Background Characteristics of Soils of Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida: Selected Elements and Physical Properties

Schmalzer, Paul; Hensley, Melissa; Dunlevy, Colleen

Researchers figured background total concentrations of selected elements, classified soils into 10 classes, and then proceeded to sample 20 sites within each class. The data collected indicates that contamination in soil around KSC has not been widespread. We determined background total concentrations of selected elements, bulk density, cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH, and texture for surface soils of Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Merritt Island, a complex barrier island. We classified soils into 10 classes: coastal, acid scrub, coquina scrub, flatwoods, hammocks, freshwater wetlands, saltwater wetlands, citrus scrub, citrus hammock, and disturbed. Within each class, 20 sites were sampled, and the samples analyzed by standard techniques. Four elements (Sb, Be, Co, Ni) were always below detection. Barium, Cd, Se, Ag, and Tl were seldom detected. Arsenic, Cu, and Hg were above detection limits with intermediate frequency, while the other metals were frequently detected. Elements, above detection in >25% of samples, (Al, As, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mg, Mn, Hg, K, Na, V, and Zn) varied significantly among soil classes, as did bulk density, pH, and CEC (ANOVA, p<0.001), Chromium, Cu, Mn, and Zn concentrations were high in agricultural soils, due to sources in fertilizers or pesticides. Variation in other elements was related to soil origin, age, and degree of leaching. Bulk density was lower but CEC higher in soils where organic matter had accumulated. Mean grain size varied among soil classes; most were fine sands, but coastal and coquina scrub soils were medium sands due to the presence of shell fragments. These data indicate that contamination of KSC soils has not been widespread.

Background Characteristics of Soils of Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Florida: Selected Elements and Physical Properties

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