Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana

Travis S. Schmidt; Ashley Morgan Bussell; Molly A. Moloney; James L. Dunnigan; Trevor M. Selch; Jessica E. Brandt; Craig A. Stricker; A. Robin Stewart; Veronika A. Kocen; Danielle M. Cleveland; Vicki S. Blazer; Sarah E. Janssen; Jacob M. Ogorek; Meghan Dunn; Theresa L. McBride; Katie B. Adams; Benjamin P. Colman; Matt Young; Jennie Christensen

doi:10.3133/ofr20251034

USGS · ofr20251034

Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana

Travis S. Schmidt·Ashley Morgan Bussell·Molly A. Moloney·James L. Dunnigan·Trevor M. Selch·Jessica E. Brandt·Craig A. Stricker·A. Robin Stewart·Veronika A. Kocen·Danielle M. Cleveland·Vicki S. Blazer·Sarah E. Janssen·Jacob M. Ogorek·Meghan Dunn·Theresa L. McBride·Katie B. Adams·Benjamin P. Colman·Matt Young·Jennie Christensen

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Abstract

Lake Koocanusa, a reservoir, receives mine wastes from metallurgical coal mines in the Elk River Valley of British Columbia, Canada. Selenium and other elements discharged by the mines into the waters of the United States can pose unknown risks to aquatic life. The U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center can collaborate with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and other State and Federal agencies to design studies and to collect fish tissues to help fill this knowledge gap. This report describes the processes, techniques, and methods used to collect and analyze fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa; and procedures used to review and manage data, including quality assurance and quality control procedures used by the U.S. Geological Survey Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center and supporting analytical laboratories. These fish tissue collections began in 2021.

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Source-reported bounding extent: 48.55695721902586° to 50.23265651730222° latitude; -117.29104936748958° to -114.96658880253837° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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Travis S. Schmidt, Ashley Morgan Bussell, Molly A. Moloney, James L. Dunnigan, Trevor M. Selch, Jessica E. Brandt, Craig A. Stricker, A. Robin Stewart, Veronika A. Kocen, Danielle M. Cleveland, Vicki S. Blazer, Sarah E. Janssen, Jacob M. Ogorek, Meghan Dunn, Theresa L. McBride, Katie B. Adams, Benjamin P. Colman, Matt Young, Jennie Christensen. 2025-07-08. Preparation and analysis methods for fish tissue collected from Lake Koocanusa, Montana. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251034

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