Intro to Main Research Topic

I am in the process of finalizing which standard reference materials to buy. It looks like I will be buying samples of natural water and soil similar to the type within the area (loam/sand). I as well might buy heavy metals (specifically nickel). Possibly, drinking water will be bought as well. I am currently consulting with the company on what product I should buy.

Why Natural Water?

Before I was testing the schools drinking, but now I am looking to test waters on a much large scale. I will be going to the Albany Pine Bush and testing their natural well water and water from the Kromma Kill stream located by Al-Tech Steel (an old Superfund site). We should be aware of the natural waters that surround us, especially if they pose a threat.

I also plan on doing a follow up study for the drinking water at Siena College.

Why Soil?

Why not study soil? is the greater question. Soil surrounds all landlocked bodies of water. This means sediment and runoff from soil can get into water. If we test the water and find harmful chemicals then we know it came from a point/non-point source. By testing soil we can find where the pollution originated from.

Lets also think about soil recreationally. When you play football and slide in the grass. When you garden. When you lay in a field. This is all soil making contact with your body. If there are high levels of dangerous contaminates in the soil then you should know.

To learn more about the soil near you go to:

http://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm

This site allows you to zoom in on your area and view the soil type and amount of samples taken.

VHG Lab

VHG Lab has contacted me and said that they would be more than happy to create a calibration sample for us.

Sample Areas

The Albany Pine Bush is a forest preserve that is next to the Albany landfill. They are in the process of converting the landfill into forest preserve land. This is great area to test water and see if their hard work is paying off.

The Kromma Kill has a much sadder story. The Kromma Kill stream is located across the street from a super fund site and next to rail road tracks. This superfund site is famous for releasing high levels of nickle. I plan on taking water and soil samples to see what area is causing the most damage to the stream. This is especially useful to Dr. Kolozsvary with her research on the Kromma Kill watershed.