Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Ph.D.
(She, Her, Hers)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.
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.
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
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
Fate of microbial metabolites of hydrocarbons in a coastal plain aquifer: The role of electron acceptors
Ground-water contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons: Natural biodegradation in a dynamic hydrologic and geochemical system
Biogeochemical processes and migration of aqueous constituents in ground water contaminated with crude oil
The geochemical evolution of low-molecular-weight organic acids derived from the degradation of petroleum contaminants in groundwater
The biogeochemical fate of organic acids in a shallow aquifer contaminated with gasoline
Crude oil in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer-II. Organic geochemistry
Crude oil in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer-III. Biogeochemical reactions and mass balance modeling in anoxic groundwater
The determination and fate of unstable constituents in contaminated ground water
Oxidation of hydrocarbons coupled to reduction of inorganic species in groundwater
Authigenic mineral formation in aquifers rich in organic material
Transformation of Monoaromatic hydrocarbons to organic acids in anoxic groundwater environment
Oxidation of aromatic contaminants coupled to microbial iron reduction
Science and Products
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Fate of microbial metabolites of hydrocarbons in a coastal plain aquifer: The role of electron acceptors
A combined field and laboratory study was undertaken to understand the distribution and geochemical conditions that influence the prevalence of low molecular weight organic acids in groundwater of a shallow aquifer contaminated with gasoline. Aromatic hydrocarbons from gasoline were degraded by microbially mediated oxidation-reduction reactions, including reduction of nitrate, sulfate, and Fe(III)AuthorsI.M. Cozzarelli, J.S. Herman, M. Jo BaedeckerGround-water contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons: Natural biodegradation in a dynamic hydrologic and geochemical system
No abstract available.AuthorsIsabelle M. Cozzarelli, Mary Jo Baedecker, Jeffrey Fischer, C.S. PhinneyBiogeochemical processes and migration of aqueous constituents in ground water contaminated with crude oil
No abstract available.AuthorsMary Jo Baedecker, Isabelle M. CozzarelliThe geochemical evolution of low-molecular-weight organic acids derived from the degradation of petroleum contaminants in groundwater
The geochemical evolution of low-molecular-weight organic acids in groundwater downgradient from a crude-oil spill near Bemidji, Minnesota, was studied over a five year period (1986–1990). The organic acids are metabolic intermediates of the degradation of components of the crude oil and are structurally related to hydrocarbon precursors. The concentrations of organic acids, particularly aliphaticAuthorsI.M. Cozzarelli, M.J. Baedecker, R.P. Eganhouse, D. F. GoerlitzThe biogeochemical fate of organic acids in a shallow aquifer contaminated with gasoline
No abstract available.AuthorsIsabelle M. CozzarelliCrude oil in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer-II. Organic geochemistry
Crude oil spilled from a pipeline break in a remote area of north-central Minnesota has contaminated a shallow glacial outwash aquifer. Part of the oil was sprayed over a large area to the west of the pipeline and part of it accumulated in an oil body that floats at the water table to the east of the point of discharge. Total dissolved organic carbon (TDOC) concentrations in shallow groundwater coAuthorsR.P. Eganhouse, M.J. Baedecker, I.M. Cozzarelli, G. R. Aiken, K. A. Thorn, T.F. DorseyCrude oil in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer-III. Biogeochemical reactions and mass balance modeling in anoxic groundwater
Crude oil floating on the water table in a sand and gravel aquifer provides a constant source of hydrocarbons to the groundwater at a site near Bemidji, Minnesota. The degradation of hydrocarbons affects the concentrations of oxidized and reduced aqueous species in the anoxic part of the contaminant plume that developed downgradient from the oil body. The concentrations of Fe2+, Mn2+ and CH4, Eh mAuthorsM.J. Baedecker, I.M. Cozzarelli, R.P. Eganhouse, D. I. Siegel, P.C. BennettThe determination and fate of unstable constituents in contaminated ground water
No abstract available.AuthorsMary Jo Baedecker, Isabelle M. CozzarelliOxidation of hydrocarbons coupled to reduction of inorganic species in groundwater
No abstract available.AuthorsIsabelle M. Cozzarelli, Mary Jo BaedeckerAuthigenic mineral formation in aquifers rich in organic material
No abstract available.AuthorsMary Jo Baedecker, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, J.R. Evans, P.P. HearnTransformation of Monoaromatic hydrocarbons to organic acids in anoxic groundwater environment
The transformation of benzene and a series of alkylbenzenes was studied in anoxic groundwater of a shallow glacial-outwash aquifer near Bemidji, Minnesota, U.S.A. Monoaromatic hydrocarbons, the most water-soluble components of crude oil, were transported downgradient of an oil spill, forming a plume of contaminated groundwater. Organic acids that were not original components of the oil were identiAuthorsI.M. Cozzarelli, R.P. Eganhouse, M.J. BaedeckerOxidation of aromatic contaminants coupled to microbial iron reduction
THE contamination of sub-surface water supplies with aromatic compounds is a significant environmental concern1,2. As these contaminated sub-surface environments are generally anaerobic, the microbial oxidation of aromatic compounds coupled to nitrate reduction, sulphate reduction and methane production has been studied intensively1-7. In addition, geochemical evidence suggests that Fe(III) can beAuthorsD. R. Lovley, M.J. Baedecker, D.J. Lonergan, I.M. Cozzarelli, E. J. P. Phillips, D. I. Siegel - News
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