| Title: | Elevated in-home sediment contaminant concentrations - the consequence of a particle settling-winnowing process from Hurricane Katrina floodwaters |
| Author(s): | Ashley NA; Valsaraj KT; Thibodeaux LJ; |
| Address: | "Cain Department of Chemical Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA. nashle1@lsu.edu" |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.07.010 |
| ISSN/ISBN: | 0045-6535 (Print) 0045-6535 (Linking) |
| Abstract: | "Sediment samples were collected from two homes which were flooded in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. The samples were analyzed for trace metals and semi-volatile organic compounds using techniques based on established EPA methods. The data showed higher concentrations of some metals and semi-volatile organic pollutants than reported in previous outdoor sampling events of soils and sediments. The Lake Pontchartrain sediments became resuspended during the hurricane, and this material subsequently was found in the residential areas of New Orleans following levee breaches. The clay and silt particles appear to be selectively deposited inside homes, and sediment contaminant concentrations are usually greatest within this fraction. Re-entry advisories based on outdoor sample concentration results may have under-predicted the exposure levels to homeowners and first responders. All contaminants found in the sediment sampled in this study have their origin in the sediments of Lake Pontchartrain and other localized sources" |
| Keywords: | Cities *Disasters Environmental Monitoring Fresh Water Geologic Sediments/*analysis/chemistry Louisiana Metals/*analysis Organic Chemicals/*analysis Particle Size Pesticides/*analysis Seawater Soil Pollutants/*analysis/chemistry Time Factors Volatilizatio; |
| Notes: | "MedlineAshley, Nicholas A Valsaraj, Kalliat T Thibodeaux, Louis J eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't England 2007/08/29 Chemosphere. 2008 Jan; 70(5):833-40. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2007.07.010. Epub 2007 Aug 27" |
