Data

Two analytical methods were compared for measuring lead in the samples: AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy) and XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence). XRF is a screening tool for lead, while AAS provides more accurate results. However, the measurements were influenced by moisture content. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), XRF becomes inaccurate when moisture levels exceed 10%. This suggests that AAS is preferable for precise lead quantification under varying moisture conditions. Moisture was measured at every sample.

Comparison of Two Analytical Methods: Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) 

Rylie Boezeman, Hailey Kirkland, Kamila Deavers 

The community garden's soil was tested in September 2023 to assess lead contamination. Research leaders and assistants developed a phytoremediation plan, beginning in Spring 2024, and engaged with the community to understand the garden's specific needs. Soil samples were collected and tested for lead levels to map the contamination plume. Two different X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers were used to measure identical soil samples. Data from each instrument was collected and analyzed. In addition to the XRF screenings, samples were digested with acid (EPA Method 3050a) and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Statistical methods were applied to correlate soil moisture with lead concentrations, as XRF measurements are affected by moisture in soil samples. Due to this inaccuracy, the XRF screening is not EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) approved for soil testing [1]. However, XRF serves as a great indicator of soil lead concentrations before pursuing AAS, as the digestion process is time-intensive. The results were shared with the public via a Google Maps site [2] and through presentations with community members. 

[1] EPA field guide, https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2018-04/documents/superfund-field-operations-guide-001-r0_xrf_fog_reg4.pdf 

[2] Flanner House, Google Maps site, https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1EqNgHHfJ58vwqgExEV_ELq3tPTjww9Q&ll=39.80135393701222,-86.17215973420984&z=20 

Development of Lead Poisoning Educational Classes by Environmental Research Students as Community Service

Rylie Boezeman, Hailey Kirkland, Kamila Deavers

Lead remediation research of local urban gardens encouraged students to promote awareness of lead poisoning among citizens. The community garden and highly lead-contaminated areas are located in underrepresented neighborhoods already fighting for environmental and food justice. The Indianapolis area (Marion County) has one of the highest blood lead levels in children. To provide food for children and promote a healthy lifestyle, the students decided to develop a lead poisoning educational program at schools within areas of the highest risk of lead contamination. Indiana recently released new data on blood lead levels in children residing in the state. As of January 2023, the threshold level is comparable to the CDC level, which is 3.5 µg/dL, reduced from 10 µg/dL.

To prevent lead poisoning in children and spread awareness, research students prepared PowerPoint presentations and pamphlets for children and adults and created a recipe book titled “Detox with Diet: Foods that Fight Lead Poisoning.” They also scripted and produced a video titled “TCTT - Key to Lead Poisoning and Prevention.” The video was accepted by the local health department. To accompany the video and utilize these materials, the students launched a lead poisoning prevention educational program at schools. Before each program, they prepared a sample kit for each child to bring back a soil sample from their yard. During the prevention program, students used an XRF (X-ray fluorescence) gun to test the soil for lead levels and sent a notification letter home to each child’s parents with suggested follow-up steps based on the results. Engaging with the local community enabled students to gain a better understanding of poverty, patience, diversity, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.

Removal of Lead from Urban Community Garden

Hailey Kirkland, Rylie Boezeman, Kamila Deavers

Lead poisoning has been an issue for many children residing in the Indianapolis metropolitan area. The lead contamination originates from the American Lead Plant and old housing. The partnership was established with a community center to address the elevated lead levels in the soul in the urban community gardens. The community center maintains a community garden to provide produce to low-income families and promote affordable healthy food. The two-acre community garden was tested to track the contamination plume. The samples were acid digested (EPA, 3050a) and analyzed by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometer). The soil samples were also tested by XRF (X-ray fluorescence) to compare the data from both analytical methods. The urban garden was split into small lots by lead concentrations (100-400ppm) with a suggested crop and hyperaccumulator rotation for lead removal. The complete removal of lead with hyperaccumulators was not limited due to the community's need to provide the produce grown in the garden to the citizens in the area. The lots with the higher concentration of lead were covered with mustard, sunflowers, and wildflowers. The lots with elevated levels were covered with tomatoes and peppers as they did not absorb the lead. The soil was measured every two weeks along with vegetables grown in the garden to ensure lead-free produce. The design of phytoremediation allowed the vegetables grown in the garden to be supplied to the community store, while still removing the lead from the soil with the highest lead levels to foster the community mission of environmental justice.