Water samples were collected from a network of 47 groundwater sites across 18 states in 2000.

These samples were analyzed for 83 emerging contaminants using three research methods developed by the U.S. Geological Survey. Site selection focused on a variety of geohydrologic areas suspected to be susceptible to contamination from either animal or human wastewaters and were in aquifers not necessarily used as a source of drinking water. The network consisted of 42 wells, 3 springs, and 2 sumps with varied uses: observation/monitoring, domestic and municipal supply, and irrigation. Well depths ranged from 2.4 to 310.9 meters, with a median well depth of 19.2 meters. Emerging contaminants were detected in approximately 98% of the sites sampled, with 46 of the 83 contaminants being found at least once. The results of this study support the assertion that many emerging contaminants are persistent and mobile and can be transported to ground water. Future research will be needed to identify those factors that are most important in determining the occurrence and concentrations of emerging contaminants in ground water.

Available Publications

Barnes, K.K., Kolpin, D.W., Furlong, E.T., Zaugg, S.D., Meyer, M.T., and Barber, L.B., 2008, A national reconnaissance of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants in the United States--I. Groundwater: Science of the Total Environment, v. 402, no. 2-3, p. 192-200, doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.04.028.

Barnes, K.K., D.W. Kolpin, E.T. Furlong, S.D. Zaugg, M.T. Meyer, L.B Barber, and M.J. Focazio. 2005. Studies examine contaminants: Pharmaceuticals, hormones and other organic wastewater contaminants in ground water resources. National Driller Magazine Vol. 26, No. 3, March 2005, p. 38-39.

Barnes, K.K., Kolpin, D.W., Furlong, E.T., Zaugg, S.D., Meyer, M.T., Barber, L.B., and Focazio, M.J. 2004. Pharmaceuticals, hormones, and other organic wastewater contaminants in ground water resources, in Proceedings of Groundwater Foundataion Annual Conference and Groundwater Guardian Designation, Making the Connection Groundwater and Public Health, November 4-5, 2004, Washington DC, p. 24-30.

Focazio, M.J., Kolpin, D.W., and Buxton, H., 2003, Pharmaceuticals, hormones, personal-care products, and other organic wastewater contaminants in water resources -- recent research activities of the U.S. Geological Survey's Toxic Substances Hydrology Program: GeoHealth News, v. 2, no. 1, September 2003, p. 3-7.

Focazio, M.J., Kolpin, D.W., Furlong, E.T., 2004, Occurrence of human pharmaceuticals in water resources in the United States--A review, in Kummerer, K., ed., Pharmaceuticals in the environment--Sources, fate, effects, and risks, 2nd Edition, Springer-Verlag, pp. 91-102.

Project Headlines

• Emerging Contaminants Targeted in a Reconnaissance of Ground Water and Untreated Drinking-Water Sources

More Information

• Project contact: Kymm Barnes