GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN DUST AND SOILS IN CHARLESTON PENINSULA

In urban environments, road dust, an accumulation of particles from natural and anthropogenic sources, is likely a nonpoint pollution source associated with human health risks. Studies worldwide have examined urban road dust and found high concentrations of trace metals such as Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cd in dust particles. Research also confirms that urbanized and industrialized cities have higher levels of heavy metal contamination. No prior studies examining road dust have been conducted in the Charleston area; however, it is a rapidly growing urban area that warrants examination. The objectives of this study were to determine concentrations of select trace metals in road dust and soil and to correlate contaminant concentration across different land uses. As Charleston is a rapidly urbanizing area surrounded by robust industry, we hypothesize that it has a high potential for elevated concentrations of trace metals. Additionally, since this region is a low-lying coastal region, urban runoff is a major cause of water contamination in the Charleston harbor. We further hypothesize that urban dust is a major vector for contaminants that are likely to be associated with solid particles. Our preliminary studies indicate very little contamination from fecal bacteria, but confirm the presence of trace metals. Currently, we are using GIS to correlate land-use patterns to contaminant levels within the Charleston peninsula. Sites were chosen using a zoning map to help better understand the relationship between land use and pollution associated with urban dust and soil. We present our data at the conference.