DETECTION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE SALT MARSH SUCCULENT GLASSWORT (SALICORNIA SPP) BY X-RAY FLOURESCENCE

Heavy metals accumulate in coastal ecosystems such as salt marshes and are known to impact both terrestrial and aquatic life. Without a method of remediation for high levels of metal contaminants, metals can leech and dissolve into water systems, which affect coastal communities, both on shore and in the water. Heavy metals can accumulate in high concentrations in plants, as well shorebird and fish tissue, which poses health risks and lowers fecundity to these species. Certain salt marsh plants such as the succulent, Glasswort (Salicornia spp) are known to bioaccumulate heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc, and have been suggested as a possible phytoremediation strategy for contaminated sediments. However, a rapid field method to screen plants’ effectiveness at taking up heavy metals has not been commonly adopted. Therefore, we are evaluating portable X-ray fluorescence as a method for rapidly screening plant tissue samples for a variety of heavy metals in the field. We are examining water content, plant status, parts of the plant impacts, sediment concentration, sample size, processing method on this analysis. These screening measurements on metal contents can help guide more detailed sampling for laboratory analysis and may also allow community stakeholder input into sampling and assessment of heavy metals in coastal environments.

Presentation Preference: Poster

Primary Presenter: Camille Maxwell, University of Massachusetts Boston (maxcamalex@outlook.com)

Authors:

Camille Maxwell, University of Massachussetts Boston  (maxcamalex@outlook.com)

Emily Zlevor, University of Massachusetts Boston  (Emily.Zlevor001@umb.edu)

Daniel Brabander, Wellesley College  (dbraband@wellesley.edu)

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

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