David Alvarez, PhD
Dr. Dave Alvarez is a Supervisory Research Chemist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
His focus is on the development of innovative methodologies for passive sampler design and complex mixture analysis of various environmental matrices. Research is conducted on emerging and historic contaminants; assessment of the exposure of aquatic and terrestrial organisms and humans to anthropogenic chemicals; and identification of chemicals and their potential sources. The link between chemical occurrence and biological effects are investigated using passive samplers as surrogate biological organisms and screening sampler extracts with in vitro and in vivo tests for estrogenicity, acute toxicity, reproductive and developmental abnormalities. The research is designed to expand the understanding of the roles of physicochemical parameters and environmental factors on the uptake mechanisms of passive samplers. Through our experience and expertise, this research group is recognized as an international leader in the field of passive sampling technologies.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Environmental/Analytical Chemistry, University of Missouri-Columbia, 1999
B.S. Chemistry, Missouri Western State College, 1995
Affiliations and Memberships*
2005-present Member, Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
1993-present Member, American Chemical Society Environmental Division
1992-present Member, American Chemical Society
Science and Products
Passive Sampling Using SPMDs and POCIS
The application of passive sampling technologies for the monitoring of legacy and emerging organic chemicals in the environment is becoming widely accepted worldwide.
Filter Total Items: 18
Filter Total Items: 17
No Result Found
Filter Total Items: 83
Sampling and analysis of emerging pollutants Sampling and analysis of emerging pollutants
No abstract available.
Authors
Tammy Jones-Lepp, David Alvarez
Sources and distribution of organic compounds using passive samplers in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona, and their implications for potential effects on aquatic biota. Sources and distribution of organic compounds using passive samplers in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona, and their implications for potential effects on aquatic biota.
Th e delineation of lateral and vertical gradients of organic contaminants in lakes is hampered by low concentrations and nondetection of many organic compounds in water. Passive samplers (semipermeable membrane devices [SPMDs] and polar organic chemical integrative samplers [POCIS]) are well suited for assessing gradients because they can detect synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) at pg...
Authors
Michael Rosen, David Alvarez, Steven Goodbred, Thomas Leiker, Reynaldo Patino
Evaluation of passive samplers for long-term monitoring of organic compounds in the untreated drinking water supply for the city of Eugene, Oregon, September–October 2007 Evaluation of passive samplers for long-term monitoring of organic compounds in the untreated drinking water supply for the city of Eugene, Oregon, September–October 2007
Two types of passive samplers, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), were deployed at three sites in the McKenzie River basin during September-October 2007. The McKenzie River is the source of drinking water for the city of Eugene, Oregon, and the work presented here was designed to evaluate the use of POCIS and SMPDs as part of a...
Authors
Kathleen McCarthy, David Alvarez, Chauncey W. Anderson, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie Schroeder
Effects of wastewater discharges on endocrine and reproductive function of Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.) and implications for the threatened Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) Effects of wastewater discharges on endocrine and reproductive function of Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.) and implications for the threatened Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae)
The Santa Ana River (SAR) in southern California is impacted by effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which are sources of organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) and urban runoff. The Santa Ana River is one of only three river basins supporting native populations of the federally listed Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) at the time the fish was included on the list 2000...
Authors
Jill Jenkins, Steven Goodbred, Heather Olivier, Rassa Draugelis-Dale, David A. Alvarez
Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge
Intersex (specifically, testicular oocytes) has been observed in male smallmouth bass (SMB; Micropterus dolomieu) and other centrarchids in the South Branch of the Potomac River, USA, and forks of the Shenandoah River, USA, during the past five years. This condition often is associated with exposure to estrogenic endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in some fish species, but such chemicals and...
Authors
L. R. Iwanowicz, V. S. Blazer, C.P. Guy, A.E. Pinkney, J.E. Mullcan, D.A. Alvarezw
How useful are the "other" semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs); the mini-unit (15.2 cm long)? How useful are the "other" semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs); the mini-unit (15.2 cm long)?
Mini (15.2 cm) semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were used successfully in 169 streams from six metropolitan areas of the US to sequester hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) that are indicative of urbanization. A microscale assay the P450RGS, which responds to compounds that bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the Fluoroscan, a chemical screen for polycyclic aromatic
Authors
Steven Goodbred, Wade L. Bryant, Michael Rosen, David Alvarez, Terri Spencer
Semivolatile organic compounds in residential air along the Arizona - Mexico border Semivolatile organic compounds in residential air along the Arizona - Mexico border
Concerns about indoor air quality and the potential effects on people living in these environments are increasing as more reports about the toxicities and the potential indoor air exposure levels of household-use chemicals and chemicals fromhousingandfurnishingmanufactureinairarebeingassessed. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to confirm numerous airborne contaminants...
Authors
R.W. Gale, W.L. Cranor, D.A. Alvarez, J.N. Huckins, J. Petty, G.L. Robertson
Uptake rate constants and partition coefficients for vapor phase organic chemicals using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) Uptake rate constants and partition coefficients for vapor phase organic chemicals using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs)
To fully utilize semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) as passive samplers in air monitoring, data are required to accurately estimate airborne concentrations of environmental contaminants. Limited uptake rate constants (kua) and no SPMD air partitioning coefficient (Ksa) existed for vapor-phase contaminants. This research was conducted to expand the existing body of kinetic data for...
Authors
W.L. Cranor, D.A. Alvarez, J.N. Huckins, J. Petty
Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence of persistent and emerging organic contaminants Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence of persistent and emerging organic contaminants
The seasonal occurrence of organic contaminants, many of which are potential endocrine disruptors, entering the Potomac River, USA, watershed was investigated using a two-pronged approach during the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006. Passive samplers (semipermeable membrane device and polar organic chemical integrative sampler [POCIS]) were deployed in tandem at sites above and below...
Authors
D.A. Alvarez, W.L. Cranor, S.D. Perkins, V.L. Schroeder, L. R. Iwanowicz, R.C. Clark, C.P. Guy, A.E. Pinkney, V. S. Blazer, J.E. Mullican
Occurrence of organic wastewater compounds in the Tinkers Creek watershed and two other tributaries to the Cuyahoga River, northeast Ohio Occurrence of organic wastewater compounds in the Tinkers Creek watershed and two other tributaries to the Cuyahoga River, northeast Ohio
The U.S. Geological Survey - in cooperation with the Ohio Water Development Authority; National Park Service; Cities of Aurora, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Solon, and Twinsburg; and Portage and Summit Counties - and in collaboration with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, did a study to determine the occurrence and distribution of organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) in the Tinkers...
Authors
J.S. Tertuliani, D.A. Alvarez, E. T. Furlong, M. Meyer, S.D. Zaugg, G. F. Koltun
Reconnaissance of persistent and emerging contaminants in the Shenandoah and James River Basins, Virginia, during Spring of 2007 Reconnaissance of persistent and emerging contaminants in the Shenandoah and James River Basins, Virginia, during Spring of 2007
Fish exhibiting external lesions, incidences of intersex, and death have recently been observed in the Shenandoah and James River Basins. These basins are characterized by widespread agriculture (intensive in some areas), several major industrial discharges, numerous sewage treatment plant discharges, and urban, transportation, and residential growth that has increased rapidly in recent...
Authors
David Alvarez, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie Schroeder, Stephen Werner, Edward Furlong, Donald Kain, Robert Brent
Investigation of organic chemicals potentially responsible for mortality and intersex in fish of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Virginia, during Spring of 2007 Investigation of organic chemicals potentially responsible for mortality and intersex in fish of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Virginia, during Spring of 2007
Declining fish health, fish exhibiting external lesions, incidences of intersex, and death, have been observed recently within the Potomac River basin. The basin receives surface runoff and direct inputs from agricultural, industrial, and other human activities. Two locations on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River were selected for study in an attempt to identify chemicals that may...
Authors
David A. Alvarez, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie L. Schroeder, Stephen Werner, Edward Furlong, John Holmes
Science and Products
Passive Sampling Using SPMDs and POCIS
The application of passive sampling technologies for the monitoring of legacy and emerging organic chemicals in the environment is becoming widely accepted worldwide.
Filter Total Items: 18
Filter Total Items: 17
No Result Found
Filter Total Items: 83
Sampling and analysis of emerging pollutants Sampling and analysis of emerging pollutants
No abstract available.
Authors
Tammy Jones-Lepp, David Alvarez
Sources and distribution of organic compounds using passive samplers in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona, and their implications for potential effects on aquatic biota. Sources and distribution of organic compounds using passive samplers in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona, and their implications for potential effects on aquatic biota.
Th e delineation of lateral and vertical gradients of organic contaminants in lakes is hampered by low concentrations and nondetection of many organic compounds in water. Passive samplers (semipermeable membrane devices [SPMDs] and polar organic chemical integrative samplers [POCIS]) are well suited for assessing gradients because they can detect synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) at pg...
Authors
Michael Rosen, David Alvarez, Steven Goodbred, Thomas Leiker, Reynaldo Patino
Evaluation of passive samplers for long-term monitoring of organic compounds in the untreated drinking water supply for the city of Eugene, Oregon, September–October 2007 Evaluation of passive samplers for long-term monitoring of organic compounds in the untreated drinking water supply for the city of Eugene, Oregon, September–October 2007
Two types of passive samplers, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), were deployed at three sites in the McKenzie River basin during September-October 2007. The McKenzie River is the source of drinking water for the city of Eugene, Oregon, and the work presented here was designed to evaluate the use of POCIS and SMPDs as part of a...
Authors
Kathleen McCarthy, David Alvarez, Chauncey W. Anderson, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie Schroeder
Effects of wastewater discharges on endocrine and reproductive function of Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.) and implications for the threatened Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae) Effects of wastewater discharges on endocrine and reproductive function of Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia spp.) and implications for the threatened Santa Ana Sucker (Catostomus santaanae)
The Santa Ana River (SAR) in southern California is impacted by effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), which are sources of organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) and urban runoff. The Santa Ana River is one of only three river basins supporting native populations of the federally listed Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) at the time the fish was included on the list 2000...
Authors
Jill Jenkins, Steven Goodbred, Heather Olivier, Rassa Draugelis-Dale, David A. Alvarez
Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 1. exploring the effects of proximity to wastewater treatment plant discharge
Intersex (specifically, testicular oocytes) has been observed in male smallmouth bass (SMB; Micropterus dolomieu) and other centrarchids in the South Branch of the Potomac River, USA, and forks of the Shenandoah River, USA, during the past five years. This condition often is associated with exposure to estrogenic endocrine‐disrupting chemicals in some fish species, but such chemicals and...
Authors
L. R. Iwanowicz, V. S. Blazer, C.P. Guy, A.E. Pinkney, J.E. Mullcan, D.A. Alvarezw
How useful are the "other" semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs); the mini-unit (15.2 cm long)? How useful are the "other" semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs); the mini-unit (15.2 cm long)?
Mini (15.2 cm) semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were used successfully in 169 streams from six metropolitan areas of the US to sequester hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) that are indicative of urbanization. A microscale assay the P450RGS, which responds to compounds that bind to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the Fluoroscan, a chemical screen for polycyclic aromatic
Authors
Steven Goodbred, Wade L. Bryant, Michael Rosen, David Alvarez, Terri Spencer
Semivolatile organic compounds in residential air along the Arizona - Mexico border Semivolatile organic compounds in residential air along the Arizona - Mexico border
Concerns about indoor air quality and the potential effects on people living in these environments are increasing as more reports about the toxicities and the potential indoor air exposure levels of household-use chemicals and chemicals fromhousingandfurnishingmanufactureinairarebeingassessed. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to confirm numerous airborne contaminants...
Authors
R.W. Gale, W.L. Cranor, D.A. Alvarez, J.N. Huckins, J. Petty, G.L. Robertson
Uptake rate constants and partition coefficients for vapor phase organic chemicals using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) Uptake rate constants and partition coefficients for vapor phase organic chemicals using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs)
To fully utilize semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) as passive samplers in air monitoring, data are required to accurately estimate airborne concentrations of environmental contaminants. Limited uptake rate constants (kua) and no SPMD air partitioning coefficient (Ksa) existed for vapor-phase contaminants. This research was conducted to expand the existing body of kinetic data for...
Authors
W.L. Cranor, D.A. Alvarez, J.N. Huckins, J. Petty
Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence of persistent and emerging organic contaminants Reproductive health of bass in the potomac, USA, drainage: Part 2. Seasonal occurrence of persistent and emerging organic contaminants
The seasonal occurrence of organic contaminants, many of which are potential endocrine disruptors, entering the Potomac River, USA, watershed was investigated using a two-pronged approach during the fall of 2005 and spring of 2006. Passive samplers (semipermeable membrane device and polar organic chemical integrative sampler [POCIS]) were deployed in tandem at sites above and below...
Authors
D.A. Alvarez, W.L. Cranor, S.D. Perkins, V.L. Schroeder, L. R. Iwanowicz, R.C. Clark, C.P. Guy, A.E. Pinkney, V. S. Blazer, J.E. Mullican
Occurrence of organic wastewater compounds in the Tinkers Creek watershed and two other tributaries to the Cuyahoga River, northeast Ohio Occurrence of organic wastewater compounds in the Tinkers Creek watershed and two other tributaries to the Cuyahoga River, northeast Ohio
The U.S. Geological Survey - in cooperation with the Ohio Water Development Authority; National Park Service; Cities of Aurora, Bedford, Bedford Heights, Solon, and Twinsburg; and Portage and Summit Counties - and in collaboration with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, did a study to determine the occurrence and distribution of organic wastewater compounds (OWCs) in the Tinkers...
Authors
J.S. Tertuliani, D.A. Alvarez, E. T. Furlong, M. Meyer, S.D. Zaugg, G. F. Koltun
Reconnaissance of persistent and emerging contaminants in the Shenandoah and James River Basins, Virginia, during Spring of 2007 Reconnaissance of persistent and emerging contaminants in the Shenandoah and James River Basins, Virginia, during Spring of 2007
Fish exhibiting external lesions, incidences of intersex, and death have recently been observed in the Shenandoah and James River Basins. These basins are characterized by widespread agriculture (intensive in some areas), several major industrial discharges, numerous sewage treatment plant discharges, and urban, transportation, and residential growth that has increased rapidly in recent...
Authors
David Alvarez, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie Schroeder, Stephen Werner, Edward Furlong, Donald Kain, Robert Brent
Investigation of organic chemicals potentially responsible for mortality and intersex in fish of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Virginia, during Spring of 2007 Investigation of organic chemicals potentially responsible for mortality and intersex in fish of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, Virginia, during Spring of 2007
Declining fish health, fish exhibiting external lesions, incidences of intersex, and death, have been observed recently within the Potomac River basin. The basin receives surface runoff and direct inputs from agricultural, industrial, and other human activities. Two locations on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River were selected for study in an attempt to identify chemicals that may...
Authors
David A. Alvarez, Walter Cranor, Stephanie Perkins, Vickie L. Schroeder, Stephen Werner, Edward Furlong, John Holmes
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government