Geological Society of America

70 Coastal Processes (Posters)

Tuesday, 21 March 2017
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Urban, 17th Floor

MEASUREMENT OF POLLUTANT LEVELS AND ANALYSIS OF SEDIMENT DEPOSITION AND ACCRETION IN A HUDSON RIVER TIDAL MARSH

Paper number: 70-3
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Authors

Derek Dubossi Presenting Author
Laguardia High School, New York, NY
Deanasia JeanPierre
Brooklyn College, New York, NY
Keilyn Ojeda
Niagara University, Niagara Univ, NY
Cody Ramirez
Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics, Bronx, NY
Ericka Parra
The Young Women's Leadership School, New York, NY
Erik Quinteros
Bronx Latin School, Bronx, NY
Kelvin Dominguez
Bronx Center for Science and Mathematics, Bronx, NY
Martha Leon
KIPP NYC College Prep High School, Bronx, NY
Ulises Chavero
Bronx Latin School, Bronx, NY

Abstract

Surface sediment samples were collected from Piermont Marsh, a saltwater marsh along the Hudson River in New York State. Many marine ecosystems are threatened by sea level rise. Measuring sediment accumulation rates in the marsh can determine how sea level rise might impact the marsh in the future. The average sediment accumulation rate was measured in three parts of the marsh, Tidal, Crumkill, and Sparkill. In 2016, the overall average rate of accumulation was measured to be 2.48 mm. This was less than the rate measured in 2015 (5.66mm). Marker horizons placed 5 meters into the marsh showed lower sediment accumulation rates compared to the markers placed 25 meters inland. In addition to measuring sediment accumulation, surface sediment samples and cores were taken throughout 50+ sites in order to compare toxicity levels within the marsh. Heavy metals, PAH and PCBs were the prime focus of this testing. Heavy metal testing was conducted using an XRF machine. PAH and PCB testing are being conducted off campus and the results are yet to be received.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 49, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2017NE-290023

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