Images

PFOS removal occurred as sulfate-reducing bacteria increased in soil experiments with a dehalogenating culture. Graphic Credits: Denise Akob

Cyanobacteria bloom near the shoreline of North Bar Lake in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan during the fall of 2024. 

Microscope image of cyanobacteria (Microcystis sp.) collected from Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, June 23, 2024.  Photo by Leon Katona 

Herd of elk transverse a fire pond at Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona. USGS scientists collected environmental samples for AIV.

Measuring soil surface emission of radon in an undisturbed area near a mining site, PHoto Credit: Christopher Green

Subsurface instruments measuring soil-water potential and water content aid in characterization of fluxes of water in natural and reclaimed soils around uranium mine sites.

Environmental fate and transport of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS can be from direct and indirect releases or emissions of PFAS from producers or industrial facilities manufacturing PFAS (outlined in red). Primary sources (outlined in orange) include consumer goods, PFAS-containing firefighting foams, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants.

Source to Outcome Research Framework that was updated from the 2022 Source to Receptor Research Framework

Urban stormwater drains are used to channel runoff from precipitation away from roads for treatment and to prevent flooding. Contaminants in water can also be transported through stormwater systems in rain and snowmelt runoff. 

Water samples are extracted for pesticides at the USGS Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory.

Photo credit: Elisabeth LaBarbera

Suspect screening/non-target analysis is done with LC-HRMS at the Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory (OCRL) in Sacramento, CA.

Photo credit: Michelle Hladik

Composite image showing five life stages of a Long-tailed duck, from hatch to subadult.

USGS scientist Tylor Rosera analyzes dragonfly larvae samples for mercury as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project. 

A USGS scientist analyzes dragonfly larvae samples for mercury as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project. 

Bumble bees being prepped for pesticide residue analysis at the USGS Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory (OCRL), California.

Co-extracted matrix is removed from biosolids prior to analysis at the USGS Organic Chemistry Research Laboratory (OCRL).

Photo Credit: Gabby Black.

Long-tailed duck diving for underwater hearing testing in an experimental chamber in which the birds’ diving behavior can be studied under various environmental conditions. 

Candling (the process of using light to help determine the quality of an egg) of a grey catbird egg to determine viability.

Surf Scoter completing an underwater behavioral hearing test in an experimental chamber in which the birds’ diving behavior can be studied under various environmental conditions. 

Juvenile Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) behavior is assessed following exposure to 6PPD-quinone, a derivative of the compound 6PPD which is used in tires to prevent wear.

Due to multiple reasons including the widespread use of microplastics, their environmental persistence, the global connectedness of aquatic environments, and the long-range transport of microplastics, these particles have been documented in every environmental compartment (e.g., air, water, soils).