David J. Hoffman    

USGS-Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Beltsville Laboratory
BARC-East, Building 308
10300 Baltimore Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705

Telephone: 301-497-5712

Fax: 301-497-5624

Email: David_Hoffman@USGS.gov  

Research Physiologist

Primary Responsibilities: 

Conducts high priority scientific research and risk assessments including Natural Resource Damage Assessments for the USGS and the DOI on the hazards of toxic substances to birds and other vertebrates, including contaminated sediments, heavy metals, selenium, PCBs, mosquito larvicides and other pesticides, and interactions among contaminants and non-contaminant stressors. Studies make use of morphological and biochemical indicators for monitoring contaminant exposure and effects that will assist in quantifying extent of wildlife damage to populations.   Reviews and generates scholarly publications and products that are of direct benefit and use to those charged with managing wildlife resources.

Education/Training: 
B.S., McGill University, Montreal, Que., 1966, (Zoology major, Mathematics minor)

Ph.D., University of Maryland, 1971, (Develop. zoology/physiology major, Biochemistry minor) 

Author of over 150 scientific publications, including over 15 book chapters, feature articles and invited reviews, and over 90 presentations at scientific meetings, work shops and symposia.

Editor of Handbook of Ecotoxicology, 1st and 2nd editions published in 1995, 2003- a best seller for CRC Press.

 Editorial boards for scientific journals including (Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Oecologia Montana, Current Topics in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Current Topics in Toxicology). Adjunct Professor at the University of Maryland, Frostburg.

Received nine awards (1990-2006) from the federal government in the following categories: Special Achievement Award for Superior Service to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Department of Interior Honor Award for Superior Service,  National  Biological Service Performance Award, National Biological Service Scientific Achievement Award, United States Geological Survey Scientific Achievement Award United States Geological Survey STAR Award.

ISI Highly Cited Author Recognition; World’s Most Highly Cited Authors in  Ecology/ Environment from 1981-2000: Institute for Scientific Information, 2003. (ISIHighlyCited.com)

Who's Who in the World, listed for scientific recognition in environmental research, 2004, 2005, 2006

Active Projects: 

Toxicity of lead-contaminated sediments to juvenile waterfowl, including estimation of sediment consumption by waterfowl

Toxicity of biologically incorporated contaminants

Physiological and teratogenic effects of mercury on aquatic birds nesting along the mid-to lower Carson River and vicinity, Nevada

Contaminant interactions: comparative reproductive effects of methylmercury

Comparative embryotoxicity of PCB congeners by egg injection

Use of Amendments to Contaminated Sediment Towards Restoration

Technical assistance in biomarker analyses

Selected Publications/Products: 

Hoffman D.J., Heinz G.H., Audet D.J. (2006). Phosphorus amendment reduces hematological effects of lead-contaminated sediment to mallards. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol. 50:421-428.

Hoffman D.J., Heinz G.H., Audet D.J. (2006). Phosphorus amendment reduces hepatic and renal oxidative stress of lead-contaminated sediment to mallards. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, Part A 69:1039-1053.

Hoffman, D.J., Spalding, M.G., Frederick, P.C. (2005). Subchronic effects of methylmercury on plasma and organ biochemistries in great egret nestlings. Environ. Toxicol. Chem 24:3078-3084.

Douglas-Stroebel, E.K., Brewer, G.L., Hoffman, D.J. (2005). Effects of lead- contaminated sediment and nutrition on mallard duckling behavior and growth. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health, Part A, 68:113-128.

Fernie, K.J., G. Mayne, L. J. Shutt, D.J. Hoffman, R. J. Letcher, and K. Drouillard. (2005). Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): changes in thyroid and vitamin A homeostasis, glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress in American kestrels (Falco sparverius). Toxicol. Sci. 88:375-383.

Hoffman, D.J., Albers, P.H., Melancon, M.J., Miles, A.K. (2004). Effects of the mosquito larvicide GB-1111 on bird eggs. Environ.Poll. 127:353-358.  

Hoffman, D.J., B.A. Rattner, G.A. Burton, Jr., and J. Cairns, Jr., Eds. (2003). Handbook of Ecotoxicology, Second Edition, Lewis Publishers, Inc., CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, pp 1-1290.

Hoffman, D.J. (2002). Role of selenium toxicity and oxidative stress in aquatic birds. Aquat. Toxicol. 57:11-26.

Hoffman, D.J., C. Marn, K. Marois, E. Sproul, M. Dunne and J. Skorupa. (2002). Sublethal effects in avocet and stilt hatchlings from selenium-contaminated sites. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 21:561-566.

Henny, C. J., E. F. Hill, D. J. Hoffman, M. G. Spalding and R. A. Grove (2002). Nineteenth century mercury hazard to wading birds and cormorants of the Carson River, Nevada. Ecotoxicol. 11:213-231.

Sewalk, C.J., Brewer, G.L., and Hoffman, D.J. (2001). The effects of diquat, an aquatic herbicide, on the development of mallard embryos. J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 62:101-113.

Hoffman DJ; Heinz GH; Sileo L; Audet DJ; Campbell JK; LeCaptain LJ; Obrecht HH 3rd (2000). Developmental toxicity of lead‑contaminated sediment in Canada geese (Branta canadensis).  J. Toxicol. Environ. Health 59:235-252.

Hoffman, D.J., M.J. Melancon, P.N. Klein, J.D. Eisemann, J.D., and  J.W. Spann. (1998).  Comparative developmental toxicity of planar PCB congeners in chickens, american kestrels and common terns. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17:747-757.

Hoffman, D.J. and G.H. Heinz. (1998). Effects of mercury and selenium on glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress in mallard ducks. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17: 161-166.

Hoffman, D.J., H.M. Ohlendorf, C.M. Marn, and G.W.. Pendleton. (1998). Association of mercury and selenium with altered glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress in diving ducks from the San Francisco Bay region USA.  Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 17:167-172.