Distribution of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil/sediment in Post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta

Abstract

This study provided a comprehensive assessment of seven toxic trace elements (As, Pb, V, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Hg) in the soil/sediment of Katrina affected greater New Orleans region 1 month after the recession of flood water. Results indicated significant contamination of as and V and non-significant contamination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and Pb at most sampling sites. Compared to the reported EPA Region 6 soil background inorganic levels, except As, the concentrations of other six elements had greatly increased throughout the studied area; St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish showed greater contamination than other regions. Comparison between pre- and post-Katrina data in similar areas, and data for surface, shallow, and deep samples indicated that the trace element distribution in post-Katrina New Orleans was not obviously attributed to the flooding. This study suggests that more detailed study of as and V contamination at identified locations is needed.

Department(s)

Chemistry

Second Department

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Sponsor(s)

Missouri University of Science and Technology. Environmental Research Center
Geological Survey (U.S.)

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0269-7491

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 Elsevier, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2008

Link to Full Text

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