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Geospatial and Statistical Analysis of Methyl Mercury (Me Hg) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) Distribution in East Tennessee Watersheds

Graduate #70
Discipline: Ecology Environmental and Earth Sciences
Subcategory: Pollution/Toxic Substances/Waste

Shruti Lakkaraju - Texas Southern University
Co-Author(s): B.B. Maruthi Sridhar



Long term water quality changes due to the presence of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and methyl mercury (MeHg) in East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) watershed and surrounding watersheds using remote sensing is being analyzed in this study. Historically the EFPC watershed has received wastewater dischargess and pollutants from a major US Department of Energy (DOE) facility, which is located on the headwaters of the stream, for a prolonged period of time. Mercury (Hg) is a potent neurotoxin affecting the human and animal health. The MeHg is an organic form of Hg, which is formed in aquatic systems and has a high bioaccumulation rate in the aquatic food chain. The MeHg is known to impair neurological development in fetuses, infants and children. The PCBs have high bioaccumulation rate as they do not break down in our environment and they are known human carcinogens. The major goal of this study is to analyze long-term water quality trends in East Tennessee watersheds and to perform water toxicity tests to statistically analyze the MeHg and PCB distribution over a period of time. The area under study will be analyzed using remote sensing and GIS (Geographic Information Systems). The spatial mapping will help to accurately map the trends and hotspots of pollution. Through the analysis of the ASTER satellite imagery and geo-statistical modeling, a better understanding of the PCB and MeHg distribution trend and its effect on water quality changes will be developed.

Not Submitted

Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF, Oak Ridge Lab

Faculty Advisor: Maruthi Sridhar Balaji Bhaskar, bhaskarm@tsu.edu

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.

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