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Kathy Conn

Hydrologist and Water Quality Specialist for the Washington Water Science Center

My research focuses on the occurrence, fate, and transport of contaminants in the aquatic environment. Recent activities and interests include:

- Developing novel field methods to quantify fluvial sediment-bound chemical concentrations and fluxes from rivers to Puget Sound 

- Entry and movement of urban contaminants in nearshore coastal environments 

- Monitoring of legacy contaminants (e.g., PCBs and metals), emerging contaminants (e.g., microplastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals), and microbial contaminants (e.g., bacteria, viruses, and fecal indicators) in aquatic resources with implications for ecological and human health

- Providing technical guidance for water-quality projects, including study design, data quality, and dissemination

Professional Experience

  • Hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey's Washington Water Science Center since 2011 and the Center's Water-Quality Specialist since 2015. 

Education and Certifications

  • B.S. in Chemistry from the College of William & Mary

  • M.S. and Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines

  • Post-doctoral research at the University of North Carolina's Institute of Marine Sciences.

Science and Products

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Aerial photograph of a wetland area, with waterways, islands, peninsulas, and a town visible.

Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound

A Pacific Northwest icon, Puget Sound is the second-largest estuary in the United States. Its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters produce and sustain biologically productive coastal habitats. These same natural characteristics also contribute to a high quality of life that has led to growth in human population and urbanization. This growth has played a role in degrading the Sound...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Washington Water Science Center
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Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound

A Pacific Northwest icon, Puget Sound is the second-largest estuary in the United States. Its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters produce and sustain biologically productive coastal habitats. These same natural characteristics also contribute to a high quality of life that has led to growth in human population and urbanization. This growth has played a role in degrading the Sound...
Learn More
link
Pacific sand lance

Contaminants in Puget Sound Forage Fishes and Impacts to the Marine Food Web

Toxic chemical pollutants have been released into Puget Sound for decades by human activities. There’s a wide range of contaminants, from persistent compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and flame retardants to contaminants of emerging concern. Aquatic species can be exposed to and accumulate contaminants, causing disease or disruption of biological processes like growth or reproduction...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)
link

Contaminants in Puget Sound Forage Fishes and Impacts to the Marine Food Web

Toxic chemical pollutants have been released into Puget Sound for decades by human activities. There’s a wide range of contaminants, from persistent compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and flame retardants to contaminants of emerging concern. Aquatic species can be exposed to and accumulate contaminants, causing disease or disruption of biological processes like growth or reproduction...
Learn More
link
USGS

USGS Tacoma Seminar Series

Please note, the seminars are suspended until further notice. Our lunchtime "brownbag" seminars are held Tuesdays from 12pm to 1 pm unless otherwise noted. The science lectures are held at the USGS Washington Water Science Center at 934 Broadway, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA. The presentations are informal and are open to the public. Please, bring your lunch.
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Washington Water Science Center
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USGS Tacoma Seminar Series

Please note, the seminars are suspended until further notice. Our lunchtime "brownbag" seminars are held Tuesdays from 12pm to 1 pm unless otherwise noted. The science lectures are held at the USGS Washington Water Science Center at 934 Broadway, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA. The presentations are informal and are open to the public. Please, bring your lunch.
Learn More
link
Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometer- StreamLine

River Loads into Puget Sound

The Issue: Puget Sound, WA, is the second largest estuary in the United States and its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters sustain biologically-productive terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats. Development and associated human activities have significantly degraded the Sound, causing declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and losses of critical habitats...
By
Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center
link

River Loads into Puget Sound

The Issue: Puget Sound, WA, is the second largest estuary in the United States and its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters sustain biologically-productive terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats. Development and associated human activities have significantly degraded the Sound, causing declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and losses of critical habitats...
Learn More
link
two people hold equipment on ocean beach with a naval ship behind them

Sources of Mercury in Sinclair Inlet Project

The sediments in Sinclair Inlet within Puget Sound, Washington have elevated concentrations of a number of organic compounds and elements including mercury. Following remediation actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), it was determined that there is insufficient information to determine whether remedial action taken at OU B Marine with...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Sources of Mercury in Sinclair Inlet Project

The sediments in Sinclair Inlet within Puget Sound, Washington have elevated concentrations of a number of organic compounds and elements including mercury. Following remediation actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), it was determined that there is insufficient information to determine whether remedial action taken at OU B Marine with...
Learn More

Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023

Particulate samples were collected from a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 18 – 20, 2023 during late summer, low-flow conditions in the intake creek. Settled solids were collected from a retention pond and from the incubation room trough. The trough solids likely had been deposited during storm events the previous winter. A third sample was collected in the incubation room, using a
By
Washington Water Science Center

Particulate mercury isotope results, fiber optic thermal survey data, and nearshore surface sediment results at the Bremerton Naval Complex, Washington, USA, 2020-21

This data release contains four data sets that support ongoing U.S. Geological Survey investigations, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, at the Bremerton Naval Complex (BNC), Sinclair Inlet, Washington. Child item #1 includes reported concentrations of mercury isotopes in 28 samples of new (2018-19) or archived (2008-09) particulate samples from the BNC, surface sediment from Sinclair Inlet, or su
By
Washington Water Science Center

Counts, Fish Weights, and Spectral Data from a Juvenile Chinook Salmon Polyester Microplastic Fiber Exposure Study

This release includes all data collected in support of a juvenile Chinook salmon exposure study designed to understand the retention of microplastic clothing fibers (hereon referred to as "microfibers") after feeding. To understand the potential impacts of microfiber ingestion to fish, we ran a feeding experiment with juvenile Chinook salmon to determine if ingested fibers are retained and/or dige
By
Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center

Maternal transfer of PCBs in Pacific sand lance in Puget Sound, Washington

Data included in this release are from Pacific sand lance and water, sediment and suspended particulate matter collected at two sites in Puget Sound, Washington, which were evaluated for PCB concentration. PCB congener data are stored in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Environmental Contaminant Data Management System (ECDMS), accessible through the Wildlife & Environmental Contaminants Mapper
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Groundwater and Tidal Time-Series Data, Bremerton Naval Complex, Bremerton Washington

This data release includes time series data collected at the Bremerton Naval Complex, Bremerton WA. Groundwater levels and water quality parameters in two monitoring wells were recorded every 15 minutes during a 7-month deployment. Time series data were collected from June 29, 2018, to February 26, 2019. Field deployment details and quality assurance methods are included in the following paragraph
By
Washington Water Science Center
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp
Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT
Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Powell 150 participant Paul Larmer, publisher of High County News, viewing the Green River, UT from the peak at School Section camp during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Powell 150 participant Paul Larmer, publisher of High County News, viewing the Green River, UT from the peak at School Section camp during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Boats in Desolation Canyon along the Green River, UT during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Boats in Desolation Canyon along the Green River, UT during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT
Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley
Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Boatman Ben Capelin viewing the Green River from Three Canyon during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Boatman Ben Capelin viewing the Green River from Three Canyon during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT
Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,
Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Flat Canyon petroglyph panel in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Flat Canyon petroglyph panel in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment
Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Kathy Conn, a U.S. Geological Survey Water Quality Specialist, demonstrates a new USGS field method using a continuous flow centrifuge to collect suspended sediment from large volumes of water in the Duwamish River near Seattle Washington.
 

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Kathy Conn, a U.S. Geological Survey Water Quality Specialist, demonstrates a new USGS field method using a continuous flow centrifuge to collect suspended sediment from large volumes of water in the Duwamish River near Seattle Washington.
 

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 28

Groundwater and surface-water interactions in the Lower Duwamish Waterway, Seattle, Washington

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), conducted a study to describe the current understanding of the regional groundwater system of the lower Duwamish River valley and groundwater and surface-water interactions in the lower Duwamish Waterway. The lower Duwamish Waterway is the final 5-mile (mi) reach of the Duwamish River befor
Authors
Jackson N. Mitchell, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

A conceptual site model of contaminant transport pathways from the Bremerton Naval Complex to Sinclair Inlet, Washington, 2011–21

Historical activities on the Bremerton Naval Complex (BNC) in Puget Sound, Washington, have resulted in Sinclair Inlet sediments with elevated concentrations of contaminants, including organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and trace elements including mercury. Six U.S. Geological Survey–U.S. Navy datasets have been collected since the last major assessment, in 2013, of soil and gr
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Sarah E. Janssen, Chad C. Opatz, Valerie A.L. Bright
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

The 150th anniversary of the 1869 Powell expedition—USGS participation in the Sesquicentennial Colorado River Exploring Expedition and reflections from the ~1,000-mile journey down the Green and Colorado Rivers

In 1869, John Wesley Powell completed the first well-recorded scientific river journey to explore an extensive region of the Colorado River Basin. Powell later helped to establish the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and served as its second director (1881–94), cementing his position in the folklore of the Survey. In 2019, the USGS marked the 150th anniversary of Powell’s first expedition with a broa
Authors
Annie Scott, Eleanour Snow
By
Office of Science Quality and Integrity

Maternal transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), Puget Sound, Washington

We measured polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in multiple age and size classes of Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), including eggs, young-of-the year, and adults to evaluate maternal transfer as a pathway for contaminant uptake and to add to the limited information on the occurrence of PCBs in sand lance in Puget Sound. Sampling was replicated at an urban embayment (Eagle Harbor) and a sta
Authors
Theresa L. Liedtke, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Legacy and current-use toxic contaminants in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) from Puget Sound, Washington

Forage fish are primary prey for seabirds, fish and marine mammals. Elevated levels of pollutants in Puget Sound, Washington salmon and killer whale tissues potentially could be sufficiently high to elicit adverse effects and hamper population recovery efforts. Contaminant transfer and biomagnification of the toxic compounds measured in this study likely contribute to those elevated concentrations
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Theresa L. Liedtke, Renee K. Takesue, Richard S. Dinicola
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Evidence for rapid gut clearance of microplastic polyester fibers fed to Chinook Salmon: A tank study

Marine and freshwater plastic pollution is a challenging issue receiving large amounts of research and media attention. Yet, few studies have documented the impact of microplastic ingestion to aquatic organisms. In the Pacific Northwest, Chinook salmon are a culturally and commercially significant fish species. The presence of marine and freshwater microplastic pollution is well documented in Chin
Authors
Andrew R. Spanjer, Theresa L. Liedtke, Kathleen E. Conn, Lisa K. Weiland, Robert W. Black, Nathan Godfrey
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Microplastic concentrations in two Oregon bivalve species: Spatial, temporal, and species variability

Microplastics are an ecological stressor with implications for ecosystem and human health when present in seafood. We quantified microplastic types, concentrations, anatomical burdens, geographic distribution, and temporal differences in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) from 15 Oregon coast, U.S.A. sites. Microplastics were present in organisms from all
Authors
Britta Baechler, Elise F. Granek, Matthew G. Hunter, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Characterization and load estimation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from selected Rio Grande tributary stormwater channels in the Albuquerque urbanized area, New Mexico, 2017–18

In cooperation with the New Mexico County of Bernalillo, the U.S. Geological Survey characterized potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration and estimated loading into the Rio Grande from watersheds that are under the county’s jurisdiction. Water and sediment samples were collected in 2017–18 from six sites within four stormwater drainage basins in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, urbanize
Authors
Zachary M. Shephard, Kathleen E. Conn, Kimberly R. Beisner, Alanna D. Jornigan, Christina F. Bryant
By
Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and metals in ambient sediment at mussel biomonitoring sites, Puget Sound, Washington

Caged mussels used as biomonitors can provide insights about ambient contaminant assemblages and spatial patterns, sources of contaminants, and contaminant exposure risks for consumers of wild and farmed mussels. This study explored the potential role of ambient sediment in the uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and potentially toxic inorganic elem

Authors
Renee K. Takesue, Pamela L. Campbell‐Swarzenski, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Organic Geochemistry Laboratory

Data management plan for the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

The primary mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Mission Area is to collect and disseminate reliable, impartial, and timely information needed to understand the water resources of the Nation, including data on streamflow, groundwater, water quality, water use, and availability. Management of data throughout the entire data lifecycle is necessary to meet the mission and maintain the U
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Mark C. Mastin, Andrew J. Long, Richard S. Dinicola, Cynthia Barton
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Sources, timing, and fate of sediment and contaminants in the nearshore: insights from geochemistry

Rivers in Cascade watersheds carry sediment with a volcanic composition that is distinct from the plutonic composition of the Puget lowlands. Compositional properties (signatures) allow discrimination of river-sourced Cascade from lowland sediment, and inferences about transport pathways. Surface sediment on land contains atmospheric radionuclides whose known decay rates define monthly (7Be) and d

Authors
Renee K. Takesue, Kathleen E. Conn, Margaret Dutch
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Assessment of existing groundwater quality data in the Green-Duwamish watershed, Washington

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided technical support to the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) in their assessment of the role groundwater plays in contributing pollutant loading to the Green-Duwamish River near Seattle, Washington. Ecology is developing watershed hydrology models of the Green-Duwamish watershed, and need to assign realistic contaminant concentrations to t
Authors
Craig A. Senter, Kathleen E. Conn, Robert W. Black, Wendy B. Welch, Elisabeth T. Fasser
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Habteselassie, M.Y., Kirs, M., Conn, K.E., Blackwood, A.D., Kelly, G. and Noble, R.T. (2011), Tracking microbial transport through four onsite wastewater treatment systems to receiving waters in eastern North Carolina. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 111: 835–847. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05105.x
Conn, K.E., Lowe, K.S., Drewes, J.E., Hoppe-Jones, C., Tucholke, M.B., 2010, Environmental Engineering Science, 27(4): 347-356, https://doi.org/10.1089/ees.2009.0364
Conn, K. E., Siegrist, R. L., Barber, L. B. and Meyer, M. T. (2010), Fate of trace organic compounds during vadose zone soil treatment in an onsite wastewater system. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 29: 285–293. doi:10.1002/etc.40
Lowe, K.S., Tucholke, M.B., Tomaras, J.M.B., Conn, K., Hoppe, C., Drewes, J.E., McCray, J.E., Munakata-Marr, J., 2009, Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources: Final Report. Water Environment Research Foundation. 04-DEC-1. 206 pg., www.ndwrcdp.org/publications.
Lowe, K.S., Rothe, N., Tomaras, J., Conn, K., Tucholke, M., Drewes, J., McCray, J., Munakata-Marr, J., 2007, Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources: Literature Review. Water Environment Research Foundation. 04-DEC-1a. 89 pg. PDF available at www.ndwrcdp.org/publications.
Conn, K.E., Siegrist, R.L., Barber, L.B., Brown, G.K. Organic contaminants in onsite wastewater treatment systems. In Proceedings of the 11th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems. October 20-24, 2007. Warwick, RI: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: St. Joseph, MI, 701P1107cd.

**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.

New USGS Field Method is a Breakthrough for Contaminant Analysis in Water Samples

New USGS Field Method is a Breakthrough for Contaminant Analysis in Water Samples

The U.S. Geological Survey published a new report highlighting a portable continuous-flow centrifuge which aims to save time and money on contaminant...

Read Article

Science and Products

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Aerial photograph of a wetland area, with waterways, islands, peninsulas, and a town visible.

Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound

A Pacific Northwest icon, Puget Sound is the second-largest estuary in the United States. Its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters produce and sustain biologically productive coastal habitats. These same natural characteristics also contribute to a high quality of life that has led to growth in human population and urbanization. This growth has played a role in degrading the Sound...
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Washington Water Science Center
link

Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound

A Pacific Northwest icon, Puget Sound is the second-largest estuary in the United States. Its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters produce and sustain biologically productive coastal habitats. These same natural characteristics also contribute to a high quality of life that has led to growth in human population and urbanization. This growth has played a role in degrading the Sound...
Learn More
link
Pacific sand lance

Contaminants in Puget Sound Forage Fishes and Impacts to the Marine Food Web

Toxic chemical pollutants have been released into Puget Sound for decades by human activities. There’s a wide range of contaminants, from persistent compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and flame retardants to contaminants of emerging concern. Aquatic species can be exposed to and accumulate contaminants, causing disease or disruption of biological processes like growth or reproduction...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)
link

Contaminants in Puget Sound Forage Fishes and Impacts to the Marine Food Web

Toxic chemical pollutants have been released into Puget Sound for decades by human activities. There’s a wide range of contaminants, from persistent compounds like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and flame retardants to contaminants of emerging concern. Aquatic species can be exposed to and accumulate contaminants, causing disease or disruption of biological processes like growth or reproduction...
Learn More
link
USGS

USGS Tacoma Seminar Series

Please note, the seminars are suspended until further notice. Our lunchtime "brownbag" seminars are held Tuesdays from 12pm to 1 pm unless otherwise noted. The science lectures are held at the USGS Washington Water Science Center at 934 Broadway, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA. The presentations are informal and are open to the public. Please, bring your lunch.
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

USGS Tacoma Seminar Series

Please note, the seminars are suspended until further notice. Our lunchtime "brownbag" seminars are held Tuesdays from 12pm to 1 pm unless otherwise noted. The science lectures are held at the USGS Washington Water Science Center at 934 Broadway, Suite 300, Tacoma, WA. The presentations are informal and are open to the public. Please, bring your lunch.
Learn More
link
Laser In-Situ Scattering and Transmissometer- StreamLine

River Loads into Puget Sound

The Issue: Puget Sound, WA, is the second largest estuary in the United States and its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters sustain biologically-productive terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats. Development and associated human activities have significantly degraded the Sound, causing declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and losses of critical habitats...
By
Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center
link

River Loads into Puget Sound

The Issue: Puget Sound, WA, is the second largest estuary in the United States and its unique geology, climate, and nutrient-rich waters sustain biologically-productive terrestrial, coastal, and marine habitats. Development and associated human activities have significantly degraded the Sound, causing declines in fish and wildlife populations, water-quality issues, and losses of critical habitats...
Learn More
link
two people hold equipment on ocean beach with a naval ship behind them

Sources of Mercury in Sinclair Inlet Project

The sediments in Sinclair Inlet within Puget Sound, Washington have elevated concentrations of a number of organic compounds and elements including mercury. Following remediation actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), it was determined that there is insufficient information to determine whether remedial action taken at OU B Marine with...
By
Washington Water Science Center
link

Sources of Mercury in Sinclair Inlet Project

The sediments in Sinclair Inlet within Puget Sound, Washington have elevated concentrations of a number of organic compounds and elements including mercury. Following remediation actions under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), it was determined that there is insufficient information to determine whether remedial action taken at OU B Marine with...
Learn More

Particulate physicochemical data at a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 2023

Particulate samples were collected from a fish hatchery in Puyallup, Washington, September 18 – 20, 2023 during late summer, low-flow conditions in the intake creek. Settled solids were collected from a retention pond and from the incubation room trough. The trough solids likely had been deposited during storm events the previous winter. A third sample was collected in the incubation room, using a
By
Washington Water Science Center

Particulate mercury isotope results, fiber optic thermal survey data, and nearshore surface sediment results at the Bremerton Naval Complex, Washington, USA, 2020-21

This data release contains four data sets that support ongoing U.S. Geological Survey investigations, in cooperation with the U.S. Navy, at the Bremerton Naval Complex (BNC), Sinclair Inlet, Washington. Child item #1 includes reported concentrations of mercury isotopes in 28 samples of new (2018-19) or archived (2008-09) particulate samples from the BNC, surface sediment from Sinclair Inlet, or su
By
Washington Water Science Center

Counts, Fish Weights, and Spectral Data from a Juvenile Chinook Salmon Polyester Microplastic Fiber Exposure Study

This release includes all data collected in support of a juvenile Chinook salmon exposure study designed to understand the retention of microplastic clothing fibers (hereon referred to as "microfibers") after feeding. To understand the potential impacts of microfiber ingestion to fish, we ran a feeding experiment with juvenile Chinook salmon to determine if ingested fibers are retained and/or dige
By
Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center

Maternal transfer of PCBs in Pacific sand lance in Puget Sound, Washington

Data included in this release are from Pacific sand lance and water, sediment and suspended particulate matter collected at two sites in Puget Sound, Washington, which were evaluated for PCB concentration. PCB congener data are stored in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Environmental Contaminant Data Management System (ECDMS), accessible through the Wildlife & Environmental Contaminants Mapper
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Groundwater and Tidal Time-Series Data, Bremerton Naval Complex, Bremerton Washington

This data release includes time series data collected at the Bremerton Naval Complex, Bremerton WA. Groundwater levels and water quality parameters in two monitoring wells were recorded every 15 minutes during a 7-month deployment. Time series data were collected from June 29, 2018, to February 26, 2019. Field deployment details and quality assurance methods are included in the following paragraph
By
Washington Water Science Center
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp
Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT
Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Powell 150 participant Paul Larmer, publisher of High County News, viewing the Green River, UT from the peak at School Section camp during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT from a peak at School Section camp

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Paul Larmer viewing the Green River, UT

Powell 150 participant Paul Larmer, publisher of High County News, viewing the Green River, UT from the peak at School Section camp during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Boats in Desolation Canyon along the Green River, UT during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Powell 150 boats in Desolation Canyon on the Green River, UT

Boats in Desolation Canyon along the Green River, UT during the SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT
Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley
Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Boatman Ben Capelin viewing the Green River from Three Canyon during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

By
Educational Resources
Color photograph of Ben Capelin viewing the Green River valley from Three Canyon, UT

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Powell 150 boatman Ben Capelin viewing Green River valley

Boatman Ben Capelin viewing the Green River from Three Canyon during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT
Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,
Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Flat Canyon petroglyph panel in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Color photograph of Flat Canyon petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Powell 150 Flat Canyon Petroglyphs in Desolation Canyon, Green River,

Flat Canyon petroglyph panel in Desolation Canyon, Green River, UT during the Powell 150 SCREE-USGS expedition, June 2019

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Educational Resources
Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment
Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Kathy Conn, a U.S. Geological Survey Water Quality Specialist, demonstrates a new USGS field method using a continuous flow centrifuge to collect suspended sediment from large volumes of water in the Duwamish River near Seattle Washington.
 

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Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Using a Continuous Flow Centrifuge to Collect Suspended Sediment

Kathy Conn, a U.S. Geological Survey Water Quality Specialist, demonstrates a new USGS field method using a continuous flow centrifuge to collect suspended sediment from large volumes of water in the Duwamish River near Seattle Washington.
 

By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center, Communications and Publishing
Filter Total Items: 28

Groundwater and surface-water interactions in the Lower Duwamish Waterway, Seattle, Washington

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology), conducted a study to describe the current understanding of the regional groundwater system of the lower Duwamish River valley and groundwater and surface-water interactions in the lower Duwamish Waterway. The lower Duwamish Waterway is the final 5-mile (mi) reach of the Duwamish River befor
Authors
Jackson N. Mitchell, Kathleen E. Conn
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Water Resources Mission Area, Pacific Islands Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

A conceptual site model of contaminant transport pathways from the Bremerton Naval Complex to Sinclair Inlet, Washington, 2011–21

Historical activities on the Bremerton Naval Complex (BNC) in Puget Sound, Washington, have resulted in Sinclair Inlet sediments with elevated concentrations of contaminants, including organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and trace elements including mercury. Six U.S. Geological Survey–U.S. Navy datasets have been collected since the last major assessment, in 2013, of soil and gr
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Sarah E. Janssen, Chad C. Opatz, Valerie A.L. Bright
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Water Resources Mission Area, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center

The 150th anniversary of the 1869 Powell expedition—USGS participation in the Sesquicentennial Colorado River Exploring Expedition and reflections from the ~1,000-mile journey down the Green and Colorado Rivers

In 1869, John Wesley Powell completed the first well-recorded scientific river journey to explore an extensive region of the Colorado River Basin. Powell later helped to establish the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and served as its second director (1881–94), cementing his position in the folklore of the Survey. In 2019, the USGS marked the 150th anniversary of Powell’s first expedition with a broa
Authors
Annie Scott, Eleanour Snow
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Office of Science Quality and Integrity

Maternal transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), Puget Sound, Washington

We measured polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in multiple age and size classes of Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus), including eggs, young-of-the year, and adults to evaluate maternal transfer as a pathway for contaminant uptake and to add to the limited information on the occurrence of PCBs in sand lance in Puget Sound. Sampling was replicated at an urban embayment (Eagle Harbor) and a sta
Authors
Theresa L. Liedtke, Kathleen E. Conn
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Legacy and current-use toxic contaminants in Pacific sand lance (Ammodytes personatus) from Puget Sound, Washington

Forage fish are primary prey for seabirds, fish and marine mammals. Elevated levels of pollutants in Puget Sound, Washington salmon and killer whale tissues potentially could be sufficiently high to elicit adverse effects and hamper population recovery efforts. Contaminant transfer and biomagnification of the toxic compounds measured in this study likely contribute to those elevated concentrations
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Theresa L. Liedtke, Renee K. Takesue, Richard S. Dinicola
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Evidence for rapid gut clearance of microplastic polyester fibers fed to Chinook Salmon: A tank study

Marine and freshwater plastic pollution is a challenging issue receiving large amounts of research and media attention. Yet, few studies have documented the impact of microplastic ingestion to aquatic organisms. In the Pacific Northwest, Chinook salmon are a culturally and commercially significant fish species. The presence of marine and freshwater microplastic pollution is well documented in Chin
Authors
Andrew R. Spanjer, Theresa L. Liedtke, Kathleen E. Conn, Lisa K. Weiland, Robert W. Black, Nathan Godfrey
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Microplastic concentrations in two Oregon bivalve species: Spatial, temporal, and species variability

Microplastics are an ecological stressor with implications for ecosystem and human health when present in seafood. We quantified microplastic types, concentrations, anatomical burdens, geographic distribution, and temporal differences in Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and Pacific razor clams (Siliqua patula) from 15 Oregon coast, U.S.A. sites. Microplastics were present in organisms from all
Authors
Britta Baechler, Elise F. Granek, Matthew G. Hunter, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Characterization and load estimation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from selected Rio Grande tributary stormwater channels in the Albuquerque urbanized area, New Mexico, 2017–18

In cooperation with the New Mexico County of Bernalillo, the U.S. Geological Survey characterized potential polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration and estimated loading into the Rio Grande from watersheds that are under the county’s jurisdiction. Water and sediment samples were collected in 2017–18 from six sites within four stormwater drainage basins in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, urbanize
Authors
Zachary M. Shephard, Kathleen E. Conn, Kimberly R. Beisner, Alanna D. Jornigan, Christina F. Bryant
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Water Resources Mission Area, New Mexico Water Science Center

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and metals in ambient sediment at mussel biomonitoring sites, Puget Sound, Washington

Caged mussels used as biomonitors can provide insights about ambient contaminant assemblages and spatial patterns, sources of contaminants, and contaminant exposure risks for consumers of wild and farmed mussels. This study explored the potential role of ambient sediment in the uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and potentially toxic inorganic elem

Authors
Renee K. Takesue, Pamela L. Campbell‐Swarzenski, Kathleen E. Conn
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Organic Geochemistry Laboratory

Data management plan for the U.S. Geological Survey Washington Water Science Center

The primary mission of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Water Mission Area is to collect and disseminate reliable, impartial, and timely information needed to understand the water resources of the Nation, including data on streamflow, groundwater, water quality, water use, and availability. Management of data throughout the entire data lifecycle is necessary to meet the mission and maintain the U
Authors
Kathleen E. Conn, Mark C. Mastin, Andrew J. Long, Richard S. Dinicola, Cynthia Barton
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Sources, timing, and fate of sediment and contaminants in the nearshore: insights from geochemistry

Rivers in Cascade watersheds carry sediment with a volcanic composition that is distinct from the plutonic composition of the Puget lowlands. Compositional properties (signatures) allow discrimination of river-sourced Cascade from lowland sediment, and inferences about transport pathways. Surface sediment on land contains atmospheric radionuclides whose known decay rates define monthly (7Be) and d

Authors
Renee K. Takesue, Kathleen E. Conn, Margaret Dutch
By
Natural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center

Assessment of existing groundwater quality data in the Green-Duwamish watershed, Washington

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provided technical support to the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) in their assessment of the role groundwater plays in contributing pollutant loading to the Green-Duwamish River near Seattle, Washington. Ecology is developing watershed hydrology models of the Green-Duwamish watershed, and need to assign realistic contaminant concentrations to t
Authors
Craig A. Senter, Kathleen E. Conn, Robert W. Black, Wendy B. Welch, Elisabeth T. Fasser
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Washington Water Science Center

Non-USGS Publications**

Habteselassie, M.Y., Kirs, M., Conn, K.E., Blackwood, A.D., Kelly, G. and Noble, R.T. (2011), Tracking microbial transport through four onsite wastewater treatment systems to receiving waters in eastern North Carolina. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 111: 835–847. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05105.x
Conn, K.E., Lowe, K.S., Drewes, J.E., Hoppe-Jones, C., Tucholke, M.B., 2010, Environmental Engineering Science, 27(4): 347-356, https://doi.org/10.1089/ees.2009.0364
Conn, K. E., Siegrist, R. L., Barber, L. B. and Meyer, M. T. (2010), Fate of trace organic compounds during vadose zone soil treatment in an onsite wastewater system. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 29: 285–293. doi:10.1002/etc.40
Lowe, K.S., Tucholke, M.B., Tomaras, J.M.B., Conn, K., Hoppe, C., Drewes, J.E., McCray, J.E., Munakata-Marr, J., 2009, Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources: Final Report. Water Environment Research Foundation. 04-DEC-1. 206 pg., www.ndwrcdp.org/publications.
Lowe, K.S., Rothe, N., Tomaras, J., Conn, K., Tucholke, M., Drewes, J., McCray, J., Munakata-Marr, J., 2007, Influent Constituent Characteristics of the Modern Waste Stream from Single Sources: Literature Review. Water Environment Research Foundation. 04-DEC-1a. 89 pg. PDF available at www.ndwrcdp.org/publications.
Conn, K.E., Siegrist, R.L., Barber, L.B., Brown, G.K. Organic contaminants in onsite wastewater treatment systems. In Proceedings of the 11th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems. October 20-24, 2007. Warwick, RI: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers: St. Joseph, MI, 701P1107cd.

**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.

New USGS Field Method is a Breakthrough for Contaminant Analysis in Water Samples

New USGS Field Method is a Breakthrough for Contaminant Analysis in Water Samples

The U.S. Geological Survey published a new report highlighting a portable continuous-flow centrifuge which aims to save time and money on contaminant...

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