Danielle Cleveland, PhD
Dr. Danielle Cleveland is a Supervisory Research Chemist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
Danielle leads the Toxic Elements team within the Environmental Chemistry Branch at the Columbia Environmental Research Center. Toxic Elements and its partners use innovative methods to link concentrations of inorganic contaminants in complex environmental matrices and from multi-stressor events to biological effects. Our expertise includes analyses of low-weight mammal, fish, avian, invertebrate, vegetation, and herpetofauna tissues, as well as surface and pore waters, produced waters, and sediments and soils. Capabilities include inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, microwave digestion, ion chromatography, total mercury analysis, carbon analyses, lyophilization, cryogrinding, and passive and active pore water sampling methods for metals and dissolved organic carbon.
Professional Experience
2014-present: Supervisory Research Chemist, U.S. Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Chemistry, University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT), 2007
Science and Products
Validation of Zinc and Nickel Biotic Ligand Models Based on Toxicity Testing in Natural Waters with Ceriodaphina dubia
Most states use outdated hardness-based criteria to regulate metals in surface waters. The slow adoption of new criteria based on biotic ligand models (BLMs) reflects uncertainty about whether these models can reliably predict toxic effects of metals on aquatic biota across the wide range of water quality conditions affecting bioavailability.
An Evaluation the Chronic Toxicity of Metals in Water and Sediment to the Unionid Mussel, Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), in Exposures Representing Conditions in the Tri-States Mining District
The Tri-State Mining District (TSMD) is a large (about 500 sq. mi.) historical lead and zinc mining area that includes portions of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The TSMD yielded about 460 million tons of ore between 1885 and 1970, resulting in contamination of surface water, groundwater, sediments, and soils in the Spring River and Neosho River basins by lead, zinc, and other heavy metals.
Filter Total Items: 29
Juvenile Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) length, weight, and consumption after a 28-day sublethal nickel exposure with associated water quality data Juvenile Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) length, weight, and consumption after a 28-day sublethal nickel exposure with associated water quality data
Data was collected in association with the exposure of aqueous nickel (NiCl2-H2O) to juvenile crayfish (Faxonius virilis) for 29 days at different concentrations to observe any differences in growth (after 28 days) and food consumption (on day 29). Data for the growth component of the study included crayfish wet weight (initial and final), final carapace length, and crayfish sex. The...
Effects of dietary organic selenium on growth, survival, and reproduction in Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus Effects of dietary organic selenium on growth, survival, and reproduction in Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus
Chronic selenium toxicity thresholds are based primarily on dietary organoselenium exposure and subsequent reproductive effects in fish. Available chronic selenium toxicity data suggests that invertebrates are less sensitive than fish, but chronic invertebrate studies are limited. We evaluated yeast-based diets for chronic toxicity studies with Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus...
Chemical and biological data from chronic bioassays with native Spea multiplicata exposed to field-collected water or sediment from the Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond in Arizona, USA, or single metals in water-only tests Chemical and biological data from chronic bioassays with native Spea multiplicata exposed to field-collected water or sediment from the Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond in Arizona, USA, or single metals in water-only tests
The dataset reports biological endpoints (survival, growth, developmental stage, and body burden of selected metals) for larval spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata) in laboratory-based exposures to 1) field-collected water or sediment from a containment pond at the Pinyon Plain Mine in Arizona, USA, during its pre-production phase and 2) six concentrations of copper or cobalt in water...
Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants
The data represent the common proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acid composition of eight baits, both agriculture and organismal that are anticipated for testing Black Carp and Grass Carp attraction. Baits were identified based on prior literature on species diet and reported use in commercial fisheries. The data also include the crude protein value of each bait type.
Water quality, and periphyton growth, copper concentration, and community structure data associated with a nutrient diffusing substrate experiment conducted in Pear Lake, Sequoia National Park, California in 2022 Water quality, and periphyton growth, copper concentration, and community structure data associated with a nutrient diffusing substrate experiment conducted in Pear Lake, Sequoia National Park, California in 2022
This dataset includes files associated with a 21-day nutrient diffusing substrate experiment run in Pear Lake of Sequoia National Park, California in summer 2022. The experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different treatment levels of a macronutrient (nitrogen) and a micronutrient (copper) on periphyton growth and community structure in an alpine lake. While the effects of...
Lake depth profile, water quality, sediment, periphyton, tadpole (Pseudacris regilla), and landscape data from six lakes and two stream sites of the Tokopah Basin in Sequoia National Park, California, 2021-2022 Lake depth profile, water quality, sediment, periphyton, tadpole (Pseudacris regilla), and landscape data from six lakes and two stream sites of the Tokopah Basin in Sequoia National Park, California, 2021-2022
This dataset includes a collection of files related to a project investigating the ecology of six lakes in the Tokopah Basin. The primary purpose of the research project was to understand the dynamics of periphyton growth and the potential relationships with nitrogen and copper concentrations in high elevation lakes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Sequoia National Park, California...
Measurement of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, stamp sands and metals from four beaches near Keweenaw Bay, Lake Superior in 2021 Measurement of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, stamp sands and metals from four beaches near Keweenaw Bay, Lake Superior in 2021
Between 1900 and 1932, a copper (Cu) mine operated near Gay, Michigan, along the shore of Lake Superior, discharged approximately 22.8 million metric tons of waste material known as ‘stamp sands’ (SS) to a nearby beach. This pile of SS has migrated via wind and rain along the beaches in northern Grand Traverse Bay and into Buffalo Reef, an important spawning area for Lake Trout and Lake...
Chemistry data for assessment of the containment pond at Pinyon Plain Mine, 2023-2024 Chemistry data for assessment of the containment pond at Pinyon Plain Mine, 2023-2024
These data are comprised of measurements of elements (e.g., uranium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, etc.), major anions (chloride, nitrite+nitrate as nitrogen, sulfate, etc.), organic carbon, and general water quality parameters measured in Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond water, sediment, vegetation, and aquatic invertebrate samples collected in calendar years 2023 and...
Chronic toxicity of metals in two water hardness to three sizes of the crayfish Faxonius quadruncus Missouri, USA 2017-2018 Chronic toxicity of metals in two water hardness to three sizes of the crayfish Faxonius quadruncus Missouri, USA 2017-2018
Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the effect of water hardness and age of crayfish on the toxicity of environment-based metals mixture. Additionally, the effects of chronic exposure to a metals mixture to egg development in adult F. quadruncus were assessed. Mortality and growth of F. quadruncus were assessed. These data consist of attributes of water quality from toxicity...
Effects of metals from historical mining on crayfish in Madison County Missouri USA, 2015 Effects of metals from historical mining on crayfish in Madison County Missouri USA, 2015
Deposits of lead (Pb) and other metals in southeastern Missouri, USA have been exploited since the 1700s. Metal contamination of fish and other aquatic biota, alteration of fish and invertebrate communities, and public health advisories against human consumption of Pb-contaminated fish have resulted. The Little Saint Francis River (LFSR) and its tributaries, which drain the mining...
Results of elemental analyses of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrow spoil and undisturbed surficial soils in California, 2023 Results of elemental analyses of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrow spoil and undisturbed surficial soils in California, 2023
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were frequently photographed by wildlife cameras when they visited desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrows in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains near Palm Springs, California, USA (Mesa Windfarm). A previous study suggested that sheep may have been utilizing the excavated spoil material from burrows as a mineral lick. We aimed to test this...
Laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples from Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River Basin, Montana, 2022 (ver. 2.0, May 2025) Laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples from Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River Basin, Montana, 2022 (ver. 2.0, May 2025)
This data release includes laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples collected from Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River Basin in Montana during 2022. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center (WY-MT WSC) in cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ)...
Filter Total Items: 26
Do bighorn sheep use desert tortoise burrow spoil piles as mineral licks in southern California? Do bighorn sheep use desert tortoise burrow spoil piles as mineral licks in southern California?
In a previous study, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were periodically photographed by trail cameras when they visited desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrows in the San Bernardino Mountains near Palm Springs, California, USA. The authors suggested that bighorn sheep may utilize the excavated spoil material from burrows as a mineral lick. To test that supposition, we collected soil...
Authors
Jeffrey Lovich, Danielle Cleveland, Charles Yackulic, Kristy Cummings, Michele Puffer, Molly Bechtel, Christopher Tracy, William Hoese, Gerardo Avila, Megan Peukert, Samantha Hubbard
Effects of dietary selenium on the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus dilutus Effects of dietary selenium on the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus dilutus
Chronic selenium (Se) water quality criteria are based primarily on dietary organoselenium exposure and subsequent reproductive effects in fish. Available chronic Se toxicity data suggests that invertebrates are less sensitive than fish, but chronic invertebrate studies are limited. We evaluated yeast-based diets for chronic toxicity studies with Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus...
Authors
John Besser, Danielle Cleveland, David Harper, Rebecca Dorman, Aida Farag
Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana
Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir, receives mine wastes from metallurgical coal mines in the Elk River Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Selenium and other elements discharged by the mines into the waters of the United States can pose unknown risks to aquatic life. The U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center can collaborate with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and other...
Authors
Travis S. Schmidt, Ashley Bussell, Molly A. Moloney, James L. Dunnigan, Trevor M. Selch, Jessica Brandt, Craig Stricker, A. Stewart, Veronika A. Kocen, Danielle Cleveland, Vicki S. Blazer, Sarah E. Janssen, Jacob Ogorek, Meghan Dunn, Theresa L. McBride, Katie B. Adams, Benjamin P. Colman, Matt Young, Jennie Christensen
Effect of copper mill waste material on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton diversity and abundance Effect of copper mill waste material on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton diversity and abundance
Copper (Cu) stamp mill mining in North America from the early 1900s produced a pulverized ore by-product now known as stamp sands (SS). In a mining operation near the city of Gay (Michigan, USA), SS were originally deposited near a Lake Superior beach, but erosion and wave action have moved many SS into beaches and reefs that are critical spawning and nursery areas for native fish (e.g...
Authors
James Larson, Michael Lowe, Sean Bailey, Amanda Bell, Danielle Cleveland
Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals
Protection of critically endangered species requires identification of factors limiting their survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that unionid mussels are sensitive to some chemicals and the sensitivity was similar among different taxonomic families and tribes of mussels. However, common species of mussels were generally used in these previous studies; little is known...
Authors
Ning Wang, Chris Ivey, Danielle Cleveland, James Kunz, Rebecca Schapansky, Timothy Lane, M. Christopher Barnhart
Chronic effects of metal releases from historical mining on threatened crayfish in Madison County Missouri, USA Chronic effects of metal releases from historical mining on threatened crayfish in Madison County Missouri, USA
The Little St. Francis River and its tributaries drain metals-contaminated areas of the Madison County Mines National Priority List Superfund site (MCM) which was designated in 2003 to facilitate remediation of metals contamination within the MCM. One concern for natural resource trustees in the MCM is the potential effects of elevated metals concentrations on the federally threatened St...
Authors
Ann Allert, Danielle Cleveland, Robert DiStefano, Mark Wildhaber, Leslie Lueckenhoff
Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity
Effect concentrations of ammonia, nickel, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride from short-term 7-day tests were compared to those from standard chronic 28-day toxicity tests with juvenile mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) to evaluate the sensitivities of the 7-day tests. The effect concentrations for nickel (59 µg Ni/L), chloride (316–519 mg Cl/L, a range from multiple tests)...
Authors
Ning Wang, James Kunz, Chris Ivey, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens
Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
The ASTM International standard test method for freshwater mussels (E2455‐13) recommends 4‐week toxicity testing with juveniles to evaluate chronic effects on survival and growth. However, concerns remain that the method may not adequately address the sensitivity of mussels to longer term exposures (>4 weeks), particularly in relation to potential reproductive impairments. No standard...
Authors
Ning Wang, James Kunz, Danielle Cleveland, Rebecca Dorman, Jeffery Steevens, Sandy Raimondo, Tom Augspurger, M. Christopher Barnhart
Responses of juvenile mussels to metals in sediment and water of the Tri-State Mining District 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,...
Authors
John Besser, Chris Ivey, James Kunz, Nile Kemble, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens, Heidi Dunn, Ryan Foley
Effects of lead exposure on birds breeding in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District Effects of lead exposure on birds breeding in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District
Lead mining in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District began in the 1700s and continued for nearly 300 years; the waste piles associated with smelting, mining, and milling of lead ores have released metal residues that have contaminated soil and water in the region. Previous studies in the district have indicated potential harm to wildlife, including birds, because of elevated lead
Authors
Rebecka Brasso, Danielle Cleveland, Frank Thompson, David Mosby, Kathy Hixson, Melissa Roach, Barnett A. Rattner, Natalie Karouna-Renier, Julia Lankton
Influences of water hardness on chronic toxicity of potassium chloride to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Influences of water hardness on chronic toxicity of potassium chloride to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Elevated concentrations of potassium (K) often occur in effluents from wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas production operations, mineral extraction processes, and from other anthropogenic sources. Previous studies have demonstrated that freshwater mussels are highly sensitive to K in acute and chronic exposures, and acute toxicity of K decreases with increasing water hardness...
Authors
Ning Wang, Rebecca Dorman, James Kunz, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens, Suzanne Dunn, David Martinez
The sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium in the effluent The sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium in the effluent
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world and are among the most sensitive species to a variety of chemicals. However, little is known about the sensitivity of freshwater mussels to wastewater effluents. The objectives of the present study were to (1) assess the toxicity of a permitted effluent, which entered the Deep Fork River, Oklahoma (USA), to a...
Authors
James Kunz, Ning Wang, David Martinez, Suzanne Dunn, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens
Non-USGS Publications**
Schantz, M.M., Cleveland, D., Heckert, N.A., Kucklick, J.R., Leigh, S.D., Long, S.E., Lynch, J.M., Murphy, K.E., Olfaz, R., Pintar, A.L., Porter, B.J., Rabb, S.A., Vander Pol, S.S., Wise, S.A., and Zeisler, R., 2016, Development of two fine particulate matter standard reference materials (<4 μm and <10 μm) for the determination of organic and inorganic constituents: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 408, no. 16, p. 4257-4266.
Atha, D.H., Wang, H., Petersen, E.J., Cleveland, D., Holbrook, R.D., Jaruga, P., Dizdaroglu, M., Xing, B., and Nelson, B.C., 2014, Correction to Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 48, no. 20, p. 12473-12473
Turk, G.C., Sharpless, K.E., Cleveland, D., Jongsma, C., Mackey, E.A., Marlow, A.F., Oflaz, R., Paul, R.L., Sieber, J.R., Thompson, R.Q., Wood, L.J., Yu, L.L., Zeisler, R., Wise, S.A., Yen, J.H., Christopher, S.J., Day, R.D., Long, S.E., Greene, E., Harnly, J., Ho, I.P., and Betz, J.M., 2013, Certification of Elements in and Use of Standard Reference Material 3280 Multivitamin/Multielement Tablets: Journal of AOAC International, v. 96, no. 6, p. 1281-1287
Zook, J.M., Halter, M.D., Cleveland, D., and Long, S.E., 2012, Disentangling the effects of polymer coatings on silver nanoparticle agglomeration, dissolution, and toxicity to determine mechanisms of nanotoxicity: Journal of Nanoparticle Research, v. 14, no. 10, p. 1165
Cleveland, D., Long, S.E., Pennington, P.L., Cooper, E., Fulton, M.H., Scott, G.I., Brewer, T., Davis, J., Petersen, E.J., and Wood, L., 2012, Pilot estuarine mesocosm study on the environmental fate of Silver nanomaterials leached from consumer products: Science of The Total Environment, v. 421, p. 267-272
Atha, D.H., Wang, H., Petersen, E.J., Cleveland, D., Holbrook, R.D., Jaruga, P., Dizdaroglu, M., Xing, B., and Nelson, B.C., 2012, Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 46, no. 3, p. 1819-1827
Nelson, B.C., Petersen, E.J., Marquis, B.J., Atha, D.H., Elliott, J.T., Cleveland, D., Watson, S.S., Tseng, I.H., Dillon, A., Theodore, M., and Jackman, J., 2013, NIST gold nanoparticle reference materials do not induce oxidative DNA damage: Nanotoxicology, v. 7, no. 1, p. 21-29
Zook, J.M., Long, S.E., Cleveland, D., Geronimo, C.L.A., and MacCuspie, R.I., 2011, Measuring silver nanoparticle dissolution in complex biological and environmental matrices using UV–visible absorbance: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 401, no. 6, p. 1993
Cleveland, D., Long, S.E., Sander, L.C., Davis, W.C., Murphy, K.E., Case, R.J., Rimmer, C.A., Francini, L., and Patri, A.K., 2010, Chromatographic methods for the quantification of free and chelated gadolinium species in MRI contrast agent formulations: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 398, no. 7, p. 2987-2995
Cleveland, D., and Michel, R.G., 2010, Quantitative analysis by resonant laser ablation with optical emission detection: Resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Microchemical Journal, v. 95, no. 1, p. 120-123
Cleveland, D., and Michel, R.G., 2008, A Review of Near‐Field Laser Ablation for High‐Resolution Nanoscale Surface Analysis: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, v. 43, no. 2, p. 93-110
Cleveland, D., Carlson, M., Hudspeth, E.D., Quattrochi, L.E., Batchler, K.L., Balram, S.A., Hong, S., and Michel, R.G., 2007, Raman Spectroscopy for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory: Quantification of Ethanol Concentration in Consumer Alcoholic Beverages and Qualitative Identification of Marine Diesels Using a Miniature Raman Spectrometer: Spectroscopy Letters, v. 40, no. 6, p. 903-924
Cleveland, D., Stchur, P., and Michel, R.G., 2007, Effect of background gas, sample angle and laser polarization on the enhancement effect of resonant laser ablation: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, v. 22, no. 7, p. 745-753
Hudspeth, E.D., Cleveland, D., Batchler, K.L., Nguyen, P.A., Feaser, T.L., Quattrochi, L.E., Morenz, J., Balram, S.A., Michel, R.G., Zhou, J.X., and Lombardi, D., 2006, Teaching Raman Spectroscopy in Both the Undergraduate Classroom and the Laboratory with a Portable Raman Instrument: Spectroscopy Letters, v. 39, no. 1, p. 99-115
Cleveland, D., Stchur, P., Hou, X., Yang, K.X., Zhou, J., and Michel, R.G., 2005, Resonant Laser Ablation of Metals Detected by Atomic Emission in a Microwave Plasma and by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Applied Spectroscopy, v. 59, no. 12, p. 1427-1444
Stchur, P., Cleveland, D., Zhou, J., and Michel, R.G., 2002, A review of recent applications of near infrared spectroscopy, and of the characteristics of a novel PbS CCD array-based near-infrared spectrometer: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, v. 37, no. 4, p. 383-428
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Validation of Zinc and Nickel Biotic Ligand Models Based on Toxicity Testing in Natural Waters with Ceriodaphina dubia
Most states use outdated hardness-based criteria to regulate metals in surface waters. The slow adoption of new criteria based on biotic ligand models (BLMs) reflects uncertainty about whether these models can reliably predict toxic effects of metals on aquatic biota across the wide range of water quality conditions affecting bioavailability.
An Evaluation the Chronic Toxicity of Metals in Water and Sediment to the Unionid Mussel, Fatmucket (Lampsilis siliquoidea), in Exposures Representing Conditions in the Tri-States Mining District
The Tri-State Mining District (TSMD) is a large (about 500 sq. mi.) historical lead and zinc mining area that includes portions of Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The TSMD yielded about 460 million tons of ore between 1885 and 1970, resulting in contamination of surface water, groundwater, sediments, and soils in the Spring River and Neosho River basins by lead, zinc, and other heavy metals.
Filter Total Items: 29
Juvenile Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) length, weight, and consumption after a 28-day sublethal nickel exposure with associated water quality data Juvenile Virile Crayfish (Faxonius virilis) length, weight, and consumption after a 28-day sublethal nickel exposure with associated water quality data
Data was collected in association with the exposure of aqueous nickel (NiCl2-H2O) to juvenile crayfish (Faxonius virilis) for 29 days at different concentrations to observe any differences in growth (after 28 days) and food consumption (on day 29). Data for the growth component of the study included crayfish wet weight (initial and final), final carapace length, and crayfish sex. The...
Effects of dietary organic selenium on growth, survival, and reproduction in Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus Effects of dietary organic selenium on growth, survival, and reproduction in Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus
Chronic selenium toxicity thresholds are based primarily on dietary organoselenium exposure and subsequent reproductive effects in fish. Available chronic selenium toxicity data suggests that invertebrates are less sensitive than fish, but chronic invertebrate studies are limited. We evaluated yeast-based diets for chronic toxicity studies with Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus...
Chemical and biological data from chronic bioassays with native Spea multiplicata exposed to field-collected water or sediment from the Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond in Arizona, USA, or single metals in water-only tests Chemical and biological data from chronic bioassays with native Spea multiplicata exposed to field-collected water or sediment from the Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond in Arizona, USA, or single metals in water-only tests
The dataset reports biological endpoints (survival, growth, developmental stage, and body burden of selected metals) for larval spadefoot toads (Spea multiplicata) in laboratory-based exposures to 1) field-collected water or sediment from a containment pond at the Pinyon Plain Mine in Arizona, USA, during its pre-production phase and 2) six concentrations of copper or cobalt in water...
Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants Amino Acid Profiles of Complex Compounds for Development of Black Carp and Grass Carp baits or attractants
The data represent the common proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acid composition of eight baits, both agriculture and organismal that are anticipated for testing Black Carp and Grass Carp attraction. Baits were identified based on prior literature on species diet and reported use in commercial fisheries. The data also include the crude protein value of each bait type.
Water quality, and periphyton growth, copper concentration, and community structure data associated with a nutrient diffusing substrate experiment conducted in Pear Lake, Sequoia National Park, California in 2022 Water quality, and periphyton growth, copper concentration, and community structure data associated with a nutrient diffusing substrate experiment conducted in Pear Lake, Sequoia National Park, California in 2022
This dataset includes files associated with a 21-day nutrient diffusing substrate experiment run in Pear Lake of Sequoia National Park, California in summer 2022. The experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different treatment levels of a macronutrient (nitrogen) and a micronutrient (copper) on periphyton growth and community structure in an alpine lake. While the effects of...
Lake depth profile, water quality, sediment, periphyton, tadpole (Pseudacris regilla), and landscape data from six lakes and two stream sites of the Tokopah Basin in Sequoia National Park, California, 2021-2022 Lake depth profile, water quality, sediment, periphyton, tadpole (Pseudacris regilla), and landscape data from six lakes and two stream sites of the Tokopah Basin in Sequoia National Park, California, 2021-2022
This dataset includes a collection of files related to a project investigating the ecology of six lakes in the Tokopah Basin. The primary purpose of the research project was to understand the dynamics of periphyton growth and the potential relationships with nitrogen and copper concentrations in high elevation lakes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in Sequoia National Park, California...
Measurement of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, stamp sands and metals from four beaches near Keweenaw Bay, Lake Superior in 2021 Measurement of benthic invertebrates, zooplankton, stamp sands and metals from four beaches near Keweenaw Bay, Lake Superior in 2021
Between 1900 and 1932, a copper (Cu) mine operated near Gay, Michigan, along the shore of Lake Superior, discharged approximately 22.8 million metric tons of waste material known as ‘stamp sands’ (SS) to a nearby beach. This pile of SS has migrated via wind and rain along the beaches in northern Grand Traverse Bay and into Buffalo Reef, an important spawning area for Lake Trout and Lake...
Chemistry data for assessment of the containment pond at Pinyon Plain Mine, 2023-2024 Chemistry data for assessment of the containment pond at Pinyon Plain Mine, 2023-2024
These data are comprised of measurements of elements (e.g., uranium, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, etc.), major anions (chloride, nitrite+nitrate as nitrogen, sulfate, etc.), organic carbon, and general water quality parameters measured in Pinyon Plain Mine containment pond water, sediment, vegetation, and aquatic invertebrate samples collected in calendar years 2023 and...
Chronic toxicity of metals in two water hardness to three sizes of the crayfish Faxonius quadruncus Missouri, USA 2017-2018 Chronic toxicity of metals in two water hardness to three sizes of the crayfish Faxonius quadruncus Missouri, USA 2017-2018
Laboratory studies were conducted to examine the effect of water hardness and age of crayfish on the toxicity of environment-based metals mixture. Additionally, the effects of chronic exposure to a metals mixture to egg development in adult F. quadruncus were assessed. Mortality and growth of F. quadruncus were assessed. These data consist of attributes of water quality from toxicity...
Effects of metals from historical mining on crayfish in Madison County Missouri USA, 2015 Effects of metals from historical mining on crayfish in Madison County Missouri USA, 2015
Deposits of lead (Pb) and other metals in southeastern Missouri, USA have been exploited since the 1700s. Metal contamination of fish and other aquatic biota, alteration of fish and invertebrate communities, and public health advisories against human consumption of Pb-contaminated fish have resulted. The Little Saint Francis River (LFSR) and its tributaries, which drain the mining...
Results of elemental analyses of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrow spoil and undisturbed surficial soils in California, 2023 Results of elemental analyses of desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrow spoil and undisturbed surficial soils in California, 2023
Bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were frequently photographed by wildlife cameras when they visited desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrows in the eastern San Bernardino Mountains near Palm Springs, California, USA (Mesa Windfarm). A previous study suggested that sheep may have been utilizing the excavated spoil material from burrows as a mineral lick. We aimed to test this...
Laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples from Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River Basin, Montana, 2022 (ver. 2.0, May 2025) Laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples from Lake Koocanusa and Kootenai River Basin, Montana, 2022 (ver. 2.0, May 2025)
This data release includes laboratory analyses for fish tissue samples collected from Lake Koocanusa and the Kootenai River Basin in Montana during 2022. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center (WY-MT WSC) in cooperation with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MT FWP) and Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MT DEQ)...
Filter Total Items: 26
Do bighorn sheep use desert tortoise burrow spoil piles as mineral licks in southern California? Do bighorn sheep use desert tortoise burrow spoil piles as mineral licks in southern California?
In a previous study, bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) were periodically photographed by trail cameras when they visited desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) burrows in the San Bernardino Mountains near Palm Springs, California, USA. The authors suggested that bighorn sheep may utilize the excavated spoil material from burrows as a mineral lick. To test that supposition, we collected soil...
Authors
Jeffrey Lovich, Danielle Cleveland, Charles Yackulic, Kristy Cummings, Michele Puffer, Molly Bechtel, Christopher Tracy, William Hoese, Gerardo Avila, Megan Peukert, Samantha Hubbard
Effects of dietary selenium on the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus dilutus Effects of dietary selenium on the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomus dilutus
Chronic selenium (Se) water quality criteria are based primarily on dietary organoselenium exposure and subsequent reproductive effects in fish. Available chronic Se toxicity data suggests that invertebrates are less sensitive than fish, but chronic invertebrate studies are limited. We evaluated yeast-based diets for chronic toxicity studies with Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus...
Authors
John Besser, Danielle Cleveland, David Harper, Rebecca Dorman, Aida Farag
Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana
Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir, receives mine wastes from metallurgical coal mines in the Elk River Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Selenium and other elements discharged by the mines into the waters of the United States can pose unknown risks to aquatic life. The U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center can collaborate with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and other...
Authors
Travis S. Schmidt, Ashley Bussell, Molly A. Moloney, James L. Dunnigan, Trevor M. Selch, Jessica Brandt, Craig Stricker, A. Stewart, Veronika A. Kocen, Danielle Cleveland, Vicki S. Blazer, Sarah E. Janssen, Jacob Ogorek, Meghan Dunn, Theresa L. McBride, Katie B. Adams, Benjamin P. Colman, Matt Young, Jennie Christensen
Effect of copper mill waste material on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton diversity and abundance Effect of copper mill waste material on benthic invertebrates and zooplankton diversity and abundance
Copper (Cu) stamp mill mining in North America from the early 1900s produced a pulverized ore by-product now known as stamp sands (SS). In a mining operation near the city of Gay (Michigan, USA), SS were originally deposited near a Lake Superior beach, but erosion and wave action have moved many SS into beaches and reefs that are critical spawning and nursery areas for native fish (e.g...
Authors
James Larson, Michael Lowe, Sean Bailey, Amanda Bell, Danielle Cleveland
Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals Evaluation of the sensitivity of a federally endangered freshwater mussel (Venustaconcha trabalis) to selected chemicals
Protection of critically endangered species requires identification of factors limiting their survival and growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that unionid mussels are sensitive to some chemicals and the sensitivity was similar among different taxonomic families and tribes of mussels. However, common species of mussels were generally used in these previous studies; little is known...
Authors
Ning Wang, Chris Ivey, Danielle Cleveland, James Kunz, Rebecca Schapansky, Timothy Lane, M. Christopher Barnhart
Chronic effects of metal releases from historical mining on threatened crayfish in Madison County Missouri, USA Chronic effects of metal releases from historical mining on threatened crayfish in Madison County Missouri, USA
The Little St. Francis River and its tributaries drain metals-contaminated areas of the Madison County Mines National Priority List Superfund site (MCM) which was designated in 2003 to facilitate remediation of metals contamination within the MCM. One concern for natural resource trustees in the MCM is the potential effects of elevated metals concentrations on the federally threatened St...
Authors
Ann Allert, Danielle Cleveland, Robert DiStefano, Mark Wildhaber, Leslie Lueckenhoff
Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity Evaluation of short-term mussel test for estimating toxicity
Effect concentrations of ammonia, nickel, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride from short-term 7-day tests were compared to those from standard chronic 28-day toxicity tests with juvenile mussels (fatmucket, Lampsilis siliquoidea) to evaluate the sensitivities of the 7-day tests. The effect concentrations for nickel (59 µg Ni/L), chloride (316–519 mg Cl/L, a range from multiple tests)...
Authors
Ning Wang, James Kunz, Chris Ivey, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens
Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Evaluation of chronic effects of potassium chloride and nickel on survival, growth, and reproduction of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
The ASTM International standard test method for freshwater mussels (E2455‐13) recommends 4‐week toxicity testing with juveniles to evaluate chronic effects on survival and growth. However, concerns remain that the method may not adequately address the sensitivity of mussels to longer term exposures (>4 weeks), particularly in relation to potential reproductive impairments. No standard...
Authors
Ning Wang, James Kunz, Danielle Cleveland, Rebecca Dorman, Jeffery Steevens, Sandy Raimondo, Tom Augspurger, M. Christopher Barnhart
Responses of juvenile mussels to metals in sediment and water of the Tri-State Mining District 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,...
Authors
John Besser, Chris Ivey, James Kunz, Nile Kemble, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens, Heidi Dunn, Ryan Foley
Effects of lead exposure on birds breeding in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District Effects of lead exposure on birds breeding in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District
Lead mining in the Southeast Missouri Lead Mining District began in the 1700s and continued for nearly 300 years; the waste piles associated with smelting, mining, and milling of lead ores have released metal residues that have contaminated soil and water in the region. Previous studies in the district have indicated potential harm to wildlife, including birds, because of elevated lead
Authors
Rebecka Brasso, Danielle Cleveland, Frank Thompson, David Mosby, Kathy Hixson, Melissa Roach, Barnett A. Rattner, Natalie Karouna-Renier, Julia Lankton
Influences of water hardness on chronic toxicity of potassium chloride to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) Influences of water hardness on chronic toxicity of potassium chloride to a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea)
Elevated concentrations of potassium (K) often occur in effluents from wastewater treatment plants, oil and gas production operations, mineral extraction processes, and from other anthropogenic sources. Previous studies have demonstrated that freshwater mussels are highly sensitive to K in acute and chronic exposures, and acute toxicity of K decreases with increasing water hardness...
Authors
Ning Wang, Rebecca Dorman, James Kunz, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens, Suzanne Dunn, David Martinez
The sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium in the effluent The sensitivity of a unionid mussel (Lampsilis siliquoidea) to a permitted effluent and elevated potassium in the effluent
Freshwater mussels are one of the most imperiled groups of animals in the world and are among the most sensitive species to a variety of chemicals. However, little is known about the sensitivity of freshwater mussels to wastewater effluents. The objectives of the present study were to (1) assess the toxicity of a permitted effluent, which entered the Deep Fork River, Oklahoma (USA), to a...
Authors
James Kunz, Ning Wang, David Martinez, Suzanne Dunn, Danielle Cleveland, Jeffery Steevens
Non-USGS Publications**
Schantz, M.M., Cleveland, D., Heckert, N.A., Kucklick, J.R., Leigh, S.D., Long, S.E., Lynch, J.M., Murphy, K.E., Olfaz, R., Pintar, A.L., Porter, B.J., Rabb, S.A., Vander Pol, S.S., Wise, S.A., and Zeisler, R., 2016, Development of two fine particulate matter standard reference materials (<4 μm and <10 μm) for the determination of organic and inorganic constituents: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 408, no. 16, p. 4257-4266.
Atha, D.H., Wang, H., Petersen, E.J., Cleveland, D., Holbrook, R.D., Jaruga, P., Dizdaroglu, M., Xing, B., and Nelson, B.C., 2014, Correction to Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 48, no. 20, p. 12473-12473
Turk, G.C., Sharpless, K.E., Cleveland, D., Jongsma, C., Mackey, E.A., Marlow, A.F., Oflaz, R., Paul, R.L., Sieber, J.R., Thompson, R.Q., Wood, L.J., Yu, L.L., Zeisler, R., Wise, S.A., Yen, J.H., Christopher, S.J., Day, R.D., Long, S.E., Greene, E., Harnly, J., Ho, I.P., and Betz, J.M., 2013, Certification of Elements in and Use of Standard Reference Material 3280 Multivitamin/Multielement Tablets: Journal of AOAC International, v. 96, no. 6, p. 1281-1287
Zook, J.M., Halter, M.D., Cleveland, D., and Long, S.E., 2012, Disentangling the effects of polymer coatings on silver nanoparticle agglomeration, dissolution, and toxicity to determine mechanisms of nanotoxicity: Journal of Nanoparticle Research, v. 14, no. 10, p. 1165
Cleveland, D., Long, S.E., Pennington, P.L., Cooper, E., Fulton, M.H., Scott, G.I., Brewer, T., Davis, J., Petersen, E.J., and Wood, L., 2012, Pilot estuarine mesocosm study on the environmental fate of Silver nanomaterials leached from consumer products: Science of The Total Environment, v. 421, p. 267-272
Atha, D.H., Wang, H., Petersen, E.J., Cleveland, D., Holbrook, R.D., Jaruga, P., Dizdaroglu, M., Xing, B., and Nelson, B.C., 2012, Copper Oxide Nanoparticle Mediated DNA Damage in Terrestrial Plant Models: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 46, no. 3, p. 1819-1827
Nelson, B.C., Petersen, E.J., Marquis, B.J., Atha, D.H., Elliott, J.T., Cleveland, D., Watson, S.S., Tseng, I.H., Dillon, A., Theodore, M., and Jackman, J., 2013, NIST gold nanoparticle reference materials do not induce oxidative DNA damage: Nanotoxicology, v. 7, no. 1, p. 21-29
Zook, J.M., Long, S.E., Cleveland, D., Geronimo, C.L.A., and MacCuspie, R.I., 2011, Measuring silver nanoparticle dissolution in complex biological and environmental matrices using UV–visible absorbance: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 401, no. 6, p. 1993
Cleveland, D., Long, S.E., Sander, L.C., Davis, W.C., Murphy, K.E., Case, R.J., Rimmer, C.A., Francini, L., and Patri, A.K., 2010, Chromatographic methods for the quantification of free and chelated gadolinium species in MRI contrast agent formulations: Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, v. 398, no. 7, p. 2987-2995
Cleveland, D., and Michel, R.G., 2010, Quantitative analysis by resonant laser ablation with optical emission detection: Resonant laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy: Microchemical Journal, v. 95, no. 1, p. 120-123
Cleveland, D., and Michel, R.G., 2008, A Review of Near‐Field Laser Ablation for High‐Resolution Nanoscale Surface Analysis: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, v. 43, no. 2, p. 93-110
Cleveland, D., Carlson, M., Hudspeth, E.D., Quattrochi, L.E., Batchler, K.L., Balram, S.A., Hong, S., and Michel, R.G., 2007, Raman Spectroscopy for the Undergraduate Teaching Laboratory: Quantification of Ethanol Concentration in Consumer Alcoholic Beverages and Qualitative Identification of Marine Diesels Using a Miniature Raman Spectrometer: Spectroscopy Letters, v. 40, no. 6, p. 903-924
Cleveland, D., Stchur, P., and Michel, R.G., 2007, Effect of background gas, sample angle and laser polarization on the enhancement effect of resonant laser ablation: Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, v. 22, no. 7, p. 745-753
Hudspeth, E.D., Cleveland, D., Batchler, K.L., Nguyen, P.A., Feaser, T.L., Quattrochi, L.E., Morenz, J., Balram, S.A., Michel, R.G., Zhou, J.X., and Lombardi, D., 2006, Teaching Raman Spectroscopy in Both the Undergraduate Classroom and the Laboratory with a Portable Raman Instrument: Spectroscopy Letters, v. 39, no. 1, p. 99-115
Cleveland, D., Stchur, P., Hou, X., Yang, K.X., Zhou, J., and Michel, R.G., 2005, Resonant Laser Ablation of Metals Detected by Atomic Emission in a Microwave Plasma and by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Applied Spectroscopy, v. 59, no. 12, p. 1427-1444
Stchur, P., Cleveland, D., Zhou, J., and Michel, R.G., 2002, A review of recent applications of near infrared spectroscopy, and of the characteristics of a novel PbS CCD array-based near-infrared spectrometer: Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, v. 37, no. 4, p. 383-428
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.