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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: 3784

Characterization and diagenesis of strong-acid carboxyl groups in humic substances Characterization and diagenesis of strong-acid carboxyl groups in humic substances

A small fraction of carboxylic acid functional groups in humic substances are exceptionally acidic with pKa values as low as 0.5. A review of acid-group theory eliminated most models and explanations for these exceptionally acidic carboxyl groups. These acidic carboxyl groups in Suwannee River fulvic acid were enriched by a 2-stage fractionation process and the fractions were...
Authors
J.A. Leenheer, R.L. Wershaw, G.K. Brown, M.M. Reddy

Characterization and copper binding of humic and nonhumic organic matter isolated from the South Platte River: Evidence for the presence of nitrogenous binding site Characterization and copper binding of humic and nonhumic organic matter isolated from the South Platte River: Evidence for the presence of nitrogenous binding site

Humic substances typically constitute 40−60% of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) in surface waters. However, little information is available regarding the metal binding properties of the nonhumic hydrophilic portion of the DOM. In this study, humic and nonhumic DOM samples were isolated from the South Platte River (Colorado, DOC = 2.6 mg·L-1, SUVA254 = 2.4 L/mg·m) using a two-column...
Authors
J.-P. Croue, M.F. Benedetti, D. Violleau, J.A. Leenheer

Estimation of hectare-scale soil-moisture characteristics from aquifer-test data Estimation of hectare-scale soil-moisture characteristics from aquifer-test data

Analysis of a 72-h, constant-rate aquifer test conducted in a coarse-grained and highly permeable, glacial outwash deposit on Cape Cod, Massachusetts revealed that drawdowns measured in 20 piezometers located at various depths below the water table and distances from the pumped well were significantly influenced by effects of drainage from the vadose zone. The influence was greatest in...
Authors
A.F. Moench

The fate of wastewater-derived nitrate in the subsurface of the Florida Keys: Key Colony Beach, Florida The fate of wastewater-derived nitrate in the subsurface of the Florida Keys: Key Colony Beach, Florida

Shallow injection is the predominant mode of wastewater disposal for most tourist-oriented facilities and some residential communities in the US Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Concern has been expressed that wastewater nutrients may be escaping from the saline groundwater system into canals and surrounding coastal waters and perhaps to the reef tract 10 km offshore, promoting...
Authors
E.M. Griggs, L.R. Kump, J.K. Böhlke

Automated calibration of a stream solute transport model: Implications for interpretation of biogeochemical parameters Automated calibration of a stream solute transport model: Implications for interpretation of biogeochemical parameters

The hydrologic processes of advection, dispersion, and transient storage are the primary physical mechanisms affecting solute transport in streams. The estimation of parameters for a conservative solute transport model is an essential step to characterize transient storage and other physical features that cannot be directly measured, and often is a preliminary step in the study of...
Authors
D.T. Scott, M.N. Gooseff, K.E. Bencala, R.L. Runkel

Near-field receiving water monitoring of a benthic community near the Palo Alto Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay: February 1974 through December 2002 Near-field receiving water monitoring of a benthic community near the Palo Alto Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay: February 1974 through December 2002

Analyses of the benthic community structure over a 28-year period show that changes in the community have occurred concurrent with reduced concentrations of metals in the sediment and in the tissues of the biosentinal clam Macoma balthica from the same area. The community has shifted from being dominated by several opportunistic species to a community where the species are more similar...
Authors
Michelle K. Shouse, Francis Parcheso, Janet K. Thompson

A new cation-exchange method for accurate field speciation of hexavalent chromium A new cation-exchange method for accurate field speciation of hexavalent chromium

A new cation-exchange method for field speciation of Cr(VI) has been developed to meet present stringent regulatory standards and to overcome the limitations of existing methods. The new method allows measurement of Cr(VI) concentrations as low as 0.05 micrograms per liter, storage of samples for at least several weeks prior to analysis, and use of readily available analytical...
Authors
James W. Ball, R. Blaine McCleskey

Mercury in stream ecosystems -- New studies initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey Mercury in stream ecosystems -- New studies initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey

Mercury can adversely affect humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish, particularly by sensitive individuals, such as children and women of childbearing age. Mercury is currently the leading cause of impairment in the Nation’s estuaries and lakes and was cited in nearly 80 percent of fish-consumption advisories (2,242 of 2,838) reported by states in 2000. The...
Authors
Mark E. Brigham, David P. Krabbenhoft, Pixie A. Hamilton
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