Photo by V. Miller
Sept. 6, 2006
Lead and Arsenic Contamination
An Analysis of Lead and Arsenic Contamination Levels in Butterfield Creek
Spencer Larson, 14, Springville, Utah.
Finalist, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2005
Project background: Spencer read a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detailing possible lead and arsenic contamination in his area. He hypothesized that he would find evidence of unacceptably high concentrations of lead and arsenic in soils that drained into nearby Herriman and Butterfield Creeks. His interest in local geography and history, along with a desire to learn about environmental toxins, made this an ideal project.
Tactics and results: Spencer collected soil samples of the same size and depth in a number of locations in the area. He dried the samples and analyzed them with a technique called inductively coupled plasma testing.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Lead and arsenic levels in the soil samples were above EPA standards. This is a concern because of the housing development in this area of Utah.
2003 DCYSC Project: Stomata Count Differences of Selected Coniferous Trees
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/articles/20040623/ScienceFairZone.asp .
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