title: Distribution of toxic trace elements in soil/sediment in post-Katrina New Orleans and the Louisiana Delta.
abstract: This study provided a comprehensive assessment of seven toxic trace elements (As, Pb, V, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Hg) in the soil/sediment of Katrina affected greater New Orleans region 1 month after the recession of flood water. Results indicated significant contamination of As and V and non-significant contamination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg and Pb at most sampling sites. Compared to the reported EPA Region 6 soil background inorganic levels, except As, the concentrations of other six elements had greatly increased throughout the studied area; St. Bernard Parish and Plaquemines Parish showed greater contamination than other regions. Comparison between pre- and post-Katrina data in similar areas, and data for surface, shallow, and deep samples indicated that the trace element distribution in post-Katrina New Orleans was not obviously attributed to the flooding. This study suggests that more detailed study of As and V contamination at identified locations is needed.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Research Center (ERC), Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO 65409, USA.
authors.forename: Tingzhi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Shi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shu
authors.forename: Honglan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shi
authors.forename: Jianmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Emitt C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Witt