"Elemental Characterization of Aerosols at Piney Point, MD

    High concentrations of atmospheric trace metals can cause adverse health effects. A common source of metals in aerosols is oil combustion. Cargo ships, such as the ones found at Piney Point, burn numerous gallons of bunker fuel while they unload oil and are unregulated by the EPA. Samples taken from Piney Point were compared to samples from the SMCM boathouse to determine if these ships were contributing trace metals to the air. The results showed significantly elevated values for Ni, Cu, and Pb at Piney Point, suggesting contamination by the activities at the oil offloading facility.