16-21 Uncovering Legacy Contamination Using Heavy Metal and Isotopic Analysis: What Industry Has Left Behind

Session: From Thin Section to Outcrop: Exploration of Undergraduate Research (Posters)

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The goal of this research project is to be able to trace environmental contaminants from historical industrial sites within Trenton, NJ, using heavy metal concentrations and lead isotopic ratios in soil samples. Heavy metals, such as lead, get into our soil and the environment through surface runoff and wind transport of contaminated particles that are carried from industrial sites. This has become a major problem in urban areas with a long industrial history leading to legacy contamination. When children are exposed to lead and other heavy metals, this can result in neurological damage. Trenton, NJ was selected due to the industrial history and incidence of elevated blood lead levels in children. Thirty sites around the city were selected to include areas of past industry, such as smelting and production of lead-acid batteries. These soil and street dust samples were focused near residential zones and schools, due to their proximity with children and possible risk of exposure. Soil and dust samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using ICP-MS to visualize the spatial distribution of the contaminants. Additionally, lead isotopic analysis will allow for the characterization and tracing of different pollutant sources throughout the city. Our results provide insight into what areas have high concentrations of heavy metals and pose potential health risks. The lead isotopic data will give further context by characterizing the contamination sources, potentially allowing us to trace the contamination off-site.

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