Multi-parameter meter installed at Milwaukee River Cherry Street streamgage location. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Peter L Lenaker
Pete Lenaker is a Physical Scientist with the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Oceanography and Coastal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2009
B.S. in Environmental Science, Western Washington University - Huxley College of the Environment, 2006
A.A. in Environmental Studies, North Seattle College, 2003
Science and Products
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Contaminants in Water and Sediment
Human and Bovine Virus Prevalence in Some Great Lakes Tributaries Influenced by Watershed-Specific and Seasonal Characteristics
Select optical signals from water samples collected on the Menomonee River, Underwood Creek, and Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility from 2017-2019, and time-series optical sensor and one-hour mean streamflow data from the Menomonee River 2017-2018
Great Lakes tributary pharmaceutical water samples from water year 2018
Optical signals of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water of Great Lake tributaries from 2011 to 2016
Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014
Regression models and associated data for describing variability of host specific bacteria fluxes in eight Great Lakes tributaries, 2011-2013
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human specific virus loads, sample volumes, and drainage areas for six Menomonee River Watershed sampling locations
Multi-parameter meter installed at Milwaukee River Cherry Street streamgage location. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Milwaukee River at Cherry Street Bridge looking downstream into downtown Milwaukee. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Milwaukee River at Cherry Street Bridge looking downstream into downtown Milwaukee. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Large-volume microplastics sampler with pump and flow meter next to field vehicle.
Large-volume microplastics sampler with pump and flow meter next to field vehicle.
North Branch Oak Creek at South Wildwood Drive at Oak Creek, Wisconsin looking upstream during summer.
North Branch Oak Creek at South Wildwood Drive at Oak Creek, Wisconsin looking upstream during summer.
Looking upstream Oak Creek at South 31st Street in Franklin, Wisconsin, in summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/04087188
Looking upstream Oak Creek at South 31st Street in Franklin, Wisconsin, in summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/04087188
Looking upstream Underwood Creek Tributary near Oak Leaf Trail at West Allis, Wisconsin, during summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0408708573/
Looking upstream Underwood Creek Tributary near Oak Leaf Trail at West Allis, Wisconsin, during summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0408708573/
Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper
linkClose up view of a Turner C3 submersible fluorometer sensors. Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper.
Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper
linkClose up view of a Turner C3 submersible fluorometer sensors. Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper.
Flow-through sensor for measurement of three different optical signals.
Flow-through sensor for measurement of three different optical signals.
Photograph of a 24-bottle automatic sampler to collect water samples for optical properties of water and microbiological analyses.
Photograph of a 24-bottle automatic sampler to collect water samples for optical properties of water and microbiological analyses.
Human-specific virus filtration units with 10-micron nominal pore size string-wound pre-filter and dead-end ultrafilter after a five-day composite sampling event with the Menomonee River in background. Menomonee River at 16th St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Human-specific virus filtration units with 10-micron nominal pore size string-wound pre-filter and dead-end ultrafilter after a five-day composite sampling event with the Menomonee River in background. Menomonee River at 16th St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Prefilter and Ultrafilter assembly from Menomonee River at 16th St., Milwaukee, WI.
Prefilter and Ultrafilter assembly from Menomonee River at 16th St., Milwaukee, WI.
Ultrafilters are used to concentrate pathogens from large-volume surface water samples. Plastic autoclaved bottles used for human-associated indicator bacteria analysis. Glass bottle used for DOC, simultaneous fluorescence and absorbance, and pharmaceutical compound analysis.
Ultrafilters are used to concentrate pathogens from large-volume surface water samples. Plastic autoclaved bottles used for human-associated indicator bacteria analysis. Glass bottle used for DOC, simultaneous fluorescence and absorbance, and pharmaceutical compound analysis.
Chromophoric (colored) Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) (left) and Tryptophan (right) sensors.
Chromophoric (colored) Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) (left) and Tryptophan (right) sensors.
Custom-designed, automated, large-volume virus water sample filtration and collection system at Underwood Creek, WI.
Custom-designed, automated, large-volume virus water sample filtration and collection system at Underwood Creek, WI.
A USGS scientist collecting a discrete water-quality sample.
A USGS scientist collecting a discrete water-quality sample.
Little Muskego Lake, WI sediment core mounted on sediment extrusion device.
Little Muskego Lake, WI sediment core mounted on sediment extrusion device.
USGS scientist inspects three sediment cores from Lake Mendota, WI prior to sediment extrusion.
USGS scientist inspects three sediment cores from Lake Mendota, WI prior to sediment extrusion.
0.50 cm section of lake sediment from Lake Mendota, WI.
0.50 cm section of lake sediment from Lake Mendota, WI.
A photograph of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) custom automated pathogen sampler (top) and schematic illustrating the remote-unattended-automated pathogen sampler (bottom). Sample collection proceeds over the course of a runoff-event or low-flow period for up to a maximum of 5 days before a site visit by personnel is needed to collect the samples.
A photograph of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) custom automated pathogen sampler (top) and schematic illustrating the remote-unattended-automated pathogen sampler (bottom). Sample collection proceeds over the course of a runoff-event or low-flow period for up to a maximum of 5 days before a site visit by personnel is needed to collect the samples.
USGS scientist collecting sediment core from Little Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI.
USGS scientist collecting sediment core from Little Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI.
Surface water sampling for microplastics in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, WI.
Surface water sampling for microplastics in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, WI.
Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning
A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals
Modeled predictions of human-associated and fecal-indicator bacteria concentrations and loadings in the Menomonee River, Wisconsin using in-situ optical sensors
Prioritizing pharmaceutical contaminants in Great Lakes tributaries using risk-based screening techniques
Risk-based prioritization of organic chemicals and locations of ecological concern in sediment from Great Lakes tributaries
Optical properties of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water at three watershed scales
Spatial distribution of microplastics in surficial benthic sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie
Primary sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to streambed sediment in Great Lakes tributaries using multiple lines of evidence
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediment from the Milwaukee River basin to Lake Michigan
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human-specific viruses in surface water: a spatial assessment with implications on fate and transport
Patterns of host-associated fecal indicators driven by hydrology, precipitation, and land use attributes in Great Lakes watersheds
Hydrologic, land cover, and seasonal patterns of waterborne pathogens in Great Lakes tributaries
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
MMSD Watercourse Corridor Study: Contaminants in Water and Sediment
Human and Bovine Virus Prevalence in Some Great Lakes Tributaries Influenced by Watershed-Specific and Seasonal Characteristics
Select optical signals from water samples collected on the Menomonee River, Underwood Creek, and Jones Island Water Reclamation Facility from 2017-2019, and time-series optical sensor and one-hour mean streamflow data from the Menomonee River 2017-2018
Great Lakes tributary pharmaceutical water samples from water year 2018
Optical signals of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water of Great Lake tributaries from 2011 to 2016
Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014
Regression models and associated data for describing variability of host specific bacteria fluxes in eight Great Lakes tributaries, 2011-2013
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human specific virus loads, sample volumes, and drainage areas for six Menomonee River Watershed sampling locations
Multi-parameter meter installed at Milwaukee River Cherry Street streamgage location. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Multi-parameter meter installed at Milwaukee River Cherry Street streamgage location. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Milwaukee River at Cherry Street Bridge looking downstream into downtown Milwaukee. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Milwaukee River at Cherry Street Bridge looking downstream into downtown Milwaukee. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/040870115
Large-volume microplastics sampler with pump and flow meter next to field vehicle.
Large-volume microplastics sampler with pump and flow meter next to field vehicle.
North Branch Oak Creek at South Wildwood Drive at Oak Creek, Wisconsin looking upstream during summer.
North Branch Oak Creek at South Wildwood Drive at Oak Creek, Wisconsin looking upstream during summer.
Looking upstream Oak Creek at South 31st Street in Franklin, Wisconsin, in summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/04087188
Looking upstream Oak Creek at South 31st Street in Franklin, Wisconsin, in summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/04087188
Looking upstream Underwood Creek Tributary near Oak Leaf Trail at West Allis, Wisconsin, during summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0408708573/
Looking upstream Underwood Creek Tributary near Oak Leaf Trail at West Allis, Wisconsin, during summer. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/0408708573/
Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper
linkClose up view of a Turner C3 submersible fluorometer sensors. Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper.
Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper
linkClose up view of a Turner C3 submersible fluorometer sensors. Multi-parameter meter with FDOM, Tryptophan, Turbidity, and Temperature sensors and central wiper.
Flow-through sensor for measurement of three different optical signals.
Flow-through sensor for measurement of three different optical signals.
Photograph of a 24-bottle automatic sampler to collect water samples for optical properties of water and microbiological analyses.
Photograph of a 24-bottle automatic sampler to collect water samples for optical properties of water and microbiological analyses.
Human-specific virus filtration units with 10-micron nominal pore size string-wound pre-filter and dead-end ultrafilter after a five-day composite sampling event with the Menomonee River in background. Menomonee River at 16th St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Human-specific virus filtration units with 10-micron nominal pore size string-wound pre-filter and dead-end ultrafilter after a five-day composite sampling event with the Menomonee River in background. Menomonee River at 16th St. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Prefilter and Ultrafilter assembly from Menomonee River at 16th St., Milwaukee, WI.
Prefilter and Ultrafilter assembly from Menomonee River at 16th St., Milwaukee, WI.
Ultrafilters are used to concentrate pathogens from large-volume surface water samples. Plastic autoclaved bottles used for human-associated indicator bacteria analysis. Glass bottle used for DOC, simultaneous fluorescence and absorbance, and pharmaceutical compound analysis.
Ultrafilters are used to concentrate pathogens from large-volume surface water samples. Plastic autoclaved bottles used for human-associated indicator bacteria analysis. Glass bottle used for DOC, simultaneous fluorescence and absorbance, and pharmaceutical compound analysis.
Chromophoric (colored) Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) (left) and Tryptophan (right) sensors.
Chromophoric (colored) Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) (left) and Tryptophan (right) sensors.
Custom-designed, automated, large-volume virus water sample filtration and collection system at Underwood Creek, WI.
Custom-designed, automated, large-volume virus water sample filtration and collection system at Underwood Creek, WI.
A USGS scientist collecting a discrete water-quality sample.
A USGS scientist collecting a discrete water-quality sample.
Little Muskego Lake, WI sediment core mounted on sediment extrusion device.
Little Muskego Lake, WI sediment core mounted on sediment extrusion device.
USGS scientist inspects three sediment cores from Lake Mendota, WI prior to sediment extrusion.
USGS scientist inspects three sediment cores from Lake Mendota, WI prior to sediment extrusion.
0.50 cm section of lake sediment from Lake Mendota, WI.
0.50 cm section of lake sediment from Lake Mendota, WI.
A photograph of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) custom automated pathogen sampler (top) and schematic illustrating the remote-unattended-automated pathogen sampler (bottom). Sample collection proceeds over the course of a runoff-event or low-flow period for up to a maximum of 5 days before a site visit by personnel is needed to collect the samples.
A photograph of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) custom automated pathogen sampler (top) and schematic illustrating the remote-unattended-automated pathogen sampler (bottom). Sample collection proceeds over the course of a runoff-event or low-flow period for up to a maximum of 5 days before a site visit by personnel is needed to collect the samples.
USGS scientist collecting sediment core from Little Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI.
USGS scientist collecting sediment core from Little Menomonee River, Milwaukee, WI.
Surface water sampling for microplastics in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, WI.
Surface water sampling for microplastics in Lake Michigan near Milwaukee, WI.
Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning
A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals
Modeled predictions of human-associated and fecal-indicator bacteria concentrations and loadings in the Menomonee River, Wisconsin using in-situ optical sensors
Prioritizing pharmaceutical contaminants in Great Lakes tributaries using risk-based screening techniques
Risk-based prioritization of organic chemicals and locations of ecological concern in sediment from Great Lakes tributaries
Optical properties of water for prediction of wastewater contamination, human-associated bacteria, and fecal indicator bacteria in surface water at three watershed scales
Spatial distribution of microplastics in surficial benthic sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie
Primary sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to streambed sediment in Great Lakes tributaries using multiple lines of evidence
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediment from the Milwaukee River basin to Lake Michigan
Human-associated indicator bacteria and human-specific viruses in surface water: a spatial assessment with implications on fate and transport
Patterns of host-associated fecal indicators driven by hydrology, precipitation, and land use attributes in Great Lakes watersheds
Hydrologic, land cover, and seasonal patterns of waterborne pathogens in Great Lakes tributaries
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.