Biology - Contaminant Biology Program
Integration of Ecological StressorsProjects conducted under this program component examine contaminants among other interacting stressors or conduct research on the interacting effects of multiple contaminants. Projects can focus on factors that affect individual species, or on complex issues affecting communities and ecosystems in large geographic areas. Projects on endangered species, amphibian and reptile declines may focus at regional and national scales and integrate the ecological or life history effects or other habitat factors. At the ecosystem or landscape level, research may elucidate effects caused by interactions between contaminants and other habitat altering factors as climate variability, atmospheric redistribution and deposition, land use change, alterations to hydrologic processes, water quality, and competition with non-native species. Investigations conducted at the ecosystem or landscape level may require analytical tools and approaches that are different than those used in local studies, and may integrate and synthesize information from local investigations, laboratory studies, or monitoring, (e.g. analysis based on GIS-based data, ecosystem-level energy nutrient or contaminant fluxes and national databases).
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Multistressor Research
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About 1 billion pounds of conventional pesticides are used each year in the United States to control weeds, insects, and other pests ( in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ) . The use of pesticides has resulted in a range of benefits, including increased food production and reduction of insect-borne disease, but also raises questions about possible harm to the environment, including potential effects on drinking-water sources and aquatic life. (For more information on pesticides visit USGS NAWQA Pesticide National Synthesis Project Web pages)
Additional ResourcesInteragency Testing Committee of the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) Featured Link
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