ABSTRACT

In September of 1996, the Center for Applied Isotope Studies at the University of Georgia (CAIS) worked in conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey to conduct a regional bottom sediment survey of Lake Pontchartrain. Using a CAIS-developed rapid survey system for in situ collection of data and samples, more than 750 surficial sediment samples were collected over the entire lake region. The samples have been analyzed for elemental content using non-destructive energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Preliminary analytical results and elemental distribution maps clearly indicated the areas of greatest concern, which coincided with many of the known sources of contaminant inputs such as oil and gas platforms, harbors and marinas, sewage outfalls, and the north shore bayous that receive agricultural wastes. The analytical results provide a baseline of elemental distribution values for the lakebed to enable appropriate ecosystems management and eventual environmental restoration of the basin.