Rachael F Lane, Ph.D.
Dr. Rachael Lane is an analytical chemist whose research focuses on the identification, fate, and transport of emerging organic contaminants.
EDUCATION
- Ph.D. 2015, with Honors, Analytical Chemistry, University of Kansas
- B.S. 2009, cum laude, Chemistry, Emporia State University (minor: Geospatial Analysis)
PUBLICATIONS
- Lane, R.F., Adams, C.D., Randtke, S.J., Carter Jr., R.E. 2015 Chlorination and chloramination of bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and bisphenol A diglycidyl ether in drinking water. Water Research, 79: 68-78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2015.04.014
- Lane, R.F., Adams, C.D., Randtke, S.J., Carter, Jr., R.E. 2014. Bisphenol diglycidyl ethers and bisphenol A and their hydrolysis in drinking water. Water Research, 75: 331-339. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2014.09.043
- Roach, J.D., Lane, R.F., Hussain, Y. 2011. Comparative study of the uses of poly(4-vinylpyridine) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride for the removal of perchlorate from aqueous solution by polyelectrolyte-enhanced ultrafiltration. Water Research, 45(3): 1387-1393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2010.10.027
- Rosen, B.H., Loftin, K.A., Smith, C.E., Lane, R.F., Keydel, S.P. 2010. Microphotographs of cyanobacteria documenting the effects of various cell-lysis techniques. U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report, 2010–1289, 1-203. https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2010/1289/
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Exploring the Sensitivity of Salmonids to 6PPD-Quinone: Implications for Urban Ecosystems
The USGS is investigating the effects of 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a harmful contaminant found in urban stormwater runoff, on fish and wildlife health, particularly in salmonids. Recent studies have shown that 6PPDQ poses acute toxicity risks, especially to coho salmon, with sensitivity varying by life stage. New research evaluated the lethal and sublethal impacts of 6PPDQ exposure on coastal...
USGS Research on 6PPD-quinone: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.
Preliminary Research Sheds Light on Proper Analysis and Sample Handling for the Tire-Derived Contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone
Tire and road wear particles have been shown to cause acute effects to sensitive aquatic animals and degrade their habitats. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists developed methods to accurately identify aquatic compounds, such as 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone, that can cause acute mortality events in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center
FY25 Capabilities and Services
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and Other...
From Tread to Watershed: How Tire Wear Particle Chemicals 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone Are Impacting Waterways
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are generated during normal driving conditions and contain both rubber and roadway materials. These particles travel from the roadways and urban environments into surrounding ecosystems where there are deleterious impacts from both the TRWPs and leached rubber chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the widespread occurrence and toxicity of TRWPs and their...
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of chemicals that can impact the health of humans and other organisms, and uses bioassays to screen for receptor inhibition.
6PPD-quinone
6PPD-quinone is a compound used to make tires more durable and is also linked to toxicity for Coho Salmon and other aquatic species.
Gestodene Affects Fish Reproductive Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Short-term laboratory exposure of adult fathead minnows to the human contraceptive progestin, gestodene (GES), at environmentally relevant concentrations induced rapid and negative effects on reproductive health and suggests that wild fish may be similarly affected.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Filter Total Items: 15
Characterization of three common land-applied wastes: Inorganic, organic, and microbial compositions of biosolid, livestock, and drilling fluid waste, United States, 2021 and 2022 Characterization of three common land-applied wastes: Inorganic, organic, and microbial compositions of biosolid, livestock, and drilling fluid waste, United States, 2021 and 2022
It is common practice for waste byproducts generated from the treatment of municipal waste (biosolids), livestock production (manure), and oil and gas drilling operations (spent drill fluids and cuttings) to be applied to farmland as a cost-effective means of disposal. From June 2021 to January 2022, 34 samples of land-applied waste materials were collected in 14 U.S. states. Samples...
Presumptive sources and relative heat index of 6PPD-quinone at the NHDPlusV2 catchment scale across the conterminous U.S. Presumptive sources and relative heat index of 6PPD-quinone at the NHDPlusV2 catchment scale across the conterminous U.S.
Geospatial datasets related to 6PPD-quinone, a compound intended to increase the life span of tires, were acquired and integrated into a relative heat index framework across the conterminous United States. 6PPD-quinone is known to be the cause of Coho Salmon kills following storm events, and more is being learned about the impacts it may have on other species. Sources and influential...
Site information and compound concentrations for 15 Iowa streams, 2021 Site information and compound concentrations for 15 Iowa streams, 2021
Microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and pesticides cause unintentional environmental contamination through many pathways in multiple matrices. This statewide, multi-matrix study examined multiple contaminants of global concern (CGCs) in water, bed sediment, and fish to...
6PPD-quinone concentrations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024 6PPD-quinone concentrations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a crucial river delta that supplies a significant portion of California's freshwater for agricultural and residential use and serves as critical habitat for numerous state and federally listed species of concern. In several areas, urban stormwater drains discharge directly into the Delta. 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q, 2-anilo-5-[(4-methylpentan-2- yl)amino...
Chemical concentration results for assessment of mixed-organic/inorganic chemical exposures in the southeast United States, beginning 2022 Chemical concentration results for assessment of mixed-organic/inorganic chemical exposures in the southeast United States, beginning 2022
This data release contains the concentration and quality-assurance results for inorganic constituents, organic compounds (volatile organic compounds [VOC], per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS], pesticides, and disinfection byproducts [DBP]) collected in tapwater from locations in Alabama and Mississippi. Tapwater samples (11 public supply and 1 private well) were collected on...
Evaluation of Lethal and Sublethal Effects of 6PPDQ on Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) (ver. 2.0, March 2025) Evaluation of Lethal and Sublethal Effects of 6PPDQ on Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) (ver. 2.0, March 2025)
6PPD-Quinone (6PPDQ) was recently implicated in mass pre-spawn mortality events in adult coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, studies have reported highly variable toxicity among fish species, including within the salmonids. This dataset explores the sensitivity of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) at three life stages: alevin, 5...
Concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in a United States reconnaissance of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, 2018-24 Concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in a United States reconnaissance of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, 2018-24
From 2018 to 2024 surface waters (fresh and brackish), groundwater, and stormwater (runoff, re-use) samples were collected from sites with varying landuse (agricultural, forested, and urban) and streamflow conditions and analyzed at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas for the tire antioxidant 6PPD (6-p-phenylenediamine; N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p...
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 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
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...
Antibiotic and Antibiotic Resistance Signatures in Iowa Streams, 2019 Antibiotic 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...
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia
The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) is part of the Northeast Natural Energy LLC (NNE) production facility on the Monongahela River in Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA. Natural gas extraction in the area creates large volumes of wastewater that may contain chemical compounds that pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The U. S. Geological Survey...
Results from U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Health Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team, Graton Pesticides (GRAPE) Study, in Graton, California, April–May 2021 Results from U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Health Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team, Graton Pesticides (GRAPE) Study, in Graton, California, April–May 2021
In the spring of 2021, six households with private wells were selected throughout Graton, California, based on proximity to agriculture (within one mile of agriculture), well depth (i.e., less than 150 feet in depth), and well type (i.e., dug versus drilled). Silicone bands were deployed for 30 days at outdoor locations at each household to passively sample pesticides in ambient air. On...
Assessing cell line models for species differences in 6PPD-quinone sensitivity Assessing cell line models for species differences in 6PPD-quinone sensitivity
Coho salmon have been shown to be highly sensitive to the tire transformation chemical 6PPD-quinone, with concentrations contained in stormwater sufficient to induce mortality in up to 90% of the entire fall coho run. Other salmonid species (chinook, sockeye, chum) are much less sensitive to 6PPD-quinone induced mortality. This data examines the varying species sensitivities across...
Filter Total Items: 19
Land application of biosolid, livestock, and drilling wastes to US farmland: A potential pathway for the redistribution of contaminants in the environment Land application of biosolid, livestock, and drilling wastes to US farmland: A potential pathway for the redistribution of contaminants in the environment
In the United States (U.S.), waste byproducts generated from the treatment of municipal waste (biosolids), production of livestock (livestock waste), and drilling of oil and gas wells (drilling waste) are commonly applied to agricultural lands. Although this can be a cost-effective reuse/disposal practice, there is limited research on the potential for contaminant exposures and effects...
Authors
Jason Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Denise Akob, Christopher Conaway, Carrie Givens, Michelle Hladik, Laura Hubbard, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Todd Preston, Clayton Raines, Matthew S. Varonka, Michaelah Wilson
Treading water: How 6PPD-quinone makes it to our local water bodies & what it means for sensitive fish species Treading water: How 6PPD-quinone makes it to our local water bodies & what it means for sensitive fish species
No abstract available.
Authors
Rachael Lane, Justin Greer, Stephanie Gordon, Brianna Williams, Kelly Smalling
Evaluation of 6PPD-quinone lethal toxicity and sublethal effects on disease resistance and swimming fitness in coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) Evaluation of 6PPD-quinone lethal toxicity and sublethal effects on disease resistance and swimming fitness in coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)
6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), derived from the tire-protectant 6PPD reacting with ozone, is an emerging contaminant of concern owing to its role in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) deaths via urban runoff mortality syndrome (URMS). Given the impact of 6PPDQ on aquatic life in urban streams, we addressed the acute toxicity of 6PPDQ exposure on coastal cutthroat trout (CCT) (Oncorhynchus clarkii...
Authors
Prarthana Shankar, Ellie Dalsky, Joanne Salzer, Rachael Lane, Sophie Elizabeth Hammond, William Batts, Jacob Gregg, Justin Greer, Gael Kurath, Paul Hershberger, John Hansen
Assessing microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants of global concern in wadable agricultural streams Assessing microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants of global concern in wadable agricultural streams
Microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and pesticides may lead to unintended environmental contamination through many pathways in multiple matrices. This statewide, multi-matrix study of contaminants of global concern (CGCs) in agricultural streams across Iowa (United States) is...
Authors
Shannon Meppelink, Dana W. Kolpin, Gregory H. LeFevre, David M. Cwiertny, Carrie Givens, Lee A. Green, Laura Hubbard, Luke Iwanowicz, Rachael Lane, Alyssa L. Mianecki, Padraic O’Shea, Clayton Raines, John W. Scott, Darrin A. Thompson, Michaelah Wilson, James Gray
6PPD-quinone in water from the San Francisco-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024 6PPD-quinone in water from the San Francisco-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) is an expansive river delta supplying a large portion of California’s fresh water for agriculture and residential use, and it is also an area of critical habitat for numerous state and federally listed species of concern. In many locations, urban stormwater flows directly into the Delta. 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), an ozonation byproduct of a tire...
Authors
Gabrielle Black, Matthew D. De Parsia, Matthew Uychutin, Rachael Lane, James Orlando, Michelle Hladik
Tire-derived contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q: Analysis, sample handling, and reconnaissance of United States stream exposures Tire-derived contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q: Analysis, sample handling, and reconnaissance of United States stream exposures
The environmental ubiquity of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) underscores the need to understand the occurrence, persistence, and environmental effects of tire-related chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. One such chemical is 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire antioxidant 6PPD. In urban stormwater runoff 6PPD-Q can exceed acute toxicity thresholds for several...
Authors
Rachael Lane, Kelly Smalling, Paul M. Bradley, Justin Greer, Stephanie Gordon, John Hansen, Dana W. Kolpin, Andrew Spanjer, Jason Masoner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Integrated science for the study of microplastics in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey Integrated science for the study of microplastics in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Executive SummaryEvidence of the widespread occurrence of microplastics throughout our environment and exposure to humans and other organisms over the past decade has led to questions about the possibility of health hazards and mitigation of exposures. This document discusses nanoplastics as well as microplastics (referred to solely as microplastics); the microplastics have a range from...
Authors
Deborah Iwanowicz, Austin Baldwin, Larry B. Barber, Vicki S. Blazer, Steven R. Corsi, Joseph Duris, Shawn Fisher, Michael Focazio, Sarah E. Janssen, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Dana W. Kolpin, Johanna Kraus, Rachael Lane, Mari Lee, Kristen McSwain, Timothy Oden, Timothy Reilly, Andrew Spanjer
Simultaneous stream assessment of antibiotics, bacteria, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistant genes in an agricultural region of the United States Simultaneous 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...
Authors
Carrie Givens, Dana W. Kolpin, Laura Hubbard, Shannon Meppelink, David Cwiertny, Darrin Thompson, Rachael Lane, Michaelah Wilson
Tire-derived transformation product 6PPD-quinone induces mortality and transcriptionally disrupts vascular permeability pathways in developing coho salmon Tire-derived transformation product 6PPD-quinone induces mortality and transcriptionally disrupts vascular permeability pathways in developing coho salmon
Urban stormwater runoff frequently contains the car tire transformation product 6PPD-quinone, which is highly toxic to juvenile and adult coho salmon (Onchorychus kisutch). However, it is currently unclear if embryonic stages are impacted. We addressed this by exposing developing coho salmon embryos starting at the eyed stage to three concentrations of 6PPD-quinone twice weekly until...
Authors
Justin Greer, Ellie Dalsky, Rachael Lane, John Hansen
Establishing an in vitro model to assess the toxicity of 6PPD-quinone and other tire wear transformation products Establishing an in vitro model to assess the toxicity of 6PPD-quinone and other tire wear transformation products
The tire wear transformation product 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ) has been implicated as the causative factor for broad scale mortality events for coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Highly variable sensitivity to 6PPDQ in closely related salmonids complicates efforts to evaluate the broader toxicological impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Our goals were to (1) validate the large range of in vivo...
Authors
Justin Greer, Ellie Dalsky, Rachael Lane, John Hansen
Juxtaposition of intensive agriculture, vulnerable aquifers, and mixed chemical/microbial exposures in private-well tapwater in northeast Iowa Juxtaposition of intensive agriculture, vulnerable aquifers, and mixed chemical/microbial exposures in private-well tapwater in northeast Iowa
In the United States and globally, contaminant exposure in unregulated private-well point-of-use tapwater (TW) is a recognized public-health data gap and an obstacle to both risk-management and homeowner decision making. To help address the lack of data on broad contaminant exposures in private-well TW from hydrologically-vulnerable (alluvial, karst) aquifers in agriculturally-intensive...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Dana W. Kolpin, Darrin Thompson, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara Breitmeyer, Mary Cardon, David Cwiertny, Nicola Evans, R. Field, Michael Focazio, Laura Freeman, Carrie Givens, James Gray, Gordon Hager, Michelle Hladik, Jonathan Hoffman, Rena Jones, Leslie Kanagy, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Danielle Medgyesi, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Michael T. Meyer, Diana Stavreva, Mary Ward
Contaminant exposure and transport from three potential reuse waters within a single watershed Contaminant 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...
Authors
Jason Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Paul M. Bradley, Brian Arnall, Kenneth Forshay, James L. Gray, Justin Groves, Michelle Hladik, Laura Hubbard, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Jeanne Jaeschke, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Bridgette Polite, David Roth, Michael Pettijohn, Michaelah Wilson
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Central Plains Water Science Center, 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 Laboratory
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Exploring the Sensitivity of Salmonids to 6PPD-Quinone: Implications for Urban Ecosystems
The USGS is investigating the effects of 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a harmful contaminant found in urban stormwater runoff, on fish and wildlife health, particularly in salmonids. Recent studies have shown that 6PPDQ poses acute toxicity risks, especially to coho salmon, with sensitivity varying by life stage. New research evaluated the lethal and sublethal impacts of 6PPDQ exposure on coastal...
USGS Research on 6PPD-quinone: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Stormwater and road runoff are recognized forms of pollution that can contain chemicals harmful to fish and other aquatic animals. This includes 6PPD-quinone, the oxidized form of the chemical compound 6PPD that is used to prevent tires from degrading and cracking, ensuring driver safety. As 6PPD-quinone sheds from tires during normal wear it can enter streams in stormwater runoff.
Preliminary Research Sheds Light on Proper Analysis and Sample Handling for the Tire-Derived Contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone
Tire and road wear particles have been shown to cause acute effects to sensitive aquatic animals and degrade their habitats. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists developed methods to accurately identify aquatic compounds, such as 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone, that can cause acute mortality events in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch).
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC), Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center
FY25 Capabilities and Services
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Kansas Water Science Center Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) was established in 1987. The OGRL is a multidisciplinary program that contributes knowledge about the distribution, fate, transport, and effects of new and understudied organic compounds that may affect human health and (or) ecosystems. The OGRL consists of two units: Algal and Other...
From Tread to Watershed: How Tire Wear Particle Chemicals 6PPD and 6PPD-quinone Are Impacting Waterways
Tire and road wear particles (TRWPs) are generated during normal driving conditions and contain both rubber and roadway materials. These particles travel from the roadways and urban environments into surrounding ecosystems where there are deleterious impacts from both the TRWPs and leached rubber chemicals. Recent studies have demonstrated the widespread occurrence and toxicity of TRWPs and their...
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of chemicals that can impact the health of humans and other organisms, and uses bioassays to screen for receptor inhibition.
6PPD-quinone
6PPD-quinone is a compound used to make tires more durable and is also linked to toxicity for Coho Salmon and other aquatic species.
Gestodene Affects Fish Reproductive Behavior in Laboratory Exposure Study
Short-term laboratory exposure of adult fathead minnows to the human contraceptive progestin, gestodene (GES), at environmentally relevant concentrations induced rapid and negative effects on reproductive health and suggests that wild fish may be similarly affected.
OGRL Algal Toxins Methods of Analysis
Algal toxins are a group of toxic compounds produced by a range of photosynthetic freshwater and marine plankton. These toxins have the ability to cause sickness in animals and humans and in severe cases lead to death. OGRL has the ability to evaluate and conduct occurrence, fate, transport, effects, and treatability studies methods.
Glyphosate, AMPA, and Glufosinate Method of Analysis: OGRL LCGY
Glyphosate and glufosinate are herbicides used for weed and vegetation control. AMPA, aminomethylphosphonic acid, is a degradation product of glyphosate. Since the introduction of glyphosate resistant (round-up ready) corn and soybeans glyphosate has become the most widely used herbicide in the world.
Antibiotic Methods of Analysis: OGRL LCAB
Antibiotics are used for human health and livestock management and health. The increase of antibiotic resistant infections has resulted in concern that sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics for weight gain in livestock and the release of low levels of antibiotics into surface and groundwater from urban and agricultural sources may be contributing to this problem.
Parents and Degradation Products of Analysis: OGRL LCEA
Triazines and phenylureas are commonly used herbicides for controlling weeds in row crops. These herbicides and their degradation products have been found in samples collected from surface water, groundwater, and precipitation throughout the United States. Atrazine until recently was the most widely applied herbicide in the U.S. and is still a widely applied preplanting corn herbicide.
Filter Total Items: 15
Characterization of three common land-applied wastes: Inorganic, organic, and microbial compositions of biosolid, livestock, and drilling fluid waste, United States, 2021 and 2022 Characterization of three common land-applied wastes: Inorganic, organic, and microbial compositions of biosolid, livestock, and drilling fluid waste, United States, 2021 and 2022
It is common practice for waste byproducts generated from the treatment of municipal waste (biosolids), livestock production (manure), and oil and gas drilling operations (spent drill fluids and cuttings) to be applied to farmland as a cost-effective means of disposal. From June 2021 to January 2022, 34 samples of land-applied waste materials were collected in 14 U.S. states. Samples...
Presumptive sources and relative heat index of 6PPD-quinone at the NHDPlusV2 catchment scale across the conterminous U.S. Presumptive sources and relative heat index of 6PPD-quinone at the NHDPlusV2 catchment scale across the conterminous U.S.
Geospatial datasets related to 6PPD-quinone, a compound intended to increase the life span of tires, were acquired and integrated into a relative heat index framework across the conterminous United States. 6PPD-quinone is known to be the cause of Coho Salmon kills following storm events, and more is being learned about the impacts it may have on other species. Sources and influential...
Site information and compound concentrations for 15 Iowa streams, 2021 Site information and compound concentrations for 15 Iowa streams, 2021
Microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and pesticides cause unintentional environmental contamination through many pathways in multiple matrices. This statewide, multi-matrix study examined multiple contaminants of global concern (CGCs) in water, bed sediment, and fish to...
6PPD-quinone concentrations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024 6PPD-quinone concentrations in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a crucial river delta that supplies a significant portion of California's freshwater for agricultural and residential use and serves as critical habitat for numerous state and federally listed species of concern. In several areas, urban stormwater drains discharge directly into the Delta. 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q, 2-anilo-5-[(4-methylpentan-2- yl)amino...
Chemical concentration results for assessment of mixed-organic/inorganic chemical exposures in the southeast United States, beginning 2022 Chemical concentration results for assessment of mixed-organic/inorganic chemical exposures in the southeast United States, beginning 2022
This data release contains the concentration and quality-assurance results for inorganic constituents, organic compounds (volatile organic compounds [VOC], per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [PFAS], pesticides, and disinfection byproducts [DBP]) collected in tapwater from locations in Alabama and Mississippi. Tapwater samples (11 public supply and 1 private well) were collected on...
Evaluation of Lethal and Sublethal Effects of 6PPDQ on Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) (ver. 2.0, March 2025) Evaluation of Lethal and Sublethal Effects of 6PPDQ on Coastal Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) (ver. 2.0, March 2025)
6PPD-Quinone (6PPDQ) was recently implicated in mass pre-spawn mortality events in adult coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) in the Pacific Northwest. Since then, studies have reported highly variable toxicity among fish species, including within the salmonids. This dataset explores the sensitivity of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) at three life stages: alevin, 5...
Concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in a United States reconnaissance of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, 2018-24 Concentrations of 6PPD and 6PPD-Quinone in a United States reconnaissance of stormwater, surface water, and groundwater, 2018-24
From 2018 to 2024 surface waters (fresh and brackish), groundwater, and stormwater (runoff, re-use) samples were collected from sites with varying landuse (agricultural, forested, and urban) and streamflow conditions and analyzed at the Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory in Lawrence, Kansas for the tire antioxidant 6PPD (6-p-phenylenediamine; N-(1,3-Dimethylbutyl)-N’-phenyl-p...
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 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
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...
Antibiotic and Antibiotic Resistance Signatures in Iowa Streams, 2019 Antibiotic 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...
High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Data for Wastewater Samples Collected at an on-Site Separator and Storage Tank at the Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) 2015-2019, Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP), West Virginia
The Marcellus Shale Energy and Environment Laboratory (MSEEL) is part of the Northeast Natural Energy LLC (NNE) production facility on the Monongahela River in Monongalia County, West Virginia, USA. Natural gas extraction in the area creates large volumes of wastewater that may contain chemical compounds that pose risks to humans, animals, and the environment. The U. S. Geological Survey...
Results from U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Health Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team, Graton Pesticides (GRAPE) Study, in Graton, California, April–May 2021 Results from U.S. Geological Survey Environmental Health Food Resources Lifecycle Integrated Science Team, Graton Pesticides (GRAPE) Study, in Graton, California, April–May 2021
In the spring of 2021, six households with private wells were selected throughout Graton, California, based on proximity to agriculture (within one mile of agriculture), well depth (i.e., less than 150 feet in depth), and well type (i.e., dug versus drilled). Silicone bands were deployed for 30 days at outdoor locations at each household to passively sample pesticides in ambient air. On...
Assessing cell line models for species differences in 6PPD-quinone sensitivity Assessing cell line models for species differences in 6PPD-quinone sensitivity
Coho salmon have been shown to be highly sensitive to the tire transformation chemical 6PPD-quinone, with concentrations contained in stormwater sufficient to induce mortality in up to 90% of the entire fall coho run. Other salmonid species (chinook, sockeye, chum) are much less sensitive to 6PPD-quinone induced mortality. This data examines the varying species sensitivities across...
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Land application of biosolid, livestock, and drilling wastes to US farmland: A potential pathway for the redistribution of contaminants in the environment Land application of biosolid, livestock, and drilling wastes to US farmland: A potential pathway for the redistribution of contaminants in the environment
In the United States (U.S.), waste byproducts generated from the treatment of municipal waste (biosolids), production of livestock (livestock waste), and drilling of oil and gas wells (drilling waste) are commonly applied to agricultural lands. Although this can be a cost-effective reuse/disposal practice, there is limited research on the potential for contaminant exposures and effects...
Authors
Jason Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Denise Akob, Christopher Conaway, Carrie Givens, Michelle Hladik, Laura Hubbard, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Todd Preston, Clayton Raines, Matthew S. Varonka, Michaelah Wilson
Treading water: How 6PPD-quinone makes it to our local water bodies & what it means for sensitive fish species Treading water: How 6PPD-quinone makes it to our local water bodies & what it means for sensitive fish species
No abstract available.
Authors
Rachael Lane, Justin Greer, Stephanie Gordon, Brianna Williams, Kelly Smalling
Evaluation of 6PPD-quinone lethal toxicity and sublethal effects on disease resistance and swimming fitness in coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii) Evaluation of 6PPD-quinone lethal toxicity and sublethal effects on disease resistance and swimming fitness in coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii)
6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), derived from the tire-protectant 6PPD reacting with ozone, is an emerging contaminant of concern owing to its role in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) deaths via urban runoff mortality syndrome (URMS). Given the impact of 6PPDQ on aquatic life in urban streams, we addressed the acute toxicity of 6PPDQ exposure on coastal cutthroat trout (CCT) (Oncorhynchus clarkii...
Authors
Prarthana Shankar, Ellie Dalsky, Joanne Salzer, Rachael Lane, Sophie Elizabeth Hammond, William Batts, Jacob Gregg, Justin Greer, Gael Kurath, Paul Hershberger, John Hansen
Assessing microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants of global concern in wadable agricultural streams Assessing microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and other contaminants of global concern in wadable agricultural streams
Microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and pesticides may lead to unintended environmental contamination through many pathways in multiple matrices. This statewide, multi-matrix study of contaminants of global concern (CGCs) in agricultural streams across Iowa (United States) is...
Authors
Shannon Meppelink, Dana W. Kolpin, Gregory H. LeFevre, David M. Cwiertny, Carrie Givens, Lee A. Green, Laura Hubbard, Luke Iwanowicz, Rachael Lane, Alyssa L. Mianecki, Padraic O’Shea, Clayton Raines, John W. Scott, Darrin A. Thompson, Michaelah Wilson, James Gray
6PPD-quinone in water from the San Francisco-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024 6PPD-quinone in water from the San Francisco-San Joaquin Delta, California, 2018-2024
The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (Delta) is an expansive river delta supplying a large portion of California’s fresh water for agriculture and residential use, and it is also an area of critical habitat for numerous state and federally listed species of concern. In many locations, urban stormwater flows directly into the Delta. 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), an ozonation byproduct of a tire...
Authors
Gabrielle Black, Matthew D. De Parsia, Matthew Uychutin, Rachael Lane, James Orlando, Michelle Hladik
Tire-derived contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q: Analysis, sample handling, and reconnaissance of United States stream exposures Tire-derived contaminants 6PPD and 6PPD-Q: Analysis, sample handling, and reconnaissance of United States stream exposures
The environmental ubiquity of tire and road wear particles (TRWP) underscores the need to understand the occurrence, persistence, and environmental effects of tire-related chemicals in aquatic ecosystems. One such chemical is 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q), a transformation product of the tire antioxidant 6PPD. In urban stormwater runoff 6PPD-Q can exceed acute toxicity thresholds for several...
Authors
Rachael Lane, Kelly Smalling, Paul M. Bradley, Justin Greer, Stephanie Gordon, John Hansen, Dana W. Kolpin, Andrew Spanjer, Jason Masoner
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Central Plains Water Science Center, Central Midwest Water Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Washington Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Integrated science for the study of microplastics in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey Integrated science for the study of microplastics in the environment—A strategic science vision for the U.S. Geological Survey
Executive SummaryEvidence of the widespread occurrence of microplastics throughout our environment and exposure to humans and other organisms over the past decade has led to questions about the possibility of health hazards and mitigation of exposures. This document discusses nanoplastics as well as microplastics (referred to solely as microplastics); the microplastics have a range from...
Authors
Deborah Iwanowicz, Austin Baldwin, Larry B. Barber, Vicki S. Blazer, Steven R. Corsi, Joseph Duris, Shawn Fisher, Michael Focazio, Sarah E. Janssen, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Dana W. Kolpin, Johanna Kraus, Rachael Lane, Mari Lee, Kristen McSwain, Timothy Oden, Timothy Reilly, Andrew Spanjer
Simultaneous stream assessment of antibiotics, bacteria, antibiotic resistant bacteria, and antibiotic resistant genes in an agricultural region of the United States Simultaneous 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...
Authors
Carrie Givens, Dana W. Kolpin, Laura Hubbard, Shannon Meppelink, David Cwiertny, Darrin Thompson, Rachael Lane, Michaelah Wilson
Tire-derived transformation product 6PPD-quinone induces mortality and transcriptionally disrupts vascular permeability pathways in developing coho salmon Tire-derived transformation product 6PPD-quinone induces mortality and transcriptionally disrupts vascular permeability pathways in developing coho salmon
Urban stormwater runoff frequently contains the car tire transformation product 6PPD-quinone, which is highly toxic to juvenile and adult coho salmon (Onchorychus kisutch). However, it is currently unclear if embryonic stages are impacted. We addressed this by exposing developing coho salmon embryos starting at the eyed stage to three concentrations of 6PPD-quinone twice weekly until...
Authors
Justin Greer, Ellie Dalsky, Rachael Lane, John Hansen
Establishing an in vitro model to assess the toxicity of 6PPD-quinone and other tire wear transformation products Establishing an in vitro model to assess the toxicity of 6PPD-quinone and other tire wear transformation products
The tire wear transformation product 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ) has been implicated as the causative factor for broad scale mortality events for coho salmon in the Pacific Northwest. Highly variable sensitivity to 6PPDQ in closely related salmonids complicates efforts to evaluate the broader toxicological impacts to aquatic ecosystems. Our goals were to (1) validate the large range of in vivo...
Authors
Justin Greer, Ellie Dalsky, Rachael Lane, John Hansen
Juxtaposition of intensive agriculture, vulnerable aquifers, and mixed chemical/microbial exposures in private-well tapwater in northeast Iowa Juxtaposition of intensive agriculture, vulnerable aquifers, and mixed chemical/microbial exposures in private-well tapwater in northeast Iowa
In the United States and globally, contaminant exposure in unregulated private-well point-of-use tapwater (TW) is a recognized public-health data gap and an obstacle to both risk-management and homeowner decision making. To help address the lack of data on broad contaminant exposures in private-well TW from hydrologically-vulnerable (alluvial, karst) aquifers in agriculturally-intensive...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Dana W. Kolpin, Darrin Thompson, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara Breitmeyer, Mary Cardon, David Cwiertny, Nicola Evans, R. Field, Michael Focazio, Laura Freeman, Carrie Givens, James Gray, Gordon Hager, Michelle Hladik, Jonathan Hoffman, Rena Jones, Leslie Kanagy, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Danielle Medgyesi, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Michael T. Meyer, Diana Stavreva, Mary Ward
Contaminant exposure and transport from three potential reuse waters within a single watershed Contaminant 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...
Authors
Jason Masoner, Dana W. Kolpin, Isabelle Cozzarelli, Paul M. Bradley, Brian Arnall, Kenneth Forshay, James L. Gray, Justin Groves, Michelle Hladik, Laura Hubbard, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Jeanne Jaeschke, Rachael Lane, R. Blaine McCleskey, Bridgette Polite, David Roth, Michael Pettijohn, Michaelah Wilson
By
Water Resources Mission Area, Environmental Health Program, Central Plains Water Science Center, 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 Laboratory