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• 1. [Article] The Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS): An Innovative, Cost- Effective, Adaptable Protocol

  As of 2007, U.S. pesticide use stood at 1.1 billion pounds with 80% of all usage in agriculture. Such realities pose a potentially dangerous threat to our surface water bodies. This research provides a ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: The Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS): An Innovative, Cost- Effective, Adaptable Protocol Author: Fitzgerald, Nicholas B Year: 2014 As of 2007, U.S. pesticide use stood at 1.1 billion pounds with 80% of all usage in agriculture. Such realities pose a potentially dangerous threat to our surface water bodies. This research provides a detailed analysis of the design, operation and field testing of a prototype water sampler, the Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS). The research includes a discussion of the design and construction of the SVAWS. Seven USGS employees operated the SVAWS in a number of different states and conditions in order to collect samples for pesticide analysis. Field-testing outcomes of the SVAWS were measured through a Participant Survey Request and a Likert-Scale Assessment. Overall, survey data proved the SVAWS to be an effective device for collecting water samples in different locations and conditions. Users also understood the SVAWS has significant potential for applications other than pesticide studies. While feedback did show a number of alterations or modifications could improve the design, the device proved to be effective across many of its goals, from valid water sampling to reducing costs of sample acquisition. Recommendations for future research include these and other avenues of research. A conclusion addresses the potential future of the SVAWS with respect to water sampling applications. Title: The Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS): An Innovative, Cost- Effective, Adaptable Protocol Author: Fitzgerald, Nicholas B Year: 2014 As of 2007, U.S. pesticide use stood at 1.1 billion pounds with 80% of all usage in agriculture. Such realities pose a potentially dangerous threat to our surface water bodies. This research provides a detailed analysis of the design, operation and field testing of a prototype water sampler, the Small Volume Autonomous Water Sampler (SVAWS). The research includes a discussion of the design and construction of the SVAWS. Seven USGS employees operated the SVAWS in a number of different states and conditions in order to collect samples for pesticide analysis. Field-testing outcomes of the SVAWS were measured through a Participant Survey Request and a Likert-Scale Assessment. Overall, survey data proved the SVAWS to be an effective device for collecting water samples in different locations and conditions. Users also understood the SVAWS has significant potential for applications other than pesticide studies. While feedback did show a number of alterations or modifications could improve the design, the device proved to be effective across many of its goals, from valid water sampling to reducing costs of sample acquisition. Recommendations for future research include these and other avenues of research. A conclusion addresses the potential future of the SVAWS with respect to water sampling applications. Close

• 2. [Article] A Study on the Current State of Contaminants of Concern Research, With a Focus on Biosolids and Regulations

  Wastewater treatment plants are a major source of contaminants of emerging concern, as these facilities are the main receptors of these products via household, commercial, and industrial drains, and transport ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: A Study on the Current State of Contaminants of Concern Research, With a Focus on Biosolids and Regulations Author: Fulton, Maren Year: 2016 Wastewater treatment plants are a major source of contaminants of emerging concern, as these facilities are the main receptors of these products via household, commercial, and industrial drains, and transport via stormwater runoff. Biosolids are composed of numerous constituents, with a number of environmentally persistent and potentially toxic contaminants of emerging concern identified as present in large concentrations. Research is needed to understand the transport and fate mechanisms of these compounds in biosolids. Additionally, this research is needed to determine a new priority framework to regulate CECs, both on the national level and regional levels. Wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent treatment regulations and practices may be improved upon as more knowledge accrues regarding contaminants of emerging concern behavior in the environment. The United States environmental regulatory process is a constant work in progress. Inherited from decades-old public health traditions, environmental regulatory programs arose to address the issues of public health as water and air quality issues surfaced. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2601), enacted in 1976, provided the EPA regulatory authority to protect the environment and consumers’ health against risks posed by chemicals in commerce. TSCA only retroactively addressed chemical hazards, after they had been deemed unsafe and previously unrestricted in the public. A bill to overhaul TSCA, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2576, TSCA Modernization Act of 2015), was passed by the Senate on June 7, 2016 and sent on for President Obama’s signature. The amended law will give the EPA new authority to evaluate the safety of a new chemical before it enters the marketplace. It will also allow EPA to evaluate the safety of chemicals already known to be risks, including chemicals found to persist in the human body and in the environment. The Columbia River is presented as a case study as an example of a significant waterbody with research and regulatory gaps concerning CECs. The Columbia River waterbody was chosen as it represents an important natural resource for which data gaps exist on CEC sources and pathways into the waterbody, and which also does not receive adequate protective regulations under the national regulatory framework. Title: A Study on the Current State of Contaminants of Concern Research, With a Focus on Biosolids and Regulations Author: Fulton, Maren Year: 2016 Wastewater treatment plants are a major source of contaminants of emerging concern, as these facilities are the main receptors of these products via household, commercial, and industrial drains, and transport via stormwater runoff. Biosolids are composed of numerous constituents, with a number of environmentally persistent and potentially toxic contaminants of emerging concern identified as present in large concentrations. Research is needed to understand the transport and fate mechanisms of these compounds in biosolids. Additionally, this research is needed to determine a new priority framework to regulate CECs, both on the national level and regional levels. Wastewater treatment plant influent and effluent treatment regulations and practices may be improved upon as more knowledge accrues regarding contaminants of emerging concern behavior in the environment. The United States environmental regulatory process is a constant work in progress. Inherited from decades-old public health traditions, environmental regulatory programs arose to address the issues of public health as water and air quality issues surfaced. The Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) (15 U.S.C. 2601), enacted in 1976, provided the EPA regulatory authority to protect the environment and consumers’ health against risks posed by chemicals in commerce. TSCA only retroactively addressed chemical hazards, after they had been deemed unsafe and previously unrestricted in the public. A bill to overhaul TSCA, the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act (House Amendment to the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2576, TSCA Modernization Act of 2015), was passed by the Senate on June 7, 2016 and sent on for President Obama’s signature. The amended law will give the EPA new authority to evaluate the safety of a new chemical before it enters the marketplace. It will also allow EPA to evaluate the safety of chemicals already known to be risks, including chemicals found to persist in the human body and in the environment. The Columbia River is presented as a case study as an example of a significant waterbody with research and regulatory gaps concerning CECs. The Columbia River waterbody was chosen as it represents an important natural resource for which data gaps exist on CEC sources and pathways into the waterbody, and which also does not receive adequate protective regulations under the national regulatory framework. Close