Why haven't you looked for these chemicals until now?
In many cases, however, laboratory methods have not been developed to
measure the compound in rivers, lakes or ground water. As a part of
its mission to assess the water resources of the Nation, the USGS develops,
tests and applies new methods of analysis of environmental contaminants.
The USGS has played an important role in development of methods of sampling
and analysis of pesticides, pesticide metabolites, trace metals, and
industrial organic compounds. This study continues this vital role of
the USGS in improving the measurement and understanding of the environment.
Many thousands of chemical compounds are manufactured and used in the
United States. Local and federal regulatory agencies such as the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Food and Drug Administration
have regulatory programs to protect public and ecosystem health, and
processes are in place for licensing and regulation of new compounds
that might make their way into the environment.
