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Publications

Dive into our publications and explore the science from the Environmental Health Program (Toxic Substances Hydrology and Contaminant Biology).

Filter Total Items: 4098

Our evolving conceptual model of the coastal eutrophication problem Our evolving conceptual model of the coastal eutrophication problem

A primary focus of coastal science during the past 3 decades has been the question: How does anthropogenic nutrient enrichment cause change in the structure or function of nearshore coastal ecosystems? This theme of environmental science is recent, so our conceptual model of the coastal eutrophication problem continues to change rapidly. In this review, I suggest that the early (Phase I)
Authors
James E. Cloern

Hydrologic setting and geochemical characterization of free-phase hydrocarbons in the alluvial aquifer at Mandan, North Dakota, November 2000 Hydrologic setting and geochemical characterization of free-phase hydrocarbons in the alluvial aquifer at Mandan, North Dakota, November 2000

Free-phase hydrocarbons are present in the alluvial aquifer at Mandan, North Dakota. A large contaminant body of the hydrocarbons [light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL)] floats on the water table about 20 feet below land surface. The main LNAPL body is about 6 feet thick, and the areal extent is about 657,000 square feet. A study was conducted to describe the hydrologic setting and...
Authors
Frances D. Hostettler, Colleen E. Rostad, Keith A. Kvenvolden, Geoffrey N. Delin, Larry D. Putnam, Jonathan J. Kolak, Brain P. Chaplin, Bryan D. Schaap

The search for reliable aqueous solubility (Sw) and octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) data for hydrophobic organic compounds; DDT and DDE as a case study The search for reliable aqueous solubility (Sw) and octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow) data for hydrophobic organic compounds; DDT and DDE as a case study

The accurate determination of an organic contaminant’s physico-chemical properties is essential for predicting its environmental impact and fate. Approximately 700 publications (1944–2001) were reviewed and all known aqueous solubilities (Sw) and octanol-water partition coefficients (Kow) for the organochlorine pesticide, DDT, and its persistent metabolite, DDE were compiled and examined...
Authors
James Pontolillo, R.P. Eganhouse

Metal loading in Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming; a retrospective analysis of previous research; and quantification of metal loading, August 1999 Metal loading in Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Wyoming; a retrospective analysis of previous research; and quantification of metal loading, August 1999

Acid drainage from historic mining activities has affected the water quality and aquatic biota of Soda Butte Creek upstream of Yellowstone National Park. Numerous investigations focusing on metals contamination have been conducted in the Soda Butte Creek basin, but interpretations of how metals contamination is currently impacting Soda Butte Creek differ greatly. A retrospective analysis...
Authors
G.K. Boughton

Preliminary evaluation of the importance of existing hydraulic-head observation locations to advective-transport predictions, Death Valley regional flow system, California and Nevada Preliminary evaluation of the importance of existing hydraulic-head observation locations to advective-transport predictions, Death Valley regional flow system, California and Nevada

When a model is calibrated by nonlinear regression, calculated diagnostic statistics and measures of uncertainty provide a wealth of information about many aspects of the system. This report presents a method of ranking the likely importance of existing observation locations using measures of prediction uncertainty. It is suggested that continued monitoring is warranted at more important...
Authors
Mary C. Hill, D. Matthew Ely, Claire R. Tiedeman, Grady M. O’Brien, Frank A. D’Agnese, Claudia C. Faunt

Determination of instream metal loads using tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques in Wightman Fork, southwestern Colorado, September 1997 Determination of instream metal loads using tracer-injection and synoptic-sampling techniques in Wightman Fork, southwestern Colorado, September 1997

Spatial determinations of the metal loads in Wightman Fork can be used to identify potential source areas to the stream. In September 1997, a chloride tracer-injection study was done concurrently with synoptic water-quality sampling in Wightman Fork near the Summitville Mine site. Discharge was determined and metal concentrations at 38 sites were used to generate mass-load profiles for...
Authors
Roderick F. Ortiz, Kenneth E. Bencala

Occurrence of cyanazine compounds in groundwater: Degradates more prevalent than the parent compound Occurrence of cyanazine compounds in groundwater: Degradates more prevalent than the parent compound

A recently developed analytical method using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to investigate the occurrence of cyanazine and its degradates cyanazine acid (CAC), cyanazine amide (CAM), deethylcyanazine (DEC), and deethylcyanazine acid (DCAC) in groundwater. This research represents some of the earliest data on the occurrence of cyanazine degradates in groundwater...
Authors
D.W. Kolpin, E.M. Thurman, S. M. Linhart

Water-quality data for streams in the Boulder River Watershed, Jefferson County, Montana Water-quality data for streams in the Boulder River Watershed, Jefferson County, Montana

Chemical data were collected in the Boulder River watershed of southwestern Montana during 1996-99 as part of a detailed interdisciplinary study characterizing the effects of historical inactive mines on streams in the watershed. This report presents water-quality data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey for physical properties, major ions, nutrients, and trace elements for 62 sites...
Authors
David A. Nimick, Thomas E. Cleasby

Mercury studies in the Florida Everglades Mercury studies in the Florida Everglades

Public concern for wildlife and human health problems due to mercury (Hg) toxicity has increased substantially since the mid-1980's. These concerns are manifested primarily by the issuance of fish consumption advisories in the majority of U.S. states, Canada, and several European countries because of high levels of mercury in game fish. Although the precise causes for this contamination...
Authors
David P. Krabbenhoft
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