Soil Trace Element Concentrations on a Historic Maine Island

Abstract

Trace elements in soils are toxic in high concentrations, and some, like lead, are toxic to humans while having no beneficial effects. Trace elements can occur naturally, or can result from human activities such as automobile use, boat and house paint, and agriculture. Peaks Island, lying approximately 2.4 km (1.5 miles) to the east of Portland, Maine, is home to about 940 year‐round residents. The island's military history coupled with the intensive residential and recreational land use gives many residents cause for concern, especially residents interested in preserving the island's areas of natural beauty and historical importance. The purpose of this project was to conduct a pilot investigation of the extent of residential surface soil trace element contamination on Peaks Island. Soil samples were collected from residential yards on Peaks Island and analyzed for trace element concentrations (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) using emission spectroscopy. Trace element concentrations were highly variable, with elevated levels found in samples from all parts of the island. Several elements correlated strongly with each other, suggesting a possible common source. There does not seem to be a relationship between elevated soil trace element concentrations and past military land use, but the presence of contamination in densely populated and growing areas of Peaks Island is a concern.