SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF LEAD CONCENTRATION IN THE SOILS OF PARKS IN JERSEY CITY, NJ

Old industrial cities on the East coast have a legacy of heavy metal accumulation within their highly disturbed urban soils. The purpose of this study is to conduct a spatial and temporal analysis of soil Pb values in Jersey City, NJ using Pb isotopes. Lead is a neurotoxin. Infants and young children are particularly at risk for exposure; at certain pH lead does not breakdown remaining in the soil.

In 2007, surface samples from different parks in Jersey City were analyzed. Of the 29 samples collected, 12 exhibited values above the residential limit of 400ppm Pb. In 2008, 7 samples were collected from Hamilton and Van Vorst parks, as well as an 8ft core from Hamilton Park. The core was extensively examined and finely sectioned.

A textural analysis of these samples was performed in house. Preliminary Pb testing using colorimetric test indicated that most of the samples tested positively for Pb over 400ppm. The 2008 samples, and some of the samples from the 2007 study, will be sent out to an independent lab for isotope analysis. To determine the source of the Pb, the < 63micron fraction will be digested and analyzed using an ICP-MS and the Pb isotope ratios will be determined. The ratios of the Pb isotopes Pb-206/Pb-207, will allow us to discern the source of the lead.

The areas around Hamilton and Van Vorst Parks in Jersey City were highly industrialized in the 19th and early 20th century and are high traffic areas today. Lead from smelters has higher ratios of Pb-206/Pb-207, while lead from leaded gasoline has lower ratios (Lima, 2004). Further research into the history of those areas will be conducted. A GIS map will be prepared as part of the spatial analysis and will show historic fills, known contaminated sites, sample locations, and other locations of interest (see Raia et al., this meeting).

One of the goals for this research is to provide the city of Jersey City with the information regarding the source of the lead. It is our hope that this project will help the city in deciding whether to cap the existing sites, remove the material or do some other type of remediation.