Tree Core Analysis for Heavy Metal Carcinogens in a Childhood Cancer Cluster

Anne Nigra, Oberlin College

Location

Science Center, A154

Document Type

Presentation

Start Date

4-25-2014 4:00 PM

End Date

4-25-2014 5:15 PM

Abstract

To test the hypothesis that heavy metal contamination of groundwater contributed to higher rates of childhood cancer in a rural northwest Ohio cancer cluster, we analyzed cores from eastern cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) for heavy metal contamination via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We found, first, that cadmium concentrations were greater in cores from trees sampled in the cluster area, compared to those sampled in the control area and, second, that cadmium contamination in cores collected within the cluster area was highest in growth rings deposited during the years preceding the observed increase in frequency of childhood cancer.

Notes

Session III, Panel 12 - Risk, Regulation, and Response: Biological Studies of Muscle Contraction, Carcinogens, and Black-Capped Chickadees
Moderator: Marta Laskowski, Professor of Biology

Major

Biology

Advisor(s)

Mary Garvin, Biology

Project Mentor(s)

Mary Garvin, Biology

April 2014

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Apr 25th, 4:00 PM Apr 25th, 5:15 PM

Tree Core Analysis for Heavy Metal Carcinogens in a Childhood Cancer Cluster

Science Center, A154

To test the hypothesis that heavy metal contamination of groundwater contributed to higher rates of childhood cancer in a rural northwest Ohio cancer cluster, we analyzed cores from eastern cottonwoods (Populus deltoides) for heavy metal contamination via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We found, first, that cadmium concentrations were greater in cores from trees sampled in the cluster area, compared to those sampled in the control area and, second, that cadmium contamination in cores collected within the cluster area was highest in growth rings deposited during the years preceding the observed increase in frequency of childhood cancer.