Sara Breitmeyer
Sara Breitmeyer is a Hydrologist with the Pennsylvania Water Science Center. Her duties and research focus on the toxicological effects, fate, and transport of pesticides and PFAS in surface and groundwaters and the 3D Hydrography Program.
Current Projects
- National-scale PFAS prediction, monitoring, and source attribution in ground and surface water
- National-scale pesticide concentration trends and aquatic and human health benchmark exceedances in surface waters
- R Programming – Statistical analyses, machine learning predictions, data visualizations and mapping, geospatial data indexing and modeling
- Chesapeake Bay Watershed Program Stream Health Studies
- National Geospatial Program (NGP) hydrographic addressing for the 3D Hydrography Program and the Internet of Water.
Professional Experience
2023-Present – Hydrologist, USGS Pennsylvania Water Science Center
2019-2023 – Chemist, USGS New Jersey Water Science Center
2015-2019 – Chemist, USGS Water Mission Area, Laboratory and Analytical Services Division, Project Laboratories Branch
2014-2015 – Water Quality Technician, Denver Water, Marston Water Quality Laboratory
2011-2014 – Environmental Science & Chemistry Program Assistant, University of Colorado
Education and Certifications
2016 M.S., Environmental Science, University of Colorado Denver
2013 B.A., Chemistry, University of Colorado Colorado Springs
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 15
Organic Carbon Data in Water Samples from Minnesota Lakes, 2012 to 2013 Organic Carbon Data in Water Samples from Minnesota Lakes, 2012 to 2013
The sampling of three hydrologically diverse Minnesota Lakes (Williams Lake, Shingobee Lake, and Lake Manganika) took place during the years of 2012 to 2013. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in...
Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008 Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008
The sampling of the riverine-to-marine transect (Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine) took place in 2008. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in Boulder, Colorado and chilled to...
Water and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2014-2015 Water and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2014-2015
Samples were collected at or near baseflow conditions. Water pH and specific conductance were measured in the field, with specific conductance also measured in the laboratory and calculated based on the ionic strength of samples based on laboratory analyses. Water samples were collected for laboratory analyses using a peristaltic pump with silicon tubing. Samples were filtered through a...
Filter Total Items: 17
The statistical power to detect regional temporal trends in riverine contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA The statistical power to detect regional temporal trends in riverine contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA
Chemical contamination of riverine ecosystems is largely a result of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities occurring on adjacent terrestrial landscapes. Land management activities (e.g., Best Management Practices) are an important tool used to reduce point and non-point sources of pollution. However, the ability to confidently make inferences about the efficacy of...
Authors
Tyler Wagner, Paul McLaughlin, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Stephanie E. Gordon, Gregory B. Noe
Assessing the ecological functionality and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins for conserving amphibian diversity Assessing the ecological functionality and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins for conserving amphibian diversity
Wetlands provide ecological functionality by maintaining and promoting regional biodiversity supporting quality habitat for aquatic organisms. Globally, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation due to increases in agricultural activities and urban development have reduced or altered geographically isolated wetlands, thus reducing biodiversity. The objective of this study was to assess...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, John F. Bunnell, Kim J Laidig, Patrick Burritt, Marilyn Sobel, Jonathan Cohl, Michelle L. Hladik, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley
Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA
A pilot-scale expanded target assessment of mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in point-of-consumption drinking water (tapwater, TW) was conducted in Puerto Rico (PR) to continue to inform TW exposures and corresponding estimations of cumulative human-health risks across the US. In August 2018, a spatial synoptic pilot assessment of than 524 organic, 37 inorganic, and select
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Ingrid Y. Padilla, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Mary C. Cardon, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Michelle L. Hladik, Christopher P. Higgins, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Rachael F. Lane, Keith A. Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
Reconnaissance of cumulative risk of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park streams Reconnaissance of cumulative risk of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park streams
The United States (US) National Park Service (NPS) manages protected public lands to preserve biodiversity. Exposure to and effects of bioactive organic contaminants in NPS streams are challenges for resource managers. Recent assessment of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in protected-streams within the urbanized NPS Southeast Region (SER) indicated the importance of fluvial inflows from...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Matt A. Kulp, Bradley J. Huffman, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Jimmy Clark, Celeste A. Journey
Multi-region assessment of chemical mixture exposures and predicted cumulative effects in USA wadeable urban/agriculture-gradient streams Multi-region assessment of chemical mixture exposures and predicted cumulative effects in USA wadeable urban/agriculture-gradient streams
Chemical-contaminant mixtures are widely reported in large stream reaches in urban/agriculture-developed watersheds, but mixture compositions and aggregate biological effects are less well understood in corresponding smaller headwaters, which comprise most of stream length, riparian connectivity, and spatial biodiversity. During 2014–2017, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured 389...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Celeste A. Journey, Kristin M. Romanok, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel T. Button, Daren M. Carlisle, Bradley Huffman, Barbara Mahler, Lisa H. Nowell, Sharon L. Qi, Kelly L. Smalling, Ian R. Waite, Peter C. Van Metre
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Non-USGS Publications**
Hosen JD, Allen GH, Amatuli G, et al. River network travel time is correlated with dissolved organic matter composition in rivers of the contiguous United States. Hydrological Processes. 2021;35:e14124. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.14124
**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
Filter Total Items: 15
Organic Carbon Data in Water Samples from Minnesota Lakes, 2012 to 2013 Organic Carbon Data in Water Samples from Minnesota Lakes, 2012 to 2013
The sampling of three hydrologically diverse Minnesota Lakes (Williams Lake, Shingobee Lake, and Lake Manganika) took place during the years of 2012 to 2013. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in...
Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008 Dissolved organic matter data in water samples from Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine, 2008
The sampling of the riverine-to-marine transect (Penobscot River, Penobscot Bay, and the Gulf of Maine) took place in 2008. Water samples were collected and filtered in the field using 0.45 micrometer capsule filters (Versapor membrane), silicon tubing, and a peristaltic pump. Water samples were then shipped on ice to the U.S. Geological Survey in Boulder, Colorado and chilled to...
Water and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2014-2015 Water and Sediment Geochemistry Data from the Vicinity of Yellow Pine, Idaho, 2014-2015
Samples were collected at or near baseflow conditions. Water pH and specific conductance were measured in the field, with specific conductance also measured in the laboratory and calculated based on the ionic strength of samples based on laboratory analyses. Water samples were collected for laboratory analyses using a peristaltic pump with silicon tubing. Samples were filtered through a...
Filter Total Items: 17
The statistical power to detect regional temporal trends in riverine contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA The statistical power to detect regional temporal trends in riverine contaminants in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, USA
Chemical contamination of riverine ecosystems is largely a result of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities occurring on adjacent terrestrial landscapes. Land management activities (e.g., Best Management Practices) are an important tool used to reduce point and non-point sources of pollution. However, the ability to confidently make inferences about the efficacy of...
Authors
Tyler Wagner, Paul McLaughlin, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Stephanie E. Gordon, Gregory B. Noe
Assessing the ecological functionality and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins for conserving amphibian diversity Assessing the ecological functionality and integrity of natural ponds, excavated ponds and stormwater basins for conserving amphibian diversity
Wetlands provide ecological functionality by maintaining and promoting regional biodiversity supporting quality habitat for aquatic organisms. Globally, habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation due to increases in agricultural activities and urban development have reduced or altered geographically isolated wetlands, thus reducing biodiversity. The objective of this study was to assess...
Authors
Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, John F. Bunnell, Kim J Laidig, Patrick Burritt, Marilyn Sobel, Jonathan Cohl, Michelle L. Hladik, Kristin M. Romanok, Paul M. Bradley
Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA Pilot-scale expanded assessment of inorganic and organic tapwater exposures and predicted effects in Puerto Rico, USA
A pilot-scale expanded target assessment of mixtures of inorganic and organic contaminants in point-of-consumption drinking water (tapwater, TW) was conducted in Puerto Rico (PR) to continue to inform TW exposures and corresponding estimations of cumulative human-health risks across the US. In August 2018, a spatial synoptic pilot assessment of than 524 organic, 37 inorganic, and select
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Ingrid Y. Padilla, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Michael J. Focazio, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Mary C. Cardon, Justin M. Conley, Nicola Evans, Carrie E. Givens, James L. Gray, L. Earl Gray, Phillip C. Hartig, Michelle L. Hladik, Christopher P. Higgins, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Rachael F. Lane, Keith A. Loftin, R. Blaine McCleskey, Carrie A. McDonough, Elizabeth Medlock-Kakaley, Shannon M. Meppelink, Christopher P. Weis, Vickie S. Wilson
Reconnaissance of cumulative risk of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park streams Reconnaissance of cumulative risk of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in Great Smoky Mountains National Park streams
The United States (US) National Park Service (NPS) manages protected public lands to preserve biodiversity. Exposure to and effects of bioactive organic contaminants in NPS streams are challenges for resource managers. Recent assessment of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in protected-streams within the urbanized NPS Southeast Region (SER) indicated the importance of fluvial inflows from...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Matt A. Kulp, Bradley J. Huffman, Kristin M. Romanok, Kelly L. Smalling, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Jimmy Clark, Celeste A. Journey
Multi-region assessment of chemical mixture exposures and predicted cumulative effects in USA wadeable urban/agriculture-gradient streams Multi-region assessment of chemical mixture exposures and predicted cumulative effects in USA wadeable urban/agriculture-gradient streams
Chemical-contaminant mixtures are widely reported in large stream reaches in urban/agriculture-developed watersheds, but mixture compositions and aggregate biological effects are less well understood in corresponding smaller headwaters, which comprise most of stream length, riparian connectivity, and spatial biodiversity. During 2014–2017, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured 389...
Authors
Paul M. Bradley, Celeste A. Journey, Kristin M. Romanok, Sara E. Breitmeyer, Daniel T. Button, Daren M. Carlisle, Bradley Huffman, Barbara Mahler, Lisa H. Nowell, Sharon L. Qi, Kelly L. Smalling, Ian R. Waite, Peter C. Van Metre
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, California Water Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center, Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, South Atlantic Water Science Center (SAWSC)
Non-USGS Publications**
Hosen JD, Allen GH, Amatuli G, et al. River network travel time is correlated with dissolved organic matter composition in rivers of the contiguous United States. Hydrological Processes. 2021;35:e14124. https://doi.org/10.1002/hyp.14124
**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.