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LaDonna Choate

LaDonna Choate is a Staff Scientist in the Office of Science Quality and Integrity. 

Science and Products

Salmon River Mountains, ID

Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

The objective of this study is to characterize the regional impact of legacy mining in the context of framework geology for the Salmon Mountains in central Idaho. This objective is addressed through three interrelated tasks: 1) framework geology, 2) watershed biogeochemical processes, and 3) characterization of trace metals in colloids (fine particles suspended in water).
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

The objective of this study is to characterize the regional impact of legacy mining in the context of framework geology for the Salmon Mountains in central Idaho. This objective is addressed through three interrelated tasks: 1) framework geology, 2) watershed biogeochemical processes, and 3) characterization of trace metals in colloids (fine particles suspended in water).
Learn More
microscopic gold and lead particles

Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
Learn More

Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Salmon River collected in the mid-1960s through the early 1970s as part of the Idaho Primitive Area studies Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Salmon River collected in the mid-1960s through the early 1970s as part of the Idaho Primitive Area studies

This data release is a geochemical data set from the reanalysis of 23 rock and 85 sediment samples collected between 1966 and 1970 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for a series of studies investigating the mineral resources of the Idaho Primitive Area (Cater et al., 1973). The samples are from the upper Middle Fork Salmon River and the South Fork Salmon River, including the...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River collected as part of the Idaho Primitive Area Studies in the 1960's through 1980's Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River collected as part of the Idaho Primitive Area Studies in the 1960's through 1980's

This is a geochemical data set from the reanalysis of 44 rock samples collected between 1966 and 1970, and 107 sediment samples collected in 1966 and 1967. These samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey for a study investigating the mineral resources of the Idaho Primitive Area (Cater et al., 1973). The samples are from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River, including the...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas Geochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas

This data release compiles major and trace element analytical results of samples of bauxite (aluminum ore) and associated rocks collected from the Arkansas bauxite region, located near the center of Arkansas in Pulaski and Saline Counties. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in April 2018 as part of the USGS' focus on increased understanding of the United States'...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Filter Total Items: 14

Reconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas Reconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas

The Arkansas bauxite district, which comprises about 275 square miles (710 square kilometers) of central Arkansas, produced an order of magnitude more bauxite and alumina than the other bauxite districts in the United States combined. Bauxite was mined in the region continuously from 1898 to 1982. These bauxites are laterite deposits, formed from intensive in-place weathering of the...
Authors
Bradley Van Gosen, LaDonna Choate
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals

This assessment focused on five zinc-bearing minerals. The minerals were subjected to a number of analyses including quantitative X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, leaching tests, and bioaccessibility and toxicity studies. Like a previous comprehensive assessment of five copper-bearing minerals, the purpose of this assessment was to obtain structural and chemical information and to...
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon Diehl, Suzette Morman, LaDonna Choate, Heather Lowers
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver Microbeam Laboratory

Geospatial database for regional environmental assessment of central Colorado. Geospatial database for regional environmental assessment of central Colorado.

In conjunction with the future planning needs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a detailed environmental assessment of the effects of historical mining on Forest Service lands in central Colorado. Stream sediment, macroinvertebrate, and various filtered and unfiltered water quality samples were collected during low-flow over a...
Authors
Stan Church, Carma San Juan, David Fey, Travis S. Schmidt, Terry Klein, Ed DeWitt, Richard Wanty, Philip Verplanck, Katharine Mitchell, Monique G. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Todor I. Todorov, Barnaby Rockwell, Luke McEachron, Michael Anthony
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals

In this study, four randomly selected copper-bearing minerals were examined—azurite, malachite, bornite, and chalcopyrite. The objectives were to examine and enumerate the crystalline and chemical properties of each of the minerals, to determine which, if any, of the Cu-bearing minerals might adversely affect systems biota, and to provide a multi-procedure reference. Laboratory work...
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon Diehl, David Adams, Suzette Morman, LaDonna Choate
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical Results of Lysimeter Sampling at the Manning Canyon Repository in the Mercur Mining District, Utah Geochemical Results of Lysimeter Sampling at the Manning Canyon Repository in the Mercur Mining District, Utah

This report presents chemical characteristics of transient unsaturated-zone water collected by lysimeter from the Manning Canyon repository site in Utah. Data collected by U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management scientists under an intragovernmental order comprise the existing body of hydrochemical information on unsaturated-zone conditions...
Authors
John Earle, LaDonna Choate

Acid neutralizing capacity and leachate results for igneous rocks, with associated carbon contents of derived soils, Animas River AML site, Silverton, Colorado Acid neutralizing capacity and leachate results for igneous rocks, with associated carbon contents of derived soils, Animas River AML site, Silverton, Colorado

Mine planning efforts have historically overlooked the possible acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) that local igneous rocks can provide to help neutralize acidmine drainage. As a result, limestone has been traditionally hauled to mine sites for use in neutralizing acid drainage. Local igneous rocks, when used as part of mine life-cycle planning and acid mitigation strategy, may reduce the...
Authors
Douglas Yager, Mark Stanton, LaDonna Choate, Alison Burchell
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Net Acid Production, Acid Neutralizing Capacity, and Associated Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Animas River Watershed Igneous Rocks Near Silverton, Colorado Net Acid Production, Acid Neutralizing Capacity, and Associated Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Animas River Watershed Igneous Rocks Near Silverton, Colorado

This report presents results from laboratory and field studies involving the net acid production (NAP), acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), and magnetic mineralogy of 27 samples collected in altered volcanic terrain in the upper Animas River watershed near Silverton, Colo., during the summer of 2005. Sampling focused mainly on the volumetrically important, Tertiary-age volcanic and...
Authors
Douglas Yager, LaDonna Choate, Mark Stanton

Determination of premining geochemical background and delineation of extent of sediment contamination in Blue Creek downstream from Midnite Mine, Stevens County, Washington Determination of premining geochemical background and delineation of extent of sediment contamination in Blue Creek downstream from Midnite Mine, Stevens County, Washington

Geochemical and radionuclide studies of sediment recovered from eight core sites in the Blue Creek flood plain and Blue Creek delta downstream in Lake Roosevelt provided a stratigraphic geochemical record of the contamination from uranium mining at the Midnite Mine. Sediment recovered from cores in a wetland immediately downstream from the mine site as well as from sediment catchments in...
Authors
Stan Church, Frederick Kirschner, LaDonna Choate, Paul Lamothe, James Budahn, Zoe Brown

Geochemical data from analyses of rock, sediment, water, and solid-phase leaching at the Tuba City Open Dump, Tuba City, Arizona Geochemical data from analyses of rock, sediment, water, and solid-phase leaching at the Tuba City Open Dump, Tuba City, Arizona

This report releases data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from the Tuba City Open Dump area from January 2008 to September 2008 with cooperation from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo and Hopi Tribes. These data were collected in support of investigations into the possible sources and resulting transport of radionuclides and other dissolved constituents in the...
Authors
Raymond Johnson, James Otton, Robert Horton, Tanya Gallegos, LaDonna Choate, Jonah Sullivan

Predicting toxic effects of copper on aquatic biota in mineralized areas by using the Biotic Ligand Model Predicting toxic effects of copper on aquatic biota in mineralized areas by using the Biotic Ligand Model

The chemical speciation of metals influences their biological effects. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) is a computational approach to predict chemical speciation and acute toxicological effects of metals on aquatic biota. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency incorporated the BLM into their regulatory water-quality criteria for copper. Results from three different laboratory...
Authors
Kathleen Smith, James F. Ranville, M. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Stan Church, David Fey, Richard Wanty, James Crock

Integrating bioavailability approaches into waste rock evaluations Integrating bioavailability approaches into waste rock evaluations

The presence of toxic metals in soils affected by mining, industry, agriculture and urbanization, presents problems to human health, the establishment and maintenance of plant and animal habitats, and the rehabilitation of affected areas. A key to managing these problems is predicting the fraction of metal in a given soil that will be biologically labile, and potentially harmful (...
Authors
James F. Ranville, E. Blumenstein, M. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Kathleen Smith, Thomas Wildeman

Geochemical assessment of metals and dioxin in sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir and the Gila, San Carlos, and San Francisco Rivers, Arizona Geochemical assessment of metals and dioxin in sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir and the Gila, San Carlos, and San Francisco Rivers, Arizona

In October 2004, we sampled stream-bed sediment, terrace sediment, and sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir to determine the spatial and chronological variation of six potentially toxic metals-Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Hg. Water levels in the San Carlos Reservoir were at a 20-year low at an elevation of 2,409 ft (734.3 m). Four cores were taken from the reservoir: one from the San Carlos...
Authors
Stan Church, LaDonna Choate, Marci Marot, David Fey, Monique Adams, Paul Briggs, Zoe Brown

Science and Products

Salmon River Mountains, ID

Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

The objective of this study is to characterize the regional impact of legacy mining in the context of framework geology for the Salmon Mountains in central Idaho. This objective is addressed through three interrelated tasks: 1) framework geology, 2) watershed biogeochemical processes, and 3) characterization of trace metals in colloids (fine particles suspended in water).
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

Salmon River Mountains Legacy Mining Studies

The objective of this study is to characterize the regional impact of legacy mining in the context of framework geology for the Salmon Mountains in central Idaho. This objective is addressed through three interrelated tasks: 1) framework geology, 2) watershed biogeochemical processes, and 3) characterization of trace metals in colloids (fine particles suspended in water).
Learn More
microscopic gold and lead particles

Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center
Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

Sources, Forms, Extractability of Metals in Non-Ore Deposit Sources

This project explored potential recovery and environmental consequences of metals in mining and mineral processing wastes as a function of ore deposit geology, and in debris from demolished or burned buildings.
Learn More

Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Salmon River collected in the mid-1960s through the early 1970s as part of the Idaho Primitive Area studies Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Salmon River collected in the mid-1960s through the early 1970s as part of the Idaho Primitive Area studies

This data release is a geochemical data set from the reanalysis of 23 rock and 85 sediment samples collected between 1966 and 1970 by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) for a series of studies investigating the mineral resources of the Idaho Primitive Area (Cater et al., 1973). The samples are from the upper Middle Fork Salmon River and the South Fork Salmon River, including the...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River collected as part of the Idaho Primitive Area Studies in the 1960's through 1980's Geochemical reanalysis of rock and sediment samples from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River collected as part of the Idaho Primitive Area Studies in the 1960's through 1980's

This is a geochemical data set from the reanalysis of 44 rock samples collected between 1966 and 1970, and 107 sediment samples collected in 1966 and 1967. These samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey for a study investigating the mineral resources of the Idaho Primitive Area (Cater et al., 1973). The samples are from the Lower Middle Fork of the Salmon River, including the...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas Geochemical analyses of bauxite and associated rocks from the Arkansas bauxite region, central Arkansas

This data release compiles major and trace element analytical results of samples of bauxite (aluminum ore) and associated rocks collected from the Arkansas bauxite region, located near the center of Arkansas in Pulaski and Saline Counties. Samples were collected by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in April 2018 as part of the USGS' focus on increased understanding of the United States'...
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)
Filter Total Items: 14

Reconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas Reconnaissance study of the major and trace element content of bauxite deposits in the Arkansas bauxite region, Saline and Pulaski Counties, central Arkansas

The Arkansas bauxite district, which comprises about 275 square miles (710 square kilometers) of central Arkansas, produced an order of magnitude more bauxite and alumina than the other bauxite districts in the United States combined. Bauxite was mined in the region continuously from 1898 to 1982. These bauxites are laterite deposits, formed from intensive in-place weathering of the...
Authors
Bradley Van Gosen, LaDonna Choate
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI)

Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from selected zinc minerals

This assessment focused on five zinc-bearing minerals. The minerals were subjected to a number of analyses including quantitative X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, leaching tests, and bioaccessibility and toxicity studies. Like a previous comprehensive assessment of five copper-bearing minerals, the purpose of this assessment was to obtain structural and chemical information and to...
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon Diehl, Suzette Morman, LaDonna Choate, Heather Lowers
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Denver Microbeam Laboratory

Geospatial database for regional environmental assessment of central Colorado. Geospatial database for regional environmental assessment of central Colorado.

In conjunction with the future planning needs of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted a detailed environmental assessment of the effects of historical mining on Forest Service lands in central Colorado. Stream sediment, macroinvertebrate, and various filtered and unfiltered water quality samples were collected during low-flow over a...
Authors
Stan Church, Carma San Juan, David Fey, Travis S. Schmidt, Terry Klein, Ed DeWitt, Richard Wanty, Philip Verplanck, Katharine Mitchell, Monique G. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Todor I. Todorov, Barnaby Rockwell, Luke McEachron, Michael Anthony
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals Assessment of the geoavailability of trace elements from minerals in mine wastes: analytical techniques and assessment of selected copper minerals

In this study, four randomly selected copper-bearing minerals were examined—azurite, malachite, bornite, and chalcopyrite. The objectives were to examine and enumerate the crystalline and chemical properties of each of the minerals, to determine which, if any, of the Cu-bearing minerals might adversely affect systems biota, and to provide a multi-procedure reference. Laboratory work...
Authors
Rhonda Driscoll, Phillip Hageman, William Benzel, Sharon Diehl, David Adams, Suzette Morman, LaDonna Choate
By
Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Geochemical Results of Lysimeter Sampling at the Manning Canyon Repository in the Mercur Mining District, Utah Geochemical Results of Lysimeter Sampling at the Manning Canyon Repository in the Mercur Mining District, Utah

This report presents chemical characteristics of transient unsaturated-zone water collected by lysimeter from the Manning Canyon repository site in Utah. Data collected by U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management scientists under an intragovernmental order comprise the existing body of hydrochemical information on unsaturated-zone conditions...
Authors
John Earle, LaDonna Choate

Acid neutralizing capacity and leachate results for igneous rocks, with associated carbon contents of derived soils, Animas River AML site, Silverton, Colorado Acid neutralizing capacity and leachate results for igneous rocks, with associated carbon contents of derived soils, Animas River AML site, Silverton, Colorado

Mine planning efforts have historically overlooked the possible acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) that local igneous rocks can provide to help neutralize acidmine drainage. As a result, limestone has been traditionally hauled to mine sites for use in neutralizing acid drainage. Local igneous rocks, when used as part of mine life-cycle planning and acid mitigation strategy, may reduce the...
Authors
Douglas Yager, Mark Stanton, LaDonna Choate, Alison Burchell
By
Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center

Net Acid Production, Acid Neutralizing Capacity, and Associated Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Animas River Watershed Igneous Rocks Near Silverton, Colorado Net Acid Production, Acid Neutralizing Capacity, and Associated Mineralogical and Geochemical Characteristics of Animas River Watershed Igneous Rocks Near Silverton, Colorado

This report presents results from laboratory and field studies involving the net acid production (NAP), acid neutralizing capacity (ANC), and magnetic mineralogy of 27 samples collected in altered volcanic terrain in the upper Animas River watershed near Silverton, Colo., during the summer of 2005. Sampling focused mainly on the volumetrically important, Tertiary-age volcanic and...
Authors
Douglas Yager, LaDonna Choate, Mark Stanton

Determination of premining geochemical background and delineation of extent of sediment contamination in Blue Creek downstream from Midnite Mine, Stevens County, Washington Determination of premining geochemical background and delineation of extent of sediment contamination in Blue Creek downstream from Midnite Mine, Stevens County, Washington

Geochemical and radionuclide studies of sediment recovered from eight core sites in the Blue Creek flood plain and Blue Creek delta downstream in Lake Roosevelt provided a stratigraphic geochemical record of the contamination from uranium mining at the Midnite Mine. Sediment recovered from cores in a wetland immediately downstream from the mine site as well as from sediment catchments in...
Authors
Stan Church, Frederick Kirschner, LaDonna Choate, Paul Lamothe, James Budahn, Zoe Brown

Geochemical data from analyses of rock, sediment, water, and solid-phase leaching at the Tuba City Open Dump, Tuba City, Arizona Geochemical data from analyses of rock, sediment, water, and solid-phase leaching at the Tuba City Open Dump, Tuba City, Arizona

This report releases data collected by the U.S. Geological Survey from the Tuba City Open Dump area from January 2008 to September 2008 with cooperation from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Navajo and Hopi Tribes. These data were collected in support of investigations into the possible sources and resulting transport of radionuclides and other dissolved constituents in the...
Authors
Raymond Johnson, James Otton, Robert Horton, Tanya Gallegos, LaDonna Choate, Jonah Sullivan

Predicting toxic effects of copper on aquatic biota in mineralized areas by using the Biotic Ligand Model Predicting toxic effects of copper on aquatic biota in mineralized areas by using the Biotic Ligand Model

The chemical speciation of metals influences their biological effects. The Biotic Ligand Model (BLM) is a computational approach to predict chemical speciation and acute toxicological effects of metals on aquatic biota. Recently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency incorporated the BLM into their regulatory water-quality criteria for copper. Results from three different laboratory...
Authors
Kathleen Smith, James F. Ranville, M. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Stan Church, David Fey, Richard Wanty, James Crock

Integrating bioavailability approaches into waste rock evaluations Integrating bioavailability approaches into waste rock evaluations

The presence of toxic metals in soils affected by mining, industry, agriculture and urbanization, presents problems to human health, the establishment and maintenance of plant and animal habitats, and the rehabilitation of affected areas. A key to managing these problems is predicting the fraction of metal in a given soil that will be biologically labile, and potentially harmful (...
Authors
James F. Ranville, E. Blumenstein, M. Adams, LaDonna Choate, Kathleen Smith, Thomas Wildeman

Geochemical assessment of metals and dioxin in sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir and the Gila, San Carlos, and San Francisco Rivers, Arizona Geochemical assessment of metals and dioxin in sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir and the Gila, San Carlos, and San Francisco Rivers, Arizona

In October 2004, we sampled stream-bed sediment, terrace sediment, and sediment from the San Carlos Reservoir to determine the spatial and chronological variation of six potentially toxic metals-Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, and Hg. Water levels in the San Carlos Reservoir were at a 20-year low at an elevation of 2,409 ft (734.3 m). Four cores were taken from the reservoir: one from the San Carlos...
Authors
Stan Church, LaDonna Choate, Marci Marot, David Fey, Monique Adams, Paul Briggs, Zoe Brown
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