Identifier

etd-04092017-151022

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Sciences

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

The pesticides atrazine, chlorothalonil, and fipronil are common surface water contaminants due to their high rates of application and their chemical properties. This study investigates the introduction of contaminants into coastal wetlands via the Bayou Lamoque Mississippi River control structure in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. A protocol for environmental sampling using Continuous Low-level Aquatic Monitoring (C.L.A.M.) C-18 disks is described, along with effective solid phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) methodology for the determination of atrazine, chlorothalonil, and fipronil in surface water. Average concentrations of atrazine and chlorothalonil inside the Bayou Lamoque freshwater diversion structure for the months of June – August, 2016, were 24.5 ng/L and 3.5 ng/L, respectively. Fipronil was not detected in concentrations exceeding its method detection limit of 12.6 ng/L. Though the detected concentrations are innocuous to non-target organisms based on current ecotoxicity data, more research is needed to identify additional contaminants entering the wetlands via freshwater diversions.

Date

2017

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Secure the entire work for patent and/or proprietary purposes for a period of one year. Student has submitted appropriate documentation which states: During this period the copyright owner also agrees not to exercise her/his ownership rights, including public use in works, without prior authorization from LSU. At the end of the one year period, either we or LSU may request an automatic extension for one additional year. At the end of the one year secure period (or its extension, if such is requested), the work will be released for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Hooper-Bui, Linda

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.4601

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