Abstract:

This environmental geochemistry study focused on lead (Pb) pollution in a post-industrial city. Post-industrial cities are integral factors in understanding pollution as they are interconnected by anthropogenic practices such as urbanization and transportation. Pb pollution from leaded gasoline, lead-based paint, and industrial waste/combustion is spread both naturally via air and water and anthropogenically via transportation. To determine the extent of Pb pollution, soil (n = 30), road (n = 10), and sidewalk (n = 3) sediment samples were collected from a vacant residential property in Hamilton, Ohio and subsequently analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), clay and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and ArcGIS Pro. Through comparison of mineralogical compositions of the samples, it was determined that there was minimal variation in mineralogy across the property. Pb concentrations from all samples (227 - 8,216 ppm) were found to exceed the EPA maximum levels of 200 ppm. Using this data, a map of the property was constructed in ArcGIS Pro using inverse distance weighted interpolation to show the spatial distribution of Pb concentrations on the property. The map, coupled with TEM and SEM images, indicates a gradient of higher concentrations near the house and lower concentrations toward the road. Based on the data collected, Pb-paint is the highest contributing factor to the pollution present with significant secondary influence from previous industries in Hamilton.

Career Readiness Skills:

Communication: Communicating with co-authors throughout the research process improved my scientific communication. I learned how to communicate effectively to audiences outside of my field through Undergraduate Summer Scholars and Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunity Scholarship.

Technology: Through my project, I used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, ArcGIS pro, and Excel

Critical Thinking: I gathered data from multiple analytical methods to deduce a probable answer to my research question. 

Leadership: I learned valuable leadership skills by mentoring other students, presenting research, and planning aspects of the project.

Authors: 

April Sanders (Geology & Geography and Sustainable Development)| Morgan Gillis (Geology)| Dr. Marion Lytle (Geology)| Landon Stitle (Geology)| Juliana Curtis (Geology)| Dr. Kailey Gokey (Geology)| Dr. Mark Krekeler (Geology)

Faculty Mentor:

Dr. Mark Krekeler

Acknowledgements: 

Alicia Rivera (Berea College) | Center for Advanced Microscopy and Imaging | Doctoral Undergraduate Opportunity Scholarship | National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship | Undergraduate Summer Scholars | City of Hamilton | Liz Hayden