Kimberly R. Beisner
Kimberly Beisner is a research hydrologist 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she joined the Arizona Water Science center where she has worked on geochemical studies related to the lands withdrawn from uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, water resources at Saguaro National Park, and stable isotope and noble gas evaluation groundwater of the Verde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. She served as the New Mexico Water Quality specialist and is now a research hydrologist focused 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
2023 to present: Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, New Mexico Water Science Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
2017 to 2023: 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., Alvarez, D.A., Jasmann, J.R., Fleck. J.A., DeParsia, M., Barber, L.B., and Hladik, M.L. (2023) Utilizing Integrated Samplers and Multiple Chemical Tracers to Assess Anthropogenic Influence on per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Rio Grande Through the Albuquerque Area, New Mexico, USA, 13th National Monitoring Conference April 24-28, 2023.
Beisner, K.R., and Tillman, F.D (2022) Uranium associated with water resources near breccia pipe uranium deposits of the Grand Canyon region, Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol 54, No. 5, 2020 https://doi.org/10.1130/abs/2022AM-383930.
Beisner, K.R., Paretti, N.V., Jasmann, J.R., Barber, L.B. (2022) Anthropogenic Compounds Associated with Groundwater Near an Abandoned Copper and Uranium Mine, Grand Canyon, AZ, USA, Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference July 11-15, 2022. https://doi.org/10.46427/gold2022.10234
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
Hydrology of the middle San Pedro area, southeastern Arizona
Assessment of metal and trace element contamination in water, sediment, plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish in Tavasci Marsh, Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona
Investigation of geochemical indicators to evaluate the connection between inland and coastal groundwater systems near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i
Qualilty, isotopes, and radiochemistry of water sampled from the Upper Moenkopi Village water-supply wells, Coconino County, Arizona
Assessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps associated with uranium exploration and mining, Browns Hole, Utah
Diurnal trends in methylmercury concentration in a wetland adjacent to Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
Assessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps and human health hazards associated with uranium exploration and mining, Red, White, and Fry Canyons, southeastern Utah, 2007
Estimation of selenium loads entering the south arm of Great Salt Lake, Utah, from May 2006 through March 2008
Selenium and trace element mobility affected by periodic displacement of stratification in the Great Salt Lake, Utah
Increasing shallow groundwater CO2 and limestone weathering, Konza Prairie, 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.
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Hydrology of the middle San Pedro area, southeastern Arizona
In the middle San Pedro Watershed in southeastern Arizona, groundwater is the primary source of water supply for municipal, domestic, industrial, and agricultural use. The watershed comprises two smaller subareas, the Benson subarea and the Narrows-Redington subarea. Early 21st century projections for heavy population growth in the watershed have not yet become a reality, but increased groundwaterAuthorsJeffrey T. Cordova, Jesse E. Dickinson, Kimberly R. Beisner, Candice B. Hopkins, Jeffrey R. Kennedy, Donald R. Pool, Edward P. Glenn, Pamela L. Nagler, Blakemore E. ThomasAssessment of metal and trace element contamination in water, sediment, plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish in Tavasci Marsh, Tuzigoot National Monument, Arizona
Tavasci Marsh is a large freshwater marsh within the Tuzigoot National Monument in central Arizona. It is the largest freshwater marsh in Arizona that is unconnected to the Colorado River and is designated as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. The marsh has been altered significantly by previous land use and the monument’s managers are evaluating the restoration of the marsh. In lightAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Nicholas V. Paretti, Anne M.D. Brasher, Christopher C. Fuller, Matthew P. MillerInvestigation of geochemical indicators to evaluate the connection between inland and coastal groundwater systems near Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park (KAHO) is a coastal sanctuary on the western side of the Island of Hawai‘i that was established in 1978 to preserve, interpret, and perpetuate traditional Native Hawaiian culture and activities. KAHO contains a variety of culturally and ecologically significant water resources and water-related habitat for species that have been declared as threatened or eAuthorsFred D. Tillman, Delwyn S. Oki, Adam G. Johnson, Larry B. Barber, Kimberly R. BeisnerQualilty, isotopes, and radiochemistry of water sampled from the Upper Moenkopi Village water-supply wells, Coconino County, Arizona
The Hopi Tribe Water Resources Program has granted contracts for studies to evaluate water supply conditions for the Moenkopi villages in Coconino County, Arizona. The Moenkopi villages include Upper Moenkopi Village and the village of Lower Moencopi, both on the Hopi Indian Reservation south of the Navajo community of Tuba City. These investigations have determined that water supplies are limitedAuthorsRob Carruth, Kimberly Beisner, Greg SmithAssessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps associated with uranium exploration and mining, Browns Hole, Utah
During August of 2008, 35 solid-phase samples were collected from abandoned uranium waste dumps, undisturbed geologic background sites, and adjacent streambeds in Browns Hole in southeastern Utah. The objectives of this sampling program were (1) to assess impacts on human health due to exposure to radium, uranium, and thorium during recreational activities on and around uranium waste dumps on BureAuthorsThomas M. Marston, Kimberly R. Beisner, David L. Naftz, Terry SnyderDiurnal trends in methylmercury concentration in a wetland adjacent to Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA
A 24-h field experiment was conducted during July 2008 at a wetland on the eastern shore of Great Salt Lake (GSL) to assess the diurnal cycling of methylmercury (MeHg). Dissolved (< 0.45 μm) MeHg showed a strong diurnal variation with consistently decreasing concentrations during daylight periods and increasing concentrations during non-daylight periods. The proportion of MeHg relative to total HgAuthorsD. L. Naftz, J.R. Cederberg, D. P. Krabbenhoft, K.R. Beisner, J. Whitehead, J. GardbergAssessment of nonpoint source chemical loading potential to watersheds containing uranium waste dumps and human health hazards associated with uranium exploration and mining, Red, White, and Fry Canyons, southeastern Utah, 2007
During May, June, and July 2007, 58 solid-phase samples were collected from abandoned uranium mine waste dumps, background sites, and adjacent streambeds in Red, White, and Fry Canyons in southeastern Utah. The objectives of this sampling program were to (1) assess the nonpoint-source chemical loading potential to ephemeral and perennial drainage basins from uranium waste dumps and (2) assess poteAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Thomas M. Marston, David L. Naftz, Terry Snyder, Michael L. FreemanEstimation of selenium loads entering the south arm of Great Salt Lake, Utah, from May 2006 through March 2008
Discharge and water-quality data collected from six streamflow-gaging stations were used in combination with the LOADEST software to provide an estimate of total (dissolved + particulate) selenium (Se) load to the south arm of Great Salt Lake (GSL) from May 2006 through March 2008. Total estimated Se load to GSL during this time period was 2,370 kilograms (kg). The 12-month estimated Se load to GSAuthorsDavid L. Naftz, William P. Johnson, Michael L. Freeman, Kimberly Beisner, Ximena Diaz, VeeAnn A. CrossSelenium and trace element mobility affected by periodic displacement of stratification in the Great Salt Lake, Utah
The Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a unique ecosystem in which trace element activity cannot be characterized by standard geochemical parameters due to the high salinity. Movement of selenium and other trace elements present in the lake bed sediments of GSL may occur due to periodic stratification displacement events or lake bed exposure. The water column of GSL is complicated by the presence of a chemoAuthorsK. Beisner, D. L. Naftz, W.P. Johnson, X. DiazIncreasing shallow groundwater CO2 and limestone weathering, Konza Prairie, USA
In a mid-continental North American grassland, solute concentrations in shallow, limestone-hosted groundwater and adjacent surface water cycle annually and have increased steadily over the 15-year study period, 1991-2005, inclusive. Modeled groundwater CO2, verified by measurements of recent samples, increased from 10-2.05 atm to 10-1.94 atm, about a 20% increase, from 1991 to 2005. The measured gAuthorsG.L. Macpherson, J.A. Roberts, J.M. Blair, M.A. Townsend, D.A. Fowle, K.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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