GEOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CONTAMINANTS FROM WETHERSFIELD COVE IN WETHERSFIELD, CONNECTICUT

The Wethersfield Cove is an inlet located in Wethersfield, CT that is connected by a narrow passageway to the Connecticut River, which is considered as the source of water, however there is no obvious outlet raising the possibility of a long water residence time, seasonal changes in the redox condition, resulting in the precipitation and possibly contamination of the cove. The proximity of the Cove to major highway(I-91), and the state capital (Hartford) has made the cove a popular spot for various recreational activities such as boating, and fishing. However, observation of dead fish on the shore of the cove in recent years has raised questions about possible contamination of the aquatic system. This study focuses on examining the concentration and spatial distribution of sixteen major and trace elements (Al, As, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, and Zn) in both the water and sediment of the cove. A total of 20 sediment samples were collected at about two feet into the water column from the shore of the cove. The samples were air dried, and acid digested using aqua regia and analyzed for trace and major elements using an ICP-OES. Subset of the samples were further analyzed for basic soil parameters such as particle size distribution using the hydrometer method, organic matter contents, and soluble salts. In addition, water samples were collected and analyzed for anions (F, Cl, Br, NO₃, SO₄, and PO₄) using a Shimadzu IC-HPLC, and cations using a Thermo iCAP 7600 ICP-OES. During sampling, basic physicochemical parameters of the water column that include pH, temperature, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, and dissolved oxygen were determined, and will be monitored on a bi-weekly basis for the next three months. Using an overlay of GIS land use map, calculation of multivariate statistical analysis, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and geoaccumulation index, the geochemical data will be examined to determine degree of trace element enrichment, and potential sources and overall implication on the ecosystem.