The main focus of the Watershed Biogeochemistry Group is to investigate major elemental cycles in streams and their watersheds, particularly carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus pools and fluxes. We are especially interested in quantifying and characterizing the rich array of organic molecules that exist in stream ecosystems, and serve as the main food source to microorganisms and consequently to all biological communities. Throughout the watershed, water is found in many places beyond stream channels, including aquifers, soils, and sediments. Our biogeochemistry laboratory has the capabilities to perform a wide range of chemistry analyses in water samples from all these places.
Watershed Biogeochemistry Staff
Watershed Biogeochemistry News
Stroud Center Weighs In on Pennsylvania’s Proposed PFAS Safeguards
Stroud Center research shows that a variety of PFAS compounds may be found in some soil and water samples from Pennsylvania farm fields treated with biosolids.
Surface water quality impacts from organic versus conventional agricultural systems
Bier, R., M. Daniels, D. Oviedo-Vargas, M. Peipoch, E. Kelsick, and J. Kan. 2026. Journal of Environmental Quality 55(4): e70208.
The Next Frontiers of Freshwater Science
From PFAS to road salt, science helps us discover the emerging pollutants lurking in our water and find solutions.
The Most Important Animals May Be the Ones You Never Notice
Researchers are following the path of nitrogen in a tropical stream to uncover relationships that support the entire ecosystem.
Fish assemblage integrity and watershed urbanization across national parks of the National Capital Region, USA
Peipoch, M., D. Myers, M. Daniels, D. Oviedo-Vargas, and J.P. Schmit. 2026. River Research and Applications 42(6): 1335–1345.
Freshwater salinization syndrome is degrading streamwater quality in the National Capital Region national parks, USA
Myers, D.T., D. Oviedo-Vargas, S. Ensign, M. Daniels, J.P. Schmit, M. Peipoch, and J. Kan. 2025. Freshwater Science 54(1): 18–30.
