GEOCHEMICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE MILHAM BROOK/ GLEN STREET NEIGHBORHOOD OF MARLBOROUGH MASSACHUSETTS

The Milham Brook / Glen Street neighborhood of Marlborough Massachusetts was an apple orchard in operation until the late 1960’s and previously used Lead Arsenate as a pesticide. Previous studies completed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health focused on Arsenic, DDT, DDE and DDD. In this study, samples were collected and analyzed from the former orchard using an X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) to determine concentrations of arsenic, lead, and other trace metals that may have resulted from the previous agricultural use. Samples were collected throughout the property. Samples were homogenized and dried at 60°C for 72 hours before being tested with the XRF. Arsenic concentrations were consistent with the previous study ranging from 4.9 mg/kg to 238 mg/kg. Lead concentrations in the soil range from 18.6 mg/kg to 798 mg/kg. Results for Mercury, Chromium, and Nickel were also found to be elevated compared to results from a background location of an undeveloped area. Under ATSDR guidelines the area is not an apparent health hazard due to the lack of current development and personnel on site. Should the area undergo development, the area could become a potential health hazard to those working to develop the area. Results of this study will initiate future investigations of arsenic and lead migration across the Milham Brook into one of the City of Marlborough’s drinking reservoirs.