SOURCES AND SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF TRACE AND MAJOR ELEMENTS WITHIN THE SCANTIC RIVER WATERSHED, EAST WINDSOR, CT

The overall concentrations of trace and major elements in stream sediments often reflect the general character of solutes being transported from adjacent land area. This study examined the sources and spatial distribution of trace and major elements, as well as overall impact of human activities such as Tobacco farming within the Scantic River watershed area. A total of twenty (20) stream sediment samples were collected from various locations within the Scantic River drainage system, and analyzed for particle size variation using the hydrometer method. Subsets of the samples were acid digested using aqua regia based on EPA 3052 method, and analyzed for fourteen chemical elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, P, Pb, Zn) using ICP-OES at the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory. Using USDA soil texture triangle, most of the samples are predominantly sand, loamy sand, and sandy loam textures. Geochemical data showed a strong positive correlation among most elements, an indication of a possible common source or sink. In addition strong correlation between elements, organic matter fraction, and fine grained particles suggested preferential partitioning of elements to fine grained sediments. Overlay of geochemical data with lan use/land cover showed elevated concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn are present within the central residential area, indication of possible anthropogenic input, while high Potassium (K) concentration suggested a possible use of NPK fertilizer. Results of principle Component analysis (PSA) showed significant loading for As, Cu and P in two different components suggesting alternate sources for these elements. Results provide distribution of trace and major elements within Scantic River watershed area as well as influence of human activities .