A LEAD SURVEY OF MARLBOROUGH MASSACHUSETTS

Marlborough, MA has been inhabited for the past 350 years. Due to its history and high traffic volume, Marlborough is a probable candidate for Pb contamination in the soil primarily through lead paint, leaded gasoline, and lead arsenate pesticides.

The survey was conducted through the collection of soil from different locations across Marlborough. The soil was then homogenized and dried before being scanned using an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (XRF) to determine the concentration of Pb in mg/kg, as well as other heavy metals. The values were then compared to a control location, also in Marlborough, where there has been limited human activity.

In Marlborough, MA, many locations had elevated levels of Pb above the control location. Of those locations, three locations were above the EPA standard of 400 mg/kg of Pb for safe play areas, none of which are currently classified as such. The study showed a correlation of higher Pb levels close to busy roads, as well as higher Pb levels in former orchards that had been sprayed with lead arsenate pesticides.