Date of Award

Spring 5-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Earth & Environmental Systems

First Advisor

Jennifer Latimer

Second Advisor

Jeffery Stone

Third Advisor

Karlyn Westover

Abstract

Contamination of soils from heavy metal pollution has been a global concern for decades. Heavy metals are released into the soil from natural and anthropogenic releases. The largest producers of heavy metal pollution include mining, industrial production, and the combustion of fossil fuels. Vigo County formed in 1818, and Terre Haute was established in 1832. After the discovery of coal in Clay County in 1867, Terre Haute became the third largest coal producer and fifth largest iron manufacturer in the state during that time. Lead, in particular, is a heavy metal of concern because of the harmful effects to humans following exposure. The largest lead reservoirs in the terrestrial environment are located in soils. Lead located in the surface soil predominately originates from atmospheric deposition and terrestrial environments are considered net sinks for atmospheric lead. However, lead can travel great distances in the atmosphere. The goal of this study was to assess lead in topsoil, determine the spatial distribution in an urban environment, and determine the bioavailability of lead in Terre Haute soils.

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