Leanna Conway

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Department of Chemistry

Ryan Research Group

 

 


SENIOR RESEARCH:

 

Lead contamination in soil is a serious issue in urban areas.  This is a concern because exposure to lead, either through inhalation or ingestion, can cause severe health issues for both children and adults.  My research investigates the use of spinach plants and turkey bones to remediate lead from contaminated soil samples.  In order to measure the absorption of lead by the spinach and turkey bones, a Niton field portable X-ray fluorescence (FP XRF) analyzer is being used.  The purpose of this work is to determine a cost efficient and easy solution to remove lead from soil.