(PM140) Determination of heavy metal concentrations in sediment samples of Jobos Bay estuarine system.
Aldarondo, J1, Mansilla, I1, Rodriguez, C1, 1 Recinto de Ciencias Medicas, San Juan, Puerto Rico
ABSTRACT- Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR), located in the south coast, is the second largest estuary system of Puerto Rico. This system provides important habitats to endangered species. Agricultural, residential, and industrial development around JBNERR exerts pressure on this ecosystem. Toxic pollutants such as heavy metals originating from human activities could reach JBNERR resulting in adverse ecological effects. The objective of this study is to determine heavy metals in sediments of JBNERR. Sediment samples were collected from 14 different stations in JBNERR and from 5 stations in La Parguera (a reference site). Sediment samples will be homogenized, acid digested and analyzed by AAS to determine the levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), selenium (Se), and zinc (Zn). Also the percentage of humidity is going to be taken. Sampling method was done during the months of December and January. Sediments were collected with a stainless steel dredge and transferred in a crystal tray. At the crystal tray sediment was homogenized and then put in zip lock bags. A cleaning procedure was performed after each sampling site to the dredge, the crystal tray and the spatula with three times ddw, 1% Hydrochloric acid and three times ddw. All samples were placed in an ice cooler and transferred to the laboratory. At the laboratory sediment samples were stored at 4°C for further analysis.
Key words: AAS analysis, heavy metals, ecological effects