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At least 1,513 records · Page 84Linked to original sources
USGS2008

Physicochemical properties and chemical characteristics of water, bed sediment, and mussel tissue from selected streams near the Redleg and Peason Ridge impact areas, Fort Polk Military Reservation, Louisiana, June 2001 - November 2003

At the request of the U.S. Army Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, the U.S. Geological Survey collected and analyzed water, bed-sediment, and mussel-tissue samples from selected streams near the Redleg impact area (RIA) and Peason Ridge impact areas (PRIA) at the Fort Polk Military Reservation (Reservation), Louisiana. from June 2001 through November 2003. Samples were collected from 13 sites, including 2 reference sites. Water was analyzed for physicochemical properties; water and bed sediment were analyzed for major inorganic ions, cyanide, perchlorate, trace elements, total organic carbon, nutrients, and explosive compounds; and mussel tissue from three sites was analyzed for explosive compounds only. The two reference sites, one near the RIA and one near the PRIA, were selected to provide baseline data for these areas. Streams near the RIA were acidic and low in buffering capacity. with pH measurements ranging from 5.0 to 6.6. Cation concentrations were less than or equal to E3.3J mg/L (E, estimated; J, method blank contamination; milligrams per liter), and anion concentrations were less than or equal to E7.3 mg/L. Field measurements and major inorganic ions concentrations were similar to the RIA reference site and to previously sampled nearby streams, indicating streams near the RIA were typical of streams near the eastern part of the Main Post. Streams near the PRIA were slightly acidic to neutral and low in buffering capacity, with pH measurements ranging from 5.7 to 6.9. Cation concentrations were less than or equal to 6.2 mg/L, and anion concentrations were less than or equal to 16 mg/L. Streams near the PRIA were higher than the RIA for most physicochemical properties and constituents, hut typical of streams near the headwaters of the Calcasieu River. All concentrations of sulfate, chloride, and fluoride were less than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Secondary Drinking-Water Regulations (SDWR) of 250, 250, and 2.0 mg/L, respectively. Concentrations of cations calcium, magnesium. and potassium for sites near both the RIA and PRIA were higher in depositional bed-sediment samples than in bulk samples. Higher cation concentrations were likely due to higher clay and organic content in the depositional samples. The trace elements detected in the highest concentrations in water and bed sediment were aluminum, iron, and manganese. All aluminum concentrations in water were within the range or greater than the USEPA SDWR range from 50 to 200 ug/L (micrograms per liter). All but four iron concentrations in water exceeded the SDWR. Manganese concentrations in seven water samples at the RIA sites and four samples at the PRIA sites were greater than the SDWR. These concentrations of cations were consistent with soil characteristics and low pH measurements of stream water and rainfall in the area. All other trace-element concentrations in water were less than regulatory guidelines and regulations except the USEPA Maximum Contaminant Level Goal of 0 ug/L for arsenic and lead and 0.5 u/L for thallium. Arsenic, lead, and thallium concentrations were similar to those detected in blank samples or those reported for the reference sites. The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) has established bed-sediment guidelines for seven trace elements: arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. No concentrations exceeded the CCME Probable Effect Level, and only one arsenic concentration of 8.87 mg/kg (milligrams per kilogram), in a depositional sample from one of the RIA sites, exceeded the CCME Interim Sediment Quality Guideline of 5.9 mg/kg. The median concentrations of total organic carbon in water were 5.3 mg/L at the RIA and 4.0 mg/L at the PRIA, and both concentrations were less than the average dissolved organic carbon concentration of 5.75 mg/L for all world rivers. All detected nutrient concentrations in water were less than USEPA guidelines and regulations. The largest nutrient concentrations in water and bed-sediment samples were total organic nitrogen, measured as total Kjeldahl nitrogen; they included a maximum concentration of 0.53 mg/L in water at the RIA sites, E0.38 mg/L in water at the PRIA sites, 294 mg/kg in hulk bed sediment. and 1,740 mg/kg in depositional bed sediment. Four explosive compounds, 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5- triazine), and tetryl, were detected in water near the RIA; one compound, HMX (octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7- tetrazocine), was detected in bed sediment near the PRIA; and one compound, nitroglycerin, was detected in mussel tissue near the RIA. The most frequently detected explosive compound, RDX, was detected in 10 water samples from 5 sites near the RIA. Concentrations of explosive compounds in water were less than USEPA Health Advisories available for reference.

Louisiana↗
USGS1999

Management of groundwater supply and water quality in the Los Angeles Basin, California

Water use and water needs in the coastal Los Angeles Basin in California have been very closely tied to the development of the region during the last 150 years. The first water wells were drilled in the mid-1800s. Currently about 40% of the water supply (9.4 m3 s-1) in the region is provided by groundwater. Other sources of water supply include reclaimed water and surface water imported from Owens Valley, the Colorado River, and northern California. Increasing groundwater use in the basin led to over-abstraction and seawater instrusion. Because of this, an important component of water management in the area has been the artificial recharge of local, imported, and reclaimed water which is spread in ponds and injected in wells to recharge the aquifer system and control seawater intrusion. The US Geological Survey (USGS) is working co-operatively with the Water Replenishment District of Southern California to evaluate the hydraulic and water-quality effects of these recharge operations and to assess the potential impacts of alternative water-management strategies, including changes in pumping and increases in the use of reclaimed water. As part of this work, the USGS has developed a geographic information system (GIS), collected water-quality and geohydrological data from new and existing wells, and developed a multi-aquifer regional groundwater flow model. Chemical and isotopic data were used to identify the age and source of recharge to groundwater throughout the study area. This information is key to understanding the fate of artificially recharged water and helps define the three-dimensional groundwater flow system. The geohydrological data, especially the geophysical and geological data collected from 11 newly installed multi-completion monitoring wells, were used to redefine the regional hydrostratigraphy. The groundwater flow model is being used to enhance the understanding of the geohydrological system and to quantitatively evaluate new water-management strategies.As part of the work aimed at evaluating the hydraulic and water-quality effects of recharge operations and to assess the potential impacts of alternative water-management strategies, the US Geological Survey (USGS), has developed a geographic information system (GIS), collected water-quality and geohydrological data from new and existing wells, and developed a multi-aquifer regional groundwater flow model. At present, the developed model is being used to enhance the understanding of the geohydrological system and to quantitatively evaluate new water-management strategies.

Conference Paper↗
USGS1973

Use of machine-processable field notes in a wilderness mapping project (Granite Fiords area), southeastern Alaska

For reconnaissance geologic mapping and mineral resource evaluation of the Granite Fiords wilderness study area, we developed and used a system of machine-processable field notes. Preprinted field forms standardize notes and serve as checklists that insure collection of all available data. The use of this system cut in half the time required to record data at an outcrop. The system consists of three related but different types of preprinted field sheets, a key to abbreviations and codes, and a set of written instructions. The field sheets include a station sheet for basic outcrop data, a specimen sheet for rock samples, and a geochemical sheet for materials to be chemically analyzed. Data on the field sheets are keypunched on standard IBM cards, then arranged in subfiles and retrieved by using a card sorter. Our system is designed specifically for a region of granitic and metamorphic rocks but is easily modified for use in different geologic terranes. We offer four guidelines for developing a system of machine-processable field notes: (1) Time and money spent to develop the system must be worth its anticipated benefits. (2) The system should be as flexible as possible. (3) It is necessary to tailor the system to a particular geologic terrane or project objective. (4) The system should be as simple and self-explanatory as possible.

Alaska↗
USGS2002

Geologic and aeromagnetic maps of the Fossil Ridge area and vicinity, Gunnison County, Colorado

This data set includes a GIS geologic map database of an Early Proterozoic metavolcanic and metasedimentary terrane extensively intruded by Early and Middle Proterozoic granitic plutons. Laramide to Tertiary deformation and intrusion of felsic plutons have created numerous small mineral deposits that are described in the tables and are shown on the figures in the accompanying text pamphlet. Also included in the pamphlet are numerous chemical analyses of igneous and meta-igneous bodies of all ages in tables and in summary geochemical diagrams. The text pamphlet also contains a detailed description of map units and discussions of the aeromagnetic survey, igneous and metmorphic rocks, and mineral deposits. The printed map sheet and browse graphic pdf file include the aeromagnetic map of the study area, as well as figures and photographs. Purpose: This GIS geologic map database is provided to facilitate the presentation and analysis of earth-science data for this region of Colorado. This digital map database may be displayed at any scale or projection. However, the geologic data in this coverage are not intended for use at a scale other than 1:30,000. Supplemental useful data accompanying the database are extensive geochemical and mineral deposits data, as well as an aeromagnetic map.

IMAP↗
USGS2015

Chemical and ancillary data associated with bed sediment, young of year Bluefish ( Pomatomus saltatrix ) tissue, and mussel ( Mytilus edulis and Geukensia demissa ) tissue collected after Hurricane Sandy in bays and estuaries of New Jersey and New York, 2013–14

This report describes the methods and data associated with a reconnaissance study of young of year bluefish and mussel tissue samples as well as bed sediment collected as bluefish habitat indicators during August 2013–April 2014 in New Jersey and New York following Hurricane Sandy in October 2012. This study was funded by the Disaster Relief Appropriations Act of 2013 (PL 113-2) and was conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Young of year Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) were collected from nine sites in New Jersey (N.J.) and New York (N.Y.) including Barnegat Bay, N.J., Sandy Hook Bay, N.J., Jamaica Bay, N.Y., and Great South Bay, N.Y., and analyzed for indicators of health and chemical contamination. At each bluefish sampling location, bed sediment was also collected and analyzed for a suite of contaminants. Resident mussels, Mytilus edulis (blue mussels) and (or) Geukensia demissa (ribbed mussels), were collected from 11 historic NOAA Mussel Watch Program sites along the N.J. and N.Y. coastlines in the winter/spring of 2014 and analyzed for contaminants. Individual age of a subset of the mussels sampled was also determined at each site. Bed sediment samples were analyzed for a suite of organic contaminants including 34 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, 28 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, 24 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 53 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs, 33 aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs), and 10 petroleum biomarkers (steranes and hopanes). Bed sediment collected from the Navesink River (Sandy Hook, N.J.), Metedeconk River (Barnegat Bay, N.J.), and Toms River (Barnegat Bay, N.J.) had the highest concentrations of contaminants compared to the other sites. Bluefish and mussel tissue collected throughout the study area was analyzed for 34 PCB congeners, 28 PBDE congeners, and 24 OCPs. Thirty-three PCB congeners, 22 PBDE congeners, and 24 OCPs were detected in the bluefish analyzed. The highest median concentrations of total PCBs were present in tissue from Jamaica Bay, N.Y., whereas the highest median concentrations of total PBDEs and total OCPs were present in tissue from Sandy Hook Bay. Of the OCPs detected, p,p’ -DDE was found in 99 percent (%) of the tissue samples and at the highest median concentrations compared to the other OCPs. Fish health assessments were conducted on 20 fish from the 4 bays. Results indicate that the sex ratio and the mean total length varied by site. Physical fish damage, such as lesions and parasites, was observed in fish from all four bays. The most common parasite observed visually was the presence of Livoneca redmanii , an ectoparasitic gill isopod, which can cause localized gill erosion. The prevalence of the gill isopod infestation ranged from 20% at Great South Bay, N.Y., to 35% at Jamaica Bay, N.Y. Twenty three PCB congeners, 9 PBDE congeners, and 20 OCPs were detected in composite mussel samples collected throughout the study area. The co-eluting PCB congeners 153 and 132, PBDE 47, 99, and 100, and p,p’ -DDE were detected in samples from each site. The highest median concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were present in mussels from Raritan Bay, N.Y., whereas the highest median concentrations of OCPs were present in mussels from Fire Island Inlet, N.Y., and Shark River, N.J. Mytilus edulis (blue mussels) and Geukensia demissa (ribbed mussels) were thin-sectioned and aged. The blue mussels collected ranged in age from 4 to 13 years, and the ribbed mussels ranged in age from 3 to 12 years.

New Jersey, New York↗
USGS2023

Mapping ancient sedimentary organic matter molecular structure at nanoscales using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy

Elucidating the molecular structure of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) is key to understanding petroleum generation processes, as well as ancient sedimentary environments. SOM structure is primarily controlled by biogenic source material (e.g., marine vs. terrigenous), depositional conditions, and subsurface thermal history. Additional factors, e.g., strain, may also impact the molecular structure of SOM. Multiple spatially resolved approaches exist for in situ evaluation of SOM, including Raman and infrared spectroscopies, as well as mass spectrometric methods. While these methods have enabled increased understanding of the occurrence and distribution of SOM functional groups, they suffer from disadvantages including low spatial resolution (infrared spectroscopy), limited molecular information (Raman spectroscopy), and sample destruction (mass spectrometric methods). Recent technological advances have resulted in infrared spectrometers capable of breaking the Abbe diffraction limit, greatly increasing the spatial resolutions accessible for an infrared measurement. Here we utilize optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR) to record maps of functional group distributions at 500 nm spatial resolution in Tasmanites (algal microfossils) from the Upper Devonian Ohio Shale. These data allow for discrimination between Tasmanites , adjacent SOM, and fine-grained minerals. Additionally, functional group distributions within Tasmanites were found to be generally homogenous, although slight variations exist between the body and fold apices (zones of greatest deformation) which may indicate strain-induced chemical reactions. The data presented here represent the first application of O-PTIR to study SOM, highlighting the promise of this analytical approach for future studies evaluating the molecular composition of geologic materials at sub-micron scales.

Organic Geochemistry↗
USGS2022

Post-landing major element quantification using SuperCam laser induced breakdown spectroscopy

The SuperCam instrument on the Perseverance Mars 2020 rover uses a pulsed 1064 nm laser to ablate targets at a distance and conduct laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) by analyzing the light from the resulting plasma. SuperCam LIBS spectra are preprocessed to remove ambient light, noise, and the continuum signal present in LIBS observations. Prior to quantification, spectra are masked to remove noisier spectrometer regions and spectra are normalized to minimize signal fluctuations and effects of target distance. In some cases, the spectra are also standardized or binned prior to quantification. To determine quantitative elemental compositions of diverse geologic materials at Jezero crater, Mars, we use a suite of 1198 laboratory spectra of 334 well-characterized reference samples. The samples were selected to span a wide range of compositions and include typical silicate rocks, pure minerals (e.g., silicates, sulfates, carbonates, oxides), more unusual compositions (e.g., Mn ore and sodalite), and replicates of the sintered SuperCam calibration targets (SCCTs) onboard the rover. For each major element (SiO 2 , TiO 2 , Al 2 O 3 , FeO T , MgO, CaO, Na 2 O, K 2 O), the database was subdivided into five “folds” with similar distributions of the element of interest. One fold was held out as an independent test set, and the remaining four folds were used to optimize multivariate regression models relating the spectrum to the composition. We considered a variety of models, and selected several for further investigation for each element, based primarily on the root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) on the test set, when analyzed at 3 m. In cases with several models of comparable performance at 3 m, we incorporated the SCCT performance at different distances to choose the preferred model. Shortly after landing on Mars and collecting initial spectra of geologic targets, we selected one model per element. Subsequently, with additional data from geologic targets, some models were revised to ensure results that are more consistent with geochemical constraints. The calibration discussed here is a snapshot of an ongoing effort to deliver the most accurate chemical compositions with SuperCam LIBS.

Spectrochimica Acta B↗
USGS2007

Quantifying urban intensity in drainage basins for assessing stream ecological conditions

Three investigations are underway, as part of the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program, to study the relation between varying levels of urban intensity in drainage basins and in-stream water quality, measured by physical, chemical, and biological factors. These studies are being conducted in the vicinities of Boston (Massachusetts), Salt Lake City (Utah), and Birmingham (Alabama), areas where rapid urbanization is occurring. For each study, water quality will be sampled in approximately 30 drainage basins that represent a gradient of urban intensity. This paper focuses on the methods used to characterize and select the basins used in the studies. It presents a methodology for limiting the variability of natural landscape characteristics in the potential study drainage basins and for ranking the magnitude of human influence, or urbanization, based on land cover, infrastructure, and socioeconomic data in potential study basins. Basin characterization efforts associated with the Boston study are described for illustrative purposes.

Alabama, Massachusetts, Utah↗
USGS1985

The use of natural waters as U.S. Geological Survey reference samples

The U.S. Geological Survey conducts research and collects hydrologic data relating to the Nation's water resources. Two water quality laboratories in Atlanta, Georgia, and Denver, Colorado, support the national research programs, and provide chemical analyses of natural waters for the data program. Additional chemical water quality data are provided by cooperator and contract laboratories. Continuous quality assurance efforts with these laboratories require several thousand reference samples each year. Reference samples approximating actual field samples provide the most realistic quality assurance for the laboratories. Seven types of natural matrix reference water samples are prepared for use in the Survey's quality assurance program. These include samples containing major constituents, trace metals, nutrients, herbicides, insecticides, trace metals in a water and suspended-sediment mixture, and precipitation (snowmelt). To prepare these reference samples, natural water is collected in plastic drums and the sediment is allowed to settle. The water is then filtered, selected constituents are added, and if necessary the water is acidified and sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation before bottling in plastic or glass. More than 1000 1-L samples of a given type may be prepared at a time. These reference samples are distributed twice yearly to more than 100 laboratories for chemical analysis. The most probable values for each constituent are determined by evaluating the data submitted by the laboratories using statistical techniques recommended by ASTM. A stockpile of several thousand reference samples is maintained by the preparation of new samples as needed. Periodically, some of these samples are submitted to laboratories as “unknowns”. When the analytical data for these samples are reported and evaluated, problem areas detected are promptly reported to the respective laboratory. Use of both identified and unidentified reference samples provides some of the quality assurance data necessary to ensure the continuing accuracy of chemical analyses obtained to support the Survey's basic water-data collection and research program activities.

Conference Paper↗
USGS2009

Analytical Results for Municipal Biosolids Samples from a Monitoring Program Near Deer Trail, Colorado (U.S.A.), 2008

Since late 1993, Metro Wastewater Reclamation District of Denver (Metro District), a large wastewater treatment plant in Denver, Colo., has applied Grade I, Class B biosolids to about 52,000 acres of nonirrigated farmland and rangeland near Deer Trail, Colo. (U.S.A.). In cooperation with the Metro District in 1993, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began monitoring groundwater at part of this site. In 1999, the USGS began a more comprehensive monitoring study of the entire site to address stakeholder concerns about the potential chemical effects of biosolids applications to water, soil, and vegetation. This more comprehensive monitoring program has recently been extended through 2010. Monitoring components of the more comprehensive study include biosolids collected at the wastewater treatment plant, soil, crops, dust, alluvial and bedrock groundwater, and stream-bed sediment. Streams at the site are dry most of the year, so samples of stream-bed sediment deposited after rain were used to indicate surface-water effects. This report will present only analytical results for the biosolids samples collected at the Metro District wastewater treatment plant in Denver and analyzed during 2008. Crock and others have presented earlier a compilation of analytical results for the biosolids samples collected and analyzed for 1999 thru 2006, and in a separate report, data for the 2007 biosolids are reported. More information about the other monitoring components is presented elsewhere in the literature. Priority parameters for biosolids identified by the stakeholders and also regulated by Colorado when used as an agricultural soil amendment include the total concentrations of nine trace elements (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, and zinc), plutonium isotopes, and gross alpha and beta activity. Nitrogen and chromium also were priority parameters for groundwater and sediment components.

Open-File Report↗
USGS2011

Analytical results for municipal biosolids samples from a monitoring program near Deer Trail, Colorado (U.S.A.), 2010

Since late 1993, Metro Wastewater Reclamation District of Denver (Metro District), a large wastewater treatment plant in Denver, Colo., has applied Grade I, Class B biosolids to about 52,000 acres of nonirrigated farmland and rangeland near Deer Trail, Colo., U.S.A. In cooperation with the Metro District in 1993, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began monitoring groundwater at part of this site. In 1999, the USGS began a more comprehensive monitoring study of the entire site to address stakeholder concerns about the potential chemical effects of biosolids applications to water, soil, and vegetation. This more comprehensive monitoring program was recently extended through the end of 2010 and is now completed. Monitoring components of the more comprehensive study include biosolids collected at the wastewater treatment plant, soil, crops, dust, alluvial and bedrock groundwater, and stream-bed sediment. Streams at the site are dry most of the year, so samples of stream-bed sediment deposited after rain were used to indicate surface-water runoff effects. This report summarizes analytical results for the biosolids samples collected at the Metro District wastewater treatment plant in Denver and analyzed for 2010. In general, the objective of each component of the study was to determine whether concentrations of nine trace elements ("priority analytes") (1) were higher than regulatory limits, (2) were increasing with time, or (3) were significantly higher in biosolids-applied areas than in a similar farmed area where biosolids were not applied (background). Previous analytical results indicate that the elemental composition of biosolids from the Denver plant was consistent during 1999-2009, and this consistency continues with the samples for 2010. Total concentrations of regulated trace elements remain consistently lower than the regulatory limits for the entire monitoring period. Concentrations of none of the priority analytes appear to have increased during the 12 years of this study.

Colorado↗
USGS1996

Basin-level habitat characteristics of selected streams in central Nebraska

The goal of stream habitat characterization is to use identified relations between habitat and other physical, chemical, or biological factors in interpreting water-quality conditions. Basin-level characterization of habitat is one component of the spatially hiearchial approach to stream habitat description adopted by the U.S. Geological Survey's National Water-Quality Assessment Program. The Central Nebraska Basins study unit is about 78,000 km2 in area and includes the Loup and Elkhorn River Basins as well as basins of smaller tributaries to the Platte River. Stream-basin habitat characteristics associated with nine fixed-sampling stations were computed from conventional and digital map data. Geographic information systems software was the principal analytical tool used. Basin characterizations generally were limited to only that part of each stream basin contained within the study unit. Habitat characteristics analyzed included basin size and shape, elevation, relief, drainage network characteristics, geology, physiography, soils, land use and cover, climate, runoff, and streamflow characteristics. The report presents a tabular summary of the basin-level habitat characteristics determined for the nine selected stream basins.

Open-File Report↗
USGS1964

Water resources of the Upper Colorado River Basin - basic data

This is the basic data section of a report by the U.S. Geological Survey on the water resources of the Upper Colorado River Basin. This section contains tables of duration of water discharge at 176 stream-gaging sites, monthly and annual summaries of chemical quality and sediment data at sites of continuous record, results of chemical quality and sediment analyses at miscellaneous-sampling sites, data on the chemical quality and other characteristics of ground water, and isohyetal maps of normal seasonal and annual precipitation. Also included is an inventory of surface-water records of streamflow, chemical quality, and suspended sediment. Location of gaging stations, chemical-quality and sediment-sampling sites, and wells and springs, are shown on a map of the Upper Colorado River Basin.

Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming↗
USGS2013

Potential reductions of street solids and phosphorus in urban watersheds from street cleaning, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 2009-11

Material accumulating and washing off urban street surfaces and ultimately into stormwater drainage systems represents a substantial nonpoint source of solids, phosphorus, and other constituent loading to waterways in urban areas. Cost and lack of usable space limit the type and number of structural stormwater source controls available to municipalities and other public managers. Non-structural source controls such as street cleaning are commonly used by cities and towns for construction, maintenance and aesthetics, and may reduce contaminant loading to waterways. Effectiveness of street cleaning is highly variable and potential improvements to water quality are not fully understood. In 2009, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and initiated a study to better understand the physical and chemical nature of the organic and inorganic solid material on street surfaces, evaluate the performance of a street cleaner at removing street solids, and make use of the Source Loading and Management Model (SLAMM) to estimate potential reductions in solid and phosphorus loading to the lower Charles River from various street-cleaning technologies and frequencies. Average yield of material on streets collected between May and December 2010, was determined to be about 740 pounds per curb-mile on streets in multifamily land use and about 522 pounds per curb-mile on commercial land-use streets. At the end-of-winter in March 2011, about 2,609 and 4,788 pounds per curb-mile on average were collected from streets in multifamily and commercial land-use types, respectively. About 86 percent of the total street-solid yield from multifamily and commercial land-use streets was greater than or equal to 0.125 millimeters in diameter (or very fine sand). Observations of street-solid distribution across the entire street width indicated that as much as 96 percent of total solids resided within 9 feet of the curb. Median accumulation rates of street solids and median washoff of street solids after rainstorms on multifamily and commercial land-use streets were also similar at about 33 and 22 pounds per curb-mile per day, and 35 and 40 percent, respectively. Results indicate that solids on the streets tested in Cambridge, Mass., can recover to pre-rainstorm yields within 1 to 3 days after washoff. The finer grain-size fractions tended to be more readily washed from the roadway surfaces during rainstorms. Street solids in the coarsest grain-size fraction on multifamily streets indicated an average net increase following rainstorms and are likely attributed to debris run-on from trees, lawns, and other plantings commonly found in residential areas. In seven experiments between May and December 2010, the median removal efficiency of solids from street surfaces following a single pass by a regenerative-air street cleaner was about 82 percent on study sites in the multifamily land-use streets and about 78 percent on the commercial land-use streets. Median street-solid removal efficiency increased with increasing grain size. This type of regenerative-air street cleaner left a median residual street-solid load on the street surface of about 100 pounds per curb-mile. Median concentrations of organic carbon and total phosphorus (P) on multifamily streets were about 35 and 29 percent greater, respectively, than those found on commercial streets. The median total mass of organic carbon and total P in street solids on multifamily streets was 68 and 75 percent greater, respectively, than those found on commercial streets. More than 87 percent of the mass of total P was determined to be in solids greater than or equal to 0.125 millimeters in diameter for both land-use types. The median total accumulation rate for total P on multifamily streets was about 5 times greater than on commercial streets. Total P accumulation in the medium grain-size fraction was nearly the same for streets within both land-use types at 0.004 pounds per curb-mile per day. Accumulation rates within the coarsest and finest grain-size fractions on multifamily streets were about 11 and 82 times greater than those on the commercial streets. Median washoff of total P was 58 and 48 percent from streets in multifamily and commercial land-use types, respectively, and generally increased with decreasing grain size. Total P median reductions resulting from a single pass of a regenerative-air street cleaner on streets in multifamily and commercial land-use types were about 82 and 62 percent, respectively, and were similar in terms of grain size between both land-use types. A Source Loading and Management Model for Microsoft Windows (WinSLAMM) was applied to a 21.8 acre subcatchment in Cambridge, Mass. The subcatchment area consists of mostly commercial and multifamily land-use types to evaluate the potential reductions of total and particulate solids, and P attributed to street cleaning. Rainwater runoff from rooftops represented between 20 and 50 percent of the total basin runoff. Street surfaces only accounted for about 20 percent of the total basin runoff. Monthly applications of mechanical-brush and vacuum-assisted street cleaners within the subcatchment as defined by SLAMM for areas with long-term (24-hour) on-street parking and monthly parking controls using five average climatic years resulted in total solid reductions of about 3 and 5 percent, respectively. Simulating the regenerative-air street cleaner tested as part of this study resulted in total solid reductions of about 16 percent. Increasing street cleaning frequency to three times weekly increased total solids removal for mechanical-brush, vacuum-assisted, and regenerative-air street cleaners to about 6, 14, and 19 percent, respectively. Monthly applications of mechanical-brush, vacuum-assisted, and regenerative-air street cleaners within the subcatchment resulted in total P reductions of about 1, 3, and 8 percent, respectively. A street cleaning frequency of three times each week for each of the three street-cleaner types increased total P removal to about 3, 7, and 9 percent, respectively.

Massachusetts↗
USGS2024

An update of hydrologic conditions and distribution of selected constituents in water, eastern Snake River aquifer and perched groundwater zones, Idaho National Laboratory, Idaho, emphasis 2019–21

Since 1952, wastewater discharged to infiltration ponds (also called “percolation ponds”) and disposal wells at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has affected water quality in the eastern Snake River Plain (ESRP) aquifer and perched groundwater zones underlying the INL. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), maintains groundwater-monitoring networks at the INL to determine hydrologic trends and to delineate the movement of radiochemical and chemical wastes in both the aquifer and perched groundwater zones. This report presents an analysis of water-level and water-quality data collected from the ESRP aquifer and perched groundwater wells from the USGS groundwater monitoring networks during 2019–21. From March–May 2018 to March–May 2021, water levels in wells completed in the ESRP aquifer increased in the northern part of the INL and decreased in the southwestern part. Water-level increases ranged from 0.02 to 1.04 feet in the northern part and decreases ranged from 0.03 to 2.94 feet in the southwestern part of the INL. Detectable concentrations of radiochemical constituents in water samples from wells in the ESRP aquifer at the INL generally decreased or remained constant during 2019–21. Decreases in concentrations were attributed to radioactive decay, changes in waste-disposal methods, and dilution from recharge and underflow. In 2021, tritium was detected above reporting levels in water samples collected from 46 of 105 aquifer wells and ranged from 150±50 to 4,280±150 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). Tritium concentrations from eight wells completed in deep perched groundwater near the Advanced Test Reactor Complex (ATRC) generally were greater than or equal to the reporting level during at least one sampling event during 2019–21, and concentrations ranged from 160±50 to 2,097±107 pCi/L. Concentrations of strontium-90 in water from 12 of 45 aquifer wells sampled in 2021 exceeded the reporting level, and concentrations ranged from 2.5±0.7 to 299±6 pCi/L. During 2021, concentrations of strontium-90 from five wells completed in deep perched groundwater at the ATRC equaled or exceeded the reporting levels, and concentrations ranged from 3±0.9 pCi/L to 27.8±1.3 pCi/L. Concentrations of cesium-137 were less than the reporting level in all but one aquifer well, and concentrations of plutonium-238, plutonium-239, -240 (undivided), and americium-241 were less than the reporting level in water samples from all aquifer wells sampled during this study period. Dissolved chromium concentrations in water samples from 64 ESRP aquifer wells ranged from less than (<) 0.5 to 76.4 micrograms per liter (μg/L). During 2019–21, dissolved chromium was detected in water from wells completed in deep perched groundwater above the ESRP aquifer at the ATRC, and concentrations ranged from <1 to 82.1 μg/L. In 2021, concentrations of dissolved sodium in water from most ESRP aquifer wells in the southern part of the INL were greater than the western tributary groundwater background concentration of 8.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L). During 2021, dissolved sodium concentrations in water from 15 wells completed in deep perched groundwater ranged from 11.7 to 122.5 mg/L. Variations in sodium concentrations in aquifer wells and perched groundwater zones are attributed to either migration of remnant water from the former chemical-waste ponds or disposal volume and composition variability in percolation ponds installed in 2008. In 2021, concentrations of chloride in most water samples from ESRP aquifer wells south of the Idaho Nuclear Technology and Engineering Center (INTEC) and at the Central Facilities Area (CFA) exceeded background concentrations. Chloride concentrations in water from wells south of the INTEC have generally decreased because of discontinued chloride disposal to the legacy percolation ponds since 2002 when the discharge of wastewater was discontinued. During 2019–21, dissolved chloride concentrations in deep perched groundwater above the ESRP aquifer from 18 wells at the ATRC ranged from 8.15 to 231 mg/L. In 2021, sulfate concentrations in water samples from ESRP aquifer wells in the south-central part of the INL that exceeded the background concentration of sulfate, ranged from 21 to 141 mg/L. The greater-than-background concentrations in water from these wells are attributed to sulfate disposal at the ATRC infiltration ponds or the legacy INTEC percolation ponds. In 2021, sulfate concentrations in water samples from aquifer wells near the Radioactive Waste Management Complex (RWMC) were mostly greater than background concentrations. The maximum dissolved sulfate concentration in shallow perched groundwater near the ATRC was 575 mg/L in 2021. During 2021, dissolved sulfate concentrations in water from wells completed in deep perched groundwater near the cold waste ponds at the ATRC ranged from 22.3 to 519 mg/L. In 2021, concentrations of nitrate in water from most ESRP aquifer wells at and near the INTEC exceeded the western tributary groundwater background concentration of 0.655 mg/L. Concentrations of nitrate in aquifer wells southwest of INTEC and farther away from the influence of disposal areas and the Big Lost River, in intermittent source of surface water recharge to the aquifer, show a general decrease in nitrate concentration over time. Two aquifer wells south of INTEC show increasing trends that could result from wastewater beneath the INTEC tank farm being mobilized to the aquifer. During 2019–21, water samples from several ESRP aquifer wells were collected and analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Twelve VOCs were detected, and 1–4 VOCs were detected in water samples from 10 wells. The most frequently detected VOCs include carbon tetrachloride (tetrachloromethane), trichloromethane, tetrachloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and trichloroethene. In 2019–21, concentrations for all VOCs were less than their respective maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for drinking water, except carbon tetrachloride in one well, trichloroethene in two wells, and vinyl chloride in one well. During 2019–21, variability and bias were evaluated from 34 replicate and 14 blank quality-assurance samples. Results from replicate analyses were investigated to evaluate sample variability. Constituents with acceptable reproducibility were major ions, trace elements, nutrients, and VOCs. All radiochemical constituents including gross alpha- and beta- radioactivity, strontium-90, cesium-137, and tritium, had acceptable reproducibility. Bias from sample contamination was evaluated from equipment, field, and source-solution blanks. Chloride and sulfate were detected slightly above their respective method detection limits in equipment and field blanks, but at concentrations well below the co-collected sample for that well. These chloride and sulfate detections in the field and equipment blanks were inconsequential because they weren’t detected above the analysis-specific variability for those constituents as determined by replicate sample result evaluation. None of the detections of nutrients and trace inorganic constituents were high enough to indicate environmental sample or analytical procedure bias.

Idaho↗
USGS1977

Ground-water resources of Chester County, Pennsylvania

Fifty gallons per minute (3 liters per second) or more may be obtained from wells in almost all parts of the county, but not at all locations. Adequate exploration to find fracture or solution openings is required. Five hundred gallons per minute (30 liters per second) or more may be obtained from some of the carbonate rocks. Linear features are visible on 1:1,000,000-to 1:24,000-scale aerial imagery. Many linear features, but not all, have geologic or hydrologic significance, and some may indicate fractured rock that might be tapped by wells. Dissolved-solids concentration of most ground water is less than 500 milligrams per liter. Chemical-quality problems are predominantly caused by acidity, iron and manganese, or nitrate. Base (ground-water) runoff during a near-average year, 1968, was about 420 million gallons per day (18 cubic meters per second).

Pennsylvania↗
USGS1982

Appraisal of ground-water quality near wastewater-treatment facilities, Glacier National Park, Montana

Water-level and water-quality data were collected from monitoring wells at wastewater-treatment facilities in Glacier National Park. Five additional shallow observation wells were installed at the Glacier Park Headquarters facility to monitor water quality in the shallow ground-water system. Water-level, water-quality, and geologic information indicate that some of the initial monitoring wells are not ideally located to sample ground water most likely to be affected by waste disposal at the sites. Small differences in chemical characteristics between samples from monitor wells indicate that effluent may be affecting ground-water quality but that impacts are not significant. Future monitoring of ground-water quality could be limited to selected wells most likely to be impacted by percolating effluent. Laboratory analyses for common ions could detect future impacts.

Montana↗
USGS1996

Evaluation of selected information on splitting devices for water samples

Four devices for splitting water samples into representative aliquots are used by the U.S. Geological Survey's Water Resources Division. A thorough evaluation of these devices (14-liter churn, 8-liter churn, plastic cone, and Teflon cone) encompasses a wide variety of concerns, based on both chemical and physical considerations. This report surveys the existing data (as of April 1994) on cleaning efficiency and splitting capability of these devices and presents the data in a systematic framework for evaluation. From the existing data, some of these concerns are adequately or partially addressed, but the majority of concerns could not be addressed because of the lack of data. In general, the existing cleaning and transport protocols are adequate at the milligram per liter level, but the adequacy is largely unknown for trace elements and organic chemicals at lower concen- trations. The existing data indicate that better results are obtained when the splitters are cleaned in the laboratory rather than in the field. Two conclusions that can be reached on the splitting capability of solids are that more work must be done with all four devices to characterize and quantify their limitations and range of usefulness, and that the 14-liter churn (and by association, the 8-liter churn) is not useful in obtaining representative splits of sand-sized particles.

Water-Resources Investigations Report↗