The objective of this project is to demonstrate and validate a microelectrode geochemical observatory (MGO) based on voltammetry for the monitoring of deleterious metals in contaminated sediments.  Application of this technology may replace or reduce the frequency of periodic coring activities needed for long-term metal monitoring efforts and provide continuous data for dissolved metals of concern at contaminated sediment sites.  To date voltammetric methods have principally been used in situ to measure naturally present iron, manganese, and sulfur species in sediments.  We report here efforts to measure lead, zinc, and copper under ideal lab conditions and in sediment pore waters.  Initial lab studies show that we can measure Pb and Zn down to 20 and 40 �g/L in the absence of organic ligands.  Studies using sediment pore waters will assess the effects of natural ligands e.g., dissolved organic matter as well as naturally occurring metals on electrode response.

Microelectrode geochemical observatory for in situ monitoring of metals concentration and mobility in contaminated sediments

244th National Meeting (2012)

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