Kathy Echols, PhD
Dr. Kathy Echols is a Research Chemist at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.
She leads the Environmental Forensics Group in the Environmental Chemistry Branch at the center. Her expertise includes persistent organic pollutant analysis, especially in tissue matrices; also does research in algal toxin analysis and emerging contaminant analysis.
Professional Experience
2004-present Research Chemist, Group Leader, Environmental Forensics, Environmental Chemistry Branch, CERC, USGS, Columbia, Missouri.
2000-2004 Research Chemist, Organic Section, Environmental Chemistry Branch, CERC, USGS.
1996-2000 Research Chemist, Organic/Biochemistry Section, USGS, MSC and CERC.
1997-1998 Adjunct Professor, Chemistry Department, University of Missouri-Columbia.
1997-1998 Adjunct Professor, Chemistry Department, University of Missouri-Columbia.
1993-1996 Research Chemist, Leader of Chromatography Section, National Biological Service, CERC
1992-1993 Research Chemist, Leader of Chromatography Section, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fisheries Contaminant Research Center, Columbia, MO.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Analytical Chemistry, University of Missouri, 1992
B.S. Chemistry, College of William and Mary, 1987
Science and Products
How are Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds Moving Through the Food Web in Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Water quality in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), particularly Las Vegas Bay, is affected by water coming from the Las Vegas Wash, an urban perennial stream whose water is comprised of treated wastewater and urban runoff coming from the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Common carp collected from Las Vegas Wash and Las Vegas Bay and largemouth bass collected from Las Vegas Bay have...
Contaminants measured in multiple environmental media in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, USA in 2010
Concentrations of a wide variety of environmental organic contaminants were measured in surface waters of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Nevada and Arizona) in 2010 to provide a measure of exposure to resident fish species. These contaminants were sampled using the semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) and the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) which allow for the...
Organochlorine chemicals in northern cardinal eggs from suburban Washington, DC USA
Analysis of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in northern cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington, DC
Sperm quality biomarkers complement reproductive and endocrine parameters in investigating environmental contaminants in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (1999-2006)
Lake Mead National Recreational Area (LMNRA) serves as critical habitat for several federally listed species and supplies water for municipal, domestic, and agricultural use in the Southwestern U.S. Contaminant sources and concentrations vary among sub-basins within LMNRA. To investigate whether environmental contaminant exposure is associated with alterations in male common carp...
Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park
Surface water, sediment, and fish from Biscayne Bay, coastal wetlands adjacent to Biscayne Bay, and canals discharging into Biscayne Bay were sampled for determination of baseline contamination in Biscayne National Park. The number of contaminants detected in canal waters was greater during the wet season relative to the dry season, a relation not evident in Biscayne Bay or wetland...
Filter Total Items: 42
Fish health altered by contaminants and low water temperatures compounded by prolonged regional drought in the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA
The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17–30 carp at four sites and 130...
Authors
Steven L Goodbred, Reynaldo Patiño, David Alvarez, Darren Johnson, Deena Hannoun, Kathy R. Echols, Jill Jenkins
Movement of synthetic organic compounds in the food web after the introduction of invasive quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona, USA
Introductions of dreissenid mussels in North America have been a significant concern over the last few decades. This study assessed the distribution of synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) in the food web of Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona, USA and how this distribution was influenced by the introduction of invasive quagga mussels. A clear spatial gradient of SOC concentrations in water was...
Authors
Steven L. Goodbred, Michael R. Rosen, Reynaldo Patiño, David Alvarez, Kathy R. Echols, Kerensa King, John Umek
Effects of microcystin-LR on juvenile Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) during feeding trials, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2014−16
Executive SummaryHistorically, populations of Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) of the Upper Klamath Basin were so numerous that they were commercially harvested; however, declining numbers throughout the 20th century led to the listing of the species under the United States Endangered Species Act in 1988. Habitat destruction, poor water quality, competition with (and predation by)...
Authors
Barbara A. Martin, Kathy R. Echols, Diane G. Elliott, Kevin Feltz, Carla M. Conway, Summer M. Burdick
Organochlorine chemical residues in Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) eggs from Greater Washington, DC USA
Northern Cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington DC were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. All compounds were detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in more heavily urbanized neighborhoods. DDT (mostly as p,pʹ-DDE) was detected in all neighborhoods. p,pʹ-DDT was typically 0.5‒16 ng/g (ww) in most suburban neighborhoods but was not detected (
Authors
Christopher J. Schmitt, Kathy R. Echols, Paul Peterman, Carl Orazio, Christiana Grimm, Shirlee Tan, Nora E. Diggs, Peter P. Marra
Sperm quality biomarkers complement reproductive and endocrine parameters in investigating environmental contaminants in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreational Area (LMNRA) serves as critical habitat for several federally listed species and supplies water for municipal, domestic, and agricultural use in the Southwestern U.S. Contaminant sources and concentrations vary among the sub-basins within LMNRA. To investigate whether exposure to environmental contaminants is associated with alterations in male common carp...
Authors
Jill A. Jenkins, Michael R. Rosen, Rassa O. Dale, Kathy R. Echols, Leticia Torres, Carla M. Wieser, Constance A. Kersten, S. Goodbred
Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park
Surface water, sediment, and fish from Biscayne Bay, coastal wetlands adjacent to the Bay, and canals discharging into the Bay were sampled for determination of baseline contamination in Biscayne National Park. While the number of contaminants detected in canal waters was greater during the wet season than the dry season, no seasonal difference was evident for Biscayne Bay or coastal...
Authors
Timothy A. Bargar, Kevin R.T. Whelan, David Alvarez, Kathy R. Echols, Paul H. Peterman
Health and condition of endangered juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers relative to water quality and fish assemblages in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California
Executive Summary Most mortality of endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose (Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, appears to occur within the first year of life. However, juvenile suckers in Clear Lake Reservoir, California, appear to survive longer and may even recruit to the spawning populations. Our goal in this study was to develop...
Authors
Summer M. Burdick, Diane G. Elliott, Carl O. Ostberg, Carla M. Conway, Amari Dolan-Caret, Marshal S. Hoy, Kevin P. Feltz, Kathy R. Echols
Novel associations between contaminant body burdens and biomarkers of reproductive condition in male Common Carp along multiple gradients of contaminant exposure in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, USA
Adult male Common Carp were sampled in 2007/08 over a full reproductive cycle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Sites sampled included a stream dominated by treated wastewater effluent, a lake basin receiving the streamflow, an upstream lake basin (reference), and a site below Hoover Dam. Individual body burdens for 252 contaminants were measured, and biological variables assessed...
Authors
Reynaldo Patiño, Matthew M. VanLandeghem, Steven L. Goodbred, Erik Orsak, Jill A. Jenkins, Kathy R. Echols, Michael R. Rosen, Leticia Torres
An evaluation of the residual toxicity and chemistry of a sodium hydroxide-based ballast water treatment system for freshwater ships
Nonnative organisms in the ballast water of freshwater ships must be killed to prevent the spread of invasive species. The ideal ballast water treatment system (BWTS) would kill 100% of ballast water organisms with minimal residual toxicity to organisms in receiving waters. In the present study, the residual toxicity and chemistry of a BWTS was evaluated. Sodium hydroxide was added to...
Authors
Adria Elskus, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Nile E. Kemble, Kathy R. Echols, William G. Brumbaugh, Jeffrey W. Henquinet, Barnaby J. Watten
Are endocrine and reproductive biomarkers altered in contaminant-exposed wild male Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) of Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona, USA?
Male Largemouth Bass were sampled from two locations in Lake Mead (USA), a site influenced by treated municipal wastewater effluent and urban runoff (Las Vegas Bay), and a reference site (Overton Arm). Samples were collected in summer (July '07) and spring (March '08) to assess general health, endocrine and reproductive biomarkers, and compare contaminant body burdens by analyzing 252...
Authors
Steven L. Goodbred, Reynaldo Patiño, Leticia Torres, Kathy R. Echols, Jill A. Jenkins, Michael R. Rosen, Erik Orsak
Contaminants assessment in the coral reefs of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Coral, fish, plankton, and detritus samples were collected from coral reefs in Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS) and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICR) to assess existing contamination levels. Passive water sampling using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semi-permeable membrane devices found a few emerging pollutants of concern (DEET and...
Authors
Timothy A. Bargar, Virginia H. Garrison, David A. Alvarez, Kathy Echols
Immunological and reproductive health assessment in herring gulls and black-crowned night herons in the Hudson–Raritan Estuary
Previous studies have shown inexplicable declines in breeding waterbirds within western New York/New Jersey Harbor between 1996 and 2002 and elevated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) eggs. The present study assessed associations between immune function, prefledgling survival, and selected...
Authors
Keith A. Grasman, Kathy R. Echols, Thomas M. May, Paul H. Peterman, Robert W. Gale, Carl E. Orazio
Science and Products
How are Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds Moving Through the Food Web in Lake Mead National Recreation Area?
Water quality in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (LAKE), particularly Las Vegas Bay, is affected by water coming from the Las Vegas Wash, an urban perennial stream whose water is comprised of treated wastewater and urban runoff coming from the Las Vegas metropolitan area. Common carp collected from Las Vegas Wash and Las Vegas Bay and largemouth bass collected from Las Vegas Bay have...
Contaminants measured in multiple environmental media in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, USA in 2010
Concentrations of a wide variety of environmental organic contaminants were measured in surface waters of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Nevada and Arizona) in 2010 to provide a measure of exposure to resident fish species. These contaminants were sampled using the semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) and the polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) which allow for the...
Organochlorine chemicals in northern cardinal eggs from suburban Washington, DC USA
Analysis of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in northern cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington, DC
Sperm quality biomarkers complement reproductive and endocrine parameters in investigating environmental contaminants in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (1999-2006)
Lake Mead National Recreational Area (LMNRA) serves as critical habitat for several federally listed species and supplies water for municipal, domestic, and agricultural use in the Southwestern U.S. Contaminant sources and concentrations vary among sub-basins within LMNRA. To investigate whether environmental contaminant exposure is associated with alterations in male common carp...
Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park
Surface water, sediment, and fish from Biscayne Bay, coastal wetlands adjacent to Biscayne Bay, and canals discharging into Biscayne Bay were sampled for determination of baseline contamination in Biscayne National Park. The number of contaminants detected in canal waters was greater during the wet season relative to the dry season, a relation not evident in Biscayne Bay or wetland...
Filter Total Items: 42
Fish health altered by contaminants and low water temperatures compounded by prolonged regional drought in the Lower Colorado River Basin, USA
The goal of this study was to assess health of male Common Carp (carp, Cyprinus carpio) at four sites with a wide range in environmental organic contaminant (EOC) concentrations and water temperatures in Lake Mead National Recreation Area NV/AZ, US, and the potential influence of regional drought. Histological and reproductive biomarkers were measured in 17–30 carp at four sites and 130...
Authors
Steven L Goodbred, Reynaldo Patiño, David Alvarez, Darren Johnson, Deena Hannoun, Kathy R. Echols, Jill Jenkins
Movement of synthetic organic compounds in the food web after the introduction of invasive quagga mussels (Dreissena bugensis) in Lake Mead, Nevada and Arizona, USA
Introductions of dreissenid mussels in North America have been a significant concern over the last few decades. This study assessed the distribution of synthetic organic compounds (SOCs) in the food web of Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona, USA and how this distribution was influenced by the introduction of invasive quagga mussels. A clear spatial gradient of SOC concentrations in water was...
Authors
Steven L. Goodbred, Michael R. Rosen, Reynaldo Patiño, David Alvarez, Kathy R. Echols, Kerensa King, John Umek
Effects of microcystin-LR on juvenile Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) during feeding trials, Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, 2014−16
Executive SummaryHistorically, populations of Lost River suckers (Deltistes luxatus) of the Upper Klamath Basin were so numerous that they were commercially harvested; however, declining numbers throughout the 20th century led to the listing of the species under the United States Endangered Species Act in 1988. Habitat destruction, poor water quality, competition with (and predation by)...
Authors
Barbara A. Martin, Kathy R. Echols, Diane G. Elliott, Kevin Feltz, Carla M. Conway, Summer M. Burdick
Organochlorine chemical residues in Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) eggs from Greater Washington, DC USA
Northern Cardinal eggs from six neighborhoods near Washington DC were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. All compounds were detected more frequently and at higher concentrations in more heavily urbanized neighborhoods. DDT (mostly as p,pʹ-DDE) was detected in all neighborhoods. p,pʹ-DDT was typically 0.5‒16 ng/g (ww) in most suburban neighborhoods but was not detected (
Authors
Christopher J. Schmitt, Kathy R. Echols, Paul Peterman, Carl Orazio, Christiana Grimm, Shirlee Tan, Nora E. Diggs, Peter P. Marra
Sperm quality biomarkers complement reproductive and endocrine parameters in investigating environmental contaminants in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Lake Mead National Recreational Area (LMNRA) serves as critical habitat for several federally listed species and supplies water for municipal, domestic, and agricultural use in the Southwestern U.S. Contaminant sources and concentrations vary among the sub-basins within LMNRA. To investigate whether exposure to environmental contaminants is associated with alterations in male common carp...
Authors
Jill A. Jenkins, Michael R. Rosen, Rassa O. Dale, Kathy R. Echols, Leticia Torres, Carla M. Wieser, Constance A. Kersten, S. Goodbred
Baseline aquatic contamination and endocrine status in a resident fish of Biscayne National Park
Surface water, sediment, and fish from Biscayne Bay, coastal wetlands adjacent to the Bay, and canals discharging into the Bay were sampled for determination of baseline contamination in Biscayne National Park. While the number of contaminants detected in canal waters was greater during the wet season than the dry season, no seasonal difference was evident for Biscayne Bay or coastal...
Authors
Timothy A. Bargar, Kevin R.T. Whelan, David Alvarez, Kathy R. Echols, Paul H. Peterman
Health and condition of endangered juvenile Lost River and shortnose suckers relative to water quality and fish assemblages in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, and Clear Lake Reservoir, California
Executive Summary Most mortality of endangered Lost River (Deltistes luxatus) and shortnose (Chasmistes brevirostris) suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Oregon, appears to occur within the first year of life. However, juvenile suckers in Clear Lake Reservoir, California, appear to survive longer and may even recruit to the spawning populations. Our goal in this study was to develop...
Authors
Summer M. Burdick, Diane G. Elliott, Carl O. Ostberg, Carla M. Conway, Amari Dolan-Caret, Marshal S. Hoy, Kevin P. Feltz, Kathy R. Echols
Novel associations between contaminant body burdens and biomarkers of reproductive condition in male Common Carp along multiple gradients of contaminant exposure in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, USA
Adult male Common Carp were sampled in 2007/08 over a full reproductive cycle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Sites sampled included a stream dominated by treated wastewater effluent, a lake basin receiving the streamflow, an upstream lake basin (reference), and a site below Hoover Dam. Individual body burdens for 252 contaminants were measured, and biological variables assessed...
Authors
Reynaldo Patiño, Matthew M. VanLandeghem, Steven L. Goodbred, Erik Orsak, Jill A. Jenkins, Kathy R. Echols, Michael R. Rosen, Leticia Torres
An evaluation of the residual toxicity and chemistry of a sodium hydroxide-based ballast water treatment system for freshwater ships
Nonnative organisms in the ballast water of freshwater ships must be killed to prevent the spread of invasive species. The ideal ballast water treatment system (BWTS) would kill 100% of ballast water organisms with minimal residual toxicity to organisms in receiving waters. In the present study, the residual toxicity and chemistry of a BWTS was evaluated. Sodium hydroxide was added to...
Authors
Adria Elskus, Christopher G. Ingersoll, Nile E. Kemble, Kathy R. Echols, William G. Brumbaugh, Jeffrey W. Henquinet, Barnaby J. Watten
Are endocrine and reproductive biomarkers altered in contaminant-exposed wild male Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) of Lake Mead, Nevada/Arizona, USA?
Male Largemouth Bass were sampled from two locations in Lake Mead (USA), a site influenced by treated municipal wastewater effluent and urban runoff (Las Vegas Bay), and a reference site (Overton Arm). Samples were collected in summer (July '07) and spring (March '08) to assess general health, endocrine and reproductive biomarkers, and compare contaminant body burdens by analyzing 252...
Authors
Steven L. Goodbred, Reynaldo Patiño, Leticia Torres, Kathy R. Echols, Jill A. Jenkins, Michael R. Rosen, Erik Orsak
Contaminants assessment in the coral reefs of Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
Coral, fish, plankton, and detritus samples were collected from coral reefs in Virgin Islands National Park (VIIS) and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument (VICR) to assess existing contamination levels. Passive water sampling using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semi-permeable membrane devices found a few emerging pollutants of concern (DEET and...
Authors
Timothy A. Bargar, Virginia H. Garrison, David A. Alvarez, Kathy Echols
Immunological and reproductive health assessment in herring gulls and black-crowned night herons in the Hudson–Raritan Estuary
Previous studies have shown inexplicable declines in breeding waterbirds within western New York/New Jersey Harbor between 1996 and 2002 and elevated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) eggs. The present study assessed associations between immune function, prefledgling survival, and selected...
Authors
Keith A. Grasman, Kathy R. Echols, Thomas M. May, Paul H. Peterman, Robert W. Gale, Carl E. Orazio