ASSESSING HEAVY METAL/METALLOID CONTAMINATION IN VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO, WITH HANDHELD X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNOLOGY

From 1941 to 2003, Vieques, Puerto Rico, was a site of extensive military testing, during which artillery was detonated across various parts of the island. Over time, concerns about public health escalated due to increasing evidence of contamination. Our study focuses on heavy metals and metalloids commonly associated with military activity such as lead, uranium, antimony, tungsten, copper, as well as arsenic, nickel, and cadmium. Using a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer, we aim to estimate contamination levels in residential areas of the island. The portability and rapid analysis provided by XRF should allow for efficient identification of areas of concern which will be spatially mapped. Further quantitative analysis will be conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to provide ground truthing and more precise measurements. This analysis will determine both total concentrations and speciation of key contaminants, providing some insights into the bioavailability and mobility of the metals/metalloids, and their potential sources. Throughout the entire process, we will engage community members through workshops, selection of sampling sites, soil sampling, and data reporting, to ensure that our research addresses local concerns and is community driven. Through this collaboration, we aim to offer a clearer understanding of the environmental risks faced by Vieques residents and inform strategies for potential remediation efforts.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Emily Zlevor, University of Massachusetts Boston (emily.zlevor001@umb.edu)

Authors:

Emily Zlevor, University of Massachusetts Boston  (emily.zlevor001@umb.edu)

Peng Ho, University of Massachusetts Boston  (peng.ho@umb.edu)

Camille Maxwell, University of Massachusetts Boston  (camille.maxwell001@umb.edu)

Karen Johannesson, University of Massachusetts Boston  (karen.johannesson@umb.edu)

Robert Chen, University of Massachusetts Boston  (bob.chen@umb.edu)

Dan Brabander, University of Wellesley  (dbraband@wellesley.edu)