Dean Franklin

Abstract

This study examines a novel method to determine heavy metal contamination in the environment. This method will combine the established technique of atomic absorption spectroscopy with terrestrial isopods. The terrestrial isopods bioaccumulate heavy metals. The established forensic analysis by atomic absorption was used to quantify heavy metal poisoning. Spectroscopy determined the presence of arsenic and lead in four study areas. Arsenic contamination was the focus of this study. Lead contamination was done in parallel to verify the method. As part of the controls, three types of lumber were offered the isopods to feed on. Those lumber samples were kiln dried lumber, ACQ preserved lumber, and CCA preserved lumber. Three samples of terrestrial isopods were collected from each control and test area. The test areas included a private residence, the Rochester Institute of Technology campus, a local park, and a local gun club. In addition, standing water at the gun club was included as a separate sample; it tested 0 ppm for arsenic, and 1.257 ppm for lead. Although this method exhibited robustness and reliability, collection methods and weather conditions appeared to be the limiting factor. The impact of drought established that a minimum mass of sample is required.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Arsenic wastes--Measurement; Lumber--Arsenic content; Arsenic toxicology; Atomic absorption spectroscopy

Publication Date

11-6-2007

Document Type

Thesis

Department, Program, or Center

School of Chemistry and Materials Science (COS)

Advisor

Auer, James

Advisor/Committee Member

Bayer, Richard

Advisor/Committee Member

Craig, Paul

Comments

Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works. Physical copy available through RIT's The Wallace Library at: TD898.8.A76 F72 2007

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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