Open Collections

Gosselin, Emma; Johnson, Lauren; MacKay, Sam; Reich, Megan

Coal trains are scheduled to pass through the Delta Nature Reserve in fall of 2015. The Burns Bog Conservation Society is concerned about the possible effects of coal contamination on the bog ecosystem. Due to this, baseline data on soil chemistry has been collected for the Delta Nature Reserve in Delta, British Columbia to study the current soil conditions. Soil samples were taken at 34 different sites around the reserve. The metal concentrations in the samples were determined using ICP-­‐MS analysis, and were compared to soil standards and concentrations found in coal. Carbon and Nitrogen isotopic values were determined using isotope ratio mass spectrometry. A spatial analysis was also conducted on the Delta Nature Reserve. The results showed that soil samples exceeded the standard concentrations for lead, arsenic, copper, zinc, selenium and cobalt in some locations, based on comparison to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment soil standards for agriculture and residential areas. Results did not indicate current contamination from coal. From our analysis, it can be seen that arsenic, copper, and zinc concentrations are higher closer to the train track running along the northeastern side of the reserve. The baseline data and analysis will allow the Burns Bog Conservation Society to conduct future studies on soil contamination in the reserve. This baseline data is essential because it will allow for comparison between current and future soil content as development occurs around the bog.

Text

University of British Columbia. ENVR 400

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0074574

Science, Faculty of; Earth and Ocean Sciences, Department of

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/