Anthropogenic activities including industrialization, urbanization, and agriculture have resulted in frequent detection of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) across Great Lakes tributaries. Thus, there is a need to identify CECs of high and low ecotoxicological concern to help focus risk assessment and regulatory efforts. Here we present a weight-of-evidence framework developed to prioritize organic contaminants detected within the Milwaukee Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) (Milwaukee, WI). Chemical prioritization was carried out using experimental data (in vivo, in vitro, and analytical data) generated in 2017 -2018 Milwaukee AOC caged-fish studies, and chemical-specific data collated from US EPA databases (CompTox Chemicals Dashboard, ECOTOXicology Knowledgebase, ToxCast database) and/or estimated using quantitative structure-activity relationships. Overall prioritization was based on multiple lines of evidence: Detection Characteristics (spatial frequency, temporal frequency, environmental distribution), Environmental Fate (persistence, bioaccumulation, biomagnification), Ecotoxicological Potential (exceedence of water quality, in vivo, and in vitro toxicity benchmarks), and Effect Covariance (covariance with effects in caged fish studies). Results indicated within the Milwaukee Estuary AOC, 19/83 CECs were high priority, 13/83 were low priority, and 19/83 were data limited, requiring further investigation for prioritization efforts. Overall, this study presents an effect-based weight-of-evidence strategy that can be employed for CEC prioritization, and highlights several chemicals of ecotoxicological interest within the Milwaukee Estuary AOC. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Maloney, E., D. Villeneuve, B. Blackwell, K. Vitense, S. Corsi, M. Pronschinske, K. Jensen, and G. Ankley. A framework for prioritizing contaminants in retrospective ecological assessments: Application in the Milwaukee Estuary (Milwaukee, WI). Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. Allen Press, Inc., Lawrence, KS, USA, 19(5): 1276-96, (2023).

Prioritization of chemicals was performed on two Areas of Concerns in the Great Lakes An integrated risk surveillance and monitoring approach was applied Bio-effect prediction methodologies were used to identify additional biological pathways. Environmental assessment of complex mixtures typically requires integration of chemical and biological measurements. This study demonstrates the use of a combination of instrumental chemical analyses, effects-based monitoring, and bio-effects prediction approaches to help identify potential hazards and priority contaminants in two Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), the Lower Green Bay/Fox River located near Green Bay, WI, USA and the Milwaukee Estuary, located near Milwaukee, WI, USA. Fathead minnows were caged at four sites within each AOC (eight sites total). Following 4 d of in situ exposure, tissues and biofluids were sampled and used for targeted biological effects analyses. Additionally, 4 d composite water samples were collected concurrently at each caged fish site and analyzed for 132 analytes as well as evaluated for total estrogenic and androgenic activity using cell-based bioassays. Of the analytes examined, 75 were detected in composite samples from at least one site. Based on multiple analyses, one site in the East River and another site near a paper mill discharge in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River AOC, were prioritized due to their estrogenic and androgenic activity, respectively. The water samples from other sites generally did not exhibit significant estrogenic or androgenic activity, nor was there evidence for endocrine disruption in the fish exposed at these sites as indicated by the lack of alterations in ex vivo steroid production, circulating steroid concentrations, or vitellogenin mRNA expression in males. Induction of hepatic cyp1a mRNA expression was detected at several sites, suggesting the presence of chemicals that activate the Ah receptor. To expand the scope beyond targeted investigation of endpoints selected a priori, several bio-effects prediction approaches were employed to identify other potentially disturbed biological pathways and related chemical constituents that may warrant future monitoring at these sites. For example, several chemicals such as diethylphthalate and naphthalene , and genes and related pathways, such as cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3), estrogen receptor alpha1 (esr1), chemokine ligand 10 protein (CXCL10), tumor protein p53 (p53), and monoamine oxidase B (Maob), were identified as candidates for future assessments at these AOCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that a better prioritization of contaminants and associated hazards can be achieved through integrated evaluation of multiple lines of evidence. Such prioritization can guide more comprehensive follow-up risk assessment efforts. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Li, S., D. Villeneuve, J. Berninger, B. Blackwell, J. Cavallin, M. Hughes, K. Jensen, Z. Jorgenson, M. Kahl, A. Schroeder, K. Stevens, L. Thomas, M. Weberg, and G. Ankley. An integrated approach for identifying priority contaminant in the Great Lakes Basin -Investigations in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River and Milwaukee Estuary areas of concern. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, 579: 825-837, (2017).

Prioritization of chemicals was performed on two Areas of Concerns in the Great Lakes An integrated risk surveillance and monitoring approach was applied Bio-effect prediction methodologies were used to identify additional biological pathways. Environmental assessment of complex mixtures typically requires integration of chemical and biological measurements. This study demonstrates the use of a combination of instrumental chemical analyses, effects-based monitoring, and bio-effects prediction approaches to help identify potential hazards and priority contaminants in two Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), the Lower Green Bay/Fox River located near Green Bay, WI, USA and the Milwaukee Estuary, located near Milwaukee, WI, USA. Fathead minnows were caged at four sites within each AOC (eight sites total). Following 4 d of in situ exposure, tissues and biofluids were sampled and used for targeted biological effects analyses. Additionally, 4 d composite water samples were collected concurrently at each caged fish site and analyzed for 132 analytes as well as evaluated for total estrogenic and androgenic activity using cell-based bioassays. Of the analytes examined, 75 were detected in composite samples from at least one site. Based on multiple analyses, one site in the East River and another site near a paper mill discharge in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River AOC, were prioritized due to their estrogenic and androgenic activity, respectively. The water samples from other sites generally did not exhibit significant estrogenic or androgenic activity, nor was there evidence for endocrine disruption in the fish exposed at these sites as indicated by the lack of alterations in ex vivo steroid production, circulating steroid concentrations, or vitellogenin mRNA expression in males. Induction of hepatic cyp1a mRNA expression was detected at several sites, suggesting the presence of chemicals that activate the Ah receptor. To expand the scope beyond targeted investigation of endpoints selected a priori, several bio-effects prediction approaches were employed to identify other potentially disturbed biological pathways and related chemical constituents that may warrant future monitoring at these sites. For example, several chemicals such as diethylphthalate and naphthalene , and genes and related pathways, such as cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3), estrogen receptor alpha1 (esr1), chemokine ligand 10 protein (CXCL10), tumor protein p53 (p53), and monoamine oxidase B (Maob), were identified as candidates for future assessments at these AOCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that a better prioritization of contaminants and associated hazards can be achieved through integrated evaluation of multiple lines of evidence. Such prioritization can guide more comprehensive follow-up risk assessment efforts. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Li, S., D. Villeneuve, J. Berninger, B. Blackwell, J. Cavallin, M. Hughes, K. Jensen, Z. Jorgenson, M. Kahl, A. Schroeder, K. Stevens, L. Thomas, M. Weberg, and G. Ankley. An integrated approach for identifying priority contaminant in the Great Lakes Basin -Investigations in the Lower Green Bay/Fox River and Milwaukee Estuary areas of concern. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, 579: 825-837, (2017).

Water and sediment was collected to assess the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in National Park waters of the northern Colorado Plateau, USA. CEC presence in water and sediment is reported for 21 sites in eight U.S. national parks in the northern Colorado Plateau region. From 2012 to 2016, at least one PPCP and/or WWI was detected at most sites on over half of sampling visits, indicating that CECs are not uncommon even in isolated areas. Maximum concentrations in this study were generally below available water quality benchmarks, sediment quality guidelines, and concentrations known to induce biological activity in vitro. C occurrence patterns and similarities between continuous and isolated flow locations suggest that direct contamination from individual visitors may also occur. While the data indicate there is little aquatic health risk associated with CECs at our sites, results demonstrate the ubiquity of CECs on the landscape and a continued need for public outreach concerning resource-use ethics and the potential effects of upstream development. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Weissinger, R., B. Blackwell, K. Keteles, W. Battaglin, and P. Bradley. Bioactive contaminants of emerging concern in national park waters of the northern Colorado plateau, USA. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, 636: 910-918, (2018).

Water and sediment was collected to assess the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in National Park waters of the northern Colorado Plateau, USA. CEC presence in water and sediment is reported for 21 sites in eight U.S. national parks in the northern Colorado Plateau region. From 2012 to 2016, at least one PPCP and/or WWI was detected at most sites on over half of sampling visits, indicating that CECs are not uncommon even in isolated areas. Maximum concentrations in this study were generally below available water quality benchmarks, sediment quality guidelines, and concentrations known to induce biological activity in vitro. C occurrence patterns and similarities between continuous and isolated flow locations suggest that direct contamination from individual visitors may also occur. While the data indicate there is little aquatic health risk associated with CECs at our sites, results demonstrate the ubiquity of CECs on the landscape and a continued need for public outreach concerning resource-use ethics and the potential effects of upstream development. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Weissinger, R., B. Blackwell, K. Keteles, W. Battaglin, and P. Bradley. Bioactive contaminants of emerging concern in national park waters of the northern Colorado plateau, USA. SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT. Elsevier BV, AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS, 636: 910-918, (2018).

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), identified the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water and bottom sediments collected in 2013 at 57 sites throughout the Great Lakes Basin. The 2013 effort is part of a long-term study that began in 2010. Included in this directory are collection methods, references to or descriptions of analytical methods used, data for samples collected in 2013, and associated quality-assurance data. Samples were collected from April through October 2013 by USGS, USFWS, and/or EPA personnel. Study sites include tributaries to the Great Lakes located near Duluth, Minnesota; Kewaunee, Wisconsin; Appleton, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; St Clair, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Wanakena, New York; and Potsdam, New York (see "2013 Site List"). During this study, 93 environmental samples and 6 field replicate sample pairs of surface water, 3 field blank water samples, and 3 laboratory-matrix spike water samples were collected or prepared. Additionally, 49 environmental samples, 4 field replicate sample pairs, and two laboratory-matrix spike samples of bottom sediment were collected or prepared. Water and bottom-sediment samples were analyzed at the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, for a broad suite of CECs. The Environmental Data provides 4 tables that describes the analytical results for wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, and pharmaceuticals in water and wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, pharmaceuticals, and antidepressants in bottom-sediment samples collected during 2013.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), identified the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water and bottom sediments collected in 2013 at 57 sites throughout the Great Lakes Basin. The 2013 effort is part of a long-term study that began in 2010. Included in this directory are collection methods, references to or descriptions of analytical methods used, data for samples collected in 2013, and associated quality-assurance data. Samples were collected from April through October 2013 by USGS, USFWS, and/or EPA personnel. Study sites include tributaries to the Great Lakes located near Duluth, Minnesota; Kewaunee, Wisconsin; Appleton, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; St Clair, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Wanakena, New York; and Potsdam, New York (see "2013 Site List"). During this study, 93 environmental samples and 6 field replicate sample pairs of surface water, 3 field blank water samples, and 3 laboratory-matrix spike water samples were collected or prepared. Additionally, 49 environmental samples, 4 field replicate sample pairs, and two laboratory-matrix spike samples of bottom sediment were collected or prepared. Water and bottom-sediment samples were analyzed at the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, for a broad suite of CECs. The Field and Laboratory Quality Assurance provides seven tables that support the analytical results for wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, and pharmaceuticals in water and wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, pharmaceuticals, and antidepressants in bottom-sediment samples collected during 2013.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), identified the occurrence of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in water and bottom sediments collected in 2013 at 57 sites throughout the Great Lakes Basin. The 2013 effort is part of a long-term study that began in 2010. Included in this directory are collection methods, references to or descriptions of analytical methods used, data for samples collected in 2013, and associated quality-assurance data. Samples were collected from April through October 2013 by USGS, USFWS, and/or EPA personnel. Study sites include tributaries to the Great Lakes located near Duluth, Minnesota; Kewaunee, Wisconsin; Appleton, Wisconsin; Detroit, Michigan; Grand Rapids, Michigan; St Clair, Michigan; Cleveland, Ohio; Wanakena, New York; and Potsdam, New York (see "2013 Site List"). During this study, 93 environmental samples and 6 field replicate sample pairs of surface water, 3 field blank water samples, and 3 laboratory-matrix spike water samples were collected or prepared. Additionally, 49 environmental samples, 4 field replicate sample pairs, and two laboratory-matrix spike samples of bottom sediment were collected or prepared. Water and bottom-sediment samples were analyzed at the USGS National Water Quality Laboratory in Denver, Colorado, for a broad suite of CECs. The Environmental Data provides 4 tables that describes the analytical results for wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, and pharmaceuticals in water and wastewater compounds, steroid hormones, sterols, and bisphenol A, pharmaceuticals, and antidepressants in bottom-sediment samples collected during 2013.

Water-borne contaminants were monitored in 69 tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes in 2010 and 2014 using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS). Analyses included 185 chemicals (143 detected) including PAHs, legacy and current-use pesticides, fire retardants, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and others. Hazard quotients were calculated by dividing detected concentrations by biological effect concentrations reported in the ECOTOX Knowledgebase (Toxicity quotients, TQs) or ToxCast database (Exposure Activity Ratios, EARs). This dataset is associated with the following publication: Alvarez, D., S. Corsi, L. De Cicco, D. Villeneuve, and A. Baldwin. Identifying chemicals and mixtures of potential biological concern detected in passive samplers from Great Lakes tributaries using high-throughput data and biological pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, USA,

Water-borne contaminants were monitored in 69 tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes in 2010 and 2014 using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs), and polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS). Analyses included 185 chemicals (143 detected) including PAHs, legacy and current-use pesticides, fire retardants, pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and others. Hazard quotients were calculated by dividing detected concentrations by biological effect concentrations reported in the ECOTOX Knowledgebase (Toxicity quotients, TQs) or ToxCast database (Exposure Activity Ratios, EARs). This dataset is associated with the following publication: Alvarez, D., S. Corsi, L. De Cicco, D. Villeneuve, and A. Baldwin. Identifying chemicals and mixtures of potential biological concern detected in passive samplers from Great Lakes tributaries using high-throughput data and biological pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY. Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Pensacola, FL, USA,