U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are developing new laboratory analytical methods to measure contaminants in samples of environmental water, sediment, and soil. The work is part of a continuing effort to provide information on new and understudied contaminants to water-resource managers, environmental regulators, and the public. The new methods are used by USGS scientists and others to determine the occurrence and behavior of contaminants in the environment--information that is key to assessing potential ecological health effects and establishing priorities for additional research. USGS scientists have developed new methods for the analysis of (1) antidepressant pharmaceuticals, (2) an agricultural fungicide (chlorothalonil) and its environmental degradation byproducts, and (3) pyrethroid insecticides in the environment.
Antidepressant Pharmaceuticals
USGS scientists have developed a laboratory analytical method to measure the concentrations of eight currently used antidepressants and two of their pharmaceutically active degradation byproducts (or metabolites) in environmental waters. Many of these antidepressants are from the class of antidepressant pharmaceuticals called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This widely prescribed class of antidepressants, which includes citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac and Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Dumyrox, Luvox, …), paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), and others, has been prescribed to millions of people worldwide. Recent studies by the USGS and others have detected other widely prescribed pharmaceuticals in wastewater and in streams downstream of the discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). An initial application of the method to a stream in Texas receiving wastewater detected several antidepressant pharmaceuticals, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban), citalopram, duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, norfluoxetine (a metabolite of fluoxetine), norsertraline (a metabolite of sertraline), paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine (Effexor). Concentrations ranged from less than one nanogram per liter (ng/L) to over 1,000 ng/L. The scientists conducting the study were the first to report detection of bupropion, duloxetine, and venlafaxine in natural aquatic environments.
Agricultural Fungicide - Chlorothalonil
USGS scientists have developed analytical methods to measure the fungicide chlorothalonil and its environmental degradation byproducts in water, sediment, and soil. Chlorothalonil is used to control fungal diseases in peanuts, potatoes, fruit, and vegetable crops. The analytical method for water samples has been applied to study streams in areas of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas where peanuts are grown. The method for sediment and soil has been applied to study sediments in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia streams draining areas where peanuts are grown. Chlorothalonil and its degradation byproducts were detected infrequently, and when detected, were found at relatively low concentrations (less than one microgram per liter).
Pyrethroid Insecticides
USGS scientists and their partners have developed a sensitive analytical method to measure several pyrethroid insecticides in sediments from streams--sediments suspended in water as well as on the bottom of streams. Pyrethroids are a class of insecticides that are widely used, including for agricultural purposes, home and garden use, and mosquito control. USGS scientists applied the new method to study pyrethroids in stream sediments in three California watersheds where the chemicals are widely used. The scientists detected pyrethroids in sediments in streams downstream of application areas in all of the watersheds. Concentrations of individual pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin and permethrin) in sediment ranged as high as tens of nanograms per gram dry weight. This study was one part of a multi-agency effort where the USGS has partnered with the California Departments of Pesticide Regulation and Fish and Game, with funding from the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, to develop analytical methods to detect pyrethroids in water, sediments, and biological organisms.
Note: Trade and copyrighted names presented on this page are for informational purposes only and do not indicate endorsement or disapproval by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Comparison of Predicted and Measured Pharmaceutical Concentrations in Rivers
Sources of Contaminants to Congaree National Park—USGS and National Park Service Working Together
New Study Measures Crop Bactericide, Nitrapyrin, in Iowa Streams
Gestodene Affects Fish Reproductive Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Synthetic Progestin Affects Fish Reproductive Development and Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals, and Hormones Move from Septic Systems to Local Groundwater
Below are publications associated with this project.
Occurrence of chlorothalonil, its transformation products, and selected other pesticides in Texas and Oklahoma streams, 2003-2004
Trace analysis of antidepressant pharmaceuticals and their select degradates in aquatic matrixes by LC/ESI/MS/MS
Analysis of chlorothalonil and three degradates in sediment and soil
Results of analyses of the fungicide Chlorothalonil, its degradation products, and other selected pesticides at 22 surface-water sites in five Southern states, 2003-04
Method of analysis and quality-assurance practices by the U. S. Geological Survey Organic Geochemistry Research Group—Determination of four selected mosquito insecticides and a synergist in water using liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography/mass
- Overview
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists are developing new laboratory analytical methods to measure contaminants in samples of environmental water, sediment, and soil. The work is part of a continuing effort to provide information on new and understudied contaminants to water-resource managers, environmental regulators, and the public. The new methods are used by USGS scientists and others to determine the occurrence and behavior of contaminants in the environment--information that is key to assessing potential ecological health effects and establishing priorities for additional research. USGS scientists have developed new methods for the analysis of (1) antidepressant pharmaceuticals, (2) an agricultural fungicide (chlorothalonil) and its environmental degradation byproducts, and (3) pyrethroid insecticides in the environment.
USGS scientist collecting sediment from the bottom of the Salton Sea, Calif. The sediment sample was analyzed for the presence of pesticides, such as pyrethroid insecticides. The analytical method used was developed by USGS scientists as part of the USGS Toxic Substances Hydrology Program's investigation on the fate of pesticides in the environment. Antidepressant Pharmaceuticals
USGS scientists have developed a laboratory analytical method to measure the concentrations of eight currently used antidepressants and two of their pharmaceutically active degradation byproducts (or metabolites) in environmental waters. Many of these antidepressants are from the class of antidepressant pharmaceuticals called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). This widely prescribed class of antidepressants, which includes citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac and Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Dumyrox, Luvox, …), paroxetine (Paxil and Pexeva), sertraline (Zoloft), and others, has been prescribed to millions of people worldwide. Recent studies by the USGS and others have detected other widely prescribed pharmaceuticals in wastewater and in streams downstream of the discharge from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). An initial application of the method to a stream in Texas receiving wastewater detected several antidepressant pharmaceuticals, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin and Zyban), citalopram, duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, norfluoxetine (a metabolite of fluoxetine), norsertraline (a metabolite of sertraline), paroxetine, sertraline, and venlafaxine (Effexor). Concentrations ranged from less than one nanogram per liter (ng/L) to over 1,000 ng/L. The scientists conducting the study were the first to report detection of bupropion, duloxetine, and venlafaxine in natural aquatic environments.
The 2002 average annual agricultural use of chlorothalonil in the southeastern United Sates (based on National 2002 Pesticide Use Maps). Chlorothalonil is widely used on peanuts, potatoes, and other crops. (Public domain) Agricultural Fungicide - Chlorothalonil
USGS scientists have developed analytical methods to measure the fungicide chlorothalonil and its environmental degradation byproducts in water, sediment, and soil. Chlorothalonil is used to control fungal diseases in peanuts, potatoes, fruit, and vegetable crops. The analytical method for water samples has been applied to study streams in areas of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Texas where peanuts are grown. The method for sediment and soil has been applied to study sediments in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia streams draining areas where peanuts are grown. Chlorothalonil and its degradation byproducts were detected infrequently, and when detected, were found at relatively low concentrations (less than one microgram per liter).
Pyrethroid Insecticides
USGS scientists and their partners have developed a sensitive analytical method to measure several pyrethroid insecticides in sediments from streams--sediments suspended in water as well as on the bottom of streams. Pyrethroids are a class of insecticides that are widely used, including for agricultural purposes, home and garden use, and mosquito control. USGS scientists applied the new method to study pyrethroids in stream sediments in three California watersheds where the chemicals are widely used. The scientists detected pyrethroids in sediments in streams downstream of application areas in all of the watersheds. Concentrations of individual pyrethroids (such as bifenthrin and permethrin) in sediment ranged as high as tens of nanograms per gram dry weight. This study was one part of a multi-agency effort where the USGS has partnered with the California Departments of Pesticide Regulation and Fish and Game, with funding from the CALFED Bay-Delta Program, to develop analytical methods to detect pyrethroids in water, sediments, and biological organisms.
Note: Trade and copyrighted names presented on this page are for informational purposes only and do not indicate endorsement or disapproval by the U.S. Geological Survey.
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Comparison of Predicted and Measured Pharmaceutical Concentrations in Rivers
New study evaluated if predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) of pharmaceuticals (based on pharmaceutical usage data, degree of metabolism in humans, removal in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and environmental dilution), reflect actual measured environmental concentrations (MECs) in two rivers of different sizes and demographics.Sources of Contaminants to Congaree National Park—USGS and National Park Service Working Together
A National Park Service (NPS) and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined the concentrations, potential for degradation, and potential for aquatic and terrestrial animal exposure to organic contaminants in water and sediment within the flood-plain/aquatic environments of Congaree National Park which is located downstream from urban and agricultural areas.New Study Measures Crop Bactericide, Nitrapyrin, in Iowa Streams
First-ever reconnaissance study documents the off-field transport of nitrapyrin — a nitrification inhibitor applied with fertilizers as a bactericide to kill natural soil bacteria for the purpose of increasing crop yields — to adjacent streams. This study is the first step in understanding the transport, occurrence, and potential effects of nitrapyrin or similar compounds on nitrogen processing in...Gestodene Affects Fish Reproductive Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Short-term laboratory exposure of adult fathead minnows to the human contraceptive progestin, gestodene (GES), at environmentally relevant concentrations induced rapid and negative effects on reproductive health and suggests that wild fish may be similarly affected.Synthetic Progestin Affects Fish Reproductive Development and Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Scientists conducted laboratory experiments on levonorgestrel (a synthetic progestin) and observed differential effects to males (reproductive behavior) and females (masculinization) of eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki).Personal Care Products, Pharmaceuticals, and Hormones Move from Septic Systems to Local Groundwater
Pharmaceuticals, hormones, personal care products, and other contaminants of concern associated with everyday household activities were found in adjacent shallow groundwater near two septic system networks in New York (NY) and New England (NE). Factors influencing movement to shallow groundwater and the types of chemicals found include population served by a septic system, site conditions such as... - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Occurrence of chlorothalonil, its transformation products, and selected other pesticides in Texas and Oklahoma streams, 2003-2004
The primary purpose of the study described in this report was to determine if the fungicide chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile), three of its transformation products, or selected other pesticides are transported to surface water after use on peanuts or other crops in Texas and Oklahoma. The results summarized here are part of a larger study that includes data from sites in AlabamTrace analysis of antidepressant pharmaceuticals and their select degradates in aquatic matrixes by LC/ESI/MS/MS
Treated wastewater effluent is a potential environmental point source for antidepressant pharmaceuticals. A quantitative method was developed for the determination of trace levels of antidepressants in environmental aquatic matrixes using solid-phase extraction coupled with liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Recoveries of parent antidepressants from matrix spikAnalysis of chlorothalonil and three degradates in sediment and soil
A method has been developed for the simultaneous extraction of chlorothalonil and three of its degradates (4-hydroxy-2,5,6-trichloroisophthalonitrile, 1-carbamoyl-3-cyano-4-hydroxy-2,5,6-trichlorobenzene, and 1,3-dicarbamoyl-2,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenzene) from soils and sediments; the compounds were extracted using sonication with acetone and isolation of the parent compound and matrix interferencesResults of analyses of the fungicide Chlorothalonil, its degradation products, and other selected pesticides at 22 surface-water sites in five Southern states, 2003-04
In accordance with the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program, a pesticide study was conducted during 2003–04 to determine the occurrence of the fungicide chlorothalonil and its degradation products at 22 surface-water sites in five Southern States. Water-quality samples were collected during the peanut-growing season (June–September) in 2003. During the peMethod of analysis and quality-assurance practices by the U. S. Geological Survey Organic Geochemistry Research Group—Determination of four selected mosquito insecticides and a synergist in water using liquid-liquid extraction and gas chromatography/mass
A method of analysis and quality-assurance practices were developed for the determination of four mosquito insecticides (malathion, metho-prene, phenothrin, and resmethrin) and one synergist (piperonyl butoxide) in water. The analytical method uses liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Good precision and accuracy were demonstrated in reagent water, urban