Chlorpyrifos fate in the Arctic: Importance of analyte structure in interactions with Arctic dissolved organic matter.

The insecticide and current use pesticide chlorpyrifos (CLP) is transported via global distillation to the Arctic where it may pose a threat to this ecosystem. CLP is readily detected in Arctic environmental compartments, but current research has not studied its partitioning between water and dissolved organic matter (DOM) nor the role of photochemistry in CLP's fate in aquatic systems. Here, the partition coefficients of CLP were quantified with various types of DOM isolated from the Arctic and an International Humic Substances Society (IHSS) reference material Suwannee River natural organic matter (SRNOM).

Small and large-scale distribution of four classes of antibiotics in sediment: association with metals and antibiotic resistance genes.

Antibiotic chemicals and antibiotic resistance genes enter the environment via wastewater effluents as well as from runoff from agricultural operations. The relative importance of these two sources, however, is largely unknown. The relationship between the concentrations of chemicals and genes requires exploration, for antibiotics in the environment may lead to development or retention of resistance genes by bacteria.

Sedimentary record of antibiotic accumulation in Minnesota Lakes.

The widespread detection of antibiotics in the environment is concerning because antibiotics are designed to be effective at small doses. The objective of this work was to quantify the accumulation rates of antibiotics used by humans and animals, spanning several major antibiotic classes (sulfonamides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides), in Minnesota lake-sediment cores. Our goal was to determine temporal trends, the major anthropogenic source to these lacustrine systems, and the importance of natural production.

Quantification of Hydroxylated Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (OH-BDEs), Triclosan, and Related Compounds in Freshwater and Coastal Systems.

Hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-BDEs) are a new class of contaminants of emerging concern, but the relative roles of natural and anthropogenic sources remain uncertain. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as brominated flame retardants, and they are a potential source of OH-BDEs via oxidative transformations. OH-BDEs are also natural products in marine systems.