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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: 4095

Simulation of solute transport in a mountain pool-and-riffle stream: A transient storage model Simulation of solute transport in a mountain pool-and-riffle stream: A transient storage model

The physical characteristics of mountain streams differ from the uniform and conceptually well- defined open channels for which the analysis of solute transport has been oriented in the past and is now well understood. These physical conditions significantly influence solute transport behavior, as demonstrated by a transient storage model simulation of solute transport in a very small (0...
Authors
Kenneth E. Bencala, Roy A. Walters

Complexation of copper by aquatic humic substances from different environments Complexation of copper by aquatic humic substances from different environments

The copper-complexing properties of aquatic humic substances isolated from eighteen different environments were characterized by potentiometric titration, using a cupric ion selective electrode. Potentiometric data were analyzed using FITEQL, a computer program for the determination of chemical equilibrium constants from experimental data. All the aquatic humic substances could be...
Authors
Diane M. McKnight, Gerald L. Feder, E. Michael Thurman, Robert L. Wershaw

Kinetic analysis of strontium and potassium sorption onto sands and gravels in a natural channel Kinetic analysis of strontium and potassium sorption onto sands and gravels in a natural channel

A kinetic, first-order mass transfer model was used to describe the sorption of strontium onto sand- and gravel-sized streambed sediments. Rate parameters, empirically determined for strontium, allowed for the prediction of potassium sorption with moderate success. The model parameters varied significantly with particle size. The sorption data were collected during an experimental...
Authors
Kenneth E. Bencala, Alan P. Jackman, Vance C. Kennedy, Ronald J. Avanzino, Gary W. Zellweger

Adsorption of natural dissolved organic matter at the oxide/water interface Adsorption of natural dissolved organic matter at the oxide/water interface

Natural organic matter is readily adsorbed by alumina and kaolinite in the pH range of natural waters. Adsorption occurs by complex formation between surface hydroxyls and the acidic functional groups of the organic matter. Oxides with relatively acidic surface hydroxyls, e.g. silica, do not react strongly with the organic matter. Under conditions typical for natural waters, almost...
Authors
James A. Davis

Degradation of phenolic contaminants in ground water by anaerobic bacteria: St. Louis Park, Minnesota Degradation of phenolic contaminants in ground water by anaerobic bacteria: St. Louis Park, Minnesota

Coal-tar derivatives from a coal-tar distillation and wood-treating plant that operated from 1918 to 1972 at St. Louis Park, Minnesota contaminated the near-surface ground water. Solutions of phenolic compounds and a water-immiscible mixture of polynuclear aromatic compounds accumulated in wetlands near the plant site and entered the aquifer. The concentration of phenolic compounds in...
Authors
G. G. Ehrlich, D.F. Goerlitz, E.M. Godsy, M. F. Hult

Mechanisms for trace metal enrichment at the surface microlayer in an estuarine salt marsh Mechanisms for trace metal enrichment at the surface microlayer in an estuarine salt marsh

The relative contributions of adsorption to particulate surfaces, complexation with surface-active organic ligands and uptake by micro-organisms were evaluated with respect to their importance in the surface microlayer enrichment (‘partitioning’) of Cd, Pb and Cu. The contributions of each process were inferred from field data in which partitioning of the dissolved and particulate forms...
Authors
Leonard W. Lion

Volatilization of ketones from water Volatilization of ketones from water

The overall mass-transfer coefficients for the volatilization from water of acetone, 2-butanone, 2-pentanone, 3-pentanone, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, 2-heptanone, and 2-octanone were measured simultaneously with the oxygen-absorption coefficient in a laboratory stirred water bath. The liquid-film and gas-film coefficients of the two-film model were determined for the ketones from the overall
Authors
R. E. Rathbun, D. Y. Tai

On conducting the modified ‘Slug’ test in tight formations On conducting the modified ‘Slug’ test in tight formations

The method introduced by Bredehoeft and Papadopulos (1980) for conducting a modified ‘slug’ test in tight formations does not assure the condition of approximate equilibrium necessary at the start of the test. In addition, compressibility in the shut-in well can be significantly larger than the compressibility of water, which Bredehoeft and Papadopulos indicate should be used in the...
Authors
C.E. Neuzil

Enrichment and association of lead and bacteria at particulate surfaces in a salt-marsh surface layer Enrichment and association of lead and bacteria at particulate surfaces in a salt-marsh surface layer

The particle-laden surface layer (approx 150-370 mu m) and subsurface waters of a South San Francisco Bay salt marsh were sampled over 2 tidal cycles and analyzed for particle numbers and particulate-associated and total concentrations of Pb and bacteria. Laboratory studies examined the ability of a bacterial isolate from the surface layer and a bacterial 'film-former' to sorb Pb at
Authors
R.W. Harvey, Leonard W. Lion, L.Y. Young, J.O. Leckie

Does the benthos control phytoplankton biomass in South San Francisco Bay? Does the benthos control phytoplankton biomass in South San Francisco Bay?

South San Francisco Bay, USA, is a shallow coastal embayment that receives large inputs of nutrients (N. P, Si) and small local inputs of freshwater. Phytoplankton dynamics are typically characterized by a spring bloom when surface chlorophyll a increases from 5 to > 40 mg m-3. The bloom persists for 2 to 4 wk, and then dissipates. Phytoplankton biomass remains low (chlorophyll a 5 mg m...
Authors
James E. Cloern

Fate of acetone in water Fate of acetone in water

The physical, chemical, and biological processes that might affect the concentration of acetone in water were investigated in laboratory studies. Processes considered included volatilization, adsorption by sediments, photodecomposition, bacterial degradation, and absorption by algae and molds. It was concluded that volatilization and bacterial degradation were the dominant processes...
Authors
R. E. Rathbun, D. W. Stephens, D.J. Shultz
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