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Subsurface instruments measuring soil-water potential
Subsurface instruments measuring soil-water potential and water content aid in characterization of fluxes of water in natural and reclaimed soils
Subsurface instruments measuring soil-water potential and water content aid in characterization of fluxes of water in natural and reclaimed soils
Subsurface instruments measuring soil-water potential and water content aid in characterization of fluxes of water in natural and reclaimed soils

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.

A diagram of PFAS fate and transport
PFAS Fate Transport Diagram
PFAS Fate Transport Diagram
PFAS Fate Transport Diagram

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.

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 Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework
Source to Outcome Research Framework

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

Car parked next to a storm drain in the rain with water washing debris into the drain.
Car parked near an urban storm drain in Virginia.
Car parked near an urban storm drain in Virginia.
Car parked near an urban storm drain in Virginia.

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. 

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. 

Analytical laboratory machines site on top of a lab table.
Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS).
yellow liquid samples in tubes on a lab table.
Biosolids Analysis.
Biosolids Analysis.
Biosolids Analysis.

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

Photo Credit: Gabby Black.

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

Photo Credit: Gabby Black.

Bird (surf scoter) places its beak in underwater pipes.
Surf Scoter completing an underwater behavioral hearing test.
Surf Scoter completing an underwater behavioral hearing test.
Surf Scoter completing an underwater behavioral hearing test.

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. 

USGS scientist Tylor Rosera analyzes dragonfly larvae samples for mercury as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project.
USGS scientist Tylor Rosera analyzes dragonfly larvae samples for mercury as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project.
USGS scientist Tylor Rosera analyzes dragonfly larvae samples for mercury as part of the Dragonfly Mercury Project.
Bumble bees in sample containers on a tray.
Bumble bees being prepped for pesticide residue analysis.
Bumble bees being prepped for pesticide residue analysis.
Bumble bees being prepped for pesticide residue analysis.

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

Black bottles sit on a lab counter with tubes to other lab equipment.
Water samples are extracted for pesticides.
Water samples are extracted for pesticides.
Water samples are extracted for pesticides.

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

Photo credit: Elisabeth LaBarbera

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

Photo credit: Elisabeth LaBarbera

A bird dives underwater in a tank.
Long-tailed duck diving for underwater hearing testing.
Long-tailed duck diving for underwater hearing testing.
Long-tailed duck diving for underwater hearing testing.

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. 

Juvenile Coho Salmon in a tank.
Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Laboratory Studies.
Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Laboratory Studies.
Juvenile Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) Laboratory Studies.

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.

Conceptual diagram showing sources, movement and fate of microplastic particles in the environment.
Microplastics Sources, Pathways and Fate Conceptual Diagram
Microplastics Sources, Pathways and Fate Conceptual Diagram
Microplastics Sources, Pathways and Fate Conceptual Diagram

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).

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).

Point Reyes National Seashore, California
USGS and NPS walk Drakes Beach to sample a pond for the presence of AIV at Point Reyes National Seashore, California
USGS and NPS walk Drakes Beach to sample a pond for the presence of AIV at Point Reyes National Seashore, California
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