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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

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Invasive black carp established in parts of the Mississippi River basin

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Friday's Findings - May 20, 2022

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Environmental DNA Research Sheds Light on Invasive Species

Publications

Responses of juvenile mussels to metals in sediment and water of the Tri-State Mining District

The U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators from EcoAnalysts, Inc., completed field and laboratory studies during 2016–19 to evaluate the toxicity of metals to freshwater mussels in streams draining the Tri-State Mining District. This project consisted of (1) sampling and analysis of metals in water and sediment, (2) surveys of mussel assemblages at sites with suitable mussel habitat, (3) toxicit
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John M. Besser, Chris D. Ivey, James L. Kunz, Nile E. Kemble, Danielle M. Cleveland, Jeffery A. Steevens, Heidi Dunn, Ryan Foley

Hepatotoxic response of perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) in early life stage zebrafish (Danio rerio) is greater than perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)

Perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA), a typical perfluorooctane sulfonate precursor (PreFOS), has been detected in the aquatic environment globally. However, the effects of PFOSA at levels measured in the environment have not been well characterized in aquatic organisms. In this study, we evaluated the transcriptional, biochemical, histopathological, and morphological effects of PFOSA to characteri
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Rongrong Xuan, Xiaojian Qiu, Jiazhen Wang, Shai Liu, Jason Tyler Magnuson, Bentuo Xu, Wenhui Qui, Chunmiao Zheng

Identifying sources of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment using the microbial Find, Inform, and Test framework

Introduction: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing public health concern for humans, animals, and the environment. However, the contributions of spatially distributed sources of AMR in the environment are not well defined.Methods: To identify the sources of environmental AMR, the novel microbial Find, Inform, and Test (FIT) model was applied to a panel of five antibiotic resistance-asso
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Corinne Wiesner-Friedman, Rachelle Elaine Beattie, Jill R. Stewart, Krassimira R. Hristova, Marc L. Serre

Science

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).
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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).
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Linking Mussel Habitat Conditions to Restoration Outcomes and Ecosystem Services

Supported by: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Program, Ecosystems Mission Area
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Linking Mussel Habitat Conditions to Restoration Outcomes and Ecosystem Services

Supported by: Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) and U.S. Geological Survey Species Management Program, Ecosystems Mission Area
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Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders for Semiquantitative Analysis of Hydrocarbons Following Spills and Disasters

One major challenge in spill response is for the screening of oil samples in the field to guide sample collection and enable rapid decisions.
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Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders for Semiquantitative Analysis of Hydrocarbons Following Spills and Disasters

One major challenge in spill response is for the screening of oil samples in the field to guide sample collection and enable rapid decisions.
Learn More