HR: 17:25h
AN: OS34B-05    [Abstracts]
TI: Sediment Monitoring at Vieques National Wildlife Refuge in Puerto Rico: Assessing the Current Conditions
AU: * Ithier-Guzmán, W
EM: ithiergu@marine.usf.edu
AF: University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. S. MSL-119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
AU: Mayo, M
EM: mmayo@marine.usf.edu
AF: University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. S. MSL-119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
AU: Pyrtle, A J
EM: apyrtle@marine.usf.edu
AF: University of South Florida, 140 Seventh Ave. S. MSL-119, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States
AB: Environmental monitoring and assessment of the current conditions of the sediment quality at the municipality of Vieques, Puerto Rico has been conducted during the past three years. Vieques underwent military practices since the creation of the US NAVY Atlantic Fleet Weapons Training Facility, resulting in the release of several contaminants, including heavy metals and depleted uranium. US Navy activities began during the 1960's and cease in 2001. Former US Navy lands were transferred to the US Fish and Wildlife Service creating the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge in 2003. This ongoing project focuses on the characterization of the sediment properties of the region. Surface and downcore sediment analysis has been conducted indicating the presence of Cs-137 in the sediments of the island of Vieques. Activity ranges from below detection limits to 0.01 Bq/g. Currently, ICP-OES analysis is being conducted to determine profiles and the likelihood of oxic, suboxic or anoxic conditions. Cs-137 retention is strongly influenced by particle grain size and clay mineralogy. X-ray diffraction analysis is being conducted to investigate adsorption and retention capacities of local sediment particles. Research findings will help guide future management practices and determine if this area serves as a sink for anthropogenic contaminants that could negatively impact the environmental quality.
DE: 3022 Marine sediments: processes and transport
SC: Ocean Sciences [OS]
MN: 2007 Joint Assembly