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
Arsenic and Iron data for mass balance calculations to investigate arsenic cycling in a petroleum plume
Partial release of iron, alkalinity, and oxygen data from Bemidji crude oil site, Minnesota 1993-2016
The role of alluvial aquifer sediments in attenuating a dissolved arsenic plume data release
Toxicity assessment of groundwater contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons at a well-characterized, aged, crude oil release site
Weathering of oil in a surficial aquifer
Examining natural attenuation and acute toxicity of petroleum-derived dissolved organic matter with optical spectroscopy
Common hydraulic fracturing fluid additives alter the structure and function of anaerobic microbial communities
A mass balance approach to investigate arsenic cycling in a petroleum plume
Degradation of crude 4-MCHM (4-methylcyclohexanemethanol) in sediments from Elk River, West Virginia
The role of alluvial aquifer sediments in attenuating a dissolved arsenic plume
Evidence of coupled carbon and iron cycling at a hydrocarbon-contaminated site from time lapse magnetic susceptibility
Shifts in microbial community structure and function in surface waters impacted by unconventional oil and gas wastewater revealed by metagenomics
Environmental signatures and effects of an oil and gas wastewater spill in the Williston Basin, North Dakota
Preliminary results from exploratory sampling of wells for the California oil, gas, and groundwater program, 2014–15
Endocrine disrupting activities of surface water associated with a West Virginia oil and gas industry wastewater disposal site
Science and Products
Arsenic and Iron data for mass balance calculations to investigate arsenic cycling in a petroleum plume
Partial release of iron, alkalinity, and oxygen data from Bemidji crude oil site, Minnesota 1993-2016
The role of alluvial aquifer sediments in attenuating a dissolved arsenic plume data release
Toxicity assessment of groundwater contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons at a well-characterized, aged, crude oil release site
Weathering of oil in a surficial aquifer
Examining natural attenuation and acute toxicity of petroleum-derived dissolved organic matter with optical spectroscopy
Common hydraulic fracturing fluid additives alter the structure and function of anaerobic microbial communities
A mass balance approach to investigate arsenic cycling in a petroleum plume
Degradation of crude 4-MCHM (4-methylcyclohexanemethanol) in sediments from Elk River, West Virginia
The role of alluvial aquifer sediments in attenuating a dissolved arsenic plume
Evidence of coupled carbon and iron cycling at a hydrocarbon-contaminated site from time lapse magnetic susceptibility
Shifts in microbial community structure and function in surface waters impacted by unconventional oil and gas wastewater revealed by metagenomics
Environmental signatures and effects of an oil and gas wastewater spill in the Williston Basin, North Dakota
Preliminary results from exploratory sampling of wells for the California oil, gas, and groundwater program, 2014–15
Endocrine disrupting activities of surface water associated with a West Virginia oil and gas industry wastewater disposal site
*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