Nicholas Paretti
Nicholas Paretti is a Hydrologist in the Arizona Water Science Center, Tucson Office.
My research interests include endocrine disrupting effects of treated effluent on fish; bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic contaminants in aquatic organisms; ecological assessments of aquatic biota and habitat quality; occurrence and distribution of organic contaminants as a result of Wastewater Treatment Plants; Passive sampler technology to identify trace organics; flood hydrology; relating semi-arid flow regimes to aquatic biota.
I first joined the Arizona Water Science Center as a University of Arizona undergraduate student in 2001 working on a stream ecology assessment programs for the EPA and USGS. I continued employment with the USGS while working on a Masters of Science in the Fisheries Science program at the University of Arizona. My research focused on endocrine disruption in fish exposed to treated effluent. After graduation I was hired as a full-time employee in 2006. Since then I have worked on a diverse number of projects pertaining to water quality, geophysics, toxicology, ecological assessments, and flood hydrology.
My current research involves updating the regional regression equations for estimating magnitude and frequency of streamflow in Arizona. I am also working on an ecoflows investigation for the Verde River, AZ and trying to develop ecological relations between biotic communities and flow regime characteristics.
Education and Certifications
Masters of Science in Fisheries Science (2006), University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Science in Soil, Water, and Environmental Science (2002), University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Abstracts and Presentations
Paretti, N.V., Walker, D.B., Cordy, G., Gross, T., Furlong, E., Zaugg, S., Kolpin, D.W. Quantifying Potential Endocrine Disruption in Effluent-Dominated and Effluent-Dependent Waters Using Fish as Indicators. In Proceedings of Arizona Hydrological Society, Annual Symposium, Flagstaff, AZ. September 21-24, 2005.
Paretti, N.V., Robinson, A.T., and Cordy, G. E. Ecological Assessment of Arizona’s Streams and Rivers, 2000-2004. In Proceedings of Arizona Hydrological Society Annual Symposium, Glendale, AZ. September 13-16, 2006.
Paretti, N.V., Walker, D.B., Cordy, G., Gross, T., Furlong, E., Zaugg, S., Kolpin, D.W. Using Fish as Indicators for Quantifying Endocrine Disruption in Effluent-Dominated and Dependent Waters. Reps. NGWA 5th International Conference on Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in the Environment, Costa Mesa, CA. March 13th, 2006.
Paretti, N.V., Callegary, J.B., Gray, F., Beisner, K., Norman, L.M., Van Riper, C. Occurrence, Fate, and Bioaccumulation of Organic and Inorganic Contaminants from Multiple Sources in the Upper Santa Cruz Watershed. In Proceedings of Arizona Hydrological Society, Annual Symposium, Tucson, AZ. September 1-4, 2010.
Paretti, N.V. and Gungle, B. Detecting the undetectable: Using passive sampler technology to identify emerging contaminants in a spring downstream from a wastewater treatment plant. In Proceedings of Arizona Hydrological Society Annual Symposium, Scottsdale, AZ. August 30-September 2, 2009.
Paretti, N.V. Methods for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods in Arizona. In Proceedings of Arizona Hydrological Society Annual Symposium, Scottsdale, AZ. August 30-September 2, 2009.
Beisner, K., Paretti, N, Brasher, A, Miller, M, Fuller, C. (2011) Preliminary assessment of metal concentration in water at Tavasci Marsh, Arizona [abstract] in Watersheds Near and Far, Arizona Hydrological Society, Proceedings of the 24rd annual symposium, September 19-20, 2011, Flagstaff, Arizona.
Callegary, J., Paretti, N., Gray, F., Norman, L.M., Beisner, K., Eddleman, K., Matti, L., Papoulias, D., van Riper III, C., Bell, J.R., McAndrew, R., Lincicome, A., Brusseau, M., Alvarez, D., Scott, C., Vandervoet, P., and Megdal, S., 2011, Linking hydrology, geology, chemistry, and biology in the Upper Santa Cruz River Basin, In Proceedings of Santa Cruz River Researcher’s Day, 03/28/2011
Callegary, J., Gray, F., Paretti, N.V., Norman, L., Withers, K., Vandervoet, P., McAndrew, R., Scott, C., Van Riper, C., Megdal, S., and Prichard, A., 2010, Physical and Biological Science to Study Interactions among Water, Environmental, and Human Health in the Transboundary Upper Santa Cruz Basin, In Proceedings of Santa Cruz River Researcher’s Day, March 29, 2010, Tucson, Ariz.
Norman, L. M.; Callegary, J. B.; Van Riper, C.; Gray, F.; Paretti, N.V.; Villarreal, M. The Border Environmental Health Initiative: Investigation of the Transboundary Santa Cruz Watershed American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2009, abstract #H52A-02.
Hirschboeck, K.K., Zamora-Reyes, D. Kim, S. and Paretti, N.V., Paleo, Present and Future Floods: Insights from Flood Hydroclimatology for Identifying Flood-Climate Links on Different Time Scales. In Proceedings of European Geophysicial Union. October 2012, Berlin, Germany.
Kennedy, J., Paretti, N., 2011, Arizona flood frequency analysis: updated tools and products, Arizona Hydrological Soc. Symposium abstract.
Skow, D., Brasher, A.M.D, Moline, A.B., and Paretti, N.V. Flow and Substrate Utilization of Fishes in the Upper Verde River, Arizona. Poster Session at the at Society for Freshwater Science Annual Meeting. Louisville, KY. May 20-24, 2012
Paretti, N.V., Coes, A.L., Iverson, J., Foreman, W., and Alvarez, D. Sampling Trace Organic Chemicals in Water: A Methods Comparison of Water Samples Collected with Standard Discrete Methods, POCIS Passive Samplers, and CLAM Continuous Samplers. Poster Session at the 5th International Passive Sampling Workshop and Symposium. September, 11-12, 2012
Paretti, N.V., Coes, A.L., Iverson, J., Foreman, W., and Alvarez, D. Sampling Trace Organic Chemicals in Water: A Methods Comparison of Water Samples Collected with Standard Discrete Methods, POCIS Passive Samplers, and CLAM Continuous Samplers. Poster Session at the of American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, December 2012, San Francisco, CA.
Science and Products
National Water-Quality Program Monitoring Networks, Arizona, 2013-2023
Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Bacterial Indicators and Microbial Source Tracking within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the Santa Cruz River Watershed
Occurrence, fate, transport, and ecological effects of aerially applied herbicides in the effort to control invasive buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare syn. Cenchrus ciliaris) in Saguaro National Park
Supplemental Regression Model Data, Estimated Discharge Data, and Calculated Flux and Yields Data used in Bacterial Indicators and Microbial Source Tracking Study at Tumacacori National Historical Park and the Upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona (1994-2017)
Supplemental Continuous Temperature Data, Temperature Profile Data, SPMD Environmental Concentration Data and SPMD Quality-control Data for the Assessment of Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Southern Lake Powell (2016-2017)
Supplemental stream-stage, discharge, and Escherichia coli datasets used in the assessment of water quality at Tumaccori National Historical Park and the Upper Santa Cruz River, 20092017
Utilizing anthropogenic compounds and geochemical tracers to identify preferential structurally controlled groundwater pathways influencing springs in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, USA
Occurrence and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass in Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro National Park, Arizona
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
Estimation of dissolved-solids concentrations using continuous water-quality monitoring and regression models at four sites in the Yuma area, Arizona and California, January 2017 through March 2019
Escherichia coli in the Santa Cruz River in Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona
Spatial and temporal distribution of bacterial indicators and microbial-source tracking within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the upper Santa Cruz River, southern Arizona and northern Mexico, 2015–2016
Tumacácori National Historical Park (TUMA) in southern Arizona protects the culturally important Mission San José de Tumacácori, while also managing a part of the ecologically diverse riparian corridor of the Santa Cruz River. The quality of the water flowing through depends solely on upstream watershed activities, and among the water-quality issues concerning TUMA is the microbiological pathogens
Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in southern Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah, 2016–17
Assessment of environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed, Arizona
Preliminary synthesis and assessment of environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed, Arizona
Collection methods and quality assessment for Escherichia coli, water quality, and microbial source tracking data within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona, 2015-16
Geochemistry and hydrology of perched groundwater springs: assessing elevated uranium concentrations at Pigeon Spring relative to nearby Pigeon Mine, Arizona (USA)
Methods for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods in Arizona, developed with unregulated and rural peak-flow data through water year 2010
Science and Products
- Science
National Water-Quality Program Monitoring Networks, Arizona, 2013-2023
The Arizona Water Science Center collects water-quality data from stream and aquifer sites in networks that are part of the National Water-Quality Program (NWQP) and the National Stream Quality Accounting Network (NASQAN).Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Bacterial Indicators and Microbial Source Tracking within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the Santa Cruz River Watershed
Elevated levels of bacteria have been measured by the USGS, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), and other agencies, in the Upper Santa Cruz River, including within the reach at Tumacácori National Historical Park (TUMA). Indicators of pathogens in the river at TUMA are at levels that are of great concern to TUMA personnel responsible for safeguarding two of...Occurrence, fate, transport, and ecological effects of aerially applied herbicides in the effort to control invasive buffelgrass (Pennisetum ciliare syn. Cenchrus ciliaris) in Saguaro National Park
The Sonoran Desert lands that the Saguaro National Park (SAGU) has been tasked to protect are facing an unprecedented threat from buffelgrass ( Cenhrus ciliaris ), an invasive perennial grass that was added to Arizona’s noxious weed list in 2005. The buffelgrass invasion has been so pervasive that the U.S. Department of Interior issued a declaration in 2010 which highlighted a need for a “war on... - Data
Supplemental Regression Model Data, Estimated Discharge Data, and Calculated Flux and Yields Data used in Bacterial Indicators and Microbial Source Tracking Study at Tumacacori National Historical Park and the Upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona (1994-2017)
This data release contains three different datasets that were used in the Scientific Investigations Report: Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Bacterial Indicators and Microbial Source Tracking within Tumacacori National Historical Park and the Upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona, 2015-16. These datasets contain regression model data, estimated discharge data, and calculated flux and yields data. RSupplemental Continuous Temperature Data, Temperature Profile Data, SPMD Environmental Concentration Data and SPMD Quality-control Data for the Assessment of Hydrocarbon Concentrations in Southern Lake Powell (2016-2017)
This data release contains five datasets that were used in a Scientific Investigations Report to be published in 2018. These datasets are continuous temperature data, temperature profiles data, SPMD environmental concentration data in picograms per liter of water, SPMD environmental concentration data in nanograms per SPMD, and SPMD quality-control concentration data. SPMD Environmental ConcentraSupplemental stream-stage, discharge, and Escherichia coli datasets used in the assessment of water quality at Tumaccori National Historical Park and the Upper Santa Cruz River, 20092017
Tumaccori National Historical Park (TUMA) was established in 1908 to protect, preserve, and communicate the history of the old Spanish and Oodham mission church. In 2002, Congress expanded the Parks purpose and mission, increasing the Parks area to include more than 1 mile of the Santa Cruz River and its associated riparian area. As part of the USGSNPS Water-Quality Partnership, a three year inves - Publications
Filter Total Items: 19
Utilizing 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 BarberOccurrence and transport of aerially applied herbicides to control invasive buffelgrass in Rincon Mountain District, Saguaro National Park, Arizona
Resource managers of the Saguaro National Park are concerned about the spread of the invasive species Cenchrus ciliaris L. (buffelgrass) and the threat it poses to desert ecosystems. Glyphosate-based herbicide treatments seem to be one of a few viable options to control the spread of buffelgrass in the mountainous terrain of the National Park. The U.S. Geological Survey completed a 4-year study wiAuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Bruce GungleOccurrence, 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. MayoEstimation of dissolved-solids concentrations using continuous water-quality monitoring and regression models at four sites in the Yuma area, Arizona and California, January 2017 through March 2019
Multiple linear regression models were developed to estimate dissolved-solids concentrations in water at four sites in the Yuma area between Imperial Dam, Arizona and California and the southerly international boundary with Mexico at San Luis, Arizona. Continuous and discrete water-quality data were collected at gaging stations in the Colorado River upstream from Imperial Dam, Arizona-California,AuthorsJay R. Cederberg, Nicholas V. Paretti, Alissa L. Coes, Edyth Hermosillo, Lucia AndradeEscherichia coli in the Santa Cruz River in Tumacácori National Historical Park, Arizona
At Tumacácori National Historical Park in southern Arizona, resource managers are concerned about microbial pathogens in the Santa Cruz River that could pose a serious health risk to employees and visitors. The U.S. Geological Survey recently completed a comprehensive 3-year study of water quality in the Santa Cruz River watershed that investigated the possible sources of microbial contamination aAuthorsNicholas V. ParettiSpatial and temporal distribution of bacterial indicators and microbial-source tracking within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the upper Santa Cruz River, southern Arizona and northern Mexico, 2015–2016
Tumacácori National Historical Park (TUMA) in southern Arizona protects the culturally important Mission San José de Tumacácori, while also managing a part of the ecologically diverse riparian corridor of the Santa Cruz River. The quality of the water flowing through depends solely on upstream watershed activities, and among the water-quality issues concerning TUMA is the microbiological pathogens
AuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Christopher M. Kephart, Thomas J. Porter, Edyth Hermosillo, Jay R. Cederberg, Justine P. Mayo, Bruce Gungle, Alissa L. Coes, Rachel S. Tucci, Laura M. NormanAssessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in southern Lake Powell, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona and Utah, 2016–17
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination related to boat use is one of the most important water-quality issues affecting Lake Powell. High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water are common around marinas and other areas with extensive motorboat activity because of releases of uncombusted or partially combusted oil and gasoline from boat engines. The fate of these compoundAuthorsAlissa L. Coes, Nicholas V. Paretti, David A. Alvarez, Jamie P. MacyAssessment of environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed, Arizona
This report summarizes analyses of middle Verde River watershed environmental flows detailed in U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2017-5100, “Preliminary synthesis and assessment of environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed, Arizona," by N.V. Paretti, A.M.D. Brasher, S.L. Pearlstein, D.M. Skow, B. Gungle, and B.D. Garner.AuthorsBruce Gungle, Nicholas V. ParettiPreliminary synthesis and assessment of environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed, Arizona
A 3-year study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of the available modeling tools for characterizing environmental flows in the middle Verde River watershed of central Arizona, describe riparian vegetation throughout the watershed, and estimate sediment mobilization in the river. Existing data on fish and macroinvertebrates were analyzed in relation to basin characteristics, flow regimes,AuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Anne M. D. Brasher, Susanna L. Pearlstein, Dena M. Skow, Bruce Gungle, Bradley D. GarnerCollection methods and quality assessment for Escherichia coli, water quality, and microbial source tracking data within Tumacácori National Historical Park and the upper Santa Cruz River, Arizona, 2015-16
Tumacácori National Historical Park protects the culturally important Mission, San José de Tumacácori, while also managing a portion of the ecologically diverse riparian corridor of the Santa Cruz River. This report describes the methods and quality assurance procedures used in the collection of water samples for the analysis of Escherichia coli (E. coli), microbial source tracking markers, suspenAuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Alissa L. Coes, Christopher M. Kephart, Justine P. MayoGeochemistry and hydrology of perched groundwater springs: assessing elevated uranium concentrations at Pigeon Spring relative to nearby Pigeon Mine, Arizona (USA)
The processes that affect water chemistry as the water flows from recharge areas through breccia-pipe uranium deposits in the Grand Canyon region of the southwestern United States are not well understood. Pigeon Spring had elevated uranium in 1982 (44 μg/L), compared to other perched springs (2.7–18 μg/L), prior to mining operations at the nearby Pigeon Mine. Perched groundwater springs in an areaAuthorsKimberly R. Beisner, Nicholas V. Paretti, Fred D. Tillman, David L. Naftz, Donald J. Bills, Katherine Walton-Day, Tanya J. GallegosMethods for estimating magnitude and frequency of floods in Arizona, developed with unregulated and rural peak-flow data through water year 2010
Flooding is among the worst natural disasters responsible for loss of life and property in Arizona, underscoring the importance of accurate estimation of flood magnitude for proper structural design and floodplain mapping. Twenty-four years of additional peak-flow data have been recorded since the last comprehensive regional flood frequency analysis conducted in Arizona. Periodically, flood frequeAuthorsNicholas V. Paretti, Jeffrey R. Kennedy, Lovina A. Turney, Andrea G. Veilleux