Images

Mail in deceased butterflies, moths, and skippers and help United States Geological Survey(USGS) scientists establish a Lepidoptera Research Collection (LRC). Specimens will help USGS scientists identify contaminants and environmental factors which may be contributing to the decline of insect populations.

Both natural and human-related metal mobilization may affect streams. In this photo drainage from a mine enters Cement Creek, near Silverton, Colorado, adjacent to a mound of iron minerals that have likely been forming naturally for thousands of years. Detailed isotopic studies may help to differentiate natural and human-related contamination. 

Draining mines provide consistent discharge and have elevated rare earth element (REE) concentrations, potentially providing opportunities for direct metal production. 

Draining mines provide consistent discharge and have elevated rare earth element concentrations, potentially providing opportunities for direct metal production.

USGS Environmental Health Program Energy Integrated Science Team scientists on field visit within the Grand Teton National Park, September 2022

Eric White and Patrick Scordato of the USGS float an electromagnetic imaging tool along a coastal area in Massachusetts to identify terrestrial groundwater discharge that may be impacted by PFAS contamination. 

Oily produced water collected from an oil well for U.S. Geological Survey laboratory analysis. Photo credit: Bonnie McDevitt.

Collection of aquatic invertebrates in the field. Photo taken by Laura Hubbard, USGS.

Nighttime collection of adult aquatic insects using a vacuum aspirator on a white sheet illuminated by blacklight. Photo Taken by Laura Hubbard, USGS

A Delaware breed chicken is part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them. Results from this experiment may inform future field research on the potential sublethal effects of agricultural practices on Washington state sage grouse, a state-endangered species.

Wheat seeds with (A) and without (B) neonicotinoid coating. Wheat seeds with neonicotinoid coating were fed to eight Delaware chickens in summer 2022 as part of a controlled experiment to better determine what effect (if any) neonicotinoid-treated seeds have on birds that consume them.

USGS scientists prepare to sample for environmental AIV at an impoundment at Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin

Soil cores are collected and sectioned to characterize soil properties, abundance of metals, and fallout radionuclides which can be used to characterize rates of mixing of particles in soil.

Artistic rendition of the mineral lifecycle from a natural state through to exploration, permitting, mining, and reclamation. Designed for the Minerals Lifecycle Integrated Science Team to depict one aspect of their science focus.

Contaminant releases can be associated with all steps of the food production process. The Food IST answers questions about what contaminants are released, if wildlife and humans are exposed, and if there are health hazards associated with exposure to wildlife

Wet mount image of cyanobacteria, Raphidiopsis sp.,  collected from Lake Okeechobee, Florida

This image is the report cover from a USGS Report Circular 1490. 

USGS scientist working on soil microcosms is using a dehalogenating culture being sampled in an anaerobic chamber.

The image shows sattelite relectance data that can be accessed using

Close up of composite sample of oil-based drilling wastes collected in Oklahoma just prior to land application. 

Small stream running through an agricultural area in Iowa with crops surrounding it.