16 From Thin Section to Outcrop: Exploration of Undergraduate Research (Posters)

This session is designed to showcase undergraduate research across all disciplines. All submissions should be written by the student(s) and include a faculty co-author. Categories: Cross-Disciplinary, all topics welcome

Sunday, 22 March 2026
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
CCC, Ballroom C

Uncovering Legacy Contamination Using Heavy Metal and Isotopic Analysis: What Industry Has Left Behind

Paper number: 16-20
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 1:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Authors

Abstract

The goal of this research project is to be able to trace environmental contaminants from historical industrial sites within Trenton, NJ, using heavy metal concentrations and lead isotopic ratios in soil samples. Heavy metals, such as lead, get into our soil and the environment through surface runoff and wind transport of contaminated particles that are carried from industrial sites. This has become a major problem in urban areas with a long industrial history leading to legacy contamination. When children are exposed to lead and other heavy metals, this can result in neurological damage. Trenton, NJ was selected due to the industrial history and incidence of elevated blood lead levels in children. Thirty sites around the city were selected to include areas of past industry, such as smelting and production of lead-acid batteries. These soil and street dust samples were focused near residential zones and schools, due to their proximity with children and possible risk of exposure. Soil and dust samples were analyzed for heavy metal concentrations using ICP-MS to visualize the spatial distribution of the contaminants. Additionally, lead isotopic analysis will allow for the characterization and tracing of different pollutant sources throughout the city. Our results provide insight into what areas have high concentrations of heavy metals and pose potential health risks. The lead isotopic data will give further context by characterizing the contamination sources, potentially allowing us to trace the contamination off-site.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 58, No. 2

doi: 10.1130/abs/2026NE-411353

© Copyright 2026 The Geological Society of America (GSA), all rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted to the author(s) of this abstract to reproduce and distribute it freely, for noncommercial purposes. Permission is hereby granted to any individual scientist to download a single copy of this electronic file and reproduce up to 20 paper copies for noncommercial purposes advancing science and education, including classroom use, providing all reproductions include the complete content shown here, including the author information. All other forms of reproduction and/or transmittal are prohibited without written permission from GSA Copyright Permissions.