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#           Occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream sediments from seven U.S. metropolitan areas      

      October 31, 2012    

A nationally consistent approach was used to assess the occurrence and potential sources of pyrethroid insecticides in stream bed sediments from seven metropolitan areas across the United States. One or more pyrethroids were detected in almost half of the samples, with bifenthrin detected the most frequently (41%) and in each metropolitan area. Cyhalothrin, cypermethrin, permethrin, and resmethrin were detected much less frequently. Pyrethroid concentrations and Hyalella azteca mortality in 28-d tests were lower than in most urban stream studies. Log-transformed total pyrethroid toxic units (TUs) were significantly correlated with survival and bifenthrin was likely responsible for the majority of the observed toxicity. Sampling sites spanned a wide range of urbanization and log-transformed total pyrethroid concentrations were significantly correlated with urban land use. Dallas/Fort Worth had the highest pyrethroid detection frequency (89%), the greatest number of pyrethroids (4), and some of the highest concentrations. Salt Lake City had a similar percentage of detections but only bifenthrin was detected and at lower concentrations. The variation in pyrethroid concentrations among metropolitan areas suggests regional differences in pyrethroid use and transport processes. This study shows that pyrethroids commonly occur in urban stream sediments and may be contributing to sediment toxicity across the country.

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####             Kathryn Kuivila (Former Employee)          

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#### Michelle L Hladik, PhD

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mhladik@usgs.gov

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#### Nile Kemble

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#### Patrick Moran

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#### Daniel L Calhoun

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dcalhoun@usgs.gov

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#### Lisa Nowell

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lhnowell@usgs.gov

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## Related Content

####             Kathryn Kuivila (Former Employee)          

##### Scientist Emeritus

Oregon Water Science Center

#### Michelle L Hladik, PhD

##### Research Chemist

California Water Science Center

mhladik@usgs.gov

916-278-3183

#### Nile Kemble

##### Fish Biologist

Columbia Environmental Research Center

nkemble@usgs.gov

573-876-1887

#### Patrick Moran

##### Biologist

Washington Water Science Center

pwmoran@usgs.gov

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#### Daniel L Calhoun

##### Assistant Director for Hydrologic Studies

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dcalhoun@usgs.gov

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#### Lisa Nowell

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California Water Science Center

lhnowell@usgs.gov

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####               Sacramento Projects Office (USGS California Water Science Center)          

6000 J Street, Placer HallSacramento, CA95819United States

916-278-3000

916-278-3070

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