Heavy Metal Profile of Lake Thurmond, SC/GA

Andrew M. Jeffers III and Albert Dukes III

In this study, we report the results of heavy metal concentration in samples of water and sediment collected from various sites on Lake Thurmond, on the Georgia-South Carolina border. Due to the toxicity of higher concentrations of certain metals in bodies of water it is essential to build a profile of heavy metal concentration to ensure that the level of heavy metals is within the guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency. The concentrations of the metals was measured utilizing graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Water samples were preserved with the addition of nitric acid. Heavy metals were extracted from sediment samples via a nitric acid/hydrogen peroxide digestion. The results of the measurements were compared to the naturally occurring background levels and the safety guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Andrew Jeffers graduated from White Knoll High School in Red Bank. He is a first generation college student majoring in chemistry. Andrew is active in the Lander University Microscopy Association, and has conducted an independent research project that was presented at the USC Upstate Research Symposium.