Image: NPI - Emerging Contaminants: "Land use and land cover shape organic contaminant distribution in the Oconee River watershed in Georgia." Authors: Dr. Srimanti Duttagupta1 , Gayatri Basapuram1, William Cottrell2, and Dr. Avishek Dutta1,3 1-Department of Geology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA. 2-J.G. Beacham Water Treatment Plant, Athens-Clarke County Public Utilities, Athens, GA, 30601, USA 3-Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC, 29802, USA Note from the Author: This study investigates how land use, spanning urban, forested, and recreational areas, directly influences the presence of organic contaminants in surface water. We detected a range of pesticides and industrial chemicals throughout the Oconee River watershed, with some of the highest concentrations found in areas not typically associated with pollution. These results highlight a critical GeoHealth connection, underscoring how environmental quality is closely tied to public health and community well-being. This work was conducted entirely within our Geomicrobiology Lab in the Department of Geology, UGA. We are also deeply grateful to Mr. William Cottrell from the Athens-Clarke County Water Treatment Plant and to the Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department for their essential collaboration and support. Spatial distribution of sampling sites. Chord diagram representing the relationships between organic contaminants. Type of News/Audience: Department News Research Areas: Geomicrobiology Read More: Nature
