The distribution of heavy metals and trace elements in the sediments surrounding the Sweetwater Creek dump site, town of Williamston, Martin County, North Carolina / by Lewis E. Hill II.
| Author/creator | Hill, Lewis E. author. |
| Other author | Spruill, Richard K., degree supervisor. |
| Other author | East Carolina University. Department of Geology. |
| Format | Theses and dissertations |
| Production | 1994. |
| Description | vi, 77 leaves : illustrations, maps ; 28 cm |
| Supplemental Content | Access via ScholarShip |
| Subjects |
| Variant title | Abstract title: Distribution of heavy metals and other elements in the sediments surrounding the Sweetwater Creek dump site, town of Williamston, Martin County, North Carolina |
| Summary | The purpose of this thesis was to determine distribution of heavy metals and other elements in sediments surrounding the Sweetwater Creek Dump Site in Williamston, North Carolina. Eighty-seven sediment samples were collected from locations adjacent to the dump site and from upstream and downstream locations in Sweetwater Creek. Grain size analyses were conducted on the sediment samples using a modification of the Folk Method (Folk, 1968) to determine sediment characteristics. Elemental analyses were conducted by leaching the samples in 2N nitric acid (2N HNO3) and analyzing the extract on an argon plasma emission spectrometer. Mercury was analyzed on an AA spectrophotometer using a modified version of EPA Method 245.5 for the cold vapor technique for mercury in sediments. The analytical data for the dump site sediment samples were plotted on a map of the study area and isoconcentration lines were constructed to illustrate the distribution of heavy metals and other elements in sediments. The data from the dump site samples were also compared with data from samples collected at upstream and downstream locations in order to evaluate background concentrations and any evidence for downstream migration of heavy metals and other elements. The results of this study indicate that the concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in the sediments surrounding the dump site are elevated above background concentrations. Concentrations heavy metals and other elements are greatest in sediment adjacent to the dump site and they decrease with increasing distance from the dump site. In addition, heavy metals and other elements are concentrated in the upper 12 centimeters of the sediments. Nevertheless, the lateral distribution of heavy metals and other elements in lower sediments is greater than in the upper sediments. The concentration of heavy metals and other elements in downstream sediment samples are elevated in comparison to upstream, background concentrations, suggesting that heavy metals and other elements are, indeed, migrating downstream. |
| General note | Submitted to the faculty of the Department of Geology. |
| General note | Advisor: Richard K. Spruill |
| Dissertation note | M.S. East Carolina University 1994 |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (leaf 55). |
| Genre/form | dissertations. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Academic theses. |
| Genre/form | Thèses et écrits académiques. |
Availability
| Library | Location | Call Number | Status | Item Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joyner | University Archives | ASK AT SPECIAL COLLECTIONS DESK | ✔ Available | Request Material |
| Electronic Resources | Access Content Online | ✔ Available |