Isabelle Cozzarelli is a Research Hydrologist with the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, VA.
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.
Education
- 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
Work 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
Professional Affiliations
- 2016-present: Adjunct Faculty, Department of Geosciences, Virginia Tech
Awards
- 2017: USGS Meritorious Service Award
- 2005: Elected GSA Fellow
- 2005: USGS Superior Service Award
Work Assignment
As a research hydrologist in the Geology, Energy, and Minerals Science Center I conduct long-term research on the fate and geochemical effect of organic contaminants in surface and subsurface environments. I use a combined field and laboratory approach in a variety of hydrogeologic environments in order to meet these objectives. I am currently a principal investigator for projects at unconventional oil and gas (UOG) drilling and disposal sites, the Bemidji, MN crude oil spill site and landfill-leachate and wastewater affected sites. My research at these sites focuses on the long-term evolution of biogeochemical zones in the aquifers and the natural attenuation of contaminants. The impact of chemical heterogeneity and the availability of electron acceptors on the extent of biodegradation have been a major thrust of my work. I have also studied aquifers affected by creosote and gasoline releases, with an emphasis on understanding the fate of metabolites in shallow aquifers.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 18
Energy Integrated Science Team
The Energy Integrated Science Team focuses on the potential for contaminant exposures in the environment that might originate from energy resource activities including, transportation, storage, extraction, waste management and restoration. Perceived health risks to humans and other organisms will be distinguished from actual risks, if any. If actual risks are identified this project will inform...
Cyclical Mobilization and Attenuation of Naturally Occurring Arsenic in an Underground Petroleum Plume
Scientists found that naturally occurring arsenic in aquifer sediments was mobilized into groundwater and attenuated through reattachment to sediments within an underground petroleum plume. Understanding these patterns identifies anthropogenic factors that affect arsenic presence and magnitude in groundwater.
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Ethanol-Containing Fuel Spills Enhanced Natural Trace Element Release from Sediments in an Experimental Setting
Experimental field research simulating hydrocarbon spills by researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Virginia Tech, and the University of St. Thomas showed that mixed ethanol and petroleum-based fuels increased the rate by which arsenic and other natural trace elements are released from aquifer sediments to groundwater when compared to petroleum-based fuels alone.
Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study
A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.
Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Results in Arsenic Mobilization in Groundwater
Changes in geochemistry from the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater promote mobilization of naturally occurring arsenic from aquifer sediments into groundwater. This geochemical change can result in potentially significant and overlooked arsenic groundwater contamination. Arsenic is a toxin and carcinogen linked to numerous forms of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. Of...
Ongoing Research to Characterize the Complexity of Chemical Mixtures in Water Resources—Urban Stormwater
A multiagency reconnaissance study of chemicals in urban stormwater, sampled from pipes or ditches during 50 runoff events at 21 sites in 17 states across the United States, demonstrated that stormwater runoff contains complex mixtures of chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals that are indicative of multiple sources in the watershed.
Produced water from Marcellus Shale and amphibians
Research biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) are conducting a series of scientific studies on the potential effects of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing activities on terrestrial wildlife. Findings will help in assessing proposals for managing recycling and distribution of large volumes of flowback and produced waters generated by methods of oil and gas extraction...
Science and Products
- Science
Filter Total Items: 18
Energy Integrated Science Team
The Energy Integrated Science Team focuses on the potential for contaminant exposures in the environment that might originate from energy resource activities including, transportation, storage, extraction, waste management and restoration. Perceived health risks to humans and other organisms will be distinguished from actual risks, if any. If actual risks are identified this project will inform...Cyclical Mobilization and Attenuation of Naturally Occurring Arsenic in an Underground Petroleum Plume
Scientists found that naturally occurring arsenic in aquifer sediments was mobilized into groundwater and attenuated through reattachment to sediments within an underground petroleum plume. Understanding these patterns identifies anthropogenic factors that affect arsenic presence and magnitude in groundwater.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.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...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.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.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.Ethanol-Containing Fuel Spills Enhanced Natural Trace Element Release from Sediments in an Experimental Setting
Experimental field research simulating hydrocarbon spills by researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Virginia Tech, and the University of St. Thomas showed that mixed ethanol and petroleum-based fuels increased the rate by which arsenic and other natural trace elements are released from aquifer sediments to groundwater when compared to petroleum-based fuels alone.Microbiology and Chemistry of Waters Produced from Hydraulic Fracking—A Case Study
A new U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) study determined that the microbiology and organic chemistry of produced waters varied widely among hydraulically fractured shale gas wells in north-central Pennsylvania.Natural Breakdown of Petroleum Results in Arsenic Mobilization in Groundwater
Changes in geochemistry from the natural breakdown of petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater promote mobilization of naturally occurring arsenic from aquifer sediments into groundwater. This geochemical change can result in potentially significant and overlooked arsenic groundwater contamination. Arsenic is a toxin and carcinogen linked to numerous forms of skin, bladder, and lung cancer. Of...Ongoing Research to Characterize the Complexity of Chemical Mixtures in Water Resources—Urban Stormwater
A multiagency reconnaissance study of chemicals in urban stormwater, sampled from pipes or ditches during 50 runoff events at 21 sites in 17 states across the United States, demonstrated that stormwater runoff contains complex mixtures of chemicals including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals that are indicative of multiple sources in the watershed.Produced water from Marcellus Shale and amphibians
Research biologists at the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC) are conducting a series of scientific studies on the potential effects of wastewater from hydraulic fracturing activities on terrestrial wildlife. Findings will help in assessing proposals for managing recycling and distribution of large volumes of flowback and produced waters generated by methods of oil and gas extraction... - Data
- Multimedia
- Publications
- News