Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metal Contamination in Los Angeles Harbor Sediments

摘要

There was little rainfall during the collection period. Significant rainfall would probably greatly increase the amount of contaminants entering the harbor from the Los Angeles River outfall. Polluted runoff, also known as nonpoint source pollution, is a leading cause of water quality problems (EPA 1994.) The frequency of water quality testing should increase during the rainy season. This study dealt solely with heavy metals. Bacteria and other organic pollutants were not included in the analysis. Much of the Southern California Bight is designated as a superfund site for DDT/PCB contamination. It should be noted that other contaminants in the LA Harbor are probable along with heavy metals. It is recommended that public safety divers working in the LA harbor use, at minimum, a dry suit made of vulcanized rubber, butyl rubber or trilaminate material, dry hood, dry gloves and a full face mask to avoid skin exposure and mitigate absorption of lead and mercury. Contacting or stirring up sediments should be avoided as much as possible. Neutral buoyancy skills are essential for divers in this environment. Collaboration with hazmat teams and following post-dive decontamination procedures could increase diver safety. The Clark Magnet High School Marine Science Research students responsible for this study have compiled their results into a single large poster (figure 4) and have distributed copies to public safety agencies that dive in the Los Angeles Harbor. Contact us if you are part of a team in the Los Angeles area that would like a copy of the poster. Other Clark Magnet High School Marine Science Research students involved with collection, documentation, GIS analysis and ROV operations for this study: Estella Baghdasaryan, Mason Dionne, Marty Fong, Argineh Ebrahimi, Christina Garibyan, Mary Gabrielyan, Lora Khatcherian, Narek Khudabakshyan, Alexandra Lemmer, Serly moosakhanian, Ani Orujyan, Andrea Peralta, Jaime Saavedra, Ararat Ter-Ghukasyan, Alice Topchyan, Arman Torosyan, Suze Uzuhyan, Adriana Valencia, Gayane Vardoyan, Rayhan Yacub, Garik Yeghiazaryan, Matthew Zari, Paulina Zarzuela