Contaminants can be chemical or biological and represent major stressors to ecosystems, including human and wildlife populations. Chemical contaminants include those purposefully released into the environment (for example, pesticides) and those that are inadvertently released (for example, mining waste). Biological contaminants can harm our food, water or environment with microorganisms (for example, fungus, bacteria, virus). USGS scientists are helping to understand potential environmental and health hazards posed by chemical and biological contaminants. We study the connections between air, water, soil, and living things to identify the environmental pathways that expose humans and wildlife to contaminants.
Environmental Health Program
Environmental Health Program
Contaminants and Pathogens
Contaminants and Pathogens
Emerging Contaminants
Emerging Contaminants
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
USGS Contaminants Science
USGS Contaminants Science
Filter Total Items: 69
Science for effective pollinator conservation and improved food security
Pollinators, including bees, flies, butterflies, bats, birds, and other animals, are critically important to U.S. ecosystems and agriculture. Recent reports of declines of pollinator species have led to widespread actions to conserve pollinator habitat and recover imperiled species, but resource managers need accurate data and science to support management actions. USGS pollinator research helps...
SBSC: Providing Unbiased Actionable Science & Information to Support Natural Resource Management Needs of the U.S. & Department of the Interior Priorities
The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is uniquely positioned in the Colorado River Basin to provide sound information, specialized expertise, and innovative tools to support the management and sustained use of natural resources on public and Tribal lands in the Southwest U.S.
Healthy Fish and Wildlife: Community Livelihoods, Fishing and Hunting Heritage, Recreation, and Economic Security
Healthy fish and wildlife underpin the economic vitality, food security, recreational enjoyment, and cultural heritage of fishing and hunting in communities across the United States. Fishing and hunting resources scale from the personal recreation of families to multi-billion-dollar industries. Recognizing these critical connections, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) works to understand, protect...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Effective Communication in PFAS Research: Moving Beyond "Ubiquitous"
In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have gained attention for their environmental presence; however, the term "ubiquitous" used to describe them can be misleading. USGS scientists push to use more precise language such as "widespread" and “commonly detected” to avoid confusion and misinformation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the actual occurrence of PFAS...
Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study
The Potomac River is a major watershed in the eastern United States that serves as a crucial water supply for millions of people. USGS researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the contributions of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent to the levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Potomac River. This study included measuring PFAS...
USGS Ecosystems Science for Food and Water Security
USGS science developed by the Ecosystems Mission Area helps ensure safe and abundant domestic food and water supplies, ensuring all Americans access to livelihoods and traditions that connect generations with each other and the outdoors and strengthen America’s self-reliance. USGS science is used by decision makers at all levels to understand how the quality of America’s food supply is directly...
Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Comprehensive Look at Agricultural Stream Contaminants
Clean water is essential for both environmental health and human safety, but many everyday products and activities can contribute to water pollution including contaminants such as microplastics, harmful chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, and antibiotic resistance genes. A recent USGS study in Iowa investigated pollutants in streams, including stream sediment and biota, to determine...
Understanding the Dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Insights from USGS Research
The USGS Environmental Health (EH) Program research where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS are found, how they move and change in the environment, how they might affect both ecosystems and human health, and ways to reduce their impact. The three teams focusing on these issues within the EH Program include: 1) the PFAS Integrated Science Team, 2) the PFAS Core Technology Team, and 3) the...
Beneath the Surface: Exploring PFAS and Drinking Water on French Island, Wisconsin
The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.
Increasing Efficiency During the Life Cycle of Energy Development: Key Strategies for Improving the Utilization of Our Nation's Energy Resources
Energy development is critical to American energy independence and provides economic benefits to local communities. Scientific information is needed to aid in the sustainable development of energy resources. Sustainable energy development can include strategies for protecting environmental health and ecological services that benefit local communities. The USGS Environmental Health Program, Energy...
Life Cycle of Critical Minerals: A Balanced Approach to Meeting Our Nation's Resource Demands
Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Mineral Resources Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Natural Solutions for Reducing PFOS Pollution in Our Environment
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 14,000 different man-made compounds that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products and linked to various health issues. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent synthetic chemical within the PFAS group, recognized for its widespread use and persistence in the environment. The U.S. Geological Survey is...
Innovative Sensor Development for Detecting Low-Micrometer Plastics in Freshwater Systems
Plastic pollution is a significant global issue in aquatic ecosystems, with low-micrometer plastics (LMMPs) posing particular risks owing to their small size and prevalence in various environments. The U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators are developing an innovative sensor to detect and analyze LMMPs in freshwater systems, achieving rapid and accurate results without the need for additional...
Wildfires Increase Mercury Concentrations in Headwater Streams
The U.S. Geological Survey is researching the effect of wildfires on the release of stored mercury from forest watersheds and subsequent transport, methylmercury formation, and bioaccumulation post-fire. Wildfires not only alter the re-release of mercury into the environment but also affect its reactivity and availability to the food web, complicating predictions of mercury exposure risks to...
Increased Mercury, Reduced Insect Diversity, and Food Web impacts from Historical Mercury Mining
U.S. Geological Survey scientists are seeking to understand the impacts of mercury mining on headwater streams, organisms, and food webs, focused on potential effects from historical mining in central Idaho. Mercury associated with mine waste can leave a legacy of contamination that continues to impact stream health in culturally and ecologically important headwater streams after mining activities...
A National Predictive Model for PFAS Occurrence in Groundwater
In October of 2024, USGS Scientist’s published a study where they created a model to predict PFAS occurrence in groundwater at the depths of drinking water supplies. This model can help guide our partners to sample areas where PFAS in drinking water could be an issue for the public.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team
The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team (CTT) within the Environmental Health Program partners with external and internal stakeholders to develop and apply analytical methods for measuring PFAS in complex matrices, addressing environmental health issues related to transport, distribution, fate, effects, and exposure.
Estimating Methylmercury Injury to Birds—“The Bird Mercury Tool”
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have developed a tool that can be used by practitioners to help interpret injury to birds caused by methylmercury contamination. This tool was developed from a comprehensive review of 168 studies and summarizing data on the effects of methylmercury on birds.
USGS Science Opportunities Related to the Nationally Relevant Study of Microplastics
USGS recently (2024) released a strategic vision document that identifies science gaps and prioritizes research relevant to the mission, expertise, and capabilities of the USGS. The intention is for USGS and stakeholders to use this as a starting part for planning, prioritizing, and designing microplastic research projects.
U.S. Geological Survey Develops Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sampling Guide
USGS scientist’s published a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) sampling guide for personnel involved with Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) activities. This guide introduces individuals involved in NRDAR efforts and other investigators to key concepts and considerations when sampling different environmental media for PFAS.
Human-Related Compounds in Water Sources in the Grand Canyon Help Identify Water Flow Pathways and Highlight Potential Water Quality Changes
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists investigated the movement of human-generated chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), in groundwater along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This research led to a better understanding of the movement of wastewater into groundwater, of complex underground flow patterns, and of chemicals present in springs near...
Contaminants can be chemical or biological and represent major stressors to ecosystems, including human and wildlife populations. Chemical contaminants include those purposefully released into the environment (for example, pesticides) and those that are inadvertently released (for example, mining waste). Biological contaminants can harm our food, water or environment with microorganisms (for example, fungus, bacteria, virus). USGS scientists are helping to understand potential environmental and health hazards posed by chemical and biological contaminants. We study the connections between air, water, soil, and living things to identify the environmental pathways that expose humans and wildlife to contaminants.
Environmental Health Program
Environmental Health Program
Contaminants and Pathogens
Contaminants and Pathogens
Emerging Contaminants
Emerging Contaminants
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration
USGS Contaminants Science
USGS Contaminants Science
Filter Total Items: 69
Science for effective pollinator conservation and improved food security
Pollinators, including bees, flies, butterflies, bats, birds, and other animals, are critically important to U.S. ecosystems and agriculture. Recent reports of declines of pollinator species have led to widespread actions to conserve pollinator habitat and recover imperiled species, but resource managers need accurate data and science to support management actions. USGS pollinator research helps...
SBSC: Providing Unbiased Actionable Science & Information to Support Natural Resource Management Needs of the U.S. & Department of the Interior Priorities
The U.S. Geological Survey Southwest Biological Science Center (SBSC) is uniquely positioned in the Colorado River Basin to provide sound information, specialized expertise, and innovative tools to support the management and sustained use of natural resources on public and Tribal lands in the Southwest U.S.
Healthy Fish and Wildlife: Community Livelihoods, Fishing and Hunting Heritage, Recreation, and Economic Security
Healthy fish and wildlife underpin the economic vitality, food security, recreational enjoyment, and cultural heritage of fishing and hunting in communities across the United States. Fishing and hunting resources scale from the personal recreation of families to multi-billion-dollar industries. Recognizing these critical connections, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) works to understand, protect...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Effective Communication in PFAS Research: Moving Beyond "Ubiquitous"
In recent years, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have gained attention for their environmental presence; however, the term "ubiquitous" used to describe them can be misleading. USGS scientists push to use more precise language such as "widespread" and “commonly detected” to avoid confusion and misinformation. This distinction is crucial for understanding the actual occurrence of PFAS...
Navigating PFAS Contamination: Insights from the USGS Potomac River Watershed Study
The Potomac River is a major watershed in the eastern United States that serves as a crucial water supply for millions of people. USGS researchers conducted a comprehensive investigation to identify the contributions of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent to the levels of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the Potomac River. This study included measuring PFAS...
USGS Ecosystems Science for Food and Water Security
USGS science developed by the Ecosystems Mission Area helps ensure safe and abundant domestic food and water supplies, ensuring all Americans access to livelihoods and traditions that connect generations with each other and the outdoors and strengthen America’s self-reliance. USGS science is used by decision makers at all levels to understand how the quality of America’s food supply is directly...
Beyond the Usual Suspects: A Comprehensive Look at Agricultural Stream Contaminants
Clean water is essential for both environmental health and human safety, but many everyday products and activities can contribute to water pollution including contaminants such as microplastics, harmful chemicals such as pharmaceuticals and pesticides, and antibiotic resistance genes. A recent USGS study in Iowa investigated pollutants in streams, including stream sediment and biota, to determine...
Understanding the Dynamics of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Insights from USGS Research
The USGS Environmental Health (EH) Program research where per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS are found, how they move and change in the environment, how they might affect both ecosystems and human health, and ways to reduce their impact. The three teams focusing on these issues within the EH Program include: 1) the PFAS Integrated Science Team, 2) the PFAS Core Technology Team, and 3) the...
Beneath the Surface: Exploring PFAS and Drinking Water on French Island, Wisconsin
The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.
Increasing Efficiency During the Life Cycle of Energy Development: Key Strategies for Improving the Utilization of Our Nation's Energy Resources
Energy development is critical to American energy independence and provides economic benefits to local communities. Scientific information is needed to aid in the sustainable development of energy resources. Sustainable energy development can include strategies for protecting environmental health and ecological services that benefit local communities. The USGS Environmental Health Program, Energy...
Life Cycle of Critical Minerals: A Balanced Approach to Meeting Our Nation's Resource Demands
Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Energy, and Minerals Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Mineral Resources Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center
Natural Solutions for Reducing PFOS Pollution in Our Environment
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 14,000 different man-made compounds that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products and linked to various health issues. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent synthetic chemical within the PFAS group, recognized for its widespread use and persistence in the environment. The U.S. Geological Survey is...
Innovative Sensor Development for Detecting Low-Micrometer Plastics in Freshwater Systems
Plastic pollution is a significant global issue in aquatic ecosystems, with low-micrometer plastics (LMMPs) posing particular risks owing to their small size and prevalence in various environments. The U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators are developing an innovative sensor to detect and analyze LMMPs in freshwater systems, achieving rapid and accurate results without the need for additional...
Wildfires Increase Mercury Concentrations in Headwater Streams
The U.S. Geological Survey is researching the effect of wildfires on the release of stored mercury from forest watersheds and subsequent transport, methylmercury formation, and bioaccumulation post-fire. Wildfires not only alter the re-release of mercury into the environment but also affect its reactivity and availability to the food web, complicating predictions of mercury exposure risks to...
Increased Mercury, Reduced Insect Diversity, and Food Web impacts from Historical Mercury Mining
U.S. Geological Survey scientists are seeking to understand the impacts of mercury mining on headwater streams, organisms, and food webs, focused on potential effects from historical mining in central Idaho. Mercury associated with mine waste can leave a legacy of contamination that continues to impact stream health in culturally and ecologically important headwater streams after mining activities...
A National Predictive Model for PFAS Occurrence in Groundwater
In October of 2024, USGS Scientist’s published a study where they created a model to predict PFAS occurrence in groundwater at the depths of drinking water supplies. This model can help guide our partners to sample areas where PFAS in drinking water could be an issue for the public.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team
The Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Core Technology Team (CTT) within the Environmental Health Program partners with external and internal stakeholders to develop and apply analytical methods for measuring PFAS in complex matrices, addressing environmental health issues related to transport, distribution, fate, effects, and exposure.
Estimating Methylmercury Injury to Birds—“The Bird Mercury Tool”
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists have developed a tool that can be used by practitioners to help interpret injury to birds caused by methylmercury contamination. This tool was developed from a comprehensive review of 168 studies and summarizing data on the effects of methylmercury on birds.
USGS Science Opportunities Related to the Nationally Relevant Study of Microplastics
USGS recently (2024) released a strategic vision document that identifies science gaps and prioritizes research relevant to the mission, expertise, and capabilities of the USGS. The intention is for USGS and stakeholders to use this as a starting part for planning, prioritizing, and designing microplastic research projects.
U.S. Geological Survey Develops Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Sampling Guide
USGS scientist’s published a Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) sampling guide for personnel involved with Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) activities. This guide introduces individuals involved in NRDAR efforts and other investigators to key concepts and considerations when sampling different environmental media for PFAS.
Human-Related Compounds in Water Sources in the Grand Canyon Help Identify Water Flow Pathways and Highlight Potential Water Quality Changes
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists investigated the movement of human-generated chemicals, such as pharmaceuticals and per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), in groundwater along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. This research led to a better understanding of the movement of wastewater into groundwater, of complex underground flow patterns, and of chemicals present in springs near...