Graffiti adorns an outfall pipe discharging stormwater into Sausal Creek. Sausal Creek was one of the many urban creeks sampled by the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA).
Peter C Van Metre (Former Employee)
Science and Products
Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat, PAHs, and Environmental Health
Sealcoat is the black, viscous liquid applied to many asphalt parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds in North America to protect and enhance the appearance of the underlying asphalt. Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in urban and suburban areas and a potential concern for human health and aquatic life.
Water-Quality Trends From Lake Cores
Sediment cores let us look back in time at the contaminant history of a watershed. Learn about what lake and reservoir sediment cores tell us about trends in metals, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other sediment-related contaminants.
USGS Research: PAHs and Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat
Coal-tar-based pavement sealant is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as documented by the USGS and other researchers. Coal-tar-based sealcoat products typically are 20 to 35% coal tar or coal-tar pitch—these materials are known human carcinogens that contain high concentrations of PAHs and related chemicals. Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat typically contains 35,000 to...
Filter Total Items: 31
Urban outfall to Sausal Creek
Graffiti adorns an outfall pipe discharging stormwater into Sausal Creek. Sausal Creek was one of the many urban creeks sampled by the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA).
Graffiti at Sausal Creek
A hydrotech prepares to collect a water-quality sample at urban Sausal Creek, with its distinctive graffiti. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
A hydrotech prepares to collect a water-quality sample at urban Sausal Creek, with its distinctive graffiti. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Urban creek graced by flowers and graffiti
Flowers and graffiti turn urban Sausal Creek into a bizarre wonderland. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Flowers and graffiti turn urban Sausal Creek into a bizarre wonderland. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Bronx River by street
The Bronx River has been straightened as it flows by a street in New York City. The Bronx River was one of many streams sampled in the Northeastern U.S. as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
The Bronx River has been straightened as it flows by a street in New York City. The Bronx River was one of many streams sampled in the Northeastern U.S. as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
Water flows from a stormwater outfall
Water flows from a stormwater outfall in the Northeast. Such outfalls are considered point source discharges.
Water flows from a stormwater outfall in the Northeast. Such outfalls are considered point source discharges.
Salmonid in a Pacific Northwest Stream
Salmonids are inventoried during the ecosurveys done for the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA)
Salmonids are inventoried during the ecosurveys done for the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA)
Columbia River in Portland, OR, with Mt. Hood
The Columbia River flows by the highway on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
The Columbia River flows by the highway on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Sunfish
Sunfish from the Southeast Stream Quality Assessment. An increase in sunfish in southeastern streams, intentionally stocked or unintentionally transplanted, has caused the composition of fish species among streams in the Southeast to become more similar. Such homogenization of species is an emergi
Sunfish from the Southeast Stream Quality Assessment. An increase in sunfish in southeastern streams, intentionally stocked or unintentionally transplanted, has caused the composition of fish species among streams in the Southeast to become more similar. Such homogenization of species is an emergi
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
CAFOs in Midwest a source of nitrogen
Many small farms in the Corn Belt state of the Midwest also have confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These CAFOs can be a source of nitrogen to receiving small streams. The USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the water quality of small streams across the Midwest during 2013.
Many small farms in the Corn Belt state of the Midwest also have confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These CAFOs can be a source of nitrogen to receiving small streams. The USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the water quality of small streams across the Midwest during 2013.
Installing a microsampler for daily collection of pesticides
A USGS hydrologist and hydrologic technician install a microsampler in an urban creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The microsampler allows collection of a sample "sip" every 6 hours; the sips are composited into a daily sample. Collection of daily samples revealed the presence of more pesticides and higher concentrations than manual samples collected weekly.
A USGS hydrologist and hydrologic technician install a microsampler in an urban creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The microsampler allows collection of a sample "sip" every 6 hours; the sips are composited into a daily sample. Collection of daily samples revealed the presence of more pesticides and higher concentrations than manual samples collected weekly.
Drainage of cornfields a problem in wet Midwest weather
Wet weather during the 2013 USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) caused water to pond on cornfields. The RSQA studied the relations between water-quality, physical habitat, and stream ecology in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest.
Wet weather during the 2013 USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) caused water to pond on cornfields. The RSQA studied the relations between water-quality, physical habitat, and stream ecology in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest.
Missouri barn in wet Midwest summer
The summer of 2013 was particularly wet in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest. Water ponded in fields under stormy skies, hampering sampling by the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) team.
The summer of 2013 was particularly wet in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest. Water ponded in fields under stormy skies, hampering sampling by the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) team.
USGS CERC scientists study toxicity using caged fish and frogs
Biologists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) use fish and frogs in cages suspended in flowing streams to study the effects of stream contaminants on fish and frog development. Here, three biologists wrestle with a cage in high water, as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
Biologists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) use fish and frogs in cages suspended in flowing streams to study the effects of stream contaminants on fish and frog development. Here, three biologists wrestle with a cage in high water, as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
USGS biologists with fish and frog cages in high water
Fish biologists Diana Papoulias and Diana Nicks wrestle with cages of fathead minnows in Goodwater Creek, Missouri, during high flow. Flooding presented some special challenges to sampling.
Fish biologists Diana Papoulias and Diana Nicks wrestle with cages of fathead minnows in Goodwater Creek, Missouri, during high flow. Flooding presented some special challenges to sampling.
Riparian zone absent in cropped fields
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwest, intensive agriculture extends up to stream banks, eliminating trees and other riparian vegegation. In 2013, the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the effects of land use, stream quality, and other stressors on the ecological health of 100 streams i
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwest, intensive agriculture extends up to stream banks, eliminating trees and other riparian vegegation. In 2013, the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the effects of land use, stream quality, and other stressors on the ecological health of 100 streams i
Tile drain in intensive Corn Belt agriculture
A tile drain concentrates and transports irrigation water and the chemicals it contains to a stream.
A tile drain concentrates and transports irrigation water and the chemicals it contains to a stream.
Sealcoated parking lot and storm drain
Runoff from this sealcoated lot will flow into the storm drain, where it will be transported to streams and lakes.
Runoff from this sealcoated lot will flow into the storm drain, where it will be transported to streams and lakes.
Science and Products
Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat, PAHs, and Environmental Health
Sealcoat is the black, viscous liquid applied to many asphalt parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds in North America to protect and enhance the appearance of the underlying asphalt. Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in urban and suburban areas and a potential concern for human health and aquatic life.
Water-Quality Trends From Lake Cores
Sediment cores let us look back in time at the contaminant history of a watershed. Learn about what lake and reservoir sediment cores tell us about trends in metals, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and other sediment-related contaminants.
USGS Research: PAHs and Coal-Tar-Based Pavement Sealcoat
Coal-tar-based pavement sealant is a potent source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as documented by the USGS and other researchers. Coal-tar-based sealcoat products typically are 20 to 35% coal tar or coal-tar pitch—these materials are known human carcinogens that contain high concentrations of PAHs and related chemicals. Coal-tar-based pavement sealcoat typically contains 35,000 to...
Filter Total Items: 31
Urban outfall to Sausal Creek
Graffiti adorns an outfall pipe discharging stormwater into Sausal Creek. Sausal Creek was one of the many urban creeks sampled by the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA).
Graffiti adorns an outfall pipe discharging stormwater into Sausal Creek. Sausal Creek was one of the many urban creeks sampled by the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA).
Graffiti at Sausal Creek
A hydrotech prepares to collect a water-quality sample at urban Sausal Creek, with its distinctive graffiti. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
A hydrotech prepares to collect a water-quality sample at urban Sausal Creek, with its distinctive graffiti. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Urban creek graced by flowers and graffiti
Flowers and graffiti turn urban Sausal Creek into a bizarre wonderland. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Flowers and graffiti turn urban Sausal Creek into a bizarre wonderland. Water-quality and ecological surveys were done at the creek as part of the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) in the summer of 2016.
Bronx River by street
The Bronx River has been straightened as it flows by a street in New York City. The Bronx River was one of many streams sampled in the Northeastern U.S. as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
The Bronx River has been straightened as it flows by a street in New York City. The Bronx River was one of many streams sampled in the Northeastern U.S. as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
Water flows from a stormwater outfall
Water flows from a stormwater outfall in the Northeast. Such outfalls are considered point source discharges.
Water flows from a stormwater outfall in the Northeast. Such outfalls are considered point source discharges.
Salmonid in a Pacific Northwest Stream
Salmonids are inventoried during the ecosurveys done for the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA)
Salmonids are inventoried during the ecosurveys done for the Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA)
Columbia River in Portland, OR, with Mt. Hood
The Columbia River flows by the highway on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
The Columbia River flows by the highway on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Sunfish
Sunfish from the Southeast Stream Quality Assessment. An increase in sunfish in southeastern streams, intentionally stocked or unintentionally transplanted, has caused the composition of fish species among streams in the Southeast to become more similar. Such homogenization of species is an emergi
Sunfish from the Southeast Stream Quality Assessment. An increase in sunfish in southeastern streams, intentionally stocked or unintentionally transplanted, has caused the composition of fish species among streams in the Southeast to become more similar. Such homogenization of species is an emergi
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
Midwest streams flow through intensive row cropping
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwestern U.S., intensive row-cropping surrounds small streams, effectively eliminating riparian cover and habitat. Agricultural activities can have profound effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of small streams.
CAFOs in Midwest a source of nitrogen
Many small farms in the Corn Belt state of the Midwest also have confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These CAFOs can be a source of nitrogen to receiving small streams. The USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the water quality of small streams across the Midwest during 2013.
Many small farms in the Corn Belt state of the Midwest also have confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). These CAFOs can be a source of nitrogen to receiving small streams. The USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the water quality of small streams across the Midwest during 2013.
Installing a microsampler for daily collection of pesticides
A USGS hydrologist and hydrologic technician install a microsampler in an urban creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The microsampler allows collection of a sample "sip" every 6 hours; the sips are composited into a daily sample. Collection of daily samples revealed the presence of more pesticides and higher concentrations than manual samples collected weekly.
A USGS hydrologist and hydrologic technician install a microsampler in an urban creek in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The microsampler allows collection of a sample "sip" every 6 hours; the sips are composited into a daily sample. Collection of daily samples revealed the presence of more pesticides and higher concentrations than manual samples collected weekly.
Drainage of cornfields a problem in wet Midwest weather
Wet weather during the 2013 USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) caused water to pond on cornfields. The RSQA studied the relations between water-quality, physical habitat, and stream ecology in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest.
Wet weather during the 2013 USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) caused water to pond on cornfields. The RSQA studied the relations between water-quality, physical habitat, and stream ecology in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest.
Missouri barn in wet Midwest summer
The summer of 2013 was particularly wet in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest. Water ponded in fields under stormy skies, hampering sampling by the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) team.
The summer of 2013 was particularly wet in the Corn Belt states of the Midwest. Water ponded in fields under stormy skies, hampering sampling by the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) team.
USGS CERC scientists study toxicity using caged fish and frogs
Biologists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) use fish and frogs in cages suspended in flowing streams to study the effects of stream contaminants on fish and frog development. Here, three biologists wrestle with a cage in high water, as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
Biologists from the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC) use fish and frogs in cages suspended in flowing streams to study the effects of stream contaminants on fish and frog development. Here, three biologists wrestle with a cage in high water, as part of the Regional Stream Quality Assessments (RSQA).
USGS biologists with fish and frog cages in high water
Fish biologists Diana Papoulias and Diana Nicks wrestle with cages of fathead minnows in Goodwater Creek, Missouri, during high flow. Flooding presented some special challenges to sampling.
Fish biologists Diana Papoulias and Diana Nicks wrestle with cages of fathead minnows in Goodwater Creek, Missouri, during high flow. Flooding presented some special challenges to sampling.
Riparian zone absent in cropped fields
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwest, intensive agriculture extends up to stream banks, eliminating trees and other riparian vegegation. In 2013, the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the effects of land use, stream quality, and other stressors on the ecological health of 100 streams i
In the Corn Belt states of the Midwest, intensive agriculture extends up to stream banks, eliminating trees and other riparian vegegation. In 2013, the USGS Regional Stream Quality Assessment (RSQA) investigated the effects of land use, stream quality, and other stressors on the ecological health of 100 streams i
Tile drain in intensive Corn Belt agriculture
A tile drain concentrates and transports irrigation water and the chemicals it contains to a stream.
A tile drain concentrates and transports irrigation water and the chemicals it contains to a stream.
Sealcoated parking lot and storm drain
Runoff from this sealcoated lot will flow into the storm drain, where it will be transported to streams and lakes.
Runoff from this sealcoated lot will flow into the storm drain, where it will be transported to streams and lakes.