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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Apr 8th, 2:30 PM Apr 8th, 2:45 PM

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.