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Environmental Health Program

The Environmental Health Program (Contaminant Biology and Toxic Substances Hydrology) supports integrated natural science expertise and capabilities across the USGS related to environmental contaminants and pathogens. This One Health approach recognizes the interdependence of human and animal health and the health of ecosystems that they share. 

News

A Bright Light in Science Steps into Retirement!

A Bright Light in Science Steps into Retirement!

Cheers to New Adventures: Rip Shively's Retirement Celebration!

Cheers to New Adventures: Rip Shively's Retirement Celebration!

GeoHEALTH - USGS Newsletter - Issue April 2025

GeoHEALTH - USGS Newsletter - Issue April 2025

Publications

Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health Pathways for potential exposure to onshore oil and gas wastewater: What we need to know to protect human health

Produced water is a chemically complex waste stream generated during oil and gas development. Roughly four trillion liters were generated onshore in the United States in 2021 (ALL Consulting, 2022, https://www.gwpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021_Produced_Water_Volumes.pdf). Efforts are underway to expand historic uses of produced water to offset freshwater needs in water-stressed...
Authors
Ayusha Ariana, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Cloelle Danforth, Bonnie McDevitt, Anna Rosofsky, Donna Vorhees

A multidisciplinary approach that considers occurrence, geochemistry, bioavailability, and toxicity to prioritize critical minerals for environmental research A multidisciplinary approach that considers occurrence, geochemistry, bioavailability, and toxicity to prioritize critical minerals for environmental research

Critical minerals (or critical elements) are minerals or elements that are essential to global security and development and have supply chains vulnerable to disruption. In general, knowledge of the environmental behavior and health effects of critical elements is needed to support the development of safe and environmentally responsible supplies. This knowledge includes identifying...
Authors
Sarah Jane White, Tyler Kane, Kate M. Campbell, Marie Noële Croteau, Michael G. Iacchetta, Johanna Blake, Charles A. Cravotta, Bethany K. Kunz, Charles N. Alpers, Jill Jenkins, Katherine Walton-Day

Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i Distribution of ancient carbon in groundwater and soil gas from degradation of petroleum near the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility, O‘ahu, Hawai‘i

The groundwater below the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility (the facility) in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, contains fuel compounds from past spills. This study used carbon-14 analyses to distinguish fuel-derived carbon from background carbon, along with other biodegradation indicators, to address two goals: (1) determine the extent and migration direction of groundwater affected by residual fuel...
Authors
Jared J. Trost, Barbara A. Bekins, Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Geoffrey N. Delin, Daniel A Sinclair, James K Stack, Rylen K. Nakama, Uli'i M. Miyajima, Lhiberty D. Pagaduan, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli

Science

USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS science is vital for securing the hunting and fishing traditions many Americans value. By studying wildlife populations, habitats, and health, the USGS provides essential information that helps ensure these outdoor activities can continue to thrive.
USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS Ecosystems Science Strengthening America's Hunting and Fishing Heritage

USGS science is vital for securing the hunting and fishing traditions many Americans value. By studying wildlife populations, habitats, and health, the USGS provides essential information that helps ensure these outdoor activities can continue to thrive.
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Artificial Intelligence in the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

As a data-driven bureau, the USGS Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently gather, analyze, and deliver natural resource information to Federal, State, Tribal, academic, and industry partners. USGS EMA scientists are developing and testing innovative uses of AI, including machine learning, deep neural network models, and photogrammetry, to streamline the...
Artificial Intelligence in the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

Artificial Intelligence in the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area

As a data-driven bureau, the USGS Ecosystem Mission Area (EMA) relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently gather, analyze, and deliver natural resource information to Federal, State, Tribal, academic, and industry partners. USGS EMA scientists are developing and testing innovative uses of AI, including machine learning, deep neural network models, and photogrammetry, to streamline the...
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Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Avian Influenza Host Movement Ecology

Understanding disease systems requires an understanding of the basic ecology of host species. USGS is involved in global efforts to explore the movements of bird species that are hosts of avian influenza as well as the potential impacts of changing landscapes on avian influenza.
Learn More
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