Effects of pH on Lead Shot Solubility in Water and Sediment in Upstream and Downstream Locations from a Hunting Preserve in Minnesota

Presenter Information

Michael DeMars, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Cory Denzer, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Roland Pavek, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Alison Vikla, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

28-4-2009 10:00 AM

End Date

28-4-2009 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Biological Sciences

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Beth Proctor

Mentor's Department

Biological Sciences

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

The state of Minnesota banned the use of lead shot for migratory bird hunting in 1987 due to its harmful effects on the environment. There are over 53 sporting clay ranges in Minnesota and over 534 in the United States alone. A particular hunting preserve still commonly uses lead shot over and near navigable water sources for clay pigeon shooting and has been in operation since 1975. It is the 30^ largest hunting preserve in the U.S. in regards to number of targets thrown and is 1^^ in the state of Minnesota. Some years they throw as many as 215,000 targets which can result in up to 6.5 tons of lead being released. For this experiment we examined the effects pH had on mobilization of lead from lead shot in water and sediment. Water and sediment samples were collected upstream and downstream fi-om this hunting preserve. We manipulated the soil and water pH levels at 4.5, 6.0, and 8.0. We then placed virgin lead shot in the samples and tested the levels of Pb+ in the samples at 2 and 4 week intervals. We will present our results and discuss environmental significance.