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Article
Distribution of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil/sediment in Post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta
Environmental Pollution
  • Tingzhi Su
  • Shi Shu
  • Honglan Shi, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Jianmin Wang, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Emitt C. Witt
  • Craig D. Adams, Missouri University of Science and Technology
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.)
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2008 Elsevier, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
12-1-2008
Publication Date
01 Dec 2008
Disciplines
Citation Information
Tingzhi Su, Shi Shu, Honglan Shi, Jianmin Wang, et al.. "Distribution of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil/sediment in Post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta" Environmental Pollution (2008) ISSN: 0269-7491
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/honglan-shi/40/