Depth-related variations of trace metal abundances in south Florida sediments

Authors

Donna Wade Booth, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Geosciences

First Advisor's Name

Rosemary Hickey-Vargas

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Florentin Maurrasse

Third Advisor's Name

Bradford Clement

Date of Defense

7-22-1992

Abstract

Variations in trace element abundances with depth in soils and sediments may be due to natural processes or reflect anthropogenic influences. The depth related variations of five major elements (Fe, Si, Al, Ca and Mg), seventeen trace elements (Mn, Cr, Ti, P, Ni, Ba, Sc, Sr, Sb, Zn, Pb, Cd, Co, V, Be, Cu and Y) and volatile loss patterns were examined for sediment cores from five sites in South Florida (Lake Okeechobee, SFWMD Water Conservation area 3B, F.I.U., the Everglades and Chekika State Recreation Area). Principal component analysis of the chemical data combined with microscopic examination of the soils reveal that depth-related variations can be explained by varying proportions of three natural soil constituents and one anthropogenic component. The results can be used as a geochemical baseline for human influence on South Florida soils.

Identifier

FI14051193

Recommended Citation

Booth, Donna Wade, "Depth-related variations of trace metal abundances in south Florida sediments" (1992). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1730.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1730