Kimberly Beisner is the water chemistry specialist for the New Mexico Water Science center. She received a Masters of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Utah and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Geology from the University of Kansas.
Kimberly's USGS experience started in the Utah Water Science Center as a graduate student working on mercury and selenium associated with the Great Salt Lake and abandoned uranium mines in southern Utah. Following graduation, she joined the Arizona Water Science center where she has worked on geochemical studies related to the lands withdrawn from uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, water resources at Saguaro National Park, and stable isotope and noble gas evaluation groundwater of the Verde watershed to understand recharge elevation. Currently, she serves as the New Mexico Water Quality specialist and focuses on multiple geochemical and anthropogenic tracers including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and continues to work with the Arizona Water Science Center in the Grand Canyon.
Professional Experience
2017 to present: Water Chemistry Specialist, U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Water Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
2008 to 2017: Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Arizona Water Science Center, Tucson, Arizona
2007 to 2008: Student Trainee, U.S. Geological Survey, Utah Science Center, Salt Lake City, Utah
Education and Certifications
M.S. Geology (2008), University of Utah (Thesis "Selenium and trace element mobility affected by periodic interruption of stratification in the Great Salt Lake, Utah")
B.S. Environmental Geology (2006), University of Kansas (Thesis "Short-term water-level fluctuations and long-term water-level decline at the Konza Prairie: Drought or Vegetation?")
Abstracts and Presentations
Beisner, K.R., Travis, R.E. (2021) Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Groundwater across New Mexico, Groundwater Protection Council Annual Forum Virtual September 27-29, 2021.
Beisner, K.R., Travis, R.E. (2021) Statewide assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances in Surface and Groundwater of New Mexico 12th National Monitoring Conference Virtual April 19-23, 2021.
Solder, J.E., Beisner, K.R., Anderson, J, and Bills, D.J. (2020) Grand Canyon groundwater recharge sources and flow paths: A multi-tracer assessment of a conceptual flow model, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol 52, No. 6, 2020 doi: 10.1130/abs/2020AM-359739
Solder, J.E., and Beisner, K.R. (2020) Critical evaluation of isotope end-members for groundwater source partitioning, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol 52, No. 6, 2020 doi: 10.1130/abs/2020AM-359742
Beisner, K.R., and Tillman, F.D. (2020) Spatial and Temporal Changes in Geochemistry at Spring Sites Near Breccia Pipe Uranium Deposits of Grand Canyon Region, AZ, Goldschmidt Abstracts, 157 https://doi.org/10.46427/gold2020.157
Beisner, K.R., and Tillman, F.D. (2019) Assessing geochemistry of groundwater discharging to the Horn Creek drainage near the Orphan Mine in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, Phoenix, AZ, Vol. 51, No. 5, ISSN 0016-7592 doi: 10.1130/abs/2019AM-333965 .
Beisner, K.R., Solder, J., Tillman, F.D., Anderson, J.R., and Antweiler, R.C., (2019) Geochemical characterization of groundwater south of Grand Canyon, Arizona abstract from 15th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau and Southwest Region, Flagstaff, AZ.
Tillman, F.D., Beisner, K.R., Knight JE, Unema JA and Anderson, J.R., (2019) Investigating the potential for effects from breccia-pipe uranium mining on regional water resources in the Grand Canyon region, abstract from 15th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau and Southwest Region, Flagstaff, AZ.
Beisner, K.R., and Tillman, F.D. (2019) Assessing spatial differences in uranium concentrations in groundwater along the Horn Creek drainage in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, 11th National Monitoring Conference Denver, CO March 25-29, 2019.
Beisner, K.R., Tillman, F.D., (2018) Assessing temporal changes in geochemistry at spring sites located in an area of breccia pipe uranium deposits: Geological Society of America Joint Rocky Mountain and Cordilleran Section Meeting Abstracts with Programs Flagstaff, Arizona vol. 50, no. 5 ISSN 0016-7592 doi: 10.1130/abs/2018RM-314266
Beisner, K.R., Tillman, F.D., Anderson, J.R., Antweiler, R.C., Bills, D.J., (2017) Geochemistry of groundwater discharging from springs north of the Grand Canyon, AZ 2009-2016, abstract from 14th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau and Southwest Region, Flagstaff, AZ.
Solder, J.E., Bills, D.J., Anderson, J., Heilweil, V.M., Beisner, K., (2017) Groundwater dissolved gas and age tracers collected from springs and wells on South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, AZ, abstract from 14th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau and Southwest Region, Flagstaff, AZ.
Cain, D., Croteau, M.N., Fuller, C., Barasch D., Beisner, K., Schenk, E., (2017) Uranium exposure in spring outflows within Grand Canyon National Park, abstract from 14th Biennial Conference of Science and Management on the Colorado Plateau and Southwest Region, Flagstaff, AZ.
Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N., Tillman, F.D., Naftz, D.L., Bills, D., Walton-Day, K., Gallegos, T.J., (2016) Assessing Pigeon uranium mine waste geochemistry for comparison with nearby perched groundwater springs: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs vol. 48, no. 7 paper no. 269-7.
Science and Products
Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water Resources of New Mexico
Uranium in Springs Sampled Near the Grand Canyon Likely from Natural Sources
Thermal Imaging Camera Use: Identifying Groundwater Inputs to a Reef in American Samoa
PHREEQC files for geochemical simulations in Horn Creek, Grand Canyon, AZ
Biogeochemical data of water, sediments, periphyton, and macroinvertebrates collected from springs in and near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (ver. 4.0, October 2022)
Water Quality Parameters in the Verde River below Granite Creek, Arizona, June 2018
Geochemistry of Sediment and Associated Leachates from Samples near the Old Yuma Mine, AZ
Maps of estimated nitrate and arsenic concentrations in basin-fill aquifers of the southwestern United States
Anthropogenic influence on groundwater geochemistry in Horn Creek Watershed near the Orphan Mine in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Utilizing anthropogenic compounds and geochemical tracers to identify preferential structurally controlled groundwater pathways influencing springs in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Aquatic insect accumulation of uranium at spring outflows in the Grand Canyon region as influenced by aqueous and sediment geochemistry and biological factors: Implications for monitoring
Arsenic in groundwater in the Grand Canyon region and an evaluation of potential pathways for arsenic contamination of groundwater from breccia pipe uranium mining
Water quality at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the potential effects of hydrocarbon extraction
Understanding the water resources of a mountain-block aquifer: Tucson Mountains, Arizona
Utilizing multiple hydrogeologic and anthropogenic indicators to understand zones of groundwater contribution to water-supply wells near Kirtland Air Force Base Bulk Fuels Facility in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
Occurrence, fate, and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass within Saguaro National Park Rincon Mountain District, Arizona, 2015–18
The spread of the invasive and fire-adapted buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) threatens desert ecosystems by competing for resources, increasing fuel loads, and creating wildfire connectivity. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park addressed this natural resource threat with the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs). In 2010, the Rincon Mountain District initiated an aerial res
An assessment of uranium in groundwater in the Grand Canyon region
Geochemical assessment of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin, Arizona, 2011–18
Rethinking groundwater flow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, USA: Characterizing recharge sources and flow paths with environmental tracers
Critical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: Case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Non-USGS Publications**
**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.
Science and Products
- Science
Assessment of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water Resources of New Mexico
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread anthropogenic chemicals that have been in use for the past 70 years. This class of compounds comprises thousands of chemicals including perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs) such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). As the use of these chemicals has grown so has their ubiquity in...Uranium in Springs Sampled Near the Grand Canyon Likely from Natural Sources
Scientists measured nine naturally occurring elements including uranium at 37 spring sites in the Grand Canyon area to establish baseline conditions and to understand the sources of uranium to local springs. Scientists found relatively greater concentrations of uranium at 6 of the 37 springs. A comprehensive geochemical analysis coupled with an understanding of the flow patterns in the area...Thermal Imaging Camera Use: Identifying Groundwater Inputs to a Reef in American Samoa
USGS scientists used a thermal camera in American Samoa to understand the effect of land-based contaminants on an adjacent coral reef lagoon ecosystem. The infrared (IR) camera was used to capture thermal images of the lagoon to look for temperature differences to understand the distribution of freshwater entering the lagoon and the circulation of the lagoon water at various tidal levels. - Data
PHREEQC files for geochemical simulations in Horn Creek, Grand Canyon, AZ
PHREEQC files included in this ScienceBase product include the input (.pqi) and output (.pqo) files formatted for use in PHREEQC and as basic text files, and the information regarding samples used in the simulations. The files were used to interpret changes in water quality between 2018 and 2022 within the Horn Creek watershed of Grand Canyon for the associated publication (add citation here whenBiogeochemical data of water, sediments, periphyton, and macroinvertebrates collected from springs in and near Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (ver. 4.0, October 2022)
The U.S. Geological Survey is studying uranium and associated trace element bioaccumulation in aquatic invertebrates across a gradient of dissolved uranium concentrations in spring outflow pools and creeks in the Grand Canyon and adjacent watershed. This data release makes available data from sampling campaigns in April 2016, April 2017, and in April 2019. Data collected include: (1) major ion, trWater Quality Parameters in the Verde River below Granite Creek, Arizona, June 2018
Water quality parameters (water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, air temperature, and barometric pressure) were measured in the Verde River over a half mile reach below the confluence with Granite Creek. Measurements were made using a calibrated In-Situ SmarTROLL multiparameter meter on June 13, 2018.Geochemistry of Sediment and Associated Leachates from Samples near the Old Yuma Mine, AZ
This data set includes analysis of 38 sediment samples collected near the Old Yuma Mine. The sediment samples were collected from tailings, waste rock, stream sediment, and background locations. All samples were analyzed by a total digestion method, some by the USEPA 3050 method, and some were leached by the USEPA 1312 method. - Maps
Maps of estimated nitrate and arsenic concentrations in basin-fill aquifers of the southwestern United States
Human-health concerns and economic considerations associated with meeting drinking-water standards motivated a study of the vulnerability of basin-fill aquifers to nitrate contamination and arsenic enrichment in the southwestern United States. Statistical models were developed by using the random forest classifier algorithm to predict concentrations of nitrate and arsenic across a model grid repre - Publications
Filter Total Items: 31
Anthropogenic influence on groundwater geochemistry in Horn Creek Watershed near the Orphan Mine in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Breccia pipe deposits of the Grand Canyon region contain ore grade copper and uranium. Horn Creek is located near the Orphan Mine mineralized breccia pipe deposit and groundwater emerging from the bedrock in the headwaters of Horn Creek has the highest uranium concentrations in the region. Uranium decreases an order of magnitude between the groundwater at the top of the watershed and the groundwatAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Collin Davidson, Fred D. TillmanUtilizing anthropogenic compounds and geochemical tracers to identify preferential structurally controlled groundwater pathways influencing springs in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Study region: This study focuses on the Colorado River watershed in the area along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Study focus: This study utilizes anthropogenic chemical tracers to investigate the fate of treated wastewater effluent discharged within Grand Canyon National Park. Anthropogenic chemical tracers were used to discern preferential structurally controlled pathways in a complex regionAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Nicholas V. Paretti, Jeramy Jasmann, Larry BarberAquatic insect accumulation of uranium at spring outflows in the Grand Canyon region as influenced by aqueous and sediment geochemistry and biological factors: Implications for monitoring
Potential adverse ecological effects of expanded uranium (U) mining within the Grand Canyon region motivated studies to better understand U exposure and risk to endemic species. This study documents U exposures and analyzes geochemical and biological factors affecting U bioaccumulation at spring-fed systems within the Grand Canyon region. The principal objective was to determine if aqueous U was bAuthorsDaniel J. Cain, Marie-Noële Croteau, Christopher C. Fuller, David Barasch, Kimberly R. Beisner, Kate M. Campbell, Deborah Stoliker, Edward J. SchenkArsenic in groundwater in the Grand Canyon region and an evaluation of potential pathways for arsenic contamination of groundwater from breccia pipe uranium mining
The Grand Canyon in northern Arizona is an international tourist destination, a home or sacred place to many Native Americans, and hosts some of the highest-grade uranium deposits in the United States. Although potential contamination of water resources by uranium from mining activities is a concern, other elements commonly associated with these uranium deposits may pose a greater risk to human poAuthorsFred D. Tillman, Kimberly R. Beisner, Casey J.R. JonesWater quality at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and the potential effects of hydrocarbon extraction
Study regionChaco Culture National Historical Park (CCNHP) is in the San Juan Basin of northwestern New Mexico, U.S.A. Its only water supply is in Gallup Sandstone aquifer, stratigraphically surrounded by layers long targeted for oil and natural gas extraction.Study focusTo assess groundwater flow direction, age, mixing between aquifers, and whether hydrocarbons extraction may affect water qualityAuthorsBenjamin S. Linhoff, Kimberly R. Beisner, Andrew Hunt, Zachary M. ShephardUnderstanding the water resources of a mountain-block aquifer: Tucson Mountains, Arizona
Water resources are limited in arid locations such as Tucson Basin. Residential development in the Tucson Mountains to the west of Tucson, Arizona, is limited by groundwater resources. Groundwater samples were collected from fractured bedrock and alluvial aquifers surrounding the Tucson Mountains to assess water quality and recharge history through measurement of stable O, H, and S isotopes; tritiAuthorsChristopher J. Eastoe, Kimberly R. BeisnerUtilizing multiple hydrogeologic and anthropogenic indicators to understand zones of groundwater contribution to water-supply wells near Kirtland Air Force Base Bulk Fuels Facility in southeast Albuquerque, New Mexico
In 1999, a jet-fuels release was discovered at the Bulk Fuels Facility on Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contaminants had reached the water table and migrated north-northeast toward water-supply wells. Monitoring wells were installed downgradient from the facility to determine the primary zones of groundwater production for water-supply wells and assess contaminant presence. TheAuthorsRebecca E. Travis, Meghan T. Bell, Benjamin S. Linhoff, Kimberly R. BeisnerOccurrence, fate, and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass within Saguaro National Park Rincon Mountain District, Arizona, 2015–18
The spread of the invasive and fire-adapted buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) threatens desert ecosystems by competing for resources, increasing fuel loads, and creating wildfire connectivity. The Rincon Mountain District of Saguaro National Park addressed this natural resource threat with the use of glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs). In 2010, the Rincon Mountain District initiated an aerial res
AuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Kimberly R. Beisner, Bruce Gungle, Michael T. Meyer, Bethany K. Kunz, Edyth Hermosillo, Jay R. Cederberg, Justine P. MayoAn assessment of uranium in groundwater in the Grand Canyon region
The Grand Canyon region in northern Arizona is a home or sacred place of origin for many Native Americans and is visited by over 6 million tourists each year. Most communities in the area depend upon groundwater for all water uses. Some of the highest-grade uranium ore in the United States also is found in the Grand Canyon region. A withdrawal of over 1 million acres of Federal land in the GranAuthorsFred D. Tillman, Kimberly R. Beisner, Jessica R. Anderson, Joel A. UnemaGeochemical assessment of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin, Arizona, 2011–18
A geochemical characterization of groundwater in the Big Chino subbasin of Arizona was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Prescott, the Town of Prescott Valley, and the Salt River Project, to understand groundwater evolution through the study area and the source of water to springs along the gaining reach of the Verde River just downstream from its confluenceAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Casey J. R. JonesRethinking groundwater flow on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, USA: Characterizing recharge sources and flow paths with environmental tracers
In the arid landscape south of the Grand Canyon, natural springs and seeps are a critical resource for endemic species and Native American tribes. Groundwater is potentially threatened by expanding populations, visitations, and mineral extraction activities. Environmental tracers including noble gases, stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water, tritium, and carbon-14 were used to characterizAuthorsJohn E. Solder, Kimberly R. Beisner, Jessica R. Anderson, Donald J. BillsCritical evaluation of stable isotope mixing end-members for estimating groundwater recharge sources: Case study from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arizona, USA
Springs and groundwater seeps along the South Rim of the Grand Canyon serve an important function for the region’s ecosystems, residents (both human and wild animal), and economy. However, these springs and seeps are potentially vulnerable to contamination, increased groundwater extraction, or reduced recharge due to climate change. Protection of South Rim groundwater resources requires improved uAuthorsJohn E. Solder, Kimberly R. BeisnerNon-USGS Publications**
Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N., Tillman, F.D., Naftz, D.L., Bills, D., Walton-Day, K., Gallegos, T.J., (2016) Assessing Pigeon uranium mine waste geochemistry for comparison with nearby perched groundwater springs: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs vol. 48, no. 7 paper no. 269-7.Beisner K, Naftz DL, Diaz X, Johnson G, Johnson WP. (2007) Oxidation of sequestered selenium in the water column of the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA. Geological Society of America Abs. with Prog., vol 39, no 6, p 104.Beisner K, Johnson WP, Naftz DL. (2006) Selenium re-suspension in the water column of the Great Salt Lake. Eos Trans. AGU, 87(52), Fall Meet. Suppl., Abstract H53A-0595.**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.
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