Location
Suwanee, GA
Start Date
7-5-2024 1:00 PM
End Date
7-5-2024 4:00 PM
Description
INTRODUCTION: Lead pollution in residential areas of Metro Atlanta has spurred action from the EPA to increase efforts to remediate the contaminated soil, resulting in the designation of the Westside Lead Atlanta, GA Superfund site. Lead poses significant risks to human health, interfering with vital biological functions such as its mimicry and blocking of important calcium-dependent pathways. Contributing to this issue are the historic practices of lead-based industries with poor disposal practices, causing local soil and water pollution. This issue is evident particularly along historical railroad routes used for transporting heavy metal-laden industrial goods. The soil along these routes frequently exhibits heightened levels of heavy metals due to regular train activity, exacerbated by instances of waste dumping. Notably, former railroad easements may evolve into residential areas, as evidenced by a home in Metro Atlanta situated north of the Superfund site. Tests conducted at this residence unveiled substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Consequently, the EPA established this resident as its own Superfund site and as of November 2023 had the local soil remediated and replaced to address the elevated lead levels and safeguard public health.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to conduct soil and plant sample analysis for lead contamination in a Metro Atlanta residence with support from the Saikawa Lab of Emory University to observe lead propagation in plants.
METHODS: Soil and plant samples undergo collection and preparation for lead contamination assessment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While lead naturally exists in soil at a geologic concentration averaging 10-30 ppm, levels surpassing this range may suggest contamination from external sources. The EPA's conservative lead soil screening level (SSL) is 400 ppm, indicating a public health concern. If lead levels exceed this threshold, the EPA recommends soil removal.
RESULTS: The results obtained in this study will be utilized to understand lead’s propagation into plants from lead contaminated soil. Preliminary results show a range from minimal accumulation to hyperaccumulation of lead into plants from the surrounding soil.
CONCLUSION: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent inflation on produce, many have turned to home or community gardens. Raising awareness about the risks of planting in untested areas is crucial to ensure safe backyard produce cultivation.
Embargo Period
6-24-2024
Included in
Case Study: Lead Contamination Propagation into Plants of a Metro Atlanta Home
Suwanee, GA
INTRODUCTION: Lead pollution in residential areas of Metro Atlanta has spurred action from the EPA to increase efforts to remediate the contaminated soil, resulting in the designation of the Westside Lead Atlanta, GA Superfund site. Lead poses significant risks to human health, interfering with vital biological functions such as its mimicry and blocking of important calcium-dependent pathways. Contributing to this issue are the historic practices of lead-based industries with poor disposal practices, causing local soil and water pollution. This issue is evident particularly along historical railroad routes used for transporting heavy metal-laden industrial goods. The soil along these routes frequently exhibits heightened levels of heavy metals due to regular train activity, exacerbated by instances of waste dumping. Notably, former railroad easements may evolve into residential areas, as evidenced by a home in Metro Atlanta situated north of the Superfund site. Tests conducted at this residence unveiled substantial lead contamination, particularly in areas where crops were grown. Consequently, the EPA established this resident as its own Superfund site and as of November 2023 had the local soil remediated and replaced to address the elevated lead levels and safeguard public health.
OBJECTIVES: This study aims to conduct soil and plant sample analysis for lead contamination in a Metro Atlanta residence with support from the Saikawa Lab of Emory University to observe lead propagation in plants.
METHODS: Soil and plant samples undergo collection and preparation for lead contamination assessment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). While lead naturally exists in soil at a geologic concentration averaging 10-30 ppm, levels surpassing this range may suggest contamination from external sources. The EPA's conservative lead soil screening level (SSL) is 400 ppm, indicating a public health concern. If lead levels exceed this threshold, the EPA recommends soil removal.
RESULTS: The results obtained in this study will be utilized to understand lead’s propagation into plants from lead contaminated soil. Preliminary results show a range from minimal accumulation to hyperaccumulation of lead into plants from the surrounding soil.
CONCLUSION: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent inflation on produce, many have turned to home or community gardens. Raising awareness about the risks of planting in untested areas is crucial to ensure safe backyard produce cultivation.