Laura Hubbard is a Research Hydrologist with the Upper Midwest Water Science Center and the co-lead of the Food Resources Integrated Science Team within the Ecosystems Mission Area Environmental Health Program.
Laura Hubbard earned a B.S. in Geological Sciences from the University of Wisconsin and an M.S. in Earth Sciences (Hydrology) from Indiana University. She began her career at the USGS as a student trainee assisting urban non-point and rural edge-of-field runoff projects. Beginning in 2007, she led projects examining nutrient retention in restored and native oxbow wetlands. Shortly after she began working on projects focused on contaminants of emerging concern, including characterizing chemical and microbial contaminants from animal feeding operations and the hydrological, chemical, and biological effects of eliminating a wastewater treatment facility discharge from an urban stream ecosystem. As a co-lead of the Food Resources Integrated Science Team within the USGS Ecosystems Mission Area, she has led and coordinated national studies investigating agricultural and urban contaminants in groundwater, surface water, and plant and animal tissue including viruses, bacteria, pathogens, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, disinfection by-products, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals.
Professional Experience
Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, WI, 2022 to present
Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Madison, WI, 2013 to 2022
Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Iowa City, IA, 2007 to 2013
Student Trainee (Hydrology), U.S. Geological Survey, Wisconsin Water Science Center, Middleton, WI, 2002 to 2007
Education and Certifications
M.S. 2007, Indiana University, Earth Sciences (Hydrology); research emphasis: hydrology, geochemistry, nutrient export, and event-driven sampling
B.S. 2004, University of Wisconsin, Major: Geological Sciences, Minor: Environmental Science
Science and Products
Environmental detection of avian influenza virus
A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Study Provides a Data Resource for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Streams Within Iowa Agricultural Watersheds
Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team
Occurrence of Avian Influenza Virus in Groundwater—Study Provides Baseline Data and Informs Future Studies
Recovery of Stream and Adjacent Groundwater After Wastewater Treatment Facility Closure
Sampling information and water-quality data collected during viable avian influenza virus sampling in Iowa wetlands, 2022
State-Wide Reconnaissance of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), and 6PPD-Quinone in Iowa Streams, 2022-2023
Antibiotic and Antibiotic Resistance Signatures in Iowa Streams, 2019
Regression and load estimates for the tributary nutrient and sediment monitoring program on the Great Lakes, 2011-2013
Concentrations of inorganic, organic, and microbial analytes from a national reconnaissance of wastewater from food, beverage, and feedstock facilities across the United States
Water-quality data for a statewide assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) study in Iowa, 2019-2020
Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Microbial and chemical contaminant occurrence and concentration in groundwater and surface water proximal to large-scale poultry facilities and poultry litter, 2016
Concentrations and associated method information for trace and major elements in Fourmile Creek near Ankeny, Iowa, USA during the 2011-2014 wastewater treatment facility pre/post-closure assessment




Environmental surveillance and detection of infectious highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Iowa wetlands
Simultaneous stream assessment of antibiotics, bacteria, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistant genes in an agricultural region of the United States
Contaminant exposure and transport from three potential reuse waters within a single watershed
Food, beverage, and feedstock processing facility wastewater: A unique and underappreciated source of contaminants to U.S. streams
A comprehensive statewide spatiotemporal stream assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an agricultural region of the United States
Public concern regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has grown substantially in recent years. In addition, research has documented multiple potential agriculture-related release pathways for PFAS (e.g., biosolids and livestock manure). Nevertheless, little research on the environmental prevalence of PFAS has been conducted in agricultural regions of the United States. To fill this g
Evidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands
Exposure and transport of alkaloids and phytoestrogens from soybeans to agricultural soils and streams in the Midwestern United States
Poultry litter as potential source of pathogens and other contaminants in groundwater and surface water proximal to large-scale confined poultry feeding operations
A surrogate regression approach for computing continuous loads for the tributary nutrient and sediment monitoring program on the Great Lakes
Highlighting the complexities of a groundwater pilot study during an avian influenza outbreak: Methods, lessons learned, and select contaminant results
Avian influenza virus RNA in groundwater wells supplying poultry farms affected by the 2015 influenza outbreak
Flood-frequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams
Science and Products
- Science
Environmental detection of avian influenza virus
A collaborative project with Federal and university partners working toward the goal of understanding avian influenza viruses (AIVs) in the environment: early detection, enhancing biosurveillance, and mitigation to reduce spread into domestic poultry and potential occupational or recreational exposure to humans.A National Assessment of Pesticide, PFAS, Microplastic, and Antibiotic Resistance Gene Exposures in White-Tailed Deer
Research has documented exposures and consequential environmental health effects of pesticides, PFAS, microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes in environmental biota. Little is known, however, regarding such effects in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).Study Provides a Data Resource for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Streams Within Iowa Agricultural Watersheds
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in streams within agricultural areas (an often-unmeasured landscape) across Iowa. The data from this study provide one resource to understand the extent of PFAS concentrations in water resources from diverse landscapes throughout the United States.Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team
The team studies the movement of toxicants and pathogens that could originate from the growing, raising, and processing/manufacturing of plant and animal products through the environment where exposure can occur. This information is used to understand if there are adverse effects upon exposure and to develop decision tools to protect health.Occurrence of Avian Influenza Virus in Groundwater—Study Provides Baseline Data and Informs Future Studies
This pilot study provided baseline data on avian influenza virus (AIV) occurrence in groundwater underlying poultry farms and documented the challenges for conducting a pathogen transport study during a disease outbreak.Recovery of Stream and Adjacent Groundwater After Wastewater Treatment Facility Closure
The hydrology and chemistry of a wastewater-impacted stream and adjacent groundwater responded rapidly (had fewer chemicals at lower concentrations) following wastewater treatment facility shutdown. However, the adjacent shallow groundwater remained a continuing source of some wastewater-derived contaminants to the stream at least 1 year post-shutdown. - Data
Sampling information and water-quality data collected during viable avian influenza virus sampling in Iowa wetlands, 2022
Data sets containing: (1) sampling information and equipment, (2) precipitation and air temperature data from Iowa counties containing wetlands sampled, (3) water quality measurements from Iowa wetlands sampled, (4) quality assurance quality control sample result information, and (4) similarities between the highly pathogenic H5N1 virus water sequence and other highly pathogenic avian influenza H5State-Wide Reconnaissance of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine (6PPD), and 6PPD-Quinone in Iowa Streams, 2022-2023
Water-quality samples were collected at 49 surface water sites covering a range of land uses across the state of Iowa starting the summer of 2022 and continuing into the spring of 2023 by staff from the U.S. Geological Survey Central Midwest Water Science Center. Samples were submitted to the National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, and were analyzed for 32 per- and polyfluoroalkyl sAntibiotic and Antibiotic Resistance Signatures in Iowa Streams, 2019
Chemical and microbiological results, quality assurance and quality control, site location, and method information for surface water, bed sediment, and wastewater effluent collected from 34 stream locations across Iowa (United States). Environmental samples were analyzed for a suite of 29 antibiotics, plated on selective media for 15 types of bacteria growth, and DNA was extracted from culture groRegression and load estimates for the tributary nutrient and sediment monitoring program on the Great Lakes, 2011-2013
Nutrient and sediment regression information (diagnostics and coefficients) and estimated load data from 30 tributaries to the Great Lakes, beginning of the program (water year 2011) to water year 2013.Concentrations of inorganic, organic, and microbial analytes from a national reconnaissance of wastewater from food, beverage, and feedstock facilities across the United States
This dataset contains results for treated wastewater samples collected at food processing facilities across the United States to characterize the potential contaminant profile of this type of wastewater. The associated report (Hubbard and others, 2021) can be found at https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.1c06821. Samples were analyzed by USGS laboratories using 10 target organic (576 unique analytes),Water-quality data for a statewide assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) study in Iowa, 2019-2020
Data were collected at 60 surface water and two effluent sites across Iowa in 2019-2020 by staff from the U.S. Geological Survey Central Midwest Water Science Center. Samples were submitted to the National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, and were analyzed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.Temporal Viral Viability Data from Avian Influenza A Viruses Maintained in Alaska Wetlands Under Experimental and Environmental Conditions
Data sets containing: (1) sample collection and influenza A virus (IAV) screening information for wild ducks, (2) water temperature data from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA (3) water quality measurement from four wetlands within the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, USA, (4) genetic sequence data for IAVs recovered from replicate samples of wildMicrobial and chemical contaminant occurrence and concentration in groundwater and surface water proximal to large-scale poultry facilities and poultry litter, 2016
Chemical and biological results, quality assurance and quality control, and method information from groundwater, surface water, and litter samples, collected from nine locations in Iowa and one in Wisconsin in 2016. Thirteen groundwater, nine surface water, four poultry litter, and four QA/QC samples were collected. Samples were analyzed at U.S. Geological Survey laboratories; bacteria, pathogens,Concentrations and associated method information for trace and major elements in Fourmile Creek near Ankeny, Iowa, USA during the 2011-2014 wastewater treatment facility pre/post-closure assessment
Dataset includes trace and rare earth element concentration data as well as water level elevation data in select groundwater piezometers recorded in 10 minute intervals during the period October 2011 to October 2014. Latitude and longitude data are provided for groundwater piezometer locations. This data release supports the following publication: Keefe, S.H., L.E. Hubbard, L.B. Barber, P - Multimedia
Filter Total Items: 31Scientists walk between hundreds of spawning sockeye salmon in shallow lake at Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, AlaskaScientists scout for brown bears before starting infectious avian influenza water sampling in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, AlaskaFiltering wetland water for infectious avian influenza in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.Filtering wetland water to sample for infectious avian influenza in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska.MI-BaRL research team displaying laboratory equipment used in developing avian influenza research methods
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 25
Environmental surveillance and detection of infectious highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in Iowa wetlands
Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) infect both wild birds and domestic poultry, resulting in economically costly outbreaks that have the potential to impact public health. Currently, a knowledge gap exists regarding the detection of infectious AIVs in the aquatic environment. In response to the 2021–2022 Eurasian strain highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 clade 2.3.4.4 liAuthorsLaura E. Hubbard, Carrie E Givens, Erin Stelzer, Mary L. Killian, Dana W. Kolpin, Christine M. Szablewski, Rebecca L. PoulsonSimultaneous stream assessment of antibiotics, bacteria, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistant genes in an agricultural region of the United States
Antimicrobial resistance is now recognized as a leading global threat to human health. Nevertheless, there currently is a limited understanding of the environment's role in the spread of AMR and antibiotic resistant genes (ARG). In 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey conducted the first statewide assessment of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and ARGs in surface water and bed sediment collected frAuthorsCarrie E Givens, Dana W. Kolpin, Laura E. Hubbard, Shannon M. Meppelink, David M. Cwiertny, Darrin A. Thompson, Rachael F. Lane, Michaelah C. WilsonContaminant exposure and transport from three potential reuse waters within a single watershed
Global demand for safe and sustainable water supplies necessitates a better understanding of contaminant exposures in potential reuse waters. In this study, we compared exposures and load contributions to surface water from the discharge of three reuse waters (wastewater effluent, urban stormwater, and agricultural runoff). Results document substantial and varying organic-chemical contribution toAuthorsJason R. Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle M. Cozzarelli, Paul Bradley, Brian Arnall, Kenneth J. Forshay, James L. Gray, Justin F. Groves, Michelle Hladik, Laura E. Hubbard, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Jeanne B. Jaeschke, Rachael F. Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Bridgette F. Polite, David A. Roth, Michael Pettijohn, Michaelah C. WilsonByWater Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, California Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Reston Biogeochemical Processes in Groundwater LaboratoryFood, beverage, and feedstock processing facility wastewater: A unique and underappreciated source of contaminants to U.S. streams
Process wastewaters from food, beverage, and feedstock facilities, although regulated, are an under-investigated environmental contaminant source. Food process wastewaters (FPWWs) from 23 facilities in 17 U.S. states were sampled and documented for a plethora of chemical and microbial contaminants. Of the 576 analyzed organics, 184 (32%) were detected at least once, with concentrations as large asAuthorsLaura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, Carrie E Givens, Bradley D. Blackwell, Paul Bradley, James L. Gray, Rachael F. Lane, Jason R. Masoner, R. Blaine McCleskey, Kristin Romanok, Mark W. Sandstrom, Kelly Smalling, Daniel L. VilleneuveByEcosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Upper Midwest Water Science Center, National Water Quality LaboratoryA comprehensive statewide spatiotemporal stream assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in an agricultural region of the United States
Public concern regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has grown substantially in recent years. In addition, research has documented multiple potential agriculture-related release pathways for PFAS (e.g., biosolids and livestock manure). Nevertheless, little research on the environmental prevalence of PFAS has been conducted in agricultural regions of the United States. To fill this g
AuthorsDana W. Kolpin, Laura E. Hubbard, D.M. Cwiertny, Shannon M. Meppelink, D.A. Thompson, James L. GrayEvidence for interannual persistence of infectious influenza A viruses in Alaska wetlands
Influenza A viruses (IAVs) deposited by wild birds into the environment may lead to sporadic mortality events and economically costly outbreaks among domestic birds. There is a paucity of information, however, regarding the persistence of infectious IAVs within the environment following deposition. In this investigation, we assessed the persistence of 12 IAVs that were present in the cloaca and/orAuthorsAndrew M. Ramey, Andrew B. Reeves, Benjamin Joel Lagassé, Vijay P. Patil, Laura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Deborah A. Repert, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. PoulsonExposure and transport of alkaloids and phytoestrogens from soybeans to agricultural soils and streams in the Midwestern United States
Phytotoxins are naturally produced toxins with potencies similar/higher than many anthropogenic micropollutants. Nevertheless, little is known regarding their environmental fate and off-field transport to streams. To fill this research gap, a network of six basins in the Midwestern United States with substantial soybean production was selected for the study. Stream water (n = 110), soybean plant tAuthorsJ. R. Hama, Dana W. Kolpin, G. H. LeFevre, Laura E. Hubbard, M. M. Powers, B. W. StrobelPoultry litter as potential source of pathogens and other contaminants in groundwater and surface water proximal to large-scale confined poultry feeding operations
Manure from livestock production has been associated with the contamination of water resources. To date, research has primarily focused on runoff of these contaminants from animal operations into surface water, and the introduction of poultry-derived pathogenic zoonoses and other contaminants into groundwater is under-investigated. We characterized pathogens and other microbial and chemical contamAuthorsLaura E. Hubbard, Carrie E. Givens, Dale W. Griffin, Luke Iwanowicz, Michael T. Meyer, Dana W. KolpinA surrogate regression approach for computing continuous loads for the tributary nutrient and sediment monitoring program on the Great Lakes
Water quality (WQ) in many Great Lake tributaries has been degraded (increased nutrient and sediment concentrations) due to changes in their watersheds, resulting in downstream eutrophication. As part of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, specific goals were established for loading of specific constituents (e.g., phosphorus). In 2010, the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative was launched to idAuthorsDale M. Robertson, Laura E. Hubbard, David L. Lorenz, Daniel J. SullivanHighlighting the complexities of a groundwater pilot study during an avian influenza outbreak: Methods, lessons learned, and select contaminant results
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (H5N2) outbreak in the Midwestern United States (US) in 2015 was historic due to the number of birds and poultry operations impacted and the corresponding economic loss to the poultry industry and was the largest animal health emergency in US history. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with the assistance of several state and federal agencies, aided the responAuthorsLaura E. Hubbard, Dana W. Kolpin, Chad L. Fields, Michelle L. Hladik, Luke R. IwanowiczAvian influenza virus RNA in groundwater wells supplying poultry farms affected by the 2015 influenza outbreak
During the 2015 outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAI) on poultry farms in the midwestern United States, concern was raised about the potential for HPAI to contaminate groundwater. Our study objective was to evaluate the occurrence of HPAI in the groundwater supply wells on 13 outbreak-affected poultry farms in Iowa and Wisconsin. We sampled 20 wells, six waste-storage lagoons,AuthorsMark A. Borchardt, Susan K. Spencer, Laura E. Hubbard, Aaron Firnstahl, Joel P. Stokdyk, Dana W. KolpinFlood-frequency characteristics of Wisconsin streams
Flood-frequency characteristics for 360 gaged sites on unregulated rural streams in Wisconsin are presented for percent annual exceedance probabilities ranging from 0.2 to 50 using a statewide skewness map developed for this report. Equations of the relations between flood-frequency and drainage-basin characteristics were developed by multiple-regression analyses. Flood-frequency characteristics fAuthorsJohn F. Walker, Marie C. Peppler, Mari E. Danz, Laura E. Hubbard - News