Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Julie Peller

College

Arts and Sciences

Discipline(s)

Chemistry, Environmental Science

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 2024

Abstract

One effective way to measure exposure to heavy metals, microplastics, and other contaminants is by studying road sediment. This sediment can include particles that travel along the road, as well as particles from tires and the metals in cars. In this study, we examined the roadside sediment at seven sites in Valparaiso, Indiana. Each sample was analyzed for microplastics, metal content, and carbon content. In order to test for microplastics, the samples underwent a density separation in a ZnCl2 solution and vacuum filtration to isolate plastic particles. The filtered samples were treated with a hydrogen peroxide solution under UV light conditions to eliminate the organic material from the samples. The samples were analyzed through RAMAN spectroscopy. Traces of several plastics were found, including polyurethane, nylon, and polyamide. In connection to the road dust samples, a carbon analysis was performed by submitting samples of road dust in an oven at 100 °C, 500 °C and 1000 °C. Carbon percentage was collected at 500°C and carbonate at 1000°C. Results indicated high percentages of carbonate on Laport from the roundabout going to Valparaiso Marketplace. High carbon percentages were found at 7A Indiana Ave.

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