Steven R Corsi
Steven Corsi is a Scientist Emeritus with the Upper Midwest Water Science Center.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Impact of aircraft and pavement deicers on aquatic ecosystems
- Evaluation of the effectiveness of airport deicer management systems
- Assessment of anthropogenic impact on stream water quality
- Aquatic toxicity evaluation
- Recreational water quality
- Surface water investigations of waterborne pathogens
Education and Certifications
M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Wisconsin, 1989
B.S. in Physics, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, 1986
Affiliations and Memberships*
State of Wisconsin Licensed Professional Hydrologist
Society of Toxicology and Chemistry
Science and Products
Evaluating chloride trends due to road-salt use and its impacts on water quality and aquatic organisms
Chloride, a key component of road salt, is soluble, highly mobile in water, and, at high concentrations, can be toxic to aquatic vegetation and wildlife. USGS scientists have been analyzing temporal, seasonal, and environmental trends in chloride concentrations across the U.S. to determine the effects that road salt may be having on water quality and aquatic organisms.
Beach health in Wisconsin
Beach water-quality (beach health) data are collected for both coastal and inland Wisconsin beaches. These data are collected and analyzed by multiple agencies throughout Wisconsin including local health departments, universities, state agencies, and federal agencies including the USGS.
Environmental factors and risk estimation for waterborne pathogens at three Great Lakes beaches
The goals of this study were to quantify pathogen concentrations in water at three Lake Michigan beaches, identify environmental factors that influence pathogen occurrence and variability, and to estimate health risks for recreational swimmers.
Filter Total Items: 16
Pesticides and pesticide transformation product data from passive samplers deployed in 15 Great Lakes tributaries, 2016 Pesticides and pesticide transformation product data from passive samplers deployed in 15 Great Lakes tributaries, 2016
This dataset includes pesticides and pesticide transformation products in 15 tributaries of the Great Lakes. Pesticides were monitored using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) to estimate concentrations in water following standard protocols (Alvarez, 2010) in June and July 2016. POCIS extracts were analyzed for 225 chemicals (USGS National Water Quality Laboratory...
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 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
Data are from water samples collected from tributaries of the Great Lakes at three different drainage basin scales, including 1). watershed scale: 8 tributaries of the Great Lakes, 2). subwatershed scale: 5 locations from the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, and 3). small scale: 213 storm sewers and open channel locations in three subwatersheds within the Great Lakes Basin including...
Data and regression models describing biofilms and water quality in streams surrounding Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2009-2014) Data and regression models describing biofilms and water quality in streams surrounding Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2009-2014)
Heterotrophic biofilm growths were monitored in sites upstream and downstream of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; samples were collected primarily during and surrounding the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 deicing seasons, with additional sample collection occurring in 2014. Biofilms were assessed using both field surveys and modern genetic approaches, and...
Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016 Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
This dataset describes the quantity, morphology, and polymer identity of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediments of Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan (Wisconsin). Water samples were collected at 10 locations, 2-4 times each, from May to September, 2016. At the 4 shallowest locations, water was collected only at the water surface. At the...
Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014 Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014
This dataset describes the quantity, morphology, concentration and polymer identity of microplastics in surficial benthic sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Lake Michigan sediment samples were collected at 20 locations in September, 2013 and Lake Erie sediment samples were collected at 12 locations in September, 2014 while on-board the R.V. Lake Guardian. Sampling and analysis...
Chemistry of waters collected in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia in 2016 Chemistry of waters collected in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia in 2016
Water chemistry data for samples collected in 2016 in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia. The dataset includes stream characteristics including flow and location information for sampling sites.
Filter Total Items: 82
Apportionment of oxygen demand contributions from aircraft and pavement deicer freezing point depressants in airport runoff, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2005–2022 Apportionment of oxygen demand contributions from aircraft and pavement deicer freezing point depressants in airport runoff, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2005–2022
Aircraft anti-icers and pavement deicers improve the safety of airport operations during winter precipitation events. Runoff containing these products can contribute elevated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to receiving streams. We monitored runoff from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport at one upstream site, three outfall sites, and one downstream site from 2005 to 2022 for BOD...
Authors
Sophia LaFond-Hudson, Steven R. Corsi, Troy D. Rutter
Derivation and characterization of environmental hazard concentrations for chemical prioritization: A case study in the Great Lakes tributaries Derivation and characterization of environmental hazard concentrations for chemical prioritization: A case study in the Great Lakes tributaries
Ongoing anthropogenic activities and analytical advancements yield continuously expanding lists of environmental contaminants. This represents a challenge to environmental managers, who must prioritize chemicals for management actions (e.g., restriction, regulation, remediation) but are often hindered by resource limitations. To help facilitate prioritization efforts, this study presents...
Authors
Erin M. Maloney, Steven R. Corsi, Matthew A. Pronschinske, Laura A. DeCicco, Michelle A. Nott, John R. Frisch, Neil W. Fuller, Austin K. Baldwin, Kimani Kimbrough, Michael Edwards, Stephanie L. Hummel, Natalia Vinas, Daniel L. Villeneuve
Potential for biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Great Lakes tributaries and associations with land cover and wastewater effluent Potential for biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Great Lakes tributaries and associations with land cover and wastewater effluent
Surface water concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and potential for resulting biological effects were estimated in a study using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) from 60 tributary sites within 20 watersheds in the Great Lakes Basin in 2018. Sites represented a range of urban to agricultural, forested, and wetland land uses and included a...
Authors
Steven R. Corsi, Luke C. Loken, Gerald T. Ankley, David A. Alvarez, Daniel L. Villeneuve
Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning
The potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-related effects in benthic organisms is commonly estimated from organic carbon-normalized sediment concentrations based on equilibrium partitioning (EqP). Although this approach is useful for screening purposes, it may overestimate PAH bioavailability by orders of magnitude in some sediments, leading to inflated exposure estimates...
Authors
Austin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, David A. Alvarez, David L. Villeneuve, Gerald T. Ankley, Brett R. Blackwell, Marc A. Mills, Peter L. Lenaker, Michelle A. Nott
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 Summary Evidence 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 D. Iwanowicz, Austin K. Baldwin, Larry B. Barber, Vicki S. Blazer, Steven R. Corsi, Joseph W. Duris, Shawn C. Fisher, Michael Focazio, Sarah E. Janssen, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Dana W. Kolpin, Johanna M. Kraus, Rachael F. Lane, Mari E. Lee, Kristen B. McSwain, Timothy D. Oden, Timothy J. Reilly, Andrew R. Spanjer
A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals
Human sewage contaminates waterways, delivering excess nutrients, pathogens, chemicals, and other toxic contaminants. Contaminants and various sewage indicators are measured to monitor and assess water quality, but these analytes vary in their representation of sewage contamination and the inferences about water quality they support. We measured the occurrence and concentration of...
Authors
Peter L. Lenaker, Matthew A. Pronschinske, Steven R. Corsi, Joel P. Stokdyk, Hayley T. Olds, Deborah K. Dila, Sandra L. McLellan
Science and Products
Evaluating chloride trends due to road-salt use and its impacts on water quality and aquatic organisms
Chloride, a key component of road salt, is soluble, highly mobile in water, and, at high concentrations, can be toxic to aquatic vegetation and wildlife. USGS scientists have been analyzing temporal, seasonal, and environmental trends in chloride concentrations across the U.S. to determine the effects that road salt may be having on water quality and aquatic organisms.
Beach health in Wisconsin
Beach water-quality (beach health) data are collected for both coastal and inland Wisconsin beaches. These data are collected and analyzed by multiple agencies throughout Wisconsin including local health departments, universities, state agencies, and federal agencies including the USGS.
Environmental factors and risk estimation for waterborne pathogens at three Great Lakes beaches
The goals of this study were to quantify pathogen concentrations in water at three Lake Michigan beaches, identify environmental factors that influence pathogen occurrence and variability, and to estimate health risks for recreational swimmers.
Filter Total Items: 16
Pesticides and pesticide transformation product data from passive samplers deployed in 15 Great Lakes tributaries, 2016 Pesticides and pesticide transformation product data from passive samplers deployed in 15 Great Lakes tributaries, 2016
This dataset includes pesticides and pesticide transformation products in 15 tributaries of the Great Lakes. Pesticides were monitored using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) to estimate concentrations in water following standard protocols (Alvarez, 2010) in June and July 2016. POCIS extracts were analyzed for 225 chemicals (USGS National Water Quality Laboratory...
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 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
Data are from water samples collected from tributaries of the Great Lakes at three different drainage basin scales, including 1). watershed scale: 8 tributaries of the Great Lakes, 2). subwatershed scale: 5 locations from the greater Milwaukee, Wisconsin area, and 3). small scale: 213 storm sewers and open channel locations in three subwatersheds within the Great Lakes Basin including...
Data and regression models describing biofilms and water quality in streams surrounding Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2009-2014) Data and regression models describing biofilms and water quality in streams surrounding Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2009-2014)
Heterotrophic biofilm growths were monitored in sites upstream and downstream of Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; samples were collected primarily during and surrounding the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 deicing seasons, with additional sample collection occurring in 2014. Biofilms were assessed using both field surveys and modern genetic approaches, and...
Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016 Microplastics in the water column and sediment in Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan, 2016
This dataset describes the quantity, morphology, and polymer identity of microplastics in the water column and surficial sediments of Milwaukee-Area streams, the Milwaukee Harbor, and Lake Michigan (Wisconsin). Water samples were collected at 10 locations, 2-4 times each, from May to September, 2016. At the 4 shallowest locations, water was collected only at the water surface. At the...
Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014 Microplastics in the surficial benthic sediment from Lake Michigan and Lake Erie, 2013 and 2014
This dataset describes the quantity, morphology, concentration and polymer identity of microplastics in surficial benthic sediment of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie. Lake Michigan sediment samples were collected at 20 locations in September, 2013 and Lake Erie sediment samples were collected at 12 locations in September, 2014 while on-board the R.V. Lake Guardian. Sampling and analysis...
Chemistry of waters collected in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia in 2016 Chemistry of waters collected in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia in 2016
Water chemistry data for samples collected in 2016 in the Wolf Creek and Buffalo Creek watersheds in West Virginia. The dataset includes stream characteristics including flow and location information for sampling sites.
Filter Total Items: 82
Apportionment of oxygen demand contributions from aircraft and pavement deicer freezing point depressants in airport runoff, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2005–2022 Apportionment of oxygen demand contributions from aircraft and pavement deicer freezing point depressants in airport runoff, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2005–2022
Aircraft anti-icers and pavement deicers improve the safety of airport operations during winter precipitation events. Runoff containing these products can contribute elevated biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) to receiving streams. We monitored runoff from Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport at one upstream site, three outfall sites, and one downstream site from 2005 to 2022 for BOD...
Authors
Sophia LaFond-Hudson, Steven R. Corsi, Troy D. Rutter
Derivation and characterization of environmental hazard concentrations for chemical prioritization: A case study in the Great Lakes tributaries Derivation and characterization of environmental hazard concentrations for chemical prioritization: A case study in the Great Lakes tributaries
Ongoing anthropogenic activities and analytical advancements yield continuously expanding lists of environmental contaminants. This represents a challenge to environmental managers, who must prioritize chemicals for management actions (e.g., restriction, regulation, remediation) but are often hindered by resource limitations. To help facilitate prioritization efforts, this study presents...
Authors
Erin M. Maloney, Steven R. Corsi, Matthew A. Pronschinske, Laura A. DeCicco, Michelle A. Nott, John R. Frisch, Neil W. Fuller, Austin K. Baldwin, Kimani Kimbrough, Michael Edwards, Stephanie L. Hummel, Natalia Vinas, Daniel L. Villeneuve
Potential for biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Great Lakes tributaries and associations with land cover and wastewater effluent Potential for biological effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Great Lakes tributaries and associations with land cover and wastewater effluent
Surface water concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and potential for resulting biological effects were estimated in a study using polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) from 60 tributary sites within 20 watersheds in the Great Lakes Basin in 2018. Sites represented a range of urban to agricultural, forested, and wetland land uses and included a...
Authors
Steven R. Corsi, Luke C. Loken, Gerald T. Ankley, David A. Alvarez, Daniel L. Villeneuve
Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning Potential hazards of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Great Lakes tributaries using water column and porewater passive samplers and sediment wquilibrium partitioning
The potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)-related effects in benthic organisms is commonly estimated from organic carbon-normalized sediment concentrations based on equilibrium partitioning (EqP). Although this approach is useful for screening purposes, it may overestimate PAH bioavailability by orders of magnitude in some sediments, leading to inflated exposure estimates...
Authors
Austin K. Baldwin, Steven R. Corsi, David A. Alvarez, David L. Villeneuve, Gerald T. Ankley, Brett R. Blackwell, Marc A. Mills, Peter L. Lenaker, Michelle A. Nott
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 Summary Evidence 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 D. Iwanowicz, Austin K. Baldwin, Larry B. Barber, Vicki S. Blazer, Steven R. Corsi, Joseph W. Duris, Shawn C. Fisher, Michael Focazio, Sarah E. Janssen, Jeramy Roland Jasmann, Dana W. Kolpin, Johanna M. Kraus, Rachael F. Lane, Mari E. Lee, Kristen B. McSwain, Timothy D. Oden, Timothy J. Reilly, Andrew R. Spanjer
A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals A multi-marker assessment of sewage contamination in streams using human-associated indicator bacteria, human-specific viruses, and pharmaceuticals
Human sewage contaminates waterways, delivering excess nutrients, pathogens, chemicals, and other toxic contaminants. Contaminants and various sewage indicators are measured to monitor and assess water quality, but these analytes vary in their representation of sewage contamination and the inferences about water quality they support. We measured the occurrence and concentration of...
Authors
Peter L. Lenaker, Matthew A. Pronschinske, Steven R. Corsi, Joel P. Stokdyk, Hayley T. Olds, Deborah K. Dila, Sandra L. McLellan
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government