Open-File Report 2007-1083

USGS Michigan

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Emerging Contaminants In the Environment

Chemicals, used every day in homes, industry, and agriculture, can enter the environment in wastewater. These chemicals include human and veterinary drugs (including antibiotics), hormones, detergents, disinfectants, plasticizers, fire retardants, insecticides, and antioxidants. To assess whether these chemicals are entering our Nation's streams, and the potential effects of some of these chemicals, the Toxic Substances Hydrology Program of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has initiated numerous studies over the last 5-10 years. Information on these studies and publications from completed work, and links to further sources of information can be accessed at: http://toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc/index.html

The USGS Michigan Water Science Center has also been involved in several studies of the occurrence of pharmaceuticals, organic wastewater compounds, and other emerging chemical and biological contaminants.  This work has been conducted in cooperation with many local and State entities through our cooperative water program (http://mi.water.usgs.gov/cooperat.php).  Below are selected reports that highlight the science and data collection that has been conducted in Michigan. 

Bacteria and Emerging Chemical Contaminants in the St. Clair River/Lake St. Clair Basin, Michigan

Screening for the Pesticides Atrazine, Chlorpyrifos, Diazinon, Metolachlor, and Simazine in Selected Michigan Streams, March-November 2005

Antibiotic-Resistant Fecal Bacteria, Antibiotics, and Mercury in Surface Waters of Oakland County, Michigan, 2005-2006

Water resources data, Oakland County, Michigan 2001-2004

Water-quality data, Huron County, Michigan 2004

Atrazine concentrations in stream water and streambed sediment pore water in the St. Joseph and Galien River basins, Michigan and Indiana, May 2001-September 2003

CBS News Online - Probe: Pharmaceuticals In Drinking Water