Monitoring Metal Containing Particulates Distribution on a College Campus Using Dandelion (<em>Taraxacum officinale</em>) Leaves as Receptors.

<p>This study aims to determine the distribution of particulates carrying heavy metals at selected sites on a college campus using dandelion leaves as collectors. As a comparison, sites far away from the campus surrounding Bristol Motor Speedway Car Racing Stadium were also monitored. To reduce the probability of memory effects from the long-term atmospheric deposition or absorption of metals from soil a seasonal plant, dandelion, was used to monitor the metal contents. The metals monitored are cadmium, calcium, copper, chromium, iron, lead, and zinc. Fourteen sites were monitored and samples were collected once a week initially (growing time of the plant), and later at 4-week interval from 28^th March to 31^st August of 2007. The metal contents of the nitric acid digested and appropriately diluted samples were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry using the regular standard calibration curve and also the standard addition method. From the results obtained, and the careful log of the weather and human activities at the different sites, it is concluded that human activities played a major role in the distribution of metal-laden particulates. Also dandelion leaves were proven to be viable collectors of these particulates without memory effects and as indicators of current particulates generated rather than a long-term cumulative one.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS (Master of Science)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - unrestricted

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemistry

Year dc:date.issued

2008

Author dc:creator

• Regmi, Suresh Chandra

• Particulates
• Atomic absorption spectrophotometer
• Heavy metal
• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemistry
• Environmental Chemistry
• Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright by the authors.

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/1976

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.etsu.edu:etd-3328