Metal Contaminants in Cape Cod Harbors

Student Author Information

Rachel Murray, University of LynchburgFollow

Location

Room 232, Schewel Hall

Access Type

Campus Access Only

Entry Number

47

Start Date

4-10-2019 9:00 AM

End Date

4-10-2019 9:15 AM

College

Lynchburg College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Environmental Science

Abstract

In this study, I measured the concentrations of copper, chromium, zinc, and lead in the sediments of three harbors. I wanted to see if the zinc and chromium that ingredients in boat paint and copper from dock lumber are settling into the sediment beds at each harbor. I also wanted to see if marine organisms could accumulate concentrations of these metals.

I collected sediment cores from three harbors in Falmouth, MA and tested for four types of heavy metals: copper, chromium, zinc, and lead. I also collected two species of the red algae Gracilaria tikvahiae and Gracilaria vermiculophylla and exposed them to a block of pressure treated lumber to see if the algae was able to accumulate the copper leached out for the pressure treated lumber.

KEYWORDS: Copper, Chromium, Zinc, Lead, Sediments, Marine Harbors, Pressure Treated Lumber, Antifouling paint, Gracilaria vermiculophylla, Gracilaria tikvahiae

Faculty Mentor(s)

Dr. Anne Giblin

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