USGS scientists sampled manures from confined animal feeding operations, such as this one in New York, as part of the Source Characterization Study.

Manures from confined animal feeding operations, such as this chicken house in Ohio, were sampled as part of the Source Characterization Study for Emerging Contaminants Project.

USGS field technicians retrieved samples from sewers for analysis of emerging contaminants as part of the Source Characterization Study for Emerging Contaminants Project.

The USGS conducted a study to determine the persistence of selected emerging contaminants in streams receiving wastewater effluent.

The USGS and its partners conducted a study to determine the temporal occurrence and persistence of emerging contaminants in an effluent-dependent stream (Santa Cruz River at Trico Road, near Maranna, AZ). Sampling were collected at different points during the daily fluctuations for the stream.

The USGS and its partners conducted a study to determine the diel variability of emerging contaminants in an effluent-dependent stream.

Waste samples being collected from an onsite wastewater system for analysis of emerging contaminants. A strict protocol was followed to prevent contamination of the samples (Photo courtesy of the Colorado School of Mines).

Researchers from the USGS collected groundwater samples for analysis of emerging contaminants upgradient and downgradient of the Norman Municipal Landfill, OK.

Waste samples being collected from a swine manure holding pond in Iowa for a study of veterinary antibiotics in the environment.

Filling sample bottles with liquid collected from a municipal holding pond in Colorado as part of the Source Characterization Study for Emerging Contaminants Project. The multiple sample bottles are required for the analysis of different classes of emerging contaminant compounds.

Measuring field parameters (pH, temperature, specific conductance) of a sample of liquid waste collected from a municipal holding pond in Colorado. The sample was collected for the Emerging Contaminants Source Characterization Study.

USGS scientist using a long sampling device to collect a sample of liquid from a municipal holding pond in Colorado as part of the Emerging Contaminants Source Characterization Study.