A USGS scientist collects a water sample for analysis of mineral particles known as colloids. Toxic metals (such as copper in excess) bind to the particles, which are then ingested by aquatic animals.
Daniel Cain
Daniel Cain is a scientist-emeritus biologist for the USGS Water Resources Mission Area.
Dan Cain is a research biologist with the USGS Water Resources Mission Area in Menlo Park, CA. Dan conducts basic and applied research of processes driving metal bioaccumulation dynamics and toxicity in aquatic animals with the overarching objective of advancing scientific understanding of how metal contamination disrupts surface water ecosystems. In addition to advancing environmental science, generally, the information gained by the research is expected to reduce uncertainties in the assessment and management of risk posed by metal contamination. Presently, his research is examining geochemical factors affecting the bioavailability and toxicity of solid-phase metals as part of a multidiscipline effort to better characterize the ecological risks of metal mining.
Education:
M.A. Biology, San Jose State University
B.A. Biology, San Jose State University
Metal Bioavailability in Aquatic Environments
This research addresses gaps in understanding of the physical, geochemical, and biological processes that control the exposure to and bioavailability of metals to endemic populations of aquatic organisms, and the physiological processes that moderate the accumulation and toxicity of metals within and among taxa. For example, laboratory studies develop methods to identify metal exposure pathways, geochemical properties controlling metal bioavailability from aqueous and solid phases, and intrinsic (biological) processes affecting bioaccumulation and toxicity. Experimental protocols are created or adapted from existing methods to meet project objectives. Long-term field studies, for example in San Francisco Bay and the Clark Fork Basin, MT, provide data and samples to test theoretical models, develop empirical models, apply diagnostics (such as bioindicators of exposure and effects), and support regional and national water quality programs.
Science and Products
Biogeochemical data of water, sediments, periphyton, and macroinvertebrates collected from springs in and near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (ver. 4.0, October 2022)
Data acquired in laboratory experiments conducted with the stonefly Zapada sp. and the ephemerellid mayflies Drunella sp. and Ephemerella tibialis to characterize uptake and surface adsorption after short aqueous exposures to uranium, 2017-2019
Data for monitoring trace metal and benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay, California (ver 2.0, November 2022)
Data for laboratory experiments conducted with the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer to derive uranium bioaccumulation parameters and predict site-specific U accumulation, 2016-2019
A USGS scientist collects a water sample for analysis of mineral particles known as colloids. Toxic metals (such as copper in excess) bind to the particles, which are then ingested by aquatic animals.
Aquatic insect accumulation of uranium at spring outflows in the Grand Canyon region as influenced by aqueous and sediment geochemistry and biological factors: Implications for monitoring
Near-field receiving-water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California—2020
Interaction of a legacy groundwater contaminant plume with the Little Wind River from 2015 through 2017, Riverton Processing site, Wyoming
Near-field receiving-water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California—2019
Uranium bioaccumulation dynamics in the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer and application to site-specific prediction
Near-field receiving-water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California—2018
Competitive interactions among H, CU, and Zn ion moderate aqueous uptake of Cu and Zn by an aquatic insect
Near-field receiving-water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California—2017
Near-field receiving water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California; 2016
Assessing the dietary bioavailability of metals associated with natural particles: Extending the use of the reverse labeling approach to zinc
Near-field receiving water monitoring of trace metals and a benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in south San Francisco Bay, California; 2015
Biogeochemical controls of uranium bioavailability from the dissolved phase in natural freshwaters
Science and Products
Biogeochemical data of water, sediments, periphyton, and macroinvertebrates collected from springs in and near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (ver. 4.0, October 2022)
Data acquired in laboratory experiments conducted with the stonefly Zapada sp. and the ephemerellid mayflies Drunella sp. and Ephemerella tibialis to characterize uptake and surface adsorption after short aqueous exposures to uranium, 2017-2019
Data for monitoring trace metal and benthic community near the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant in South San Francisco Bay, California (ver 2.0, November 2022)
Data for laboratory experiments conducted with the mayfly Neocloeon triangulifer to derive uranium bioaccumulation parameters and predict site-specific U accumulation, 2016-2019
A USGS scientist collects a water sample for analysis of mineral particles known as colloids. Toxic metals (such as copper in excess) bind to the particles, which are then ingested by aquatic animals.
A USGS scientist collects a water sample for analysis of mineral particles known as colloids. Toxic metals (such as copper in excess) bind to the particles, which are then ingested by aquatic animals.