Organic pollutants in sediments and biota of South Norfolk, VA: A concern for the local community?
Abstract/Description/Artist Statement
South Norfolk is a residential area that lies adjacent to the Elizabeth River, an integral river system with a history of contamination from industrial activity. While branches of the river are known to have negative impacts on the surrounding environment, limited information is known about contamination surrounding the community itself. Samples of sediment and biota (snails) were collected from multiple sites to examine concentrations of pollutant hydrocarbons (including polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs) which can pose health risks to the local community. Twelve sediment samples were collected and compared to a more pristine area of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and analyzed for organic contaminants. An additional sample of native marsh periwinkle snails were also collected and analyzed to determine potential accumulation in local biota. Samples were analyzed using a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and found a range of PAHs with highest observed concentration in fluoranthene up to 17.26μg/g dry wt. The distribution of PAHs favor high molecular weight PAHs, suggesting combustion of fossil fuels as a major contributor. The concentrations of the pollutant hydrocarbons seen in South Norfolk are considered higher than the Eastern Shore and can potentially lead to health risks for local residents.
Keywords: environment, PAHs, pollutant hydrocarbons, health risks, community
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Rodger Harvey
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Email
rharvey@odu.edu
Faculty Advisor/Mentor Department
Department of Ocean and Earth Sciences
College/School Affiliation
College of Sciences
Student Level Group
Undergraduate
Presentation Type
Poster
Organic pollutants in sediments and biota of South Norfolk, VA: A concern for the local community?
South Norfolk is a residential area that lies adjacent to the Elizabeth River, an integral river system with a history of contamination from industrial activity. While branches of the river are known to have negative impacts on the surrounding environment, limited information is known about contamination surrounding the community itself. Samples of sediment and biota (snails) were collected from multiple sites to examine concentrations of pollutant hydrocarbons (including polycyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs) which can pose health risks to the local community. Twelve sediment samples were collected and compared to a more pristine area of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and analyzed for organic contaminants. An additional sample of native marsh periwinkle snails were also collected and analyzed to determine potential accumulation in local biota. Samples were analyzed using a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and found a range of PAHs with highest observed concentration in fluoranthene up to 17.26μg/g dry wt. The distribution of PAHs favor high molecular weight PAHs, suggesting combustion of fossil fuels as a major contributor. The concentrations of the pollutant hydrocarbons seen in South Norfolk are considered higher than the Eastern Shore and can potentially lead to health risks for local residents.
Keywords: environment, PAHs, pollutant hydrocarbons, health risks, community