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Andrea Tokranov

Andrea Tokranov is a Research Hydrologist in the New England Water Science Center and a Researcher in the Environmental Health Program of the Ecosystems Mission Area.

Andrea studies the fate, transport, and ecosystem exposure and effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). She also manages the PFAS laboratory for biological matrices, which uses high resolution mass spectrometry for targeted and non-targeted analysis of PFAS.

Professional Experience

  • Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 2023 to Present

  • Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 2019 to 2023

  • Pathways Student (Hydrology), U.S. Geological Survey, New England Water Science Center, 2017 to 2019

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2019

  • M.S. Engineering Sciences, Harvard University, 2015

  • B.S. Geological Sciences, A.B. Economics, Brown University, 2012

Science and Products

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Collecting a sample of soil affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the New England Water Science Center

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of over 4,000 different compounds. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been manufactured and used around the globe, including in the United States. PFAS are resistant to chemical and thermal breakdown and impart stain and water-resistance properties, making them useful for a variety of commercial applications, but also persistent in the...
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New England Water Science Center
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Research on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the New England Water Science Center

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of over 4,000 different compounds. Since the 1940s, PFAS have been manufactured and used around the globe, including in the United States. PFAS are resistant to chemical and thermal breakdown and impart stain and water-resistance properties, making them useful for a variety of commercial applications, but also persistent in the...
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Quashnet River, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Large Fraction of Unidentified Organofluorine in a Coastal Watershed has Implications for River to Marine Ecosystems

A group of scientists investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in watersheds on Cape Cod and identified a unique signature for aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) from legacy firefighting and fire training. A combination of statistical modeling and laboratory measurements indicates that unidentified organofluorine constitutes a large fraction of PFAS in the river systems that...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
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Large Fraction of Unidentified Organofluorine in a Coastal Watershed has Implications for River to Marine Ecosystems

A group of scientists investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in watersheds on Cape Cod and identified a unique signature for aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) from legacy firefighting and fire training. A combination of statistical modeling and laboratory measurements indicates that unidentified organofluorine constitutes a large fraction of PFAS in the river systems that...
Learn More
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Scientist preparing to analyze samples in a laboratory

Advanced PFAS Measurement Methods

Environmental Health Program scientists, in collaboration with other USGS scientists, are developing complementary field and laboratory methods and capabilities to detect and quantify a range of target and nontarget per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and indicator compounds at low levels (parts per trillion) in a variety of environmental matrices. The PFAS Integrated Science Team is...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
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Advanced PFAS Measurement Methods

Environmental Health Program scientists, in collaboration with other USGS scientists, are developing complementary field and laboratory methods and capabilities to detect and quantify a range of target and nontarget per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and indicator compounds at low levels (parts per trillion) in a variety of environmental matrices. The PFAS Integrated Science Team is...
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Pilot Study of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Infiltration to Shallow Groundwater Through Selected Soils in New Hampshire, 2023

In a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, detectable concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in the soil at every site despite targeting locations with no known PFAS sources (Santangelo and others, 2022). The widespread distribution of PFAS concentrations in New Hampshire has since sparked c
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New England Water Science Center

Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Lake-Bottom Sediments of Ashumet Pond on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2020 (ver. 2.0, February 2024)

Lake-bottom sediment and associated quality-control samples were collected in August 2020 from one coring location (U.S. Geological Survey station 413756070321301, ASHUMET POND, MASHPEE MI-ASHPD-0011) in Ashumet Pond downgradient from a former fire-training area on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The core was collected to determine if per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were present in the bottom
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New England Water Science Center

Confirmatory Sampling for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Shallow Soils Across New Hampshire, 2022

Data for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical characteristics are presented from 30 soil sampling locations within the State of New Hampshire. A total of 15 sites were chosen based on the results of sampling efforts published in Santangelo and others(2022). Sites with relatively high concentrations of PFAS observed during the first study were selected for re
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New England Water Science Center

Field-scale investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) leaching from shallow soils to groundwater at two sites in New Hampshire, 2021-2022

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical data are presented from shallow soil and groundwater at two sites in New Hampshire. The two sites, the former Brentwood Fire Training Area and White Farm, were selected because materials known to contain PFAS were used at each site. White Farm is an active farm where biosolids have been applied for several years. At the f
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New England Water Science Center

Statewide survey of shallow soil concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical data across New Hampshire, 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical data are presented from 100 shallow soil sampling locations within the State of New Hampshire. Sites were randomly determined through an equal-area grid approach (Scott, 1990) targeting undisturbed areas, which included lands classified by the 2016 National Land Cover Database (Dewitz, 2019) as forested, shrubland, scrubl
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New England Water Science Center

Concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and related chemical and physical data at and near surface-water/groundwater boundaries on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2016-19

Groundwater, surface-water, sediment, and associated quality-control samples were collected downgradient from a former fire training area and wastewater infiltration beds on Cape Cod, Massachusetts and analyzed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Samples were collected between July 2016 and February 2019 following U.S. Geological Survey protocols. Field parameters reported include temp
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Environmental Health Program, New England Water Science Center

Geochemical and Geospatial Data for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Groundwater Used As a Source of Drinking Water in the Eastern United States

Concentrations of inorganic constituents, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), tritium, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pharmaceuticals were measured in groundwater samples collected from 254 wells in 2019 and 2020. Concentrations of inorganic constituents, DOC, VOCs, and pharmaceuticals were measured at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wate
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Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program

Assessment of Endocrine Disruption in the Shenandoah River Watershed - Chemical and Biological Data from Mobile Laboratory Fish Exposures and Other Experiments Conducted during 2014, 2015, and 2016

This data release presents chemical and biological results from investigations of water quality, fish endocrine disruption, and emergent insects in the Shenandoah River Watershed (Virginia and West Virginia, USA) conducted during 2014, 2015, and 2016. Multiple sampling campaigns were conducted at sites located throughout the Shenandoah River Watershed (Table 1). The complex inorganic and organic c
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Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Chesapeake Bay Activities

Poly- and perfluoalkyl substances in contaminated groundwater, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, 2014-2016

Drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), were issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2016 in response to growing evidence associated with negative human health effects. PFOA and PFOS are often associated with other poly- and perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS). There has been increasing concern for groundwater quality o
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New England Water Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey. Laboratory for the Analysis of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
U.S. Geological Survey. Laboratory for the Analysis of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
U.S. Geological Survey. Laboratory for the Analysis of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.

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Ecosystems Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center
USGS scientists sampling groundwater in Concord, New Hampshire
Groundwater sampling for PFAS
Groundwater sampling for PFAS
USGS scientists sampling groundwater in Concord, New Hampshire

Groundwater sampling for PFAS

Groundwater sampling for PFAS

USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.

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New England Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center
USGS scientists sampling groundwater in Concord, New Hampshire

Groundwater sampling for PFAS

Groundwater sampling for PFAS

USGS scientists sampling groundwater near the top of the water table in a corn field in Concord, New Hampshire.

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New England Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center
Collecting a sample of soil affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Collecting a sample of soil affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

U.S. Geological Survey hydrologic technician collects a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

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New England Water Science Center
Collecting a sample of soil affected by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Collecting a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

U.S. Geological Survey hydrologic technician collects a sample of soil affected by Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

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New England Water Science Center
Scientist standing in a laboratory next to an instrument
Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer
Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer
Scientist standing in a laboratory next to an instrument

Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer

Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer

USGS scientist standing near the high-resolution mass spectrometer at the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center. The instrument will be used for analyses of PFAS in plasma and tissue samples. Any display of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Scientist standing in a laboratory next to an instrument

Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer

Scientist standing near a high resolution mass spectrometer

USGS scientist standing near the high-resolution mass spectrometer at the U.S. Geological Survey Eastern Ecological Science Center. The instrument will be used for analyses of PFAS in plasma and tissue samples. Any display of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in groundwater used as a source of drinking water in the eastern United States

In 2019, 254 samples were collected from five aquifer systems to evaluate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) occurrence in groundwater used as a source of drinking water in the eastern United States. The samples were analyzed for 24 PFAS, major ions, nutrients, trace elements, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pharmaceuticals, and tritium. Fourteen of the 24

Authors
Peter B. McMahon, Andrea K. Tokranov, Laura M. Bexfield, Bruce D. Lindsey, Tyler D. Johnson, Melissa Lombard, Elise Watson
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Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, New England Water Science Center, New Mexico Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center

Integrated science for the study of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey

Concerns related to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sources of drinking water and in natural and engineered environments have captured national attention over the last few decades. This report provides an overview of the science gaps that exist in the fields of study related to PFAS that are relevant to the U.S. Geological Survey mission and identifies opportunities where t
Authors
Andrea K. Tokranov, Paul M. Bradley, Michael J. Focazio, Douglas B. Kent, Denis R. LeBlanc, Jeff W. McCoy, Kelly L. Smalling, Jeffery A. Steevens, Patricia L. Toccalino
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Columbia Environmental Research Center, New England Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)

Surface-water/groundwater boundaries affect seasonal PFAS concentrations and PFAA precursor transformations​

Elevated concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking-water supplies are a major concern for human health. It is therefore essential to understand factors that affect PFAS concentrations in surface water and groundwater and the transformation of perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) precursors that degrade into terminal compounds. Surface-water/groundwater exchange can occur along

Authors
Andrea K. Tokranov, Denis R. LeBlanc, Heidi M. Pickard, Bridger J. Ruyle, Larry Barber, Robert B. Hull, Elsie M. Sunderland, Chad D. Vecitis
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Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, New England Water Science Center

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New Hampshire soils and biosolids

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, is undertaking a study on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in soils and biosolids. The study will characterize PFAS concentrations in shallow soil and selected biosolids throughout the State of New Hampshire, conduct laboratory experiments to improve understanding of how mobile PFAS ar

Authors
Andrea K. Tokranov, Kate Emma A. Schlosser, Jeffrey M. Marts, Anthony F. Drouin, Leah M. Santangelo, Sydney M. Welch
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Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, New England Water Science Center

Isolating the AFFF signature in coastal watersheds using oxidizable PFAS precursors and unexplained organofluorine

Water supplies for millions of U.S. individuals exceed maximum contaminant levels for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Contemporary and legacy use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) is a major contamination source. However, diverse PFAS sources are present within watersheds, making it difficult to isolate their predominant origins. Here we examine PFAS source signatures among six adja

Authors
Bridger J. Ruyle, Heidi M. Pickard, Denis R. LeBlanc, Andrea K. Tokranov, Colin P. Thackray, Xindi C. Hu, Chad D. Vecitis, Elsie M. Sunderland
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Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, New England Water Science Center

Hillslope groundwater discharges provide localized ecosystem buffers from regional PFAS contamination in a gaining coastal stream

Emerging groundwater contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may impact surface-water quality and groundwater-dependent ecosystems of gaining streams. Although complex near-surface hydrogeology of stream corridors challenges sampling efforts, recent advances in heat tracing of discharge zones enable efficient and informed data collection. For this study we used a combinatio

Authors
Martin A. Briggs, Andrea K. Tokranov, Robert B. Hull, Denis R. LeBlanc, A. Haynes, John W. Lane
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Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology

Geochemical and hydrologic factors controlling subsurface transport of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Growing evidence that certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are associated with negative human health effects prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to issue lifetime drinking water health advisories for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in 2016. Given that groundwater is a major source of drinking water, the main objective of this work was

Authors
Andrea K. Weber, Larry B. Barber, Denis R. LeBlanc, Elsie M. Sunderland, Chad D. Vecitis

Non-USGS Publications**

How Do We Measure Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) at the Surface of Consumer Products?, https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.estlett.8b00600

**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.

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