Studies of Sand Sizes and Trace Metal Analysis of Various Sand Samples from a Man-made Lake
Disciplines
Environmental Chemistry | Environmental Monitoring
Abstract (300 words maximum)
Trace heavy metals in the environment come from various sources, such as runoff and illegal dumping. However, for man-made lakes, sediment in the form of sand is deposited on the shores to create beaches. This sand comes from locations with various levels of trace heavy metals. In addition, they have variable particle sizes such that some areas have a different distribution than another area based on the source of the sand. The purpose of this study is to determine the trace heavy metals concentration in the sand around a man-made lake. In addition, the purpose of this study is to determine the particle size distribution of the sand and their subsequent trace heavy metal concentrations. The methods of the study involve collecting sand samples in January 2024 from six locations around a man-made lake. The samples were dried, and the bulk was tested by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) for trace metals using the soil analysis calibration. Subsequently, the bulk sand was separated based on size using a sieve shaker, and each size was analyzed by XRF for trace metals. The results show that the distribution of the sand particle sizes and trace metals, in those different sizes, varies by location. Explanations for the differences are based on location of the collection sites.
Use of AI Disclaimer
no
Academic department under which the project should be listed
CSM – Chemistry and Biochemistry
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Marina Koether
Studies of Sand Sizes and Trace Metal Analysis of Various Sand Samples from a Man-made Lake
Trace heavy metals in the environment come from various sources, such as runoff and illegal dumping. However, for man-made lakes, sediment in the form of sand is deposited on the shores to create beaches. This sand comes from locations with various levels of trace heavy metals. In addition, they have variable particle sizes such that some areas have a different distribution than another area based on the source of the sand. The purpose of this study is to determine the trace heavy metals concentration in the sand around a man-made lake. In addition, the purpose of this study is to determine the particle size distribution of the sand and their subsequent trace heavy metal concentrations. The methods of the study involve collecting sand samples in January 2024 from six locations around a man-made lake. The samples were dried, and the bulk was tested by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) for trace metals using the soil analysis calibration. Subsequently, the bulk sand was separated based on size using a sieve shaker, and each size was analyzed by XRF for trace metals. The results show that the distribution of the sand particle sizes and trace metals, in those different sizes, varies by location. Explanations for the differences are based on location of the collection sites.