Environmental Health Featured Science Activities

The growing concern of finding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water has led USGS scientists to conduct more comprehensive analyses that encompass an extensive list of compounds that can be found in drinking water. These analyses will develop a more complete drinking water contaminant list that managers can use to make more informed public health decisions.

Energy development is critical to American energy independence and provides economic benefits to local communities. Scientific information is needed to aid in the sustainable development of energy resources. Sustainable energy development can include strategies for protecting environmental health and ecological services that benefit local communities. The USGS Environmental Health Program, Energy...

Critical minerals are essential to the Nation’s economy and security. Demand for critical minerals is increasing, and it is essential to balance the societal need for these minerals with efforts to understand the effects of mining on other natural resources and to develop techniques to minimize these effects. The USGS Minerals Resources Life Cycle Integrated Science Team (IST) focuses on the life...

The Environmental Health Program integrates multi-disciplinary research to tackle the environmental challenges that impact the nation's natural resource assets. By providing comprehensive research and data, the program assesses both actual and perceived risks associated with environmental contaminants and pathogens while supporting variety of uses of our natural resources.

Low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses naturally occur in wild birds and are rarely fatal. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses are highly contagious, spread rapidly, are often fatal to poultry, and have been responsible for worldwide outbreaks. Together, LPAI and HPAI are generally referred to as either avian influenza viruses (AIVs) or "the bird flu."

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) are a significant environmental concern due to their potential effects on health, ecosystems, and economies. Algal toxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain species of cyanobacteria and algae, are commonly linked to these blooms. It's important to note that algal toxins can still be present even when a bloom is not visible, highlighting the need for ongoing...

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 14,000 different man-made compounds that are widely used in various industrial and consumer products and linked to various health issues. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is a persistent synthetic chemical within the PFAS group, recognized for its widespread use and persistence in the environment. The U.S. Geological Survey is...

USGS scientists have advanced methods to measure bacterial activity in environmental waters. Their research showed that when bacteria naturally in the water are exposed to substances like pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and antimicrobials, their normal functions are disrupted. This finding suggests that monitoring bacterial activity could provide early warnings about potential problems with water...

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting studies to better understand algal bloom dynamics to enhance lake management. Recent research, in Lake Okeechobee, Florida, focused on phytoplankton community and abundance. Phytoplankton can be a potential driver of harmful algal blooms (HABs).

Managing harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes requires understanding the roles of nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, emphasizing a comprehensive approach beyond just phosphorus reduction.

Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.

Plastic pollution is a significant global issue in aquatic ecosystems, with low-micrometer plastics (LMMPs) posing particular risks owing to their small size and prevalence in various environments. The U.S. Geological Survey and collaborators are developing an innovative sensor to detect and analyze LMMPs in freshwater systems, achieving rapid and accurate results without the need for additional...