David Jay Velinsky, Ph.D
Environmental Biogeochemistry
Patrick Center for Environmental Research
The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
Phone: (215) 299-1147
Fax: (215) 299-1079
E-mail: velinsky@acnatsci.org


Sediment Sampling in the Tidal Basin of Washington DC.

Research Interests
My research interests generally focus on the fate and transport of chemical contaminants and bioactive elements in aquatic systems. An area of particular interest is tidal freshwater reaches of estuaries, for example the urbanized area of the Delaware River around the Philadelphia region and the Anacostia and Potomac rivers within the District of Columbia. Questions of interest focus on how tidal freshwater wetlands and marshes in these areas alter the movement of chemicals (for example nitrogen and phosphorus, lead, copper) from the watershed to the more saline sections of an estuary.

Natural and restored tidal freshwater wetlands can act as both temporary and permanent storage areas for many elements, and various biological and geochemical reactions can modify the chemical transport in these dynamic systems. Another area of research, which I am interested in, is the understanding how trace metals and organic contaminants are bioaccumulate in clams and fish. The source of contaminants can be from old, historic sources as measured in the sediments, or new, present-day sources as measured in the water column. Sources can be traced using both the chemicals of concern and the stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen. The combination of these measurements can help determine the source of contaminants to fish and other aquatic organisms.

Collecting Spartina alterniflora in the salt marshes of New Jersey. 

Education
Ph.D.1987-- Chemical Oceanography; Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

B.S.1977-- Oceanography; Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL

 

Professional Experience
1995 to Present. Director, Environmental Geochemistry Section/Senior Scientist, ANSP-PCER

1990 to 1995 Senior Environmental Geochemist, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin

1987 to 1990 Visiting Investigator/Post-Doctoral Fellow, Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington and Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware.

1980 to 1987 Graduate Student, Old Dominion University

 

Selected Publications
Fairchild, G.W. and D.J. Velinsky. 2006. Effects of small ponds on headwater stream water chemistry. Lake and Reservoir Management. 22: (In Press).

Ashley, J.T.F., K. Bushaw-Newton, M. Wilhelm, A. Boettner, G. Drames, and D.J. Velinsky. 2006. The effects of small dam removal on the distribution of sedimentary contaminants. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 114(1-3): 287-312

Church, T.M., C. Sommerfield, D.J. Velinsky, D. Point, C. Benoit, D. Amouroux, D. Plaa and O. Donard. 2006. Marsh sediments as records of sedimentation, eutrophication and Metal pollution in the urban Delaware Estuary. Marine Chemistry 102(1-2): 72-95

Fairchild, G.W., J.N. Anderson and D.J. Velinsky. 2005. The trophic state "chain of relationships" in ponds: does size matter? Hydrobiologica 539: 35-46.

Ashley, J.T.F., A. Moore, H. Stapleton, and D.J. Velinsky. 2003. Sedimentary nonylphenol contamination in an urbanized/industrialized segment of the Delaware River Estuary, USA. Bull. Environ. Cont. Toxicol. 70: 978-984

Bushaw-Newton, K., D. Hart, T. E. Johnson, J. Pizzuto, J. Egan, M. Keeley, J. Lawrence, J. Thomson, J.T. Ashley, R.J. Horwitz, D.Charles, C. Gatenby, D.A. Kreeger, T. Nightengale, R.L. Thomas and D.J. Velinsky. 2002. An Integrative Approach Towards Understanding Dam Removal: The Manatawny Creek Study. Jour. American Water Resources Association Jour. American Water Resources Association 38(6): 1581-1600

Hart, D.D., T.E. Johnson, K. Bushaw-Newton, R.J. Horwitz, A. Bednarek, D.F. Charles, D.A. Kreeger and D.J. Velinsky. 2002. Dam Removal: Challenges and Opportunities for Ecological Research and River Restoration. Bioscience Bioscience 52(8): 669-681.

T.E. Johnson, W.C. Hession, D.F. Charles, R.J. Horwitz, D.A. Kreeger, B.D. Marshall, J.D. Newbold, J.E. Pizzuto and D.J. Velinsky. 2001. An interdisciplinary study of the ecological benefits of riparian reforestation in urban watersheds. In: Proceedings of the World Water and Environmental Resources Congress (ASCE), May 20-24, 2001, Orlando, FL, Section 1, Chapter 242.

Foster, G.D., E.C. Roberts, B. Gruessner and D.J. Velinsky. 2000. Hydrogeochemistry and transport of organic contaminants in an urban watershed of Chesapeake Bay. Appl. Geochem. 15: 901-915.

Hession, W.C., T.E. Johnson, D.F. Charles, D.D. Hart, R.J. Horwitz, D.A. Kreeger, J.E. Pizzuto, D.J. Velinsky, J.D. Newbold, T. Clason, A.M. Compton, N. Coulter, L. Fuselier, B.D. Marshall, and J. Reed. 2000. Ecological benefits of riparian reforestation in urban watersheds: Study design and preliminary results. Environ. Monitor. Assess. 63(1): 211-222.

Velinsky, D.J. and M.L. Fogel 1999. Cycling of dissolved and particulate nitrogen and carbon in the Framvaren Fjord, Norway: Isotopic variations. Mar. Chem. 67: 161-180.

Huanxin, W., B.J. Presley, and D.J. Velinsky. 1997. Distribution and sources of phosphorus in tidal river sediments in the Washington, D.C. area. Environmental Geology 30(3/4):224-230.

Pennock, J.R., D.J. Velinsky, J.L. Ludlam, J.H. Sharp and M.L. Fogel. 1996. Isotopic fractionation of nitrogen during the uptake of ammonium and nitrate by Skeletonema costatum. Limnol. Oceanogr. 41(3):431-449.

Velinsky, D.J., T.L. Wade, C. Schlekat and B.J. Presley. 1994. Tidal river sediments in the Washington, D.C. area. I. Distribution and sources of trace metals. Estuaries 17:305-320.

Wade, T.L., D.J. Velinsky, E. Reinharz and C.E. Schlekat. 1994. Tidal river sediments in the Washington, D.C. area. II. Distribution and sources of chlorinated and non-chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. Estuaries 17: 321-333.

Schlekat, C.E., B.L. McGee, D.M. Boward, E. Reinharz, T.L. Wade and D.J. Velinsky. 1994. Tidal river sediments in the Washington, D.C. area. III. Biological effects associated with sediment contamination. Estuaries 17: 333-344.

Fogel, M.L., L.A. Cifuentes, D.J. Velinsky and J.H. Sharp. 1992. Carbon limitation during photosynthesis by estuarine phytoplankton. Marine Ecology Progress Series 82: 291-300.

Velinsky, D.J., D.J. Burdige and M.L. Fogel. 1991. Nitrogen diagenesis in marine sediments: Isotope effects. Carnegie Institution Yearbook; Annual Report of the Director, Geophysical Laboratory, 1990-1991, 2250, 154-162.

Velinsky, D.J., J.F. Todd, B.M. Tebo and M.L. Fogel. 1991. Isotopic fractionation of dissolved ammonium in anoxic waters. Geophy. Res. Letters 18(4): 649-652.

Coffin, R.B., D.J. Velinsky, R. Devereux, W.A. Price and L.A. Cifuentes. 1990. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes analysis of bacterial nucleic acids. App. Environ. Microbiol. 56 (7): 2012-2020.

Velinsky, D.J. and G.A. Cutter. 1990. Diagenesis of selenium in a coastal salt marsh. Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta. 55: 179-191.

Velinsky, D.J., J.R. Pennock, J.H Sharp, L.A. Cifuentes and M.L Fogel. 1989. Determination of the isotopic abundance of dissolved ammonium-nitrogen from estuarine waters at the natural abundance level. Marine Chemistry 26:351-361.

Cutter, G.A. and D.J. Velinsky. 1988. Temporal variations of sedimentary sulfur in a Delaware salt marsh. Marine Chemistry 23(3/4): 311-328.



Selected Abstracts and Presentations

Turner, K., K.L. Bushaw-Newton and D.J. Velinsky. 2002. Photochemical modification and Bacterial utilization of dissolved organic matter-derived from Phragmites australis and Spartina alterniflora. NJ Sea Grant Phragmites Workshop, Vineland, NJ.

Ashley, J.T.F., J.E. Baker, McGee, B.M., and D.J. Velinsky. 2001. Inventories and Sources of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants in Surficial Sediments of the Chesapeake Bay and its Tributaries. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 22nd Annual Meeting, November, 2001.

Doelling Brown, B.S. Crimmins, G.D. Foster, D.P. Kelso and D.J. Velinsky. 2001. Estimating the Trophic Transfer of PCBs from Fish from an Urban Tidal River. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 22nd Annual Meeting. November, 2001.

Wilhelm, M., J.T.F. Ashley, K. L. Bushaw-Newton, G. Drames and D.J. Velinsky. 2001. Sedimentary Organic Contaminants in the Manatawny Creek, PA: Pre and Post Dam Removal Assessments. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 22nd Annual Meeting, November, 2001.

Bushaw-Newton, K.L., J.T. Ashley, A.R. Boettner, J. DeAlteris, P. Kiry, D.A. Kreeger, D. Raksany and D.J. Velinsky. 2001. The Manatawny Creek Dam Removal: Biogeochemical Processes and Sediment Contaminants. North American Benthological Society Annual Meeting, La Crosse, WI. June, 2001. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society. 18(1): 172.

Velinsky, D.J., D. Kreeger, T. Johnson, T. Clason, J. DeAlteris, L. Fuselier, H. Hertler, B. Marshall, and P. Overbeck. 2001. Food Web Systematics in Urban Streams. North American Benthological Society Annual Meeting, La Crosse, WI. June, 2001. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society. 18(1): 189.

Flinders, C.A., D.D. Hart, D.F. Charles, D.J. Velinsky & R.L. Thomas. June 2001. River restoration via pulsed flows: effects of increased water velocity on benthic algae. Presented at the 2001 North American Benthological Society meeting, LaCrosse, WI. June 2-8, 2001. Bulletin of the North American Benthological Society. 18(1): 225.

A.F. Boettner, A.F., D.J. Velinsky, T. Fikslin, P. Kiry, J. DeAlteris, A.M. Compton, A. Wilson-Finelli. 2001. Water Quality Assessment of the Tidal Freshwater Schuylkill River, Philadelphia, PA.: Understanding Sources and Fate of Nutrients and Trace Metals in an Urban Stream. American Geophysical Union 2001 Spring Meeting; Boston, MA.

Velinsky, D.J., D. Kreeger, T. Johnson, T. Clason, J. DeAlteris, L. Fuselier, H. Hertler, B. Marshall, and P. Overbeck. 2001. Food Web Systematics in Urban Streams. North American Benthological Society Annual Meeting, St. Claire, WS.

Johnson, T.E., W.C. Hession, D. Charles, R. Horwitz, D. Kreeger, B. Marshall, J. Pizzuto, D.J. Velinsky. 2001. An Interdisciplinary Study of the Ecological Benefits of Riparian Reforestation in Urban Watersheds. World Water & Environmental Resource Congress, May 20-24, 2001, Orlando, Florida

Riedel, G.F., A. Heyes, D.J. Velinsky, C.C. Gilmour and H. Enslin 2000. Bioavailability and Transport of Metals in Dredge Amended Marsh Sediments. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 21st Annual Meeting. November, 2000.

Doelling Brown, B.S. Crimmins, D.P. Kelso, G.D. Foster, R.C. Jones and D.J. Velinsky, D.J. 2000. Potential PCB Impairment of Reproductive Success in White Perch from an Urban Tidal River. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 21st Annual Meeting. November, 2000.

Velinsky, D.J., Riedel, G.F., Foster, G.D. 1999. The effects of stormwater runoff on the Anacostia River, America's archetypical urban river. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 20th Annual Meeting. November 1999.

Riedel, G.F.,Velinsky, D.J., Williams, S.A. and Wilson-Finelli, A. 1999. The effects of stormwater runoff on the Anacostia River, America's archetypical urban river: The influence of storm events on trace element concentrations. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 20th Annual Meeting. November 1999.

Doelling Brown, P., B.S. Crimmins, D. Kelso, G.D. Foster and D. J. Velinsky. 1999. Differential PCB bioaccumulation as a function of dietary composition in fish from an urban tidal river. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry; 20th Annual Meeting. November 1999.

Foster, G.D., E.C. Roberts, B. Gruessner, and D.J. Velinsky 1997. Runoff geochemistry of organic contaminants in an urban watershed, the Anacostia River Basin, Washington, DC. Society of Environmental Toxicology Chemistry, 18th Annual Meeting, November 1997.

Swarth, C.W., D.J. Velinsky, M.L. Fogel and Susan Ziegler 1997. Short-term variation in nitrogen cycling in wetlands. Estuarine Research Federation Biennual Meeting, October 12, 1997.

Velinsky, D.J., T.L. Wade, B. Gammisch, and J. Cornwell. 1996. Sediment Deposition and Inventory of Chemical Contaminants in the Tidal Anacostia River, Washington, D.C.. Society of Environmental Toxicology Chemistry, 14th Annual Meeting, November 1996.

Velinsky, D.J., J.C. Cummins, T.L. Wade. 1996. Multi-year Monitoring of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants in Fish Tissue from the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Society of Environmental Toxicology Chemistry, 14th Annual Meeting, November 1996.

Velinsky, D.J., C.W. Swarth, S. Ziegler, E.S. Perry and M.L. Fogel. 1995. Transformations and cycling of nitrogen in a tidal freshwater wetland. First Annual Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Meeting, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary, Lothian, MD.

Schwartz, S.S., D. Caraco and D.J. Velinsky. 1994. Estimating urban nonpoint loads on the watershed scale. EOS 75(44, Supplement); 228.

Velinsky, D.J. Sources of trace metals and organic contaminants to the tidal Chesapeake Bay. 1994. Presented at the International Association for Great Lakes Research and Estuarine Research Federation 37th Conference, University of Windsor, Ontario.

Velinsky, D.J., T.L. Wade, E. Reinharz, C.E. Schlekat and B.L. McGee. 1992. Sources of organic contaminants to the sediments of the Anacostia and Potomac rivers around Washington, D.C. EOS, 73(14):164.

Other Professional Experience
Member, American Geophysical Union, American Chemical Society and Society of Environ-mental Toxicology and Chemistry. Chair; Directed Toxics Assessment Workgroup, Toxics Subcommittee, Chesapeake Bay Program. Science Advisory Board, Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary. Trustee; Chesapeake Research Consortium.

Personal Information-->-->-->-->-->