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Adria Anne Elskus

Adria Elskus is a Bureau Approving Official in the Office of Science Quality and Integrity.

I am a Bureau Approving Official (BAO, Biology) located at the U.S. Geological Survey’s S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory (CAFRL) in Turners Falls, Massachusetts. I review and approve USGS information products with interpretive research results for release to the public or other federal agencies, and provide guidance to USGS scientists on the planning and preparation of information products in accordance with USGS Fundamental Science Practices.

From 2016-2020 I was Branch Chief of CAFRL where I oversaw research on migratory fish including the design of fishways, the physiological processes unique to migratory fish, fish performance metrics, tracking and predicting the movement of fish in response to environmental change, and work on endangered fish species. Prior to becoming Branch Chief, I was a USGS Supervisory Research Fishery Biologist toxicologist at the University of Maine (2004-2015) studying a range of aquatic pollutants and their effects on vertebrate and invertebrate physiology, reproduction, early life stage development, biochemical metabolism, and ecosystem processes. In this work I partnered with federal and state scientists, managers, tribes, university scientists and non-governmental organizations. Before joining USGS I was an environmental consultant in industry, an environmental chemist and invertebrate toxicologist with the US Environmental Protection Agency and held faculty positions at the Marine Sciences Research Center at Stony Brook University and at the University of Kentucky. I have authored or co-authored over 60 peer-reviewed publications and reports on topics ranging from biochemical mechanisms involved in pollutant tolerance to novel methods for treating the ballast water of Great Lakes bulk carriers.

Professional Experience

  • US Geological Survey, S.O. Conte Anadromous Fish Research Laboratory, Turners Falls, MA, Branch Chief.  2016-2020

  • US Geological Survey, Univ of Maine, Orono, ME, Supervisory Research Fishery Biologist. 2004-2015

  • University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, Assistant Professor. 1999-2004

  • Marine Sciences Research Ctr, Stony Brook University, NY, Adj Prof. 1993-2003

  • The Ohio State Univ, Put-in-Bay, OH, Visiting Prof. 1997

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, Environmental chemist. 1982-1986

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI, Invertebrate toxicologist. 1980-1982

  • Energy Resources Co (ERCO), Cambridge, MA, Environmental Consultant/Chemist. 1978-1980

Education and Certifications

  • Boston University Marine Program, Woods Hole, MA, PhD Biology 1992

  • University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, MS Biological Oceanography 1985

  • Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, AB Biochemistry 1978

Science and Products

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USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

Scientists Start at the Base of the Food Chain to Understand Contaminant Affects on Energy Cycling in Streams

Study examines the potential adverse effects of fungicides on leaf decomposition by microbes and aquatic invertebrates.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
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Scientists Start at the Base of the Food Chain to Understand Contaminant Affects on Energy Cycling in Streams

Study examines the potential adverse effects of fungicides on leaf decomposition by microbes and aquatic invertebrates.
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The collection and analysis of Bay of Fundy sediment under contract between the association of US delegates to the Gulf of Maine Council on the marine environment and eastern Charlotte waterways for contaminant monitoring and analysis

This report presents data obtained through the EcoSystem Indicator Partnership (ESIP) which was established in 2006 to improve understanding and to inform researchers, managers, and citizens about the status and trends of ecosystem health in the Gulf of Maine (http://www.gulfofmaine.org/2/esip-homepage/). In its efforts to compile information on contaminant indicators in the Gulf of Maine, ESIP id
Authors
James S Latimer, David Page, Adria Elskus, Lawrence A LeBlanc, Gareth Harding, Peter G Wells
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Monitoring chemical contaminants in the Gulf of Maine, using sediments and mussels (Mytilus edulis): An evaluation

The objective of this paper is to determine whether contaminant data on mussels and sediments can be used interchangeably, or not, when assessing the degree of anthropogenic contamination of a water body. To obtain adequate coverage of the entire Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy sediment samples were collected, analyzed and combined with similar data from four coastal monitoring programs. This required
Authors
Adria Elskus, Lawrence A LeBlanc, James S Latimer, David Page, Gareth Harding, Peter G Wells
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Have mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the lower Penobscot River, Maine, developed tolerance to the toxic effects of mercury?

Fish populations that are chronically exposed to mercury (Hg) can develop resistance to the toxic effects of this metal, including mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus; Weis 2002). Such resistance allows them to potentially accumulate very high levels of this contaminant (Stefansson et al. 2013). Mercury is a neurotoxin that affects behavior in fish, including swimming and the ability to capture prey
Authors
Adria Elskus, Rebecca Van Beneden
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, New England Water Science Center

Efficacy and residual toxicity of a sodium hydroxide based ballast water treatment system for freshwater bulk freighters

The efficacy and residual toxicity of a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) based ballast water treatment system (BWTS) were tested aboard the Great Lakes carrier M/V American Spiritin 1000 L mesocosms containing water from the ship's ballast tanks. NaOH was added to elevate the pH to 11.5 or 11.7 for 48 h, after which pH was reduced to < 9 before discharge by sparging with carbon dioxide to form sodium bicar
Authors
Adria Elskus, Carys L. Mitchelmore, David Wright, Jeffrey W. Henquinet, Nicholas Welschmeyer, Colin Flynn, Barnaby J. Watten
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Chronic toxicity of azoxystrobin to freshwater amphipods, midges, cladocerans, and mussels in water-only exposures

Understanding the effects of fungicides on nontarget organisms at realistic concentrations and exposure durations is vital for determining potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Environmental concentrations of the fungicide azoxystrobin have been reported up to 4.6 μg/L in the United States and 30 μg/L in Europe. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the chronic toxicity of azoxystr
Authors
James L. Kunz, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Kelly L. Smalling, Adria Elskus, Kathryn Kuivila
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Effects of 2 fungicide formulations on microbial and macroinvertebrate leaf decomposition under laboratory conditions

Aquatic fungi contribute significantly to the decomposition of leaves in streams, a key ecosystem service. However, little is known about the effects of fungicides on aquatic fungi and macroinvertebrates involved with leaf decomposition. Red maple (Acer rubrum) leaves were conditioned in a stream to acquire microbes (bacteria and fungi), or leached in tap water (unconditioned) to simulate potenti
Authors
Adria Elskus, Kelly L. Smalling, Michelle Hladik, Kathryn Kuivila
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Eastern Ecological Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, California Water Science Center

The Penobscot River and environmental contaminants: Assessment of tribal exposure through sustenance lifeways

EPA in collaboration with the Penobscot Indian Nation, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USF&WS) collectively embarked on a four year research study to evaluate the environmental health of the riverine system by targeting specific cultural practices and using traditional science to conduct a preliminary
Authors
Valerie Marshall, Daniel Kusnierz, Robert Hillger, Joseph Ferrario, Thomas Hughes, Janet Diliberto, Carl E. Orazio, Robert W. Dudley, Christian Byrne, Richard Sugatt, Sarah Warren, David DeMarini, Adria Elskus, Steve Stodola, Steve Mierzykowski, Katie Pugh, Charles W. Culbertson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Columbia Environmental Research Center

An evaluation of the residual toxicity and chemistry of a sodium hydroxide-based ballast water treatment system for freshwater ships

Nonnative organisms in the ballast water of freshwater ships must be killed to prevent the spread of invasive species. The ideal ballast water treatment system (BWTS) would kill 100% of ballast water organisms with minimal residual toxicity to organisms in receiving waters. In the present study, the residual toxicity and chemistry of a BWTS was evaluated. Sodium hydroxide was added to elevate pH t
Authors
Adria Elskus, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Nile E. Kemble, Kathy R. Echols, William G. Brumbaugh, Jeffrey W. Henquinet, Barnaby J. Watten
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Mercury bioaccumulation in wood frogs developing in seasonal pools

Seasonal woodland pools contribute significant biomass to terrestrial ecosystems through production of pool-breeding amphibians. The movement of amphibian metamorphs potentially transports toxins bioaccumulated during larval development in the natal pool into the surrounding terrestrial environment. We documented total mercury (THg) in seasonal woodland pool water, sediment, litter, and Lithobates
Authors
Cynthia S. Loftin, Aram J.K. Calhoun, Sarah J. Nelson, Adria Elskus, Kevin S. Simon
By
Cooperative Research Units

The chlorinated AHR ligand 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during embryonic development in the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus)

Exposure to dioxin-like chemicals that activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) can result in increased cellular and tissue production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Little is known of these effects during early fish development. We used the fish model, Fundulus heteroclitus, to determine if the AHR ligand and pro-oxidant 3,3′,4,4′,5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) can increase ROS production
Authors
Xabier Arzuaga, Deena Wassenberg, Richard D. Giulio, Adria Elskus

Non-USGS Publications**

Elskus, A.A., Smalling, K.L., Hladik, M., Kuivila, K.M. (2016) Effects of 2 fungicide formulations on microbial and macroinvertebrate leaf decomposition under laboratory conditions. Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry, Vol. 35, No. 11, pp. 2834–2844.
Elskus, A.A., Ingersoll, C.G., Kemble, N.E., Echols, K.R., Brumbaugh, W.G., Henquinet, J.W., Watten, B.J. (2015). An evaluation of the residual toxicity and chemistry of a sodium hydroxide-based ballast water treatment system for freshwater ships. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 34, 1405-1416
Brammell, B.F., Price, D.J., Birge, and Elskus, A.A.. (2013) Lack of CYP1A responsiveness in species inhabiting chronically contaminated habitats: two varieties of resistance? Comparative Biochemistry & Physiology C-Toxicology & Pharmacology 157(2):212-219
Loftin, C.S., Calhoun, A.J.K., Nelson, S.J., Elskus, A.A., Simon, K. (2012) Mercury bioaccumulation in wood frogs developing in seasonal pools. Northeastern Naturalist 19(4):579-600
Brammell, B.F., Price, D.J., Birge, W.J., Laws, E.M., Hitron, J.A., and Elskus, A.A. (2010) Differential sensitivity of CYP1A to 3,3’,4,4’-tetrachlorobiphenyl and benzo(a)pyrene in two Lepomis species. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part C. Toxicology 152:42-50
Arzuaga, X., and Elskus, A.A. (2010) Polluted site killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) embryos are resistant to organic pollutant-mediated induction of CYP1A activity, reactive oxygen species and heart deformities. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 29:676-682
Brammell, B.F., McClain, J.S., Oris, J.T., Price, D.J., Birge, W.J., and Elskus, A.A. (2010) CYP1A expression in caged rainbow trout discriminates among sites with various degrees of PCB contamination. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 58:772-782
Holliday, D.K., Elskus, A.A., Roosenburg, W.M. (2009) Impacts of multiple stressors on growth and metabolic rate of Malaclemys terrapin. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 28 (2): 338-345
Holliday, D.K., Roosenburg, W.M., Elskus, A.A. (2008) Spatial variation in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in eggs of diamondback terrapins, Malaclemys terrapin, from the Patuxent River, Maryland. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology 80(2):119-122
Arzuaga, X., Wassenburg, D., Di Giulio, R., Elskus, A.A. (2006) The chlorinated AHR ligand 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB126) promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during embryonic development in the killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Aquatic Toxicology 76(1):13-23
Wheelock, C.E., Eder, K., Werner, I., Huang, H., Jones, P.D., Brammell, B.F., Elskus, A.A., Hammock, B.D. (2005) Individual variability in esterase activity and CYP1A levels in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) exposed to esfenvalerate and chlorpyrifos. Aquatic Toxicology 74:172-192
Brammell, B.F., Price, D.J., Birge, W.J., Elskus, A.A. (2004) Apparent lack of CYP1A1 response to high PCB body burdens in fish from a chronically contaminated PCB site. Marine Environmental Research 58: 251-255
Arzuaga, X., Calcaño, W., and Elskus, A.A. (2004) The DNA de-methylating agent 5-azacytidine does not restore CYP1A1 induction in PCB resistant Newark Bay killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). Marine Environmental Research 58: 517-520

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Connecting Point Fish Migration Story

Connecting Point Fish Migration Story

Brian Sullivan from WGBY, a public television station in Springfield, MA, came to Conte the week of April 22nd and spent two days interviewing and...

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USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples
USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples
USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples
USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples and field water-quality parameters

By
Toxic Substances Hydrology, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program
USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples

USGS scientists recording information on water-quality samples and field water-quality parameters

By
Toxic Substances Hydrology, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program

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