BEC-3 Lake Murray, SC: Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Both Sediment and Water Samples
Abstract
High levels of heavy metals in either sediment or water can be hazardous. To ensure that these concentrations are within limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a research project was carried out to quantify concentrations of various heavy metals in sediment and water samples collected from around Lake Murray, near Columbia, SC. The data was collected and compared to determine underlying patterns that may have revealed causes of pollution. It was important to investigate the concentrations of metals, specifically, lead, mercury, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, iron, and zinc in the lake. Twelve water and sediment samples were collected from various locations around the lake. Water samples were treated using nitric acid and stored in a refrigerator. Heavy metals were extracted from the sediment samples using EPA method 3050 B. After the samples were collected and prepared, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 900T) was used to analyze the samples. These results were then compared to established guidelines.
Keywords
Heavy Metals, EPA, Graphite Furnace AA
BEC-3 Lake Murray, SC: Concentrations of Heavy Metals in Both Sediment and Water Samples
University Readiness Center Greatroom
High levels of heavy metals in either sediment or water can be hazardous. To ensure that these concentrations are within limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a research project was carried out to quantify concentrations of various heavy metals in sediment and water samples collected from around Lake Murray, near Columbia, SC. The data was collected and compared to determine underlying patterns that may have revealed causes of pollution. It was important to investigate the concentrations of metals, specifically, lead, mercury, chromium, cobalt, cadmium, iron, and zinc in the lake. Twelve water and sediment samples were collected from various locations around the lake. Water samples were treated using nitric acid and stored in a refrigerator. Heavy metals were extracted from the sediment samples using EPA method 3050 B. After the samples were collected and prepared, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 900T) was used to analyze the samples. These results were then compared to established guidelines.