DSTR 21 |
| Hurricane Katrina mobilized land-based contaminants as well as a significant quantity of bottom sediments. Consequently, previously buried, reduced sediments and microorganisms were exposed to the oxygenated water column, abruptly altering the fate of redox active sediment-bound heavy metal contaminants and the microbial community structure. This study examines the effect of hurricane Katrina on sediment biogeochemical regimes and natural attenuation of heavy metal contaminants. Mississsippi Sound sediment heavy metal distribution, porewater chemical data, and microbial community data are being monitored over time post-Katrina, and when possible, compared to pre-Katrina data. Depth profiles of box cores were analyzed for pH, conductivity, pore water components including SO42-, NH4+, and total TCO2, microbial community structure using fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), and heavy metal concentration and association with solid sediment phases after sequential extraction using ICP. This monitors the natural recovery of environmentally significant variables in sediments after a catastrophic event. |
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Recovery from and Prevention of Natural Disasters
1:00 PM-5:05 PM, Tuesday, 12 September 2006 Moscone Center -- Room 300, Oral
Recovery From & Prevention of Natural Disasters |