Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Erin L Pulster, PhD

Dr. Erin Pulster is a Research Biologist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.

Dr. Pulster studies acute and chronic anthropogenic contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Prior to joining USGS, she was leading the Marine Toxicology Lab at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science. Dr. Pulster studied the impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the subsequent sublethal impacts on marine teleost. More recently her research focuses on levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in seafood and the potential associated human health risks from the consumption of contaminated foods. Dr. Pulster has worked on various projects investigating the extent of environmental contamination (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls, pesticides, toxaphene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in various matrices (air, water, sediment, passive samplers, biota) to evaluate sublethal impacts and estimate potential environmental and human health risks.

Current Projects:

  • LC/MS/MS analytical method development for PFAS.
  • PFAS extraction methodology for a variety of matrices (e.g., water, sediment, insects, passive samplers).
  • Measuring PFAS levels in recreationally important fish and assessing the need for consumption advisories.
  • Chronological temporal assessment of the distribution of PFAS in Gulf of Mexico sediment cores.

Professional Experience

  • 2022 – present Research Biologist, USGS- CERC, Columbia, MO

  • 2015 - 2021 Scientific Researcher, University of South Florida, College of Marine Science, St. Pete, FL

  • 2007 - 2014 Senior Chemist, Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL

  • 2006 – 2007 Hatchery Manager, Zone C Lobster Hatchery Stonington, ME

  • 2005 - 2006 Research Project Coordinator, Marine Environmental Research Institute, ME

  • 2002 - 2005 Research Technician II, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Savannah, GA

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D., Toxicology & Risk Assessment, University of South Florida, Tampa, 2015

  • M.S., Environmental Chemistry / Marine Science, Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and Savannah State University, Savannah, 2004

  • B.S., Marine Biology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, 2001

  • B.A., Advertising, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, 1992

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)

  • American Chemical Society (ACS)

  • American Fisheries Society

  • Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC)

  • Phenomenex Biologics Advisory Board

  • Reviewer Board of Minerals

Science and Products

link
picture of a deer

A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ).
By
Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ).
Learn More
link
picture of an oil spill

Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders

Semiquantitative analysis of hydrocarbons in the field is a major challenge for oil spill responders. This data imperative for sample collection and rapid decision making.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders

Semiquantitative analysis of hydrocarbons in the field is a major challenge for oil spill responders. This data imperative for sample collection and rapid decision making.
Learn More
link
image of scientists collecting insects

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
Learn More
link
image of SERFN graphic

Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
Learn More
link
picture of woman fishing at sunset

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Measurements in Tampa Bay Fish and Sediments Provide an Understanding of Potential Human Exposure

Scientists provide an understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in sediments and the edible portions of fish within Florida’s Tampa Bay in a pilot study designed to understand the potential for human exposure and health risks through fish consumption.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Measurements in Tampa Bay Fish and Sediments Provide an Understanding of Potential Human Exposure

Scientists provide an understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in sediments and the edible portions of fish within Florida’s Tampa Bay in a pilot study designed to understand the potential for human exposure and health risks through fish consumption.
Learn More

Acute and chronic toxicity of two perfluoroalkyl substances to Neocloeon triangulifer

Dataset consists of 4-day, 14-day, and full life responses of laboratory cultured mayflies (Neocloeon triangulifer) to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).  Responses were measured as survival at 4 days, 14 days, pre-emergent nymph (PEN) stage, and emergence; 14-day length; number of days to PEN stage, and imago live weight.  Water quality and analytical chemistry re
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with a nondegradable fluorinated carbon backbone that have been incorporated in countless industrial and commercial applications. Because PFAS are nondegradable, they have been detected in all environmental media, indicating extensive global contamination. The unique physiochemical properties of PFAS and their complex interactions
Authors
Erin L. Pulster, Sarah R. Bowman, Landon Keele, Jeffery Steevens
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Evidence of population-level impacts and resiliency for Gulf of Mexico shelf taxa following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

The goal of this paper was to review the evidence of population-level impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWH) on Gulf of Mexico (GOM) continental shelf taxa, as well as evidence of resiliency following the DWH. There is considerable environmental and biological evidence that GOM shelf taxa were exposed to and suffered direct and indirect impacts of the DWH. Numerous assessments, from meso
Authors
W.F. Patterson III, K.L. Robinson, B.K. Barnett, M. Campbell, D.C. Chagaris, J. P. Chanton, K. Daly, D. Hanisko, F. Hernandez, S.A. Murawski, A.G. Pollock, D. Portnoy, Erin L. Pulster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

White perch health relative to urbanization and habitat degradation in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. II. Hepatic and splenic macrophage aggregates

Macrophage aggregate (MA) abundance in fish is a useful general biomarker of contaminant exposures and environmental stress. Hepatic and splenic MAs were evaluated in semi-anadromous white perch Morone americana (Gmelin, 1789) from the urbanized Severn River (S) and the more rural Choptank River (C), Chesapeake Bay. Fish were collected from different sites in the annual migratory circuit in each r
Authors
Vicki S. Blazer, Mark A Matsche, Erin L. Pulster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

White perch health relative to urbanization and habitat degradation in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. I. Biliary neoplasms and hepatic lesions

White perch Morone americana (Gmelin, 1789) from the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed have a high incidence of liver disease, including neoplasms of bile duct origin. Fish collected seasonally from spring 2019 to winter 2020 from the urban Severn River and the more rural Choptank River were evaluated for hepatic lesions. Biliary hyperplasia (64.1%), neoplasms (cholangioma and cholangiocarcinoma, 27%
Authors
Vicki S. Blazer, Mark A Matsche, Erin L. Pulster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Laboratory-derived bioaccumulation kinetic parameters for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in freshwater mussels

Although freshwater mussels are imperiled and identified as key conservation priorities, limited bioaccumulation information is available on these organisms for contaminants of emerging concern. In the present study we investigated the bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the model freshwater pond mussel Sagittunio subrostratus because mussels provide important ecosyste
Authors
Jeffery Steevens, Rebecca A. Consbrock, Eric Brunson, James L. Kunz, Erin L. Pulster, Rebekah S. Burket, Kevin M. Stroski, Jaylen L. Sims, Matt F. Simcik, Bryan W. Brooks
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Perfluorooctanesulfonate adversely affects a mayfly (Neocloeon triangulifer) at environmentally realistic concentrations

Of the emerging contaminant types thought to threaten freshwater biota, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances appear to be particularly widespread, and limited studies conducted with these compounds thus far indicate insects may be particularly sensitive to them. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of two commonly detected compounds on the laboratory-reared mayfly Neocloeon tria
Authors
David J. Soucek, Rebecca A. Consbrock, Erin L. Pulster, Brittany G. Perrotta, David Walters, Jeffery Steevens
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Assessing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediments and fishes in a large, urbanized estuary and the potential human health implications

The primary source of chronic exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in humans is through the ingestion of contaminated foods and drinking water, with fish and other seafood being a major contributor. Nevertheless, there is scant literature on the dietary exposure to PFASs for the general United States (U.S.) population. The Tampa Bay (Florida, USA) region has the highest populat
Authors
Erin L. Pulster, Kylee Rullo, Sherryl Gilbert, Thomas M. Ash, Barbara Goetting, Kevin Campbell, Sara Markham, Steven A. Murawski
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Snyder, S.M., Deak, K., Fogelson, S., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Chronic sub-lethal effects observed in wild-caught fishes following two major oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico: Deepwater Horizon and Ixtoc 1, in Murawski, S.A., Ainsworth, C.H., Gilbert, S., Hollander, D.J., Paris, C.B., Schlüter, M., and Wetzel, D.L., eds., Deep Oil Spills: Facts, Fate, and Effects: Cham, Springer International Publishing, p. 388-413. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11605-7_24
Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Armenteros, M., Carr, B.E., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Chronic PAH exposures and associated declines in fish health indices observed for ten grouper species in the Gulf of Mexico: Science of The Total Environment, v. 703, p. 135551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135551
Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Armenteros, M., Toro-Farmer, G., Snyder, S.M., Carr, B.E., Schwaab, M.R., Nicholson, T.J., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, A first comprehensive baseline of hydrocarbon pollution in Gulf of Mexico Fishes: Scientific Reports, v. 10, no. 1, p. 6437. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62944-6.
Matsche, M.A., Blazer, V.S., Pulster, E.L., and Mazik, P.M., 2020, High prevalence of biliary neoplasia in white perch Morone americana: potential roles of bile duct parasites and environmental contaminants: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 141, p. 195-224. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v141/p195-224/.
Pulster, E.L., Fogelson, S., Carr, B.E., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2021, Hepatobiliary PAHs and prevalence of pathological changes in Red Snapper: Aquatic Toxicology, v. 230, p. 105714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105714
Pulster, E.L., Wichterman, A.E., Snyder, S.M., Fogelson, S., Da Silva, B.F., Costa, K.A., Aufmuth, J., Deak, K.L., Murawski, S.A., and Bowden, J.A., 2022, Detection of long chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the benthic Golden tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) and their association with microscopic hepatic changes: Science of The Total Environment, v. 809, p. 151143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151143.
Solo-Gabriele, H.M., Fiddaman, T., Mauritzen, C., Ainsworth, C., Abramson, D.M., Berenshtein, I., Chassignet, E.P., Chen, S.S., Conmy, R.N., Court, C.D., Dewar, W.K., Farrington, J.W., Feldman, M.G., Ferguson, A.C., Fetherston-Resch, E., French-McCay, D., Hale, C., He, R., Kourafalou, V.H., Lee, K., Liu, Y., Masi, M., Maung-Douglass, E.S., Morey, S.L., Murawski, S.A., Paris, C.B., Perlin, N., Pulster, E.L., Quigg, A., Reed, D.J., Ruzicka, J.J., Sandifer, P.A., Shepherd, J.G., Singer, B.H., Stukel, M.R., Sutton, T.T., Weisberg, R.H., Wiesenburg, D., Wilson, C.A., Wilson, M., Wowk, K.M., Yanoff, C., and Yoskowitz, D., 2021, Towards integrated modeling of the long-term impacts of oil spills: Marine Policy, v. 131, p. 104554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104554.
Matsche, M.A., and Pulster, E.L., 2021, Seasonal variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in bile of white perch Morone americana from two Chesapeake Bay tributaries: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 147, p. 63-86. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03637.
Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Snyder, S.M., Romero, I.C., Carr, B., Toro-Farmer, G., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon baselines in Gulf of Mexico fishes, in: Murawski, S.A., Ainsworth, C.H., Gilbert, S., Hollander, D.J., Paris, C.B., Schlüter, M., and Wetzel, D.L., eds., Scenarios and Responses to Future Deep Oil Spills: Fighting the Next War: Cham, Springer International Publishing, p. 253-271.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12963-7_15.
Matsche, M.A., Blazer, V.S., Pulster, E.L., and Mazik, P.M., 2021, Biological and anthropogenic influences on macrophage aggregates in white perch Morone americana from Chesapeake Bay, USA: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 143, p. 79-100. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v143/p79-100/.
Snyder, S.M., Olin, J.A., Pulster, E.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Spatial contrasts in hepatic and biliary PAHs in Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) throughout the Gulf of Mexico, with comparison to the Northwest Atlantic: Environmental Pollution, v. 258, p. 113775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113775.

Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R.D., 2020, Public health risk analysis for ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure surrounding a petrochemical complex in Curaçao: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, v. 26, no. 8, p. 2173-2188. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2019.1660140.
Struch, R.E., Pulster, E.L., Schreier, A.D., and Murawski, S.A., 2019, Hepatobiliary analyses suggest chronic PAH exposure in Hakes (Urophycis spp.) following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 38, no. 12, p. 2740-2749.
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4596.

Snyder, S.M., Pulster, E.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2019, Associations between chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and health indices in Gulf of Mexico tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) post Deepwater Horizon: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 38, no. 12, p. 2659-2671. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4583.

Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2019, Levels and sources of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons surrounding an oil refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 10, no. 03, p. 431. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2019.103025.
Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2018, Exposure assessment of ambient sulfur dioxide downwind of an oil refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 9, no. 3, p. 194-210. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2018.93014.
Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2018, Assessment of inhalable particulate matter associated with a refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 9, no. 10, p. 1113-1128. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2018.910069.
Pulster, E.L., Main, K., Wetzel, D., and Murawski, S., 2017, Species-specific metabolism of naphthalene and phenanthrene in 3 species of marine teleosts exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 36, no. 11, p. 3168-3176.
https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.3898.
Hong, Y., Wetzel, D., Pulster, E.L., Hull, P., Reible, D., Hwang, H.-M., Ji, P., Rifkin, E., and Bouwer, E., 2015, Significant spatial variability of bioavailable PAHs in water column and sediment porewater in the Gulf of Mexico 1 year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, v. 187, no. 10, p. 646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-4867-x.
McDaniel, L.D., Basso, J., Pulster, E., and Paul, J.H., 2015, Sand patties provide evidence for the presence of Deepwater Horizon oil on the beaches of the West Florida Shelf: Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 97, no. 1, p. 67-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.032.


Snyder, S.M., Pulster, E.L., Wetzel, D.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2015, PAH exposure in Gulf of Mexico demersal fishes, post-Deepwater Horizon: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 49, no. 14, p. 8786-8795. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b01870.
Pulster, E.L., and Hillman, J.V., 2015, Carbon monoxide, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 309-316. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch43.
Pulster, E.L., and Hillman, J.V., 2015, Cyanide, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 331-340. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch46.
Pulster, E.L., Bourgeois, J.R., and Harbison, R.D., 2015, Ethers and epoxides, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 491-504. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch56
Goodbody-Gringley, G., Wetzel, D.L., Gillon, D., Pulster, E., Miller, A., and Ritchie, K.B., 2013, Toxicity of Deepwater Horizon source oil and the chemical dispersant, Corexit® 9500, to coral larvae: PLOS ONE, v. 8, no. 1, p. e45574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045574.
Wetzel, D.L., Pulster, E., Reynolds, J.E., and Marsh, H., 2012, Organic contaminants and sirenians, in: Hines, E.M., Reynolds, J.E., Aragones, L.V., Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A., and Marmontel, M., eds., Sirenian Conservation: Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, p. 196-203. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvx079z0.28

Ross, M.S., Pulster, E.L., Ejsmont, M.B., Chow, E.A., Hessel, C.M., Maruya, K.A., and Wong, C.S., 2011, Enantioselectivity of polychlorinated biphenyl atropisomers in sediment and biota from the Turtle/Brunswick River estuary, Georgia, USA: Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 63, no. 5, p. 548-555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.02.001.
Pulster, E.L., Smalling, K.L., Zolman, E., Schwacke, L., and Maruya, K.A., 2009, Persistent organochlorine pollutants and toxaphene congener profiles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia, USA: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 28, no. 7, p. 1390-1399. https://doi.org/10.1897/08-240.1.
Pulster, E.L., and Maruya, K.A., 2008, Geographic specificity of Aroclor 1268 in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia (USA): Science of The Total Environment, v. 393, no. 2, p. 367-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.12.031.
Pulster, E.L., Smalling, K.L., and Maruya, K.A., 2005, Polychlorinated biphenyls and toxaphene in preferred prey fish of coastal southeastern U.S. bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 24, no. 12, p. 3128-3136.
https://doi.org/10.1897/05-156R.1.

**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.

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    picture of a deer

    A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

    Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ).
    By
    Central Midwest Water Science Center, Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer

    Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ).
    Learn More
    link
    picture of an oil spill

    Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders

    Semiquantitative analysis of hydrocarbons in the field is a major challenge for oil spill responders. This data imperative for sample collection and rapid decision making.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Smart Phone Application for DOI Oil Spill Responders

    Semiquantitative analysis of hydrocarbons in the field is a major challenge for oil spill responders. This data imperative for sample collection and rapid decision making.
    Learn More
    link
    image of scientists collecting insects

    Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

    The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Exposure and Effects Research at Columbia Environmental Research Center (CERC)

    The Columbia Environmental Research Center’s Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) team conducts research focusing on the occurrence, fate, and toxicity of PFAS compounds in aquatic and terrestrial systems. Laboratory capabilities include dedicated analytical instrumentation and experimental facilities to allow USGS scientists to analyze a wide range of sample types including water, sediment...
    Learn More
    link
    image of SERFN graphic

    Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

    Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Southeast Region Fluorochemical Network (SERFN)

    Fluorochemicals are a class of structurally diverse synthetic compounds that contain a carbon-fluorine backbone.
    Learn More
    link
    picture of woman fishing at sunset

    Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Measurements in Tampa Bay Fish and Sediments Provide an Understanding of Potential Human Exposure

    Scientists provide an understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in sediments and the edible portions of fish within Florida’s Tampa Bay in a pilot study designed to understand the potential for human exposure and health risks through fish consumption.
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) Measurements in Tampa Bay Fish and Sediments Provide an Understanding of Potential Human Exposure

    Scientists provide an understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in sediments and the edible portions of fish within Florida’s Tampa Bay in a pilot study designed to understand the potential for human exposure and health risks through fish consumption.
    Learn More
  • Data

    Acute and chronic toxicity of two perfluoroalkyl substances to Neocloeon triangulifer

    Dataset consists of 4-day, 14-day, and full life responses of laboratory cultured mayflies (Neocloeon triangulifer) to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).  Responses were measured as survival at 4 days, 14 days, pre-emergent nymph (PEN) stage, and emergence; 14-day length; number of days to PEN stage, and imago live weight.  Water quality and analytical chemistry re
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
  • Publications

    Guide to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sampling within Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration

    Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals with a nondegradable fluorinated carbon backbone that have been incorporated in countless industrial and commercial applications. Because PFAS are nondegradable, they have been detected in all environmental media, indicating extensive global contamination. The unique physiochemical properties of PFAS and their complex interactions
    Authors
    Erin L. Pulster, Sarah R. Bowman, Landon Keele, Jeffery Steevens
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    Evidence of population-level impacts and resiliency for Gulf of Mexico shelf taxa following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

    The goal of this paper was to review the evidence of population-level impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill (DWH) on Gulf of Mexico (GOM) continental shelf taxa, as well as evidence of resiliency following the DWH. There is considerable environmental and biological evidence that GOM shelf taxa were exposed to and suffered direct and indirect impacts of the DWH. Numerous assessments, from meso
    Authors
    W.F. Patterson III, K.L. Robinson, B.K. Barnett, M. Campbell, D.C. Chagaris, J. P. Chanton, K. Daly, D. Hanisko, F. Hernandez, S.A. Murawski, A.G. Pollock, D. Portnoy, Erin L. Pulster
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    White perch health relative to urbanization and habitat degradation in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. II. Hepatic and splenic macrophage aggregates

    Macrophage aggregate (MA) abundance in fish is a useful general biomarker of contaminant exposures and environmental stress. Hepatic and splenic MAs were evaluated in semi-anadromous white perch Morone americana (Gmelin, 1789) from the urbanized Severn River (S) and the more rural Choptank River (C), Chesapeake Bay. Fish were collected from different sites in the annual migratory circuit in each r
    Authors
    Vicki S. Blazer, Mark A Matsche, Erin L. Pulster
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    White perch health relative to urbanization and habitat degradation in Chesapeake Bay tributaries. I. Biliary neoplasms and hepatic lesions

    White perch Morone americana (Gmelin, 1789) from the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed have a high incidence of liver disease, including neoplasms of bile duct origin. Fish collected seasonally from spring 2019 to winter 2020 from the urban Severn River and the more rural Choptank River were evaluated for hepatic lesions. Biliary hyperplasia (64.1%), neoplasms (cholangioma and cholangiocarcinoma, 27%
    Authors
    Vicki S. Blazer, Mark A Matsche, Erin L. Pulster
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Chesapeake Bay Activities, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center

    Laboratory-derived bioaccumulation kinetic parameters for four per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in freshwater mussels

    Although freshwater mussels are imperiled and identified as key conservation priorities, limited bioaccumulation information is available on these organisms for contaminants of emerging concern. In the present study we investigated the bioaccumulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the model freshwater pond mussel Sagittunio subrostratus because mussels provide important ecosyste
    Authors
    Jeffery Steevens, Rebecca A. Consbrock, Eric Brunson, James L. Kunz, Erin L. Pulster, Rebekah S. Burket, Kevin M. Stroski, Jaylen L. Sims, Matt F. Simcik, Bryan W. Brooks
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    Perfluorooctanesulfonate adversely affects a mayfly (Neocloeon triangulifer) at environmentally realistic concentrations

    Of the emerging contaminant types thought to threaten freshwater biota, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances appear to be particularly widespread, and limited studies conducted with these compounds thus far indicate insects may be particularly sensitive to them. This study investigated the short- and long-term effects of two commonly detected compounds on the laboratory-reared mayfly Neocloeon tria
    Authors
    David J. Soucek, Rebecca A. Consbrock, Erin L. Pulster, Brittany G. Perrotta, David Walters, Jeffery Steevens
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    Assessing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediments and fishes in a large, urbanized estuary and the potential human health implications

    The primary source of chronic exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in humans is through the ingestion of contaminated foods and drinking water, with fish and other seafood being a major contributor. Nevertheless, there is scant literature on the dietary exposure to PFASs for the general United States (U.S.) population. The Tampa Bay (Florida, USA) region has the highest populat
    Authors
    Erin L. Pulster, Kylee Rullo, Sherryl Gilbert, Thomas M. Ash, Barbara Goetting, Kevin Campbell, Sara Markham, Steven A. Murawski
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    Non-USGS Publications**

    Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Snyder, S.M., Deak, K., Fogelson, S., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Chronic sub-lethal effects observed in wild-caught fishes following two major oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico: Deepwater Horizon and Ixtoc 1, in Murawski, S.A., Ainsworth, C.H., Gilbert, S., Hollander, D.J., Paris, C.B., Schlüter, M., and Wetzel, D.L., eds., Deep Oil Spills: Facts, Fate, and Effects: Cham, Springer International Publishing, p. 388-413. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-11605-7_24
    Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Armenteros, M., Carr, B.E., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Chronic PAH exposures and associated declines in fish health indices observed for ten grouper species in the Gulf of Mexico: Science of The Total Environment, v. 703, p. 135551. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135551
    Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Armenteros, M., Toro-Farmer, G., Snyder, S.M., Carr, B.E., Schwaab, M.R., Nicholson, T.J., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, A first comprehensive baseline of hydrocarbon pollution in Gulf of Mexico Fishes: Scientific Reports, v. 10, no. 1, p. 6437. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62944-6.
    Matsche, M.A., Blazer, V.S., Pulster, E.L., and Mazik, P.M., 2020, High prevalence of biliary neoplasia in white perch Morone americana: potential roles of bile duct parasites and environmental contaminants: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 141, p. 195-224. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v141/p195-224/.
    Pulster, E.L., Fogelson, S., Carr, B.E., Mrowicki, J., and Murawski, S.A., 2021, Hepatobiliary PAHs and prevalence of pathological changes in Red Snapper: Aquatic Toxicology, v. 230, p. 105714. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquatox.2020.105714
    Pulster, E.L., Wichterman, A.E., Snyder, S.M., Fogelson, S., Da Silva, B.F., Costa, K.A., Aufmuth, J., Deak, K.L., Murawski, S.A., and Bowden, J.A., 2022, Detection of long chain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the benthic Golden tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) and their association with microscopic hepatic changes: Science of The Total Environment, v. 809, p. 151143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151143.
    Solo-Gabriele, H.M., Fiddaman, T., Mauritzen, C., Ainsworth, C., Abramson, D.M., Berenshtein, I., Chassignet, E.P., Chen, S.S., Conmy, R.N., Court, C.D., Dewar, W.K., Farrington, J.W., Feldman, M.G., Ferguson, A.C., Fetherston-Resch, E., French-McCay, D., Hale, C., He, R., Kourafalou, V.H., Lee, K., Liu, Y., Masi, M., Maung-Douglass, E.S., Morey, S.L., Murawski, S.A., Paris, C.B., Perlin, N., Pulster, E.L., Quigg, A., Reed, D.J., Ruzicka, J.J., Sandifer, P.A., Shepherd, J.G., Singer, B.H., Stukel, M.R., Sutton, T.T., Weisberg, R.H., Wiesenburg, D., Wilson, C.A., Wilson, M., Wowk, K.M., Yanoff, C., and Yoskowitz, D., 2021, Towards integrated modeling of the long-term impacts of oil spills: Marine Policy, v. 131, p. 104554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2021.104554.
    Matsche, M.A., and Pulster, E.L., 2021, Seasonal variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in bile of white perch Morone americana from two Chesapeake Bay tributaries: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 147, p. 63-86. https://doi.org/10.3354/dao03637.
    Pulster, E.L., Gracia, A., Snyder, S.M., Romero, I.C., Carr, B., Toro-Farmer, G., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon baselines in Gulf of Mexico fishes, in: Murawski, S.A., Ainsworth, C.H., Gilbert, S., Hollander, D.J., Paris, C.B., Schlüter, M., and Wetzel, D.L., eds., Scenarios and Responses to Future Deep Oil Spills: Fighting the Next War: Cham, Springer International Publishing, p. 253-271.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12963-7_15.
    Matsche, M.A., Blazer, V.S., Pulster, E.L., and Mazik, P.M., 2021, Biological and anthropogenic influences on macrophage aggregates in white perch Morone americana from Chesapeake Bay, USA: Diseases of Aquatic Organisms, v. 143, p. 79-100. https://www.int-res.com/abstracts/dao/v143/p79-100/.
    Snyder, S.M., Olin, J.A., Pulster, E.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2020, Spatial contrasts in hepatic and biliary PAHs in Tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) throughout the Gulf of Mexico, with comparison to the Northwest Atlantic: Environmental Pollution, v. 258, p. 113775. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113775.

    Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R.D., 2020, Public health risk analysis for ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure surrounding a petrochemical complex in Curaçao: Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, v. 26, no. 8, p. 2173-2188. https://doi.org/10.1080/10807039.2019.1660140.
    Struch, R.E., Pulster, E.L., Schreier, A.D., and Murawski, S.A., 2019, Hepatobiliary analyses suggest chronic PAH exposure in Hakes (Urophycis spp.) following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 38, no. 12, p. 2740-2749.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4596.

    Snyder, S.M., Pulster, E.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2019, Associations between chronic exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and health indices in Gulf of Mexico tilefish (Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps) post Deepwater Horizon: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 38, no. 12, p. 2659-2671. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.4583.

    Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2019, Levels and sources of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons surrounding an oil refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 10, no. 03, p. 431. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2019.103025.
    Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2018, Exposure assessment of ambient sulfur dioxide downwind of an oil refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 9, no. 3, p. 194-210. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2018.93014.
    Pulster, E.L., Johnson, G., Hollander, D., McCluskey, J., and Harbison, R., 2018, Assessment of inhalable particulate matter associated with a refinery in Curaçao: Journal of Environmental Protection, v. 9, no. 10, p. 1113-1128. https://doi.org/10.4236/jep.2018.910069.
    Pulster, E.L., Main, K., Wetzel, D., and Murawski, S., 2017, Species-specific metabolism of naphthalene and phenanthrene in 3 species of marine teleosts exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 36, no. 11, p. 3168-3176.
    https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.3898.
    Hong, Y., Wetzel, D., Pulster, E.L., Hull, P., Reible, D., Hwang, H.-M., Ji, P., Rifkin, E., and Bouwer, E., 2015, Significant spatial variability of bioavailable PAHs in water column and sediment porewater in the Gulf of Mexico 1 year after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, v. 187, no. 10, p. 646. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-015-4867-x.
    McDaniel, L.D., Basso, J., Pulster, E., and Paul, J.H., 2015, Sand patties provide evidence for the presence of Deepwater Horizon oil on the beaches of the West Florida Shelf: Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 97, no. 1, p. 67-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.032.


    Snyder, S.M., Pulster, E.L., Wetzel, D.L., and Murawski, S.A., 2015, PAH exposure in Gulf of Mexico demersal fishes, post-Deepwater Horizon: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 49, no. 14, p. 8786-8795. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b01870.
    Pulster, E.L., and Hillman, J.V., 2015, Carbon monoxide, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 309-316. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch43.
    Pulster, E.L., and Hillman, J.V., 2015, Cyanide, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 331-340. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch46.
    Pulster, E.L., Bourgeois, J.R., and Harbison, R.D., 2015, Ethers and epoxides, in: Harbison, R.D., Bourgeois, M.M., and Johnson, G.T., eds., Hamilton & Hardy's Industrial Toxicology: Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., p. 491-504. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118834015.ch56
    Goodbody-Gringley, G., Wetzel, D.L., Gillon, D., Pulster, E., Miller, A., and Ritchie, K.B., 2013, Toxicity of Deepwater Horizon source oil and the chemical dispersant, Corexit® 9500, to coral larvae: PLOS ONE, v. 8, no. 1, p. e45574. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0045574.
    Wetzel, D.L., Pulster, E., Reynolds, J.E., and Marsh, H., 2012, Organic contaminants and sirenians, in: Hines, E.M., Reynolds, J.E., Aragones, L.V., Mignucci-Giannoni, A.A., and Marmontel, M., eds., Sirenian Conservation: Gainesville, FL, University Press of Florida, p. 196-203. http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctvx079z0.28

    Ross, M.S., Pulster, E.L., Ejsmont, M.B., Chow, E.A., Hessel, C.M., Maruya, K.A., and Wong, C.S., 2011, Enantioselectivity of polychlorinated biphenyl atropisomers in sediment and biota from the Turtle/Brunswick River estuary, Georgia, USA: Marine Pollution Bulletin, v. 63, no. 5, p. 548-555. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.02.001.
    Pulster, E.L., Smalling, K.L., Zolman, E., Schwacke, L., and Maruya, K.A., 2009, Persistent organochlorine pollutants and toxaphene congener profiles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia, USA: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 28, no. 7, p. 1390-1399. https://doi.org/10.1897/08-240.1.
    Pulster, E.L., and Maruya, K.A., 2008, Geographic specificity of Aroclor 1268 in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia (USA): Science of The Total Environment, v. 393, no. 2, p. 367-375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.12.031.
    Pulster, E.L., Smalling, K.L., and Maruya, K.A., 2005, Polychlorinated biphenyls and toxaphene in preferred prey fish of coastal southeastern U.S. bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, v. 24, no. 12, p. 3128-3136.
    https://doi.org/10.1897/05-156R.1.

    **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.

*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