SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF LEAD CONCENTRATIONS IN SOIL AROUND THE HISTORIC BROADWAY DISTRICT OF ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS

The purpose of this study is to perform a spatial analysis of the lead content of soil in the Historic Broadway District of Rock Island, Illinois. Fforty samples of soil were collected from around the homes of the Broadway District. Construction of the neighborhood was completed in 1915 and includes approximately 100 historic homes. This study location was selected because of the age of the homes and the known use of lead paint. Lead paint was used on every home within the study area, and paint chips, which could possibly contain Pb, were observed at most sampling sites. The determination of the lead content of each sample was performed using a Rigaku Supermini X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometer. Data were plotted using GIS software to provide a spatial understanding of what areas are most contaminated. Samples from other locations around the Rock Island area provide a base for comparison of lead in local soils that were presumably not contaminated with Pb-based paint. The results of this analysis will help quantify the effect Pb-based paint has on local soil and the extent of contamination in the Broadway District.