Lead (Pb) in Urban Soils
Author(s)
Abstract
Madison Wood Dr. David Singer Nicholas Santoro Lead (Pb), a versatile metal, is commonly found in urban soils because of its wide range of industrial uses and its resistance to degradation. Pb has been used over the past few centuries, primarily in gasoline and paint in the 20th century, and can have long-lasting negative health effects following exposure, particularly for children. This caused the USEPA to set a standard of 400 parts per million for bare soils to limit human exposure. The risk of Pb exposure is based on its speciation (chemical form) in soils, which can be determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). SEM can be used as an initial identifier for Pb in soils because of its ease of sampling and quick analysis processes. The combination of SEM imaging and EDS element mapping can be used to identify Pb and other elements present, which can assist in understanding the phases that Pb is associated with. This is important because speciation is directly related to the potential bioaccessibility of Pb. Thus far, 16 of the samples collected from Akron (n=82) are above USEPA acceptable range. These samples contain Pb in insoluble phases that are galena like or lead aggregates with clays and iron phases. The analysis of these soils is being done, in part, through a collaboration between KSU and Akron Public Schools system. This information may also be used to streamline future Pb soil analysis by reducing the number of steps taken to prove if Pb is present within soils.
Format
Conference Proceeding
Contributor(s)
Faculty Mentor
David Singer
Modified Abstract

Madison Wood Dr. David Singer Nicholas Santoro Lead (Pb) is commonly found in urban soils and can have long-lasting negative health effects following exposure. The risk of Pb exposure is based on its speciation, which can be determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy with Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to identify Pb and other elements present. Speciation is directly related to the potential bioaccessibility of Pb. Thus far, 16 of the samples collected from Akron (n=82) are above USEPA acceptable range. These samples contain Pb in insoluble phases such as galena or lead aggregates with clays and iron phases. The analysis of these soils is being done, in part, through a collaboration between KSU and Akron Public Schools system. This information may also be used to streamline future Pb soil analysis.