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Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Ph.D.

Isabelle Cozzarelli is a Research Hydrologist (Scientist Emerita) with the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA.

Dr. Isabelle Cozzarelli retired as a Senior Research Scientist and currently serves as a Scientist Emerita affiliated with the Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center and the Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory. Isabelle uses a combined field and laboratory experimental approach to investigate biogeochemical processes in shallow groundwater and surface water environments that affect water availability. She uses a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale approach to study processes in environments stressed by anthropogenic inputs of biodegradable carbon, such as crude oil, landfill leachate, and oil and gas wastes.

Professional Experience

  • 2020-present: Research Hydrologist, USGS, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston, VA, USA

  • 2017-2020: Research Hydrologist, USGS Water Mission Area Headquarters, Reston, VA, USA

  • 1985-2017: Research Hydrologist, USGS National Research Program, USGS, Reston, Virginia, USA

  • 1983-1985: Research Assistant, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. University of Virginia, Environmental Sciences-Geochemistry, 1993

  • M.S. University of Virginia, Environmental Sciences-Geochemistry, 1986

  • B.S. University of Rochester, Geomechanics, 1983

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • 2016-present: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech

Honors and Awards

  • 2024: Senior Scientist (ST), Federal Government

  • 2023: Friend of Water-Rock Interaction & Applied Isotope Geochemistry Award, International Association of Geochemistry

  • 2017: USGS Meritorious Service Award

  • 2005: Elected GSA Fellow

  • 2005: USGS Superior Service Award

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 21
Aerial photo of the Norman, OK, landfill.

Landfills

The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RPBGL) studies landfill leachate biogeochemistry and the natural attenuation of contaminants in leachate plumes.
By
Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory
Landfills

Landfills

The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RPBGL) studies landfill leachate biogeochemistry and the natural attenuation of contaminants in leachate plumes.
Learn More
Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarellli (far right) and her colleagues pause for a photograph

Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarelli received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award—for her numerous contributions to understanding the biogeochemical controls of contaminant degradation in groundwater and near-surface environments.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program
Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarelli received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award—for her numerous contributions to understanding the biogeochemical controls of contaminant degradation in groundwater and near-surface environments.
Learn More
USGS scientist collecting water samples on a wastewater disposal facility

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
Learn More
USGS scientist lifting a sample bottle from ice hole

Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

A new study measures the transport of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced waters downstream from a pipeline leak in North Dakota. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand chemical persistence in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to contaminant exposures and associated with adverse health effects, if any, on organisms.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

A new study measures the transport of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced waters downstream from a pipeline leak in North Dakota. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand chemical persistence in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to contaminant exposures and associated with adverse health effects, if any, on organisms.
Learn More
New section of a landfill under construction

Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

A comprehensive study by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and scientists from the University of Oklahoma finds distinct microbial assemblages (microbiomes) in landfill leachate across the United States and investigates factors related to microbiome formation.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

A comprehensive study by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and scientists from the University of Oklahoma finds distinct microbial assemblages (microbiomes) in landfill leachate across the United States and investigates factors related to microbiome formation.
Learn More
Tanker truck sits in from of several large tanks holding wastewater.

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 34

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia

The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) is part of the Northeast Natural Energy LLC (NNE) production facility on the Monongahela River in Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA. Natural gas extraction in the area creates large volumes of wastewater that may contain chemical compounds that pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The U. S. Geological Survey...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Produced water volatile organic compound and select organic and inorganic data collected from eight oil fields, 2016-2020, California Produced water volatile organic compound and select organic and inorganic data collected from eight oil fields, 2016-2020, California

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the California State Water Resources Control Board collected produced water samples for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the eight California oil fields of Fruitvale, Lost Hills, North Belridge, Orcutt, Placerita, South Belridge, Midway-Sunset, and Buena Vista from 2016 to 2020. Sampled sites included oil wells...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, California Water Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Dissolved organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbons and and toxicity assay results for Bemidji, MN (2018) Dissolved organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbons and and toxicity assay results for Bemidji, MN (2018)

In crude-oil-contaminant plumes the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is mainly hydrocarbon degradation intermediates only partly quantified by the diesel range total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHd) method. To understand potential biological effects of degradation intermediates we tested three fractions of DOC: (1) solid phase extract (HLB); (2) dichloromethane (DCM-total) extract used in TPHd...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Toxicity Data for Groundwater Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons near Bemidji, MN (2016) Toxicity Data for Groundwater Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons near Bemidji, MN (2016)

Management of petroleum-impacted waters by monitored natural attenuation (MNA) requires an understanding of the toxicology of both the original compounds released as well as the transformation products formed during natural breakdown. Here, we report data from a groundwater plume consisting of a mixture of crude oil compounds and transformation products resulting from a crude-oil release...

Nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon and diesel range organics concentrations measured in 2016 at the Bemidji crude oil study site Nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon and diesel range organics concentrations measured in 2016 at the Bemidji crude oil study site

The Bemidji crude oil spill site is a long-term USGS study site to understand the fate of crude oil in the shallow subsurface. A description of the site can be found at https://mn.water.usgs.gov/projects/bemidji. In 2014 concentrations of non-volatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC) were three times higher than diesel range organics (DRO) in the contaminant plume*. This is important...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Water-quality results from a wastewater reuse study: Inorganic and organic compositions of wastewater effluent and select urban and agricultural water types during rain-induced runoff, Chickasha, Oklahoma, 2018-2019 Water-quality results from a wastewater reuse study: Inorganic and organic compositions of wastewater effluent and select urban and agricultural water types during rain-induced runoff, Chickasha, Oklahoma, 2018-2019

Oklahoma State University South-Central Research Station (SCRS) was used to conduct research to understand the chemical composition of various water types and their potential environmental and human health effects. The study area provided the opportunity to study five water types: (1) receiving surface water (Washita River), (2) urban stormwater, (3) wastewater treatment plant effluent...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 117

Understanding the evolution of groundwater-contaminant plume chemistry emanating from legacy contaminant sources: An example from a long-term crude oil spill Understanding the evolution of groundwater-contaminant plume chemistry emanating from legacy contaminant sources: An example from a long-term crude oil spill

Understanding the evolution of plumes emanating from residual hydrocarbon contaminant sources requires evaluating how changes in source compositions over time cause changes in dissolved plume chemistry as residual sources age. This study investigates such changes at the site of a 1979 crude-oil pipeline spill and is the first comprehensive look at groundwater chemistry associated with a...
Authors
Isabelle Cozzarelli, Mary Jo Baedecker, Adam Mumford, Jeanne Jaeschke, Tracey Spencer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Microbially induced anaerobic oxidation of magnetite to maghemite in a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer Microbially induced anaerobic oxidation of magnetite to maghemite in a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer

Iron mineral transformations occurring in hydrocarbon-contaminated sites are linked to the biodegradation of the hydrocarbons. At a hydrocarbon-contaminated site near Bemidji, Minnesota, USA, measurements of magnetic susceptibility (MS) are useful for monitoring the natural attenuation of hydrocarbons related to iron cycling. However, a transient MS, previously observed at the site...
Authors
Leonard Ohenhen, Joshua Feinberg, Lee Slater, Dimitrios Ntarlagiannis, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Miriam Rios-Sanchez, Carl Isaacson, Alexis Stricker, Estella Atekwana
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Oil and gas wastewater components alter streambed microbial community structure and function Oil and gas wastewater components alter streambed microbial community structure and function

The widespread application of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies expanded oil and gas (OG) development to previously inaccessible resources. A single OG well can generate millions of liters of wastewater, which is a mixture of brine produced from the fractured formations and injected hydraulic fracturing fluids (HFFs). With thousands of wells completed each year...
Authors
Denise M. Akob, Adam Mumford, Andrea Fraser, Cassandra Harris, William Orem, Matthew S. Varonka, Isabelle Cozzarelli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Arsenic in petroleum-contaminated groundwater near Bemidji, Minnesota is predicted to persist for centuries Arsenic in petroleum-contaminated groundwater near Bemidji, Minnesota is predicted to persist for centuries

We used a reactive transport model to investigate the cycling of geogenic arsenic (As) in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer. We simulated As mobilization and sequestration using surface complexation reactions with Fe(OH)3 during petroleum biodegradation coupled with Fe-reduction. Model results predict that dissolved As in the plume will exceed the U.S. and EU 10 µg/L drinking water...
Authors
Brady Ziegler, G.-H. Crystal Ng, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Aubrey Dunshee, Madeline Schreiber
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Arsenic release to the environment from hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation, use and waste management Arsenic release to the environment from hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation, use and waste management

Arsenic (As) is a toxic trace element with many sources, including hydrocarbons such as oil, natural gas, oil sands, and oil- and gas-bearing shales. Arsenic from these hydrocarbon sources can be released to the environment through human activities of hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation and use. In addition, accidental release of hydrocarbons to aquifers with naturally...
Authors
Madeline Schreiber, Isabelle Cozzarelli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Geochemical and geophysical indicators of oil and gas wastewater can trace potential exposure pathways following releases to surface waters Geochemical and geophysical indicators of oil and gas wastewater can trace potential exposure pathways following releases to surface waters

Releases of oil and gas (OG) wastewaters can have complex effects on stream-water quality and downstream organisms, due to sediment-water interactions and groundwater/surface water exchange. Previously, elevated concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and lithium (Li), and trace hydrocarbons were determined to be key markers of OG wastewater releases...
Authors
Isabelle Cozzarelli, Douglas Kent, Martin Briggs, Mark Engle, Adam Benthem, Katherine Skalak, Adam Mumford, Jeanne Jaeschke, Aida Farag, John W. Lane, Denise M. Akob
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Reston Microbiology Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 13
Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Underground Can Lace Arsenic into Groundwater

Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Underground Can Lace Arsenic into Groundwater

In a long-term field study, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Virginia Tech scientists have found that changes in geochemistry from the natural...

Read Article

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 21
Aerial photo of the Norman, OK, landfill.

Landfills

The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RPBGL) studies landfill leachate biogeochemistry and the natural attenuation of contaminants in leachate plumes.
By
Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory
Landfills

Landfills

The Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory (RPBGL) studies landfill leachate biogeochemistry and the natural attenuation of contaminants in leachate plumes.
Learn More
Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarellli (far right) and her colleagues pause for a photograph

Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarelli received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award—for her numerous contributions to understanding the biogeochemical controls of contaminant degradation in groundwater and near-surface environments.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Environmental Health Program
Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award

Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarelli received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award—for her numerous contributions to understanding the biogeochemical controls of contaminant degradation in groundwater and near-surface environments.
Learn More
USGS scientist collecting water samples on a wastewater disposal facility

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Examining Shifts in Stream Microbial Communities Exposed to Oil and Gas Wastewaters

Shifts in the overall microbial community structure were present in stream sediments that contained chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas wastewaters. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand persistence of chemicals from oil and gas wastewaters in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to exposures and adverse health effects, if any, on...
Learn More
USGS scientist lifting a sample bottle from ice hole

Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

A new study measures the transport of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced waters downstream from a pipeline leak in North Dakota. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand chemical persistence in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to contaminant exposures and associated with adverse health effects, if any, on organisms.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

Understanding Pathways of Unconventional Oil and Gas Produced Water Spills in the Environment

A new study measures the transport of chemicals associated with unconventional oil and gas (UOG) produced waters downstream from a pipeline leak in North Dakota. This work is part of a long-term study designed to understand chemical persistence in sediments and water and how those factors might be related to contaminant exposures and associated with adverse health effects, if any, on organisms.
Learn More
New section of a landfill under construction

Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

A comprehensive study by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and scientists from the University of Oklahoma finds distinct microbial assemblages (microbiomes) in landfill leachate across the United States and investigates factors related to microbiome formation.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

Distinct Microbiomes Identified in Landfills Throughout the United States

A comprehensive study by U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and scientists from the University of Oklahoma finds distinct microbial assemblages (microbiomes) in landfill leachate across the United States and investigates factors related to microbiome formation.
Learn More
Tanker truck sits in from of several large tanks holding wastewater.

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology
Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Indication of Unconventional Oil and Gas Wastewaters Found in Local Surface Waters

Evidence indicating the presence of wastewaters from unconventional oil and gas (UOG) production was found in surface waters and surficial sediments near an UOG disposal facility in West Virginia.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 34

High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia

The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) is part of the Northeast Natural Energy LLC (NNE) production facility on the Monongahela River in Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA. Natural gas extraction in the area creates large volumes of wastewater that may contain chemical compounds that pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The U. S. Geological Survey...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Produced water volatile organic compound and select organic and inorganic data collected from eight oil fields, 2016-2020, California Produced water volatile organic compound and select organic and inorganic data collected from eight oil fields, 2016-2020, California

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the California State Water Resources Control Board collected produced water samples for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the eight California oil fields of Fruitvale, Lost Hills, North Belridge, Orcutt, Placerita, South Belridge, Midway-Sunset, and Buena Vista from 2016 to 2020. Sampled sites included oil wells...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, California Water Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Dissolved organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbons and and toxicity assay results for Bemidji, MN (2018) Dissolved organic carbon, total petroleum hydrocarbons and and toxicity assay results for Bemidji, MN (2018)

In crude-oil-contaminant plumes the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) is mainly hydrocarbon degradation intermediates only partly quantified by the diesel range total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPHd) method. To understand potential biological effects of degradation intermediates we tested three fractions of DOC: (1) solid phase extract (HLB); (2) dichloromethane (DCM-total) extract used in TPHd...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Toxicity Data for Groundwater Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons near Bemidji, MN (2016) Toxicity Data for Groundwater Contaminated by Petroleum Hydrocarbons near Bemidji, MN (2016)

Management of petroleum-impacted waters by monitored natural attenuation (MNA) requires an understanding of the toxicology of both the original compounds released as well as the transformation products formed during natural breakdown. Here, we report data from a groundwater plume consisting of a mixture of crude oil compounds and transformation products resulting from a crude-oil release...

Nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon and diesel range organics concentrations measured in 2016 at the Bemidji crude oil study site Nonvolatile dissolved organic carbon and diesel range organics concentrations measured in 2016 at the Bemidji crude oil study site

The Bemidji crude oil spill site is a long-term USGS study site to understand the fate of crude oil in the shallow subsurface. A description of the site can be found at https://mn.water.usgs.gov/projects/bemidji. In 2014 concentrations of non-volatile dissolved organic carbon (NVDOC) were three times higher than diesel range organics (DRO) in the contaminant plume*. This is important...
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Water-quality results from a wastewater reuse study: Inorganic and organic compositions of wastewater effluent and select urban and agricultural water types during rain-induced runoff, Chickasha, Oklahoma, 2018-2019 Water-quality results from a wastewater reuse study: Inorganic and organic compositions of wastewater effluent and select urban and agricultural water types during rain-induced runoff, Chickasha, Oklahoma, 2018-2019

Oklahoma State University South-Central Research Station (SCRS) was used to conduct research to understand the chemical composition of various water types and their potential environmental and human health effects. The study area provided the opportunity to study five water types: (1) receiving surface water (Washita River), (2) urban stormwater, (3) wastewater treatment plant effluent...
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory
No results found.
Filter Total Items: 117

Understanding the evolution of groundwater-contaminant plume chemistry emanating from legacy contaminant sources: An example from a long-term crude oil spill Understanding the evolution of groundwater-contaminant plume chemistry emanating from legacy contaminant sources: An example from a long-term crude oil spill

Understanding the evolution of plumes emanating from residual hydrocarbon contaminant sources requires evaluating how changes in source compositions over time cause changes in dissolved plume chemistry as residual sources age. This study investigates such changes at the site of a 1979 crude-oil pipeline spill and is the first comprehensive look at groundwater chemistry associated with a...
Authors
Isabelle Cozzarelli, Mary Jo Baedecker, Adam Mumford, Jeanne Jaeschke, Tracey Spencer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Microbially induced anaerobic oxidation of magnetite to maghemite in a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer Microbially induced anaerobic oxidation of magnetite to maghemite in a hydrocarbon-contaminated aquifer

Iron mineral transformations occurring in hydrocarbon-contaminated sites are linked to the biodegradation of the hydrocarbons. At a hydrocarbon-contaminated site near Bemidji, Minnesota, USA, measurements of magnetic susceptibility (MS) are useful for monitoring the natural attenuation of hydrocarbons related to iron cycling. However, a transient MS, previously observed at the site...
Authors
Leonard Ohenhen, Joshua Feinberg, Lee Slater, Dimitrios Ntarlagiannis, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Miriam Rios-Sanchez, Carl Isaacson, Alexis Stricker, Estella Atekwana
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Oil and gas wastewater components alter streambed microbial community structure and function Oil and gas wastewater components alter streambed microbial community structure and function

The widespread application of directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing technologies expanded oil and gas (OG) development to previously inaccessible resources. A single OG well can generate millions of liters of wastewater, which is a mixture of brine produced from the fractured formations and injected hydraulic fracturing fluids (HFFs). With thousands of wells completed each year...
Authors
Denise M. Akob, Adam Mumford, Andrea Fraser, Cassandra Harris, William Orem, Matthew S. Varonka, Isabelle Cozzarelli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Microbiology Laboratory

Arsenic in petroleum-contaminated groundwater near Bemidji, Minnesota is predicted to persist for centuries Arsenic in petroleum-contaminated groundwater near Bemidji, Minnesota is predicted to persist for centuries

We used a reactive transport model to investigate the cycling of geogenic arsenic (As) in a petroleum-contaminated aquifer. We simulated As mobilization and sequestration using surface complexation reactions with Fe(OH)3 during petroleum biodegradation coupled with Fe-reduction. Model results predict that dissolved As in the plume will exceed the U.S. and EU 10 µg/L drinking water...
Authors
Brady Ziegler, G.-H. Crystal Ng, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Aubrey Dunshee, Madeline Schreiber
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Arsenic release to the environment from hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation, use and waste management Arsenic release to the environment from hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation, use and waste management

Arsenic (As) is a toxic trace element with many sources, including hydrocarbons such as oil, natural gas, oil sands, and oil- and gas-bearing shales. Arsenic from these hydrocarbon sources can be released to the environment through human activities of hydrocarbon production, storage, transportation and use. In addition, accidental release of hydrocarbons to aquifers with naturally...
Authors
Madeline Schreiber, Isabelle Cozzarelli
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory

Geochemical and geophysical indicators of oil and gas wastewater can trace potential exposure pathways following releases to surface waters Geochemical and geophysical indicators of oil and gas wastewater can trace potential exposure pathways following releases to surface waters

Releases of oil and gas (OG) wastewaters can have complex effects on stream-water quality and downstream organisms, due to sediment-water interactions and groundwater/surface water exchange. Previously, elevated concentrations of sodium (Na), chloride (Cl), barium (Ba), strontium (Sr), and lithium (Li), and trace hydrocarbons were determined to be key markers of OG wastewater releases...
Authors
Isabelle Cozzarelli, Douglas Kent, Martin Briggs, Mark Engle, Adam Benthem, Katherine Skalak, Adam Mumford, Jeanne Jaeschke, Aida Farag, John W. Lane, Denise M. Akob
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Energy Resources Program, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater Laboratory, Reston Microbiology Laboratory
Filter Total Items: 13
Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Underground Can Lace Arsenic into Groundwater

Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Underground Can Lace Arsenic into Groundwater

In a long-term field study, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Virginia Tech scientists have found that changes in geochemistry from the natural...

Read Article

*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

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