Discipline: Ecology Environmental and Earth Sciences
Subcategory: Pollution/Toxic Substances/Waste
Habibur Rahman Howlider - Texas Southern University
Co-Author(s): B.B. Maruthi Sridhar, Texas Southern University, Houston
The East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) watershed is contaminated historically by several heavy metals, especially mercury (Hg) and methyl mercury (MeHg), due to the presence of a Department of Energy (DOE) facility upstream of the creek. The main goal of this study is to analyze and map the land cover changes using remote sensing and studying the different heavy metal concentration, their interactions, availability, transport dynamics, and toxicity within the soil and sediment media. Different amendments like biochar, bio-solids, coal fly-ash, and poultry manure will be tested to reduce the metal availability in the soils and sediments. We will also conduct in-situ bioremediation experiments by using microorganisms to lower the heavy metal contamination in soil sediments. Mapping and recognition of areas with maximal metal contamination will allow us to execute targeted remediation strategies to reduce the metal contamination and toxicity. Some sequential extraction will follow into the soil to determine the toxicity of the mercury by ICP-MS. Specific plant species will be used to observe significant changes of the mercury accumulation regarding different types of plant species.
Not SubmittedFunder Acknowledgement(s): NSF, Oak Ridge Lab
Faculty Advisor: Maruthi Sridhar Balaji Bhaskar, bhaskarm@tsu.edu