Speciation and Spatial distribution of Cr, Cu and As from CCA Treated Fences Across the KY Landscape.

The presentation will address the influence of soil physiochemical properties and landscape position on the mobility, bioavailability and subsequent spatial distribution of Chromium, Copper and Arsenic from pressure treated wood fences transecting the KY landscape.   Arsenic, Chromium and Copper are ubiquitous contaminants in soils throughout the world as a result of both anthropogenic (e.g. mining, biosolid, manure and pesticide applications) and geogenic (e.g.  via enriched soil parent materials some shales found in KY) processes.  Arsenic and chromium are of particular concern because of their inherent toxicity at very low concentrations.  The fate of these metals in the environment, regardless of their source, is largely governed by their chemical form (i.e. oxidation state or speciation) which is influenced by a variety of soil physiochemical properties.  The many kilometers of fences in KY (and throughout the country) provide a unique opportunity to study the influence of a wide variety of soil types and landscape positions on the environmental fate of Cr, Cu and As which would otherwise be un-reproducible in the lab.  Therefore, we propose to use these fences to collect information regarding the soil and landscape properties that influence Cr, Cu and As mobility and bioavailability in KY soils which will be useful for making better management decisions regarding the use and disposal of these materials. We also propose to analyze plant samples growing in the Cr, Cu and As enriched soils adjacent to the fence posts in various natural, agricultural and residential settings along the selected row of fence to evaluate potential ecological impacts of these metals via animal or insect herbivory.