Distribution of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil/Sediment in post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Environmental Pollution
Volume
156
Publication Date
2008
First Page
994
Last Page
450
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.
Recommended Citation
Su, T., Shu, S., Shi, H., Wang, J., Adams, C., Witt, E. (2008) “Distribution of Toxic Trace Elements in Soil/Sediment in post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta,” Environmental Pollution, 156, 994-450.
