Geology topics

Research about Potomac River

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Potomac River.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2025

Municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plant effluent contributions to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Potomac River: A basin-scale measuring and modeling approach

Managing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water resources requires a basin-scale approach. Predicted environmental concentrations (PEC) and stream-vulnerability scores for PFAS were determined for the Potomac River watershed in the eastern United States. Approximately 15% of stream reaches contained municipal and/or industrial wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges that are presumptive PFAS sources, comprising from <1 to >90% of streamflow. Mean annual PEC, based on the summed concentrations of eight PFAS detected in WWTP effluents (ΣPFAS PEC ), for all stream reaches in the watershed was 3.8 ng L –1 , and stream reaches impacted by WWTP had perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) PEC of 0.39 and 0.14 ng L –1 . For locations where measured-environmental concentrations (MEC) were determined, municipal and industrial WWTP contributed 7.8% (0 to 65%) of the total annual streamflow and MEC were greater than PEC in 99% of the samples, indicating additional potential PFAS sources. The mean ΣPFAS PEC was 9.1 ng L –1 compared to a mean sum of PFAS MEC of 34 ng L –1 . Under mean-August low-flow, 17% and 9.4% of the water-supply intakes had maximum PFOA and PFOS PEC exceeding drinking water maximum contaminant levels.

Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia↗

USGS2022

Temporal trends in macroscopic indicators of fish health in the South Branch of the Potomac River

Over recent decades, the South Branch of the Potomac River, WV, has experienced fish kills and episodes of suppressed health in adult fishes that have spanned small stretches to nearly 120 km of contiguous habitat. Although factors such as endocrine disruption, chemical contaminants, and infectious agents have been detected, no single causal mechanism has been identified. To gain information about the temporal nature of abnormalities, differences in life stage impacts, and potential risk factors, investigations of rank scores of macroscopic indicators of fish health were conducted utilizing seasonal and annual boat electrofishing surveys for Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu (SMB) and Golden Redhorse Moxostoma erythrurum (GDR). Gill and body abnormalities were assigned rank scores for each fish based on visual severity and were tested for correlation with seasonal climatic (flow and stream temperature) and environmental factors (stream pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity). Analyses between juveniles and adults for these species indicated body lesions were more common for adult GDR and gill lesions were more common for adult SMB. Significantly higher rank sums of adult gill abnormalities corresponded with heavy annual mortality of SMB from ages 2-3 (86%), the age at which this species transitions from juvenile to adult length. Higher ranks were frequently assigned to fish of both species for gill and body/fin lesions during summer and fall samples. Low stream discharges and lower pH units correlated with elevations of body raised lesion (GDR) and erosions (GDR and SMB), as well as erosions of gill lamellae (SMB). This study connects the disciplines of fisheries management, fish health, and environmental monitoring, providing information gained through tracking macroscopic conditions of these two indicator species for the focusing of future studies and better understanding risks to fish health.

West Virginia↗

USGS2020

Spatial and temporal trends in Potomac River fish abundance linked to species traits

Analysis of species abundance trends can inform an understanding of the underlying mechanisms. We evaluated spatial and temporal trends in fish species abundance in the non-tidal Potomac River (USA) from a dataset comprising 2841 seine-hauls with > 250,000 individual fish records across 10 sites and 43 years (1975-2017). The dataset contained 47 species from 7 taxonomic families, with species richness and abundance dominated by leuciscids, centrarchids, and percids (85% and 95% of the total dataset, respectively). We used linear modeling and bootstrapping techniques to estimate spatial and temporal trends in abundance (CPUE) for 38 species, excluding the rarest taxa (< 30 individuals). Spatial trends in abundance were detected for 22 species (58%), of which 15 were more abundant downstream than upstream and 7 were more abundant upstream than downstream. Temporal trends in abundance were detected for 25 species (66%), of which 15 increased over time and 10 decreased over time. Spatial trends were associated with reproductive life history strategies: egg-attachers and viviparous fishes generally increased in a downstream direction, whereas species with other reproductive modes and relatively short spawning durations (< ~2 months) showed the opposite spatial trend. Temporal trends were associated with reproductive guilds and range area (a surrogate for environmental tolerance): egg-attachers and nest-associates generally increased in abundance over time, whereas broadcast spawners, clean-gravel spawners, and nest-guarders with relatively small range areas (< ~ 1.2 million km2) tended to decrease over time. This study provides an analysis of one of the largest systematic collections of freshwater fishes to our knowledge and provides a framework to evaluate mechanisms underlying observed trends.

Potomac River↗

USGS2019

Establishing molecular methods to quantitatively profile gastric diet items of fish—Application to the invasive blue catfish (ictalurus furcatus)

Understanding the diet of invasive species helps researchers to more accurately assess the health, survivorship, growth, and stability of an invasive fish species, as well as their effects on native populations. Techniques capable of identifying multiple prey species from fish stomach contents have been developed. In this study, a multi-locus metabarcoding approach was used to identify fish and invertebrate prey in stomach samples of Ictalurus furcatus (blue catfish), which were collected from two sites on the Mattawomen Creek and Nanjemoy Creek in Maryland. The mitochondrial 12S (mt12S) and mitochondrial 16S (mt16S) gene regions were sequenced and compared. First, a mock sample for each gene region was created with the pooled polymerase chain reaction product of known fish species, and quantities of the sample were used to determine efficacy of the amplicon. Results varied between gene regions analyzed. Then, when using the mt12S primers, next-generation sequencing determined that nine fish species were found at levels greater than 1 percent of the diet of blue catfish. The most common species were Perca flavescens (yellow perch) and Cyprinus carpio (common carp). The mt16S gene region analyses found 10 fish species at greater than 1 percent of the diet, which primarily included Orconectes limosus (spinycheek crayfish), Alosa pseudoharengus (alewife), and yellow perch. Partially digested eggs were identified using next-generation sequencing of yellow perch in two of the stomach samples, and a TaqMan® quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay was developed to more economically identify egg species in the future. The yellow-perch-specific TaqMan® qPCR assay was tested using primers that were developed to detect a 154-base-pair amplicon in the mitochondrial control region. Consumption of yellow perch eggs indicates that blue catfish could potentially negatively affect young-of-year recruitment of this native sportfish. Analyses of two gene regions helped confirm the major prey of the fish sampled and allowed identification of fish species as prey that were not included in a database for the two gene regions. We concluded that the mitochondrial ribosomal-marker-based next-generation sequencing method is useful in determining the prey of fish species.

Potomac River↗

USGS2016

Patterns of diel variation in nitrate concentrations in the Potomac River

The Potomac River is a large source of N to Chesapeake Bay, where reducing nutrient loads is a focus of efforts to improve trophic status. Better understanding of NO 3 – loss, reflected in part by diel variation in NO 3 – concentrations, may refine model predictions of N loads to the Bay. We analyzed 2 y of high-frequency NO 3 – sensor data in the Potomac to quantify seasonal variation in the magnitude and timing of diel NO 3 – loss. Diel patterns were evident, especially during low flow, despite broad seasonal and flow-driven variation in NO 3 – concentrations. Diel variation was ~0.01 mg N/L in winter and 0.02 to 0.03 mg N/L in summer with intermediate values in spring and autumn, equivalent to <1% of the daily mean NO 3 – concentration in winter and ~2 to 4% in summer. Maximum diel NO 3 – values generally occurred in mid- to late morning, with more repeatable patterns in summer and wider variation in autumn and winter. Diel NO 3 – loss reduced loads by 0.7% in winter and 3% in summer. These losses were less than estimates of total in-stream NO 3 – load loss across the basin that averaged 33% of the annual groundwater contribution to the river. Water temperature and discharge had stronger relationships to the daily magnitude of diel NO 3 – variation than did photosynthetically active radiation. Estimated diel areal NO 3 – loss rates were generally >1000 mg N m –2 d –1 , greater than most published values because measurements in this large river integrate over a greater depth/unit stream bottom area than do those from smaller rivers. These diel NO 3 – patterns are consistent with the influence of photoautotrophic uptake and related denitrification, but we cannot attribute these patterns to assimilation alone because the magnitude and timing of diel dynamics were affected to an unknown extent by processes, such as evapotranspiration, transient storage, and hydrodynamic dispersion. Improvements to diel loss estimates will require additional high-frequency measures, such as dissolved O 2 , dissolved organic N, and NH 4 + , and deployment of 2 measurement stations.

Potomac River↗

USGS2015

The distribution of submersed aquatic vegetation and water lettuce in the fresh and oligohaline tidal Potomac River, 2007

Surveys documenting the composition of species of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) have been conducted in the Potomac River for decades. These surveys can help managers assess the proportion of native and exotic plants in the river or can be used to determine relationships between native and exotic plants, environmental conditions, and wildlife. SAV coverage increased from 2005 to 2007 throughout the fresh and oligohaline study area. The 2007 survey documented here determined that eleven species of SAV were present. The abundance of the exotic species Hydrilla verticillata (hydrilla) was relatively low, and species diversity was relatively high compared to previous years. The survey also revealed a new population of the invasive, floating aquatic plant Pistia stratiotes (water lettuce). In 2007, water lettuce, the latest exotic aquatic plant to be found in the fresh to oligohaline portion of the Potomac River, was most abundant in Mattawoman Creek, Charles County, Maryland. However, it was not observed in the fresh to oligohaline portion of the Potomac River in the summer of 2008. An understanding of the distribution of SAV species and factors governing the abundance of native and invasive aquatic species is enhanced by long-term surveys.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS2008

Organic compounds in Potomac River water used for public supply near Washington, D.C., 2003-05

Organic compounds studied in this U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessment generally are man-made, including, in part, pesticides, solvents, gasoline hydrocarbons, personal care and domestic-use products, and refrigerants and propellants. A total of 85 of 277 compounds were detected at least once among the 25 samples collected approximately monthly during 2003-05 at the intake of the Washington Aqueduct, one of several community water systems on the Potomac River upstream from Washington, D.C. The diversity of compounds detected indicate a variety of different sources and uses (including wastewater discharge, industrial, agricultural, domestic, and others) and different pathways (including treated wastewater outfalls located upstream, overland runoff, and ground-water discharge) to drinking-water supplies. Seven compounds were detected year-round in source-water intake samples, including selected herbicide compounds commonly used in the Potomac River Basin and in other agricultural areas across the United States. Two-thirds of the 26 compounds detected most commonly in source water (in at least 20 percent of the samples) also were detected most commonly in finished water (after treatment but prior to distribution). Concentrations for all detected compounds in source and finished water generally were less than 0.1 microgram per liter and always less than human-health benchmarks, which are available for about one-half of the detected compounds. On the basis of this screening-level assessment, adverse effects to human health are expected to be negligible (subject to limitations of available human-health benchmarks).

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS2007

Intersex (Testicular Oocytes) in smallmouth bass from the Potomac River and selected nearby drainages

Intersex, or the presence of characteristics of both sexes, in fishes that are normally gonochoristic has been used as an indicator of exposure to estrogenic compounds. In 2003, during health assessments conducted in response to kills and a high prevalence of skin lesions observed in smallmouth bass Micropterus dolomieu in the South Branch of the Potomac River, the presence of immature oocytes within testes was noted. To evaluate this condition, a severity index (0-4) was developed based on the distribution of oocytes within the testes. Using gonad samples collected from 2003 to 2005, the number of histologic sections needed to accurately detect the condition in mature smallmouth bass was statistically evaluated. The reliability of detection depended on the severity index and the number of sections examined. Examining five transverse sections taken along the length of the gonad resulted in a greater than 90% probability of detecting testicular oocytes when the severity index exceeded 0.5. Using the severity index we compared smallmouth bass collected at selected sites within the South Branch during three seasons in 2004. Seasonal differences in severity and prevalence were observed. The highest prevalence and severity were consistently noted during the prespawn-spawning season, when compared with the postspawn season. In 2005, smallmouth bass were collected at selected out-of-basin sites in West Virginia where fish kills and external skin lesions have not been reported, as well as at sites in the Shenandoah River, Virginia (part of the Potomac drainage), where kills and lesions occurred in 2004-2005. The prevalence of testicular oocytes is discussed in terms of human population and agricultural intensity.

Potomac River↗

USGS2001

Tumor prevalence and biomarkers of exposure in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from the tidal Potomac River, USA, watershed

Associations between contaminant exposure and liver and skin tumor prevalence were evaluated in brown bullheads ( Ameiurus nebulosus ) from the tidal Potomac River, USA, watershed. Thirty bullheads (≥ age 3) were collected from Quantico embayment, near a Superfund site that released organochlorine contaminants; Neabsco Creek, a tributary with petroleum inputs from runoff and marinas; and Anacostia River (spring and fall), an urban tributary designated as a Chesapeake Bay region of concern, that was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides. Fish were collected from the Tuckahoe River, as a reference. Cytochrome P450 activity, bile PAH metabolites, and muscle organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations were measured in randomly selected individuals and sediment contaminants were analyzed. We found statistically significant differences in liver tumor prevalences: Anacostia (spring), 50%; Anacostia (fall), 60%; Neabsco, 17%; Quantico, 7%; and Tuckahoe, 10%. Skin tumor prevalences were significantly different: Anacostia (spring), 37%; Anacostia (fall), 10%; Neabsco, 3%; Quantico, 3%; and Tuckahoe, 0%. Tumor prevalence in Anacostia bullheads warrants concern and was similar to those at highly contaminated sites in the Great Lakes. Evidence was found of higher PAH exposure in Anacostia fish but a cause-effect linkage could not be established. Fish tumor surveys, with histopathologic examination of internal and external organs, are recommended for monitoring the status of regions of concern.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS2001

Investigations of the availability and survival of submersed aquatic vegetation propagules in the tidal Potomac River

The establishment of submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) at unvegetated sites in the freshwater tidal Potomac River was limited primarily by factors other than propagule availability. For two years, traps were used to quantify the amount of plant material reaching three unvegetated sites over the growing season. The calculated flux values provided a gross estimate of the flux of propagules that could potentially survive if other site factors were suitable. The mean flux of Hydrilla verticillata and all other species (≥0.01 gdw m −2 d −1 ) appeared sufficient to favor the establishment of vegetation, particularly considering the high viability (70–100%) of whole plants and fragments under controlled conditions. However, median water clarity values (i.e., for light attenuation, Secchi depth, total suspended solids, and chlorophyll a ) were below SAV restoration goals at all unvegetated sites. Additionally, sediments from unvegetated sites showed a potential for nitrogen limitation of the growth of H. verticillata . Our findings support the hypothesis that in the tidal Potomac River, water clarity and nutrient (especially nitrogen) levels in sediment are key to plant community establishment.

Virginia↗

USGS1989

Nitrogen cycling between sediment and the shallow-water column in the transition zone of the Potomac River and Estuary. II. The role of wind-driven resuspension and adsorbed ammonium

During periods of sediment resuspension, desorption of ammonium from sediment solids can be the major pathway for enriching the water column with the ammonium that is produced by bacterial degradation of organic matter in the bottom material. This hyopthesis is based on a three-year study of diffusive flux in the transition zone of the Potomac River at a site 35 m from the Virginia shore where the average water-column depth is approximately 1 m over sandy sediment. A diffusion-controlled sampler was used to collect water samples at the interface between the water column and sediment and at several tens of centimeters into the sediment. Interstitial water concentration gradients showed that diffusive flux of ammonium from the sandy shallow-water sediments was approximately 1% of the diffusive flux of ammonium from the silty channel sediments in the same zone of the Potomac River. Organic nitrogen and bound or adsorbed ammonium were the predominant nitrogen forms in the sediment. Adsorbed ammonium concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 3·7 μmol g −1 of sediment. Concentrations of adsorbed ammonium per gram of sediment were one to three orders of magnitude more than interstitial water ammonium concentrations. Desorption of ammonium from sediment solids appeared to be the controlling factor in the degree of water-column ammonium enrichment. In laboratory experiments that simulated sediment resuspension, 40–80% of the adsorbed ammonium predicted to desorb did so after approximately 30 min of mixing. Based on calculations for 1 m 2 to a depth of 4 cm, one resuspenion event lasting minutes could mix more ammonium into the water column from desorption of ammonium from sediment solids than could be delivered to the water column by diffusive flux from shallow-water sediments in 10–1000 days and would be comparable to enrichment by ammonium diffusive flux for 5–50 days from channel sediments in the same river zone.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS1989

Requirement for a microbial consortium to completely oxidize glucose in Fe(III)- reducing sediments

In various sediments in which Fe(III) reduction was the terminal electron-accepting process, [ 14 C]glucose was fermented to 14 C-fatty acids in a manner similar to that observed in methanogenic sediments. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that, in Fe(III)-reducing sediments, fermentable substrates are oxidized to carbon dioxide by the combined activity of fermentative bacteria and fatty acid-oxidizing, Fe(III)-reducing bacteria.

Maryland, Minnesota↗

USGS1988

Nitrogen cycling between sediment and the shallow-water column in the transition zone of the Potomac River and estuary. I. Nitrate and ammonium fluxes

A three-year study of seasonal variation in water-column and sediment nitrogen species was conducted in the transition zone of the Potomac River 35 m from the Virginia shore at a site with an average water-column depth of approximately 1 m over sandy sediment. A diffusion-controlled sampler was used to collect water samples from the water column, at the interface between the water column and sediment, and at several tens of centimeters into the sediment. Nitrate was the predominant dissolved nitrogen species in the water column. The importance of denitrification was inferred by nitrate fluxes which were directed into the sediment from the water column during approximately 75% of the sampling periods and ranged from 0·02 to 0·69 mmol m −2 day −1 . Flux of nitrate from the sediment into the water column, ⩾0·1 mmol m −2 day −1 , due possibly to nitrification in surficial sediment, occurred during one spring and two summer sampling periods. Ammonium fluxes were less than 0·1 mmol m −2 day −1 during 90% of the sampling periods. Of the ammonium fluxes that were >0·05 mmol m −2 day −1 , all were fluxes into the sediment during sampling periods when sediment resuspension occurred, and all were into the water column during periods of calm. The mean value of ammonium flux (0·005 ± 0·05 mmol m −2 day −1 ) from the sandy, shallow-water sediments was two orders of magnitude less than the ammonium fluxes from the deeper, silty channel sediments in the same reach of the river. Diffusive flux calculations suggest that approximately one order of magnitude more nitrate than ammonium is cycled between the shallow-water column and the sandy sediment in the transition zone of the Potomac River.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS1988

Phytoplankton dynamics of the fresh, tidal Potomac River, Maryland, for the summers of 1979 to 1981

The distribution and abundance of phytoplankton in the fresh, tidal Potomac River, Md., was different during 1979-81 from that observed in the 1960's and 1970's. Concentrations of phytoplankton in the 1960's and 1970's reached maximum attainable levels that were limited only by self-shading. A sag in phytoplankton abundance, apparent during the summers of 1980 and 1981 between Rosier Bluff and Marshall Hall, appears to have been caused by the Asiatic clam, Corbicula fluminea. Reduced abundance of phytoplankton throughout the entire fresh, tidal river during the summers of 1980 and 1981 may have been due to grazing by Corbicula, high discharge, and perhaps phosphorus limitation in late August at and downstream of Hallowing Point. Phytoplankton growth rates and chlorophyll-to-cell ratios were highest at Hatton Point and Marshall Hall (the sag reach). A model was constructed that predicted phytoplankton growth rates by varying only chlorophyll a concentration and light penetration. Nutrient concentrations were not required to make the model fit the data. Primary productivity was highest for the year during August 1980 and August 1981. Productivity-per-unit chlorophyll was highest at Hatton Point, where reduced concentrations of phytoplankton permitted the deepest light penetration in the fresh, tidal river.

Maryland↗

USGS1987

In situ striped bass (Morone saxatilis) contaminant and water quality studies in the Potomac River

The objectives of this study were to evaluate survival of striped bass ( Morone saxatilis ) prolarvae and yearlings in the Potomac River by using in situ test chambers; correlate survival of both striped bass life stages with the presence of water quality conditions, inorganic contaminants, and organic contaminants and conduct histological examinations of surviving yearling striped bass. Survival of striped bass prolarvae ranged from 4.5–22.5% at three field locations during three 96-h experiments; control survival was ≥81%. Yearling survival ranged from 0–77.5% at three river stations during two 7-d experiments; highest mortality occurred at the upriver station. Control survival was 100%. Poor survival of striped bass prolarvae was likely related to the presence of inorganic contaminants (monomeric aluminum, cadmium, and copper) acting singly or synergistically and sudden decreases in water temperature (< 11°C). Yearling mortality at the upriver station was likely correlated with high pH conditions from a point source discharge and perhaps inorganic contaminants. Histological examinations of yearlings suggested that test organisms exposed to Potomac River water exhibited adverse changes in the kidney.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS1987

The distribution of nitrogen species and adsorption of ammonium in sediments from the tidal Potomac River and estuary

The distribution of dissolved ammonium, adsorbed ammonium and residual, organic and total nitrogen was measured in Potomac River tidal, transition zone and lower estuary sediments to a depth of 66 cm. For these sediments, exchangeable ammonium, and thereby adsorbed ammonium concentrations, were determined directly using an ammonia electrode in alkaline sediment suspensions. Ammonia electrode data were comparable to data obtained by KCl extraction of fresh sediment. The conventional unitless ammonium adsorption coefficient, calculated as the slope of the regression line drawn when sediment-adsorbed ammonium (μmol g −1 dry wt of sediment) is plotted against interstitial water ammonium (μmol g −1 dry wt sediment), is 1·5 for this system. When a modified ammonium adsorption coefficient is calculated from sediment-adsorbed ammonium concentrations and a ratio of interstitial water ammonium and potassium concentrations, the regression equation through the data has a zero intercept and is more nearly linear than the regression equation of data based on conventional calculations. The use of a ratio including ammonium and potassium concentrations in the interstitial water term takes into account ionic strength variations in the estuary and competition between ammonium and potassium for adsorption sites.

Maryland, Virginia↗

USGS1987

Data on the distribution and abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation in the tidal Potomac River and estuary, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, 1986

This report summarizes data on the distribution and abundance of submersed aquatic vegetation collected in the tidal Potomac River and Estuary during 1986. Plant species were identified and dry weight determined for selected sites sampled in spring and fall. The percentage of each plant species was determined in areas of high plant density in the fall. Water quality characteristics measured include temperature, specific conductance, dissolved oxygen, pH, and transparency as indicated by Secchi depth. Maps were made of the distribution of submersed aquatic vegetation based on transect samples and a complete shoreline survey.

District of Columbia;Maryl;Virginia↗

USGS1986

Resurgence of submersed aquatic macrophytes in the tidal Potomac River, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia

A 1978–81 survey of submersed aquatic macrophytes in the tidal Potomac River showed that there were virtually no plants in the freshwater tidal river between Chain Bridge and Quantico, Virginia, decades after the disappearance of plants in the late 1930’s. Plant populations were monitored in subsequent years (1983–85) using qualitative shoreline surveys and quantitative resampling of the original 1978–81 transects. In 1983, 12 species of submersed aquatic macrophytes were found in the tidal river. Population increases were dramatic; by fall 1985, plants had colonized all shallow areas between Alexandria and Gunston Cove, Virginia. Hydrilla verticillata dominated in Dyke Marsh-Hunting Creek and Swan Creek. Most other areas contained a variable mixture of Heteranthera dubia, Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Vallisneria americana, Najas guadalupensis and Hydrilla verticillata . No plants were found along the main river or in tidal embayments in the reach between Gunston Cove and Quantico, Virginia. Total dry weight collected in the upper tidal river in fall 1985 was 14.5 times that of spring 1985, and four times that of fall 1984.

Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia↗