•  
  •  
 

Faculty Advisor

James Montgomery

Abstract

Lead is a heavy metal that can be found in every part of our planet. Human activities like the extraction of fossil fuels and degradation of construction materials can release lead into the environment, where it travels and accumulates in places like our soil or water. Despite efforts to lower the use of lead-based materials within the last fifty years, lead contamination remains as a threat to public health and safety. Elevated blood lead levels are known to cause a variety of health issues particularly for young children and pregnant women. This study aims to measure, map, and analyze the distribution of soil lead concentrations along parkways in Chicago’s Community Areas of West Ridge and Near South Side. Sample locations along parkways were selected at random by census tract and analyzed for lead concentration. The average soil lead concentration for each census tract was mapped using ArcGIS Pro to visualize and compare the distribution across both community areas. The USEPA’s Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic Model (IEUBK) was then used to predict blood lead levels and percent exceedance for children under the age of seven years. Visualizations showed a noticeable increase in soil lead concentration in West Ridge over Near South Side, however statistical analyses revealed that there is not a significant difference between soil lead concentrations in the two communities. It was found that despite only having a minimal difference between soil lead concentrations, children in both communities have the risk of elevated blood levels and solutions for remediation should be considered.

Download

Share

COinS