Tablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help coordinate field efforts, collect site information, GPS coordinates, photos, and control data collection.
Shawn C. Fisher
Intro
Shawn began working at the USGS New York Water Science Center as a student in May, 2002 collecting and interpreting groundwater and surface water-quality data. Studies include contaminants of emerging concern in public supply wells, groundwater contamination in nearshore waters, assessing sediment and water for insecticide contamination in untargeted wetlands, and evaluating real-time water quality data. He has worked in a variety of land use settings, from urban to agricultural, and helped organize and develop environmental health studies following Hurricane Sandy. Shawn was the network coordinator for the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) study and leads the Northeast Region Urban Landscapes Capability Team (ULCT). Current research includes qualification and quantification of microplastics in the Northeast region and interest in per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater and surface waters.
Education:
- PhD in Chemistry--Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, N.Y.) from 2004-2012
- BS in Natural Science and Math--Dowling College (Oakdale, N.Y.) from 2000-2004
Science and Products
Development of a mapper-based Long Island Sound data and research portal (Clearinghouse)
Assessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York
Assessment of pathogen sources to Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
Assessment of the Water Quality of Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
Microplastics in Urban Streams of the Northeast Region
Using Microbial Source Tracking to Identify Pollution Sources in Pathogen Impaired Embayments in Long Island, New York
Northeast Region Urban Landscapes Capabilities Team
Northeast Region Capability Teams
Sentinel Monitoring for New and Legacy Pesticides in the Shallow Groundwater of Long Island
Assessing Occurrence and Persistence of Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater
Urban Waters Initiative – BRONX & HARLEM RIVERS
Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) Strategy
Continuous Water Quality, Suspended Solids, and Enterococci Data from the Harlem River, Bronx, New York, Jan 2021- Sept 2021
Assessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York: Results from a sediment resuspension experiment, thermal imagery, and additional sample collection, 2020-2021
Microplastics data collected from streams in the northeastern United States, 2017-2018
Analytical inorganic chemistry results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Matrix inhibition PCR and Microtox 81.9% screening assay analytical results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Exposure potential of salt marsh units in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to environmental health stressors
Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) and Presence/Absence Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) Data From the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy Pilot Study, Northeastern United States, 2015
Location, sampling methods and field conditions of resiliency-mode soil and sediment sampling stations sampled, Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Location, sampling methods and field conditions of response-mode soil and sediment sampling stations sampled, Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Tablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help coordinate field efforts, collect site information, GPS coordinates, photos, and control data collection.
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in South Oyster Bay on Long Island, New York
Assessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York, August 2020–June 2021
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Great South Bay on Long Island, New York
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Lake Montauk on Long Island, New York
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Patchogue and Bellport Bays on Long Island, New York
Using microbial source tracking to identify contamination sources in Port Jefferson Harbor, Setauket Harbor, and Conscience Bay on Long Island, New York
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in an embayment in Hempstead Harbor on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked collaboratively with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Hempstead Harbor, an embayment on the northern shore of Nassau County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the harbor and analyzed
Overview and methodology for a study to identify fecal contamination sources using microbial source tracking in seven embayments on Long Island, New York
Assessment of water quality and fecal contamination sources at Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Village of East Hampton, New York, conducted a 1-year study from August 2017 to August 2018 to provide data necessary to improve understanding of the sources of nutrients and pathogens to Hook Pond watershed to allow for possible mitigation or reduction of loads. Chronic eutrophication and recent concern over harmful cyanobacteria in Hook
The presence of antibiotic resistance genes in coastal soil and sediment samples from the eastern seaboard of the USA
Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Coordinated Water Resources Monitoring Strategy
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
- Science
Filter Total Items: 14
Development of a mapper-based Long Island Sound data and research portal (Clearinghouse)
In cooperation with the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is creating a mapper-based clearinghouse that will provide information on sources of data available throughout the Long Island Sound (LIS) watershed and allow for real-time metadata output and integration into visualization and modeling tools developed through a...Assessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York
PROBLEM Alley Creek, a tributary to Little Neck Bay (Queens County, New York; figure 1) has been designated as impaired by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) for primary and secondary contact and included on the 303(d) Impaired Waterways for pathogens related to combined sewer overflow contributions. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCAssessment of pathogen sources to Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
Background In order to help identify sources of high Enterococci concentrations identified by the Village of East Hampton and the Surfrider Foundation’s water-quality sampling upstream of Hook Pond, surface water and groundwater samples will be collected and analyzed for F+-specific coliphage, bacteroides, Enterococci and fecal coliform, and nitrogen isotopes. Potential sources of pathogens inclAssessment of the Water Quality of Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
PROBLEM Hook Pond, an 83-acre freshwater pond in East Hampton, N.Y., has historically shown indications of impaired water quality. Impairments in this shallow pond include elevated nutrient concentrations and low dissolved oxygen concentrations in bottom waters as a result of current and historical land-use practices (Lombardo, 2015). Recent (2016) harmful algal blooms in Hook Pond and other eastMicroplastics in Urban Streams of the Northeast Region
Microplastics in the environment are of increasing concern among resource managers and ecologists. With global production of plastic topping 300 million metric tons in 2015, research in fresh and marine waters throughout the world has implicated urban runoff, wastewater treatment effluent, and litter breakdown as major sources of microbeads and synthetic pieces and fibers that are slow to degrade...Using Microbial Source Tracking to Identify Pollution Sources in Pathogen Impaired Embayments in Long Island, New York
Problem The presence of pathogens in Long Island marine embayments and the hazards they pose to marine resources and human health is of increasing concern. Many waterbodies on the New York State Section 303(d) List of Impaired Waters have pathogens listed as the primary pollutant that are suspected to originate from urban/storm runoff. There is neither a clear understanding of the relative magnitNortheast Region Urban Landscapes Capabilities Team
The ULCT serves as a resource to assist the Region and its Science Centers for developing regional science programs that provide technical support on impacts of urban development on water resources and ecosystems. Specific objectives include: • Build expertise to help communities understand their natural resources and effects of urbanization • Develop expertise in the effects of climate change and...Northeast Region Capability Teams
The USGS Northeast Region (NER) began a process of integrating its scientific expertise and technical staff around issues of societal concern. These Regional Capability Teams (CTs) are intended to encourage interdisciplinary scientist-to- scientist collaboration and communication across the NER’s 11 Science Centers and promote the use of best methods on specific science focus areas to produce the...Sentinel Monitoring for New and Legacy Pesticides in the Shallow Groundwater of Long Island
Problem The shallow groundwater of Nassau and Suffolk Counties is prone to contamination from current land-use, including agricultural, residential, and recreational. The aquifer system of Long Island is highly susceptible to human-derived contamination, in particular, because the soils and underlying sediments are generally composed of sandy, permeable materials that allow contaminants to moveAssessing Occurrence and Persistence of Emerging Contaminants in Groundwater
Problem : Occurrence and persistence of emerging contaminants in groundwater flow in Suffolk County, New York Objectives: This project will monitor groundwater from selected SCWA supply wells for compounds indicative of anthropogenic sources, which are of increasing public concern. Approach: Groundwater-flow information, well-construction details, and distance from treated wastewater (including mUrban Waters Initiative – BRONX & HARLEM RIVERS
Problem Over the past century, the Harlem River watershed has become highly urbanized with 90 percent of the waterway constrained by infrastructure, which has limited access for recreational use. Bound by New York (Manhattan) and Bronx Counties, the Harlem River is a tidal strait between urbanized estuaries to the north (Hudson River) and south (East River). Direct inputs include the more than 5Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response (SCoRR) Strategy
The U.S. Geological Survey's Strategy to Evaluate Persistent Contaminant Hazards Resulting from Sea Level Rise and Storm-derived Disturbances SCoRR: Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy Project Page Natural and anthropogenic contaminants, pathogens, and viruses are found in soils and sediments throughout the United States. Enhanced dispersion and concentration of these - Data
Continuous Water Quality, Suspended Solids, and Enterococci Data from the Harlem River, Bronx, New York, Jan 2021- Sept 2021
This data set contains continuous water-surface elevation and water-quality (temperature, specific conductance, salinity, and turbidity) data recorded at 6- and 15-minute intervals, respectively, from two sites in the Bronx on the Harlem River -- Roberto Clemente State Park and Mill Pond Park. Water elevation was monitored every second to detect changes indicative of boat wakes expected to resuspeAssessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York: Results from a sediment resuspension experiment, thermal imagery, and additional sample collection, 2020-2021
In cooperation with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected water and bed sediment samples along Alley Creek (Queens, New York) to help determine likely sources of fecal bacteria to the creek and Little Neck Bay. Potential terrestrial sources include stormwater, sewage via combined sewer overflow (CSO) and compromised infrastrMicroplastics data collected from streams in the northeastern United States, 2017-2018
This dataset describes the quantity and morphology of microplastics in water, surficial sediment, sediment core, fish, and shellfish samples from Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Nevada/Arizona). Water and surficial sediment samples were collected once at 9 locations. A sediment core (33 cm long) was extracted from Las Vegas Bay to assess changes in microplastic deposition over time. Striped baAnalytical inorganic chemistry results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound CoMatrix inhibition PCR and Microtox 81.9% screening assay analytical results for samples collected for the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound CoExposure potential of salt marsh units in Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge to environmental health stressors
Natural and anthropogenic contaminants, pathogens, and viruses are found in soils and sediments throughout the United States. Enhanced dispersion and concentration of these environmental health stressors in coastal regions can result from sea level rise and storm-derived disturbances. The combination of existing environmental health stressors and those mobilized by natural or anthropogenic disasteDigital Polymerase Chain Reaction (dPCR) and Presence/Absence Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) Data From the Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy Pilot Study, Northeastern United States, 2015
The purpose of these data sets was to define which samples contained antibiotic resistance genes (screened antibiotic resistance gene targets) and Vibrio species, the number of detectable targets per sample and the quantity of those respective gene targets per gram of soil. These data were determined from samples collected in the NE US in support of the Sediment-bound Contaminant Resiliency and ReLocation, sampling methods and field conditions of resiliency-mode soil and sediment sampling stations sampled, Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound CoLocation, sampling methods and field conditions of response-mode soil and sediment sampling stations sampled, Sediment-Bound Contaminant Resiliency and Response Strategy pilot study, northeastern United States, 2015
Coastal communities are uniquely vulnerable to sea-level rise (SLR) and severe storms such as hurricanes. These events enhance the dispersion and concentration of natural and anthropogenic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms that could adversely affect the health and resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems in coming years. The U.S. Geological Survey has developed the Sediment-Bound Co - Multimedia
Tablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help field effortsTablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help field efforts
Tablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help coordinate field efforts, collect site information, GPS coordinates, photos, and control data collection.
Tablet-enabled field forms have been developed to help coordinate field efforts, collect site information, GPS coordinates, photos, and control data collection.
- Publications
Filter Total Items: 22
Using microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in South Oyster Bay on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering South Oyster Bay, a shallow embayment on the southern shore of Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the bay and analyzed for fecal cAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkAssessment of fecal contamination sources to Alley Creek, Queens County, New York, August 2020–June 2021
Alley Creek, a tributary to Little Neck Bay in Queens County, New York, has been designated by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as impaired (Class I) for fecal coliform because of pollution from combined sewer overflow, including stormwater runoff. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, conducted a 1-yearAuthorsShawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Tristen N. TagliaferriUsing microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Great South Bay on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering a part of Great South Bay (referred to as Great South Bay for the purposes of this report) near the hamlets of West Sayville, Sayville, and Bayport on the southern shore of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Water saAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkUsing microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Lake Montauk on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the Concerned Citizens of Montauk and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Lake Montauk, an artificial embayment on the tip of the southern fork of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department oAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkUsing microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Sag Harbor on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Sag Harbor, an embayment complex on the northern shore of the south fork of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in theAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkUsing microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in Patchogue and Bellport Bays on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Patchogue and Bellport Bays, two embayments on the south shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the bays andAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkUsing microbial source tracking to identify contamination sources in Port Jefferson Harbor, Setauket Harbor, and Conscience Bay on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked in cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Port Jefferson Harbor, Setauket Harbor, and Conscience Bay, an embayment complex on the northern shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of EnvAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkUsing microbial source tracking to identify fecal contamination sources in an embayment in Hempstead Harbor on Long Island, New York
The U.S. Geological Survey worked collaboratively with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to assess the potential sources of fecal contamination entering Hempstead Harbor, an embayment on the northern shore of Nassau County, Long Island, New York. Water samples are routinely collected by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in the harbor and analyzed
AuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkOverview and methodology for a study to identify fecal contamination sources using microbial source tracking in seven embayments on Long Island, New York
Between June 2018 and July 2019, the U.S. Geological Survey collaborated with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to analyze water quality in seven embayments on Long Island, New York, for a study to examine fecal contamination using microbial source tracking. This report documents the approach, methodology, and quality-assurance data used in the study. All samples and fielAuthorsTristen N. Tagliaferri, Shawn C. Fisher, Christopher M. Kephart, Natalie Cheung, Ariel P. Reed, Robert J. WelkAssessment of water quality and fecal contamination sources at Hook Pond, East Hampton, New York
SummaryThe U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Village of East Hampton, New York, conducted a 1-year study from August 2017 to August 2018 to provide data necessary to improve understanding of the sources of nutrients and pathogens to Hook Pond watershed to allow for possible mitigation or reduction of loads. Chronic eutrophication and recent concern over harmful cyanobacteria in Hook
AuthorsShawn C. Fisher, Brendan A. McCarthy, Christopher M. Kephart, Dale W. GriffinThe presence of antibiotic resistance genes in coastal soil and sediment samples from the eastern seaboard of the USA
Infections from antibiotic resistant microorganisms are considered to be one of the greatest global public health challenges that result in huge annual economic losses. While genes that impart resistance to antibiotics (AbR) existed long before the discovery and use of antibiotics, anthropogenic uses of antibiotics in agriculture, domesticated animals, and humans are known to influence the prevaleAuthorsDale W. Griffin, William Benzel, Shawn C. Fisher, Michael J. Focazio, Luke R. Iwanowicz, Keith A. Loftin, Timothy J. Reilly, Daniel JonesByEcosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Contaminant Biology, Environmental Health Program, Toxic Substances Hydrology, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Geology, Minerals, Energy, and Geophysics Science Center, Kansas Water Science Center, New Jersey Water Science Center, New York Water Science Center, Pennsylvania Water Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Utah Water Science CenterLong Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Coordinated Water Resources Monitoring Strategy
Executive SummaryThe Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Coordinated Water Resources Monitoring Strategy (CWRMS) provides an overview of the water-quality and ecological monitoring within the Reserve and presents suggestions from stakeholders for future data collection, data management, and coordination among monitoring programs. The South Shore Estuary Reserve, hereafter referred to as the ReAuthorsShawn C. Fisher, Robert J. Welk, Jason S. FinkelsteinNon-USGS Publications**
Fisher, S.C.; Schoonen, M.A.A.; Brownawell, B.J., 2012, Phenylalanine as a hydroxyl radical-specific probe in pyrite slurries: Geochemical Transactions, vol. 13, 3Cohn, C.A.; Fisher, S.C.; Brownawell, B.J.; Schoonen, M.A.A., 2010, Adenine oxidation by pyrite-generated hydroxyl radical: Geochemical Transactions, vol. 11, 2**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.
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