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Distribution of toxic trace elements in soil/sediment in post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta

T. Su·S. Shu·Honglan Shi·Jingyuan Wang·Craig Adams·Emitt C. Witt
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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. ?? 2008 Elsevier Ltd.

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T. Su, S. Shu, Honglan Shi, Jingyuan Wang, Craig Adams, Emitt C. Witt. 2008. Distribution of toxic trace elements in soil/sediment in post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2008.05.016

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