Archived Abstracts
The Relationship Between Impaired Watersheds and Potentially Toxic Elements in Sediment
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
75
Start Date
4-8-2020 2:30 PM
End Date
4-8-2020 2:45 PM
Department
Environmental Science
Abstract
The sediment layers of previously identified impaired sites in the Blackwater Creek watershed were examined for PTEs (potentially toxic elements). These impaired sites are located in areas with high levels of urbanization or impervious surface cover. Higher urbanization levels should coincide with more environmental degradation, resulting in higher levels of PTEs, such Cu, Zn, and Pb in the sediment cores. The sediment cores were collected, prepared by microwave digestion, and analyzed by MP-AES (microwave-induced plasma atomic emission spectrometer) for metal content. Determining a relationship between sediment makeup and stream health can be useful in understanding water quality and providing insight on ways to recover impaired watersheds.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Priscilla Gannicott Dr. Brooke Haiar Dr. Nancy Cowden
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The Relationship Between Impaired Watersheds and Potentially Toxic Elements in Sediment
Room 232, Schewel Hall
The sediment layers of previously identified impaired sites in the Blackwater Creek watershed were examined for PTEs (potentially toxic elements). These impaired sites are located in areas with high levels of urbanization or impervious surface cover. Higher urbanization levels should coincide with more environmental degradation, resulting in higher levels of PTEs, such Cu, Zn, and Pb in the sediment cores. The sediment cores were collected, prepared by microwave digestion, and analyzed by MP-AES (microwave-induced plasma atomic emission spectrometer) for metal content. Determining a relationship between sediment makeup and stream health can be useful in understanding water quality and providing insight on ways to recover impaired watersheds.