Comparison of phytoextraction and cold vapor atomic absorption in assessment of mercury in soils
- Duquesne Univ., Pittsburgh, PA (United States)
The accumulation of uranium in pine needles has long been used as an exploration tool for uranium minerals. Recently, phytoextraction and rhizofiltration - the use of plants to remove heavy metals from contaminated soils - has seen application in bioremediation attempts. We have studied the distribution of mercury in soils of Western Pennsylvania by cold vapor atomic absorption methods and discovered anomalously high values in certain recent geological formations. Values approaching 400 ppb total mercury were found at depths as shallow as 6-8 inches in lake bottom sediments. Most of this mercury was tied up in organic form. Western Pennsylvania average total mercury content is 57 ppb (8 inorganic: 49 organic). This study presents the results of phytoextraction: using perennial root plant systems in areas previously studied and comparisons made of the results obtained by the sediment AA and phytoextraction methods.
- OSTI ID:
- 214576
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950801-; TRN: 96:000922-0044
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 210. national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), Chicago, IL (United States), 20-25 Aug 1995; Other Information: PBD: 1995; Related Information: Is Part Of 210th ACS national meeting. Part 1 and 2; PB: 1866 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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