Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Controls On The Distribution Of Asarco Heavy Metals In Tacoma-Area Lakes, Angelica J. Calderon

Summer Research

Lake sediments and soils within the South Puget Sound region contain elevated levels of Pb, As, Cu, Zn, and other metals as a result of ASARCO smelting operations. While significant work has been done on determining the extent of heavy metal pollution, little research has been directed toward the distribution of heavy metals in local lake sediments. Field work, including lake coring, deploying of sediment traps, and collecting soils coupled with geochemical analysis will provide the tools to better understand the local lake chemistry. Previous work by Puget Sound students and faculty has established that sediment profiles do not correspond …