PROJECT PROFILE: CASH-MAP
CAmden Stormwater Heavy-Metal Analysis and mapping Project
About
This project will analyze stormwater samples collected by Camden, NJ, residents from flooded basements and yards after heavy rain events. The samples will be analyzed for lead and other heavy metal contaminants (mercury, cadmium, arsenic) to identify potential heavy metal exposure to children and community members. Finally, a GIS-based map will be created to investigate contaminant trends related to land use and socioeconomic variables.
Camden has a rich industrial history, which has resulted in many different types of legacy contaminants deposited in soils around the city. Across the Delaware River in Philadelphia, it has been observed that the concentration of the toxic heavy metal lead (Pb) in the blood of children is correlated with the amount of Pb in the soil where the children live, suggesting that the children of Camden are also at risk for Pb poisoning. Alarmingly, Pb impairs the development of the central nervous system in children, leading to reduced cognitive ability and lower IQ. The situation in Camden is further complicated by the city’s combined sewer and stormwater infrastructure, which commonly floods into neighborhoods, parks, rivers, and creeks after moderate to heavy rain events that are increasing in frequency in the region due to climate change. Of particular concern is contaminated stormwater/sewer overflow flooding into the basements of Camden residents and subsequent human exposure.
Rowan University was awarded a $25,000 grant from the South Jersey Institute for Population Health (SJIPH).
Please contact meenar@rowan.edu with any questions.
Camden
New Jersey
Introduction to the project + Instructions for participants
How to collet dust sample
How to collect water sample
CASH-MAP project introduction
Please check out the two video instructions - how to collect dust samples and water samples. Also, there is a third video about the project.
Written instructions to collect dust and water samples >> Dust sampling instructions | Water Sampling Instructions
Prior to a major storm event, we will notify you. Once you collect samples, please contact us so that we can schedule a time to pick up the samples from your home.
Please text Ben Woodward at 856-298-6890. If there are any issues with texting, you may also call the same number.
Please remember to mention your name, address, and callback number.
Alternatively, you can email Dr. Meenar at meenar@rowan.edu.
Project Team
Mahbubur Meenar, Ph.D. (Lead-PI, Rowan University)
Thivanka Ariyarathna, Ph.D. (Co-PI, Rowan University)
David Salas de la Cruz, Ph.D. (Co-PI, Rutgers University-Camden)
Community Partner
Shaneka Boucher (Social Responsibility Through Me, Camden)
Research Collaborators
Eli Moore, Ph.D., Research Chemist, U.S. Geological Survey
Jonathan Foglein, Laboratory Technician, Rowan University
Scott Schreiber, Executive Director, Camden County Municipal Utilities Authority
Flooding in Camden
Read the report "Camden: Rising Above the Floodwaters" by New Jersey Future
Camden flooding pictures. Courtesy: CBS News
Photo: Susan Harris
Courtesy: NJ Future
Major Tasks
Recruit Camden residents to collect stormwater samples from flooded basements and yards after heavy rain events
Analyze stormwater samples for lead and other heavy metal contaminants (mercury, cadmium, arsenic) to identify potential heavy metal exposure to children and community members
Create maps of heavy metal concentrations and investigate contaminant trends related to land use, socioeconomic, and public health factors
