Biology - Contaminant Biology Program
ChemistryChemistry research in the Contaminant Biology Program is focused at the Columbia Environmental Research Laboratory. Environmental chemistry researchers develop analytical methods and techniques for measuring chemicals in biota and aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric environments and for estimating the potential for chemical pollutants to concentrate in fish and other aquatic life. This information is an integral part of many risk assessments and hazard assessments at contaminated sites. Continual improvements in the performance of the analytical methods enable research to measure new chemical pollutants, improve the detection of contaminants, and improve the value (lower the cost) of analysis. Analytical Chemistry
Passive Samplers/Membrane Devices as Exposure Surrogates Knowledge of the types and amounts of biologically available trace contaminants in the environment is a fundamental part of assessing the overall quality of ecosystems and critical habitats. Unfortunately, this key information is often unavailable because of the transient nature of chemical spills, pesticide applications and effluent discharges, and the limited ability to detect very low levels of environmental contaminants. USGS researchers have developed a suite of passive samplers to use in these situations. Examples of such technologies include semi permeable membrane devices (SPMDs), polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS), stabilized liquid membrane devices (SLMDs).
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USGS chemists incorporate new separation and detection technology in development of analytical chemistry methods, allowing to quantify the broad spectrum of environmental chemicals.
Semipermeable membrane devices (SPMD) deployed in Auchumpkee Creek at Allen Road near Roberta, Georgia. Semipermiable Membrane Device (SPMD) allows to sample lipid of fat-soluble (nonpolar or hydrophobic) semivolatile organic chemicals from water and air. This device is a passive sampler, meaning that it has no mechanical or moving parts, requires no power nor supervision during use. USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center Web site provides more information on SPMD. Related USGS ProgramsSelenium Contamination Associated with Irrigated Agriculture in the Western United States, National Research Program, Water Resources Discipline |
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