Kaloudis, Neil Chernoff, Donna Hill, Maria G. Antoniou, Xuexiang He, Keith Loftin, Kevin O'Shea, Cen Zhao, Miguel Pelaez, Changseok Han, Trevor J. Lynch, Dionysios D. DionysiouMycotoxins: diffuse and point source contributions of natural contaminants of emerging concern to streams
To determine the prevalence of mycotoxins in streams, 116 water samples from 32 streams and three wastewater treatment plant effluents were collected in 2010 providing the broadest investigation on the spatial and temporal occurrence of mycotoxins in streams conducted in the United States to date. Out of the 33 target mycotoxins measured, nine were detected at least once during this study. The detAuthorsDana W. Kolpin, Judith Schenzel, Michael T. Meyer, Patrick J. Phillips, Laura E. Hubbard, Tia-Marie Scott, Thomas D. BucheliBioassay of estrogenicity and chemical analyses of estrogens in streams across the United States associated with livestock operations
Animal manures, used as a nitrogen source for crop production, are often associated with negative impacts on nutrient levels in surface water. The concentrations of estrogens in streams from these manures also are of concern due to potential endocrine disruption in aquatic species. Streams associated with livestock operations were sampled by discrete samples (n = 38) or by time-integrated polar orAuthorsDavid A. Alvarez, Nancy W. Shappell, L.O. Billey, Dietrich S. Bermudez, Vickie S. Wilson, Dana W. Kolpin, Stephanie D. Perkins, Nicola Evans, William T. Foreman, James L. Gray, J.M. Shipitalo, Michael T. MeyerOccurrence and partitioning of antibiotic compounds found in the water column and bottom sediments from a stream receiving two wastewater treatment plant effluents in northern New Jersey, 2008.
An urban watershed in northern New Jersey was studied to determine the presence of four classes of antibiotic compounds (macrolides, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, and tetracyclines) and six degradates in the water column and bottom sediments upstream and downstream from the discharges of two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and a drinking-water intake (DWI). Many antibiotic compounds in the fAuthorsJacob Gibs, Heather A. Heckathorn, Michael T. Meyer, Frank R. Klapinski, Marzooq Alebus, Robert LippincottChemical contaminants in water and sediment near fish nesting sites in the Potomac River basin: determining potential exposures to smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu)
The Potomac River basin is an area where a high prevalence of abnormalities such as testicular oocytes (TO), skin lesions, and mortality has been observed in smallmouth bass (SMB, Micropterus dolomieu). Previous research documented a variety of chemicals in regional streams, implicating chemical exposure as one plausible explanation for these biological effects. Six stream sites in the Potomac basAuthorsDana W. Kolpin, Vicki Blazer, James L. Gray, Michael J. Focazio, John A. Young, David A. Alvarez, Luke R. Iwanowicz, William T. Foreman, Edward T. Furlong, Gary K. Speiran, Steven D. Zaugg, Laura E. Hubbard, Michael T. Meyer, Mark W. Sandstrom, Larry B. BarberInitial results from a reconnaissance of cyanobacteria and associated toxins in Illinois, August--October 2012
Ten lakes and two rivers in Illinois were sampled in August–October 2012 to determine the concentrations and spatial distribution of cyanobacteria and associated cyanotoxins throughout the State. The reconnaissance was a collaborative effort of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Sample results indicated that concentrations of both total cyanobacterial cellAuthorsPaul J. Terrio, Lenna M. Ostrodka, Keith A. Loftin, Gregg Good, Teri HollandRelations between DNA- and RNA-based molecular methods for cyanobacteria and microcystin concentration at Maumee Bay State Park Lakeside Beach, Oregon, Ohio, 2012
Water samples were collected from Maumee Bay State Park Lakeside Beach, Oregon, Ohio, during the 2012 recreational season and analyzed for selected cyanobacteria gene sequences by DNA-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and RNA-based quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results from the four DNA assays (for quantifying total cyanobacteria, total M
AuthorsErin A. Stelzer, Keith A. Loftin, Pamela Struffolino