Archived Abstracts
Multi-Elemental Analysis of Sediments Located Within the James River Watershed Using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES)
Location
Room 232, Schewel Hall
Access Type
Open Access
Entry Number
62
Start Date
4-8-2020 9:00 AM
End Date
4-8-2020 9:15 AM
Department
Environmental Science
Abstract
High concentrations of heavy metals in soils and sediments can adversely impact soil and water quality in addition to plant, animal, and human health. Considering the size of the James River watershed and its capacity for biodiversity in relation to terrestrial, aquatic, and endemic species, it is important to prioritize its conservation. Industrial areas adjacent to the James River have the potential to negatively influence the health of the James River watershed by heavy metal pollution as a result of industrial operations and waste disposal methods. In this research project, two industrial areas were chosen as target locations found along the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia in addition to two control sites. Control sites were chosen so that one was situated above stream of the target locations and the other was situated downstream of them. Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) was then used to help aid in the identification of heavy metals within sediment samples from the James River Watershed, quantify their concentrations, and identify potential sources of origin for heavy metal pollution.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Priscilla Gannicott Dr. David Perault Dr. Jennifer Styrsky
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Multi-Elemental Analysis of Sediments Located Within the James River Watershed Using Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES)
Room 232, Schewel Hall
High concentrations of heavy metals in soils and sediments can adversely impact soil and water quality in addition to plant, animal, and human health. Considering the size of the James River watershed and its capacity for biodiversity in relation to terrestrial, aquatic, and endemic species, it is important to prioritize its conservation. Industrial areas adjacent to the James River have the potential to negatively influence the health of the James River watershed by heavy metal pollution as a result of industrial operations and waste disposal methods. In this research project, two industrial areas were chosen as target locations found along the James River in Lynchburg, Virginia in addition to two control sites. Control sites were chosen so that one was situated above stream of the target locations and the other was situated downstream of them. Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (MP-AES) was then used to help aid in the identification of heavy metals within sediment samples from the James River Watershed, quantify their concentrations, and identify potential sources of origin for heavy metal pollution.