Images

USGS researchers Jennifer Agee and Le Kieu sampling surface sediment in a vegetated Louisiana saltmarsh. Photographer: M. Marvin-DiPasquale.

USGS scientists collecting water-quality samples for the analysis of wastewater related contaminants, Boulder Creek, Colorado.

Map showing the location of the total chlorinated ethene plume and monitoring wells at Submarine Base Kings Bay, Georgia. The map showes the location of the plume prior to a series of in situ oxidation source-removal actions. Figure 17 from USGS WRIR 03-4057.

Oligotrophic waters of the Buffalo National River taken in the fall, Photo Credit: Lucas Driver 

This photo shows a road salt storage stockpile that is awaiting use for pavement deicing, Port of Milwaukee, WI. The use of salt to deice pavement can be harmful to aquatic life in urban streams. The USGS is involved in studies that focus on the influence of winter runoff on aquatic ecosystems.

Picture showing equipment used to collect water for analyses of viruses.

USGS scientist performing a routine calibration of an instrument used to collect air samples at a gasoline spill site in Galloway Township, New Jersey. The air samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Salt scar near Lake Skiatook, Oklahoma, caused by a produced-water spill

Plant foliage samples being placed in direct sunlight for water extraction by solar distillation. Water vapor released from the foliage condenses as liquid on the inside surface of the sample bag.

The abandoned Silver Ledge mine in the Upper Animas River watershed, Colorado. The Animas River watershed was one of two pilot watersheds studied as part of the USGS Abandoned Mine Lands Initiative.

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists conducted a unique study, which demonstrated that the ecology of natural groundwater bacteria changed after exposure of the bacteria to the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole (SMX).

Photograph showing natural iron-rich acidic spring flowing into Cement Creek near Silverton, Colorado.  Similar natural springs contribute water to Cement Creek and other tributaries of the upper Animas River. 

You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.

As schools close for the year and summer weather beckons, many recreationalists head to the Great Lakes' public beaches. However, these coastal areas can become contaminated with disease-causing bacteria that threaten public health, disrupt water recreation, and pay a toll on the Great Lakes economies that depend on summer tourism.

You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment.

You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is a bloom on the shore of Lake Dora, FL.

You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. Pictured here is Binder Lake in Iowa covered in algal blooms.

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

Red and Bonita Mine located approximately .4 miles from the Gold King Mine.

You may notice a green, red or brown film on your favorite boating or swimming area in the summer. This coloring could mean that the water is affected by harmful algal blooms. Harmful algal blooms are an accumulation of tiny organisms known as algae and can release harmful toxins into the environment. If you see a bloom, avoid the area.