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Full text release has been delayed at the author's request until July 27, 2027

ETD Abstract Container

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Analysis of Heavy Metal and Other Contaminants in Street Sediment from Boulder City, Nevada

Gillis, Morgan L
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658488567144498

Abstract Details

2022, Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, Geology and Environmental Earth Science.
Road sediment is a media that records both anthropogenic and geogenic materials making it a useful material to examine for environmental analysis globally. However, road sediment studies in arid and semi-arid regions in the United States are uncommon. To address this, ten street sediment samples were collected from Boulder City, NV which is located southeast of Las Vegas, NV. Samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Our multi-method approach provides critical information regarding particle size, type, morphology, and elemental concentrations which helps to identify areas of greatest environmental concern. SEM data has shown multiple heavy metal bearing particles present in samples in addition to other non-heavy metal particles such as rare earths, naturally occurring asbestos (NOA) fibers, and anthropogenic spherules. Some of the heavy metals present include lead, manganese, copper, and zinc. TEM data supports SEM data showing the presence of Mn, Zn, Cr, and Ti in particles. XRF data shows that Cu and Zn correlate to some degree. Heavy metal particles and spherules are typically indicative of industrial pollution which is most likely from industrial and vehicular activity.
Mark Krekeler (Advisor)
Kenneth Brown (Committee Member)
Karly Geller (Committee Member)
Claire McLeod (Committee Member)
33 p.
Environmental Health; Geology

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Gillis, M. L. (2022). Analysis of Heavy Metal and Other Contaminants in Street Sediment from Boulder City, Nevada [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658488567144498

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Gillis, Morgan. Analysis of Heavy Metal and Other Contaminants in Street Sediment from Boulder City, Nevada. 2022. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658488567144498.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Gillis, Morgan. "Analysis of Heavy Metal and Other Contaminants in Street Sediment from Boulder City, Nevada." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1658488567144498

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.