Some barrier-island dunes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy's storm surges in October 2012 have been reconstructed using sediments dredged from back bays. These sand-, clay-, and iron sulfide-rich sediments were used to make berm-like cores for the reconstructed dunes, which were then covered by beach sand. In November 2013, we sampled and analyzed partially weathered materials collected from the cores of reconstructed dunes. There are generally low levels of metal toxicants in the reconstructed dune materials. However oxidation of reactive iron sulfides by percolating rainwater produces acid-sulfate pore waters, which evaporate during dry periods to produce efflorescent gypsum and sodium jarosite salts. The results suggest use of sulfidic sediments in dune reconstruction has both drawbacks (e.g., potential to generate acid runoff from dune cores following rainfall, enhanced corrosion of steel bulwarks) and possible benefits (e.g., efflorescent salts may enhance structural integrity).
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Title | Environmental implications of the use of sulfidic back-bay sediments for dune reconstruction — Lessons learned post Hurricane Sandy |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.051 |
| Authors | Geoffrey S. Plumlee, William Benzel, Todd M. Hoefen, Philip L. Hageman, Suzette A. Morman, Timothy J. Reilly, Monique Adams, Cyrus J. Berry, Jeffrey Fischer, Irene Fisher |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | Marine Pollution Bulletin |
| Index ID | 70184451 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Crustal Geophysics and Geochemistry Science Center; Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
Related Content
William Benzel
Physical Scientist
Todd Hoefen
Geophysicist
Philip L Hageman (Former Employee)
Research Physical Scientist
Suzette A Morman (Former Employee)
Research Physical Scientist
Timothy Reilly
Environmental Health Deputy Program Coordinator
Related Content
- Connect
William Benzel
Physical ScientistEmailPhoneTodd Hoefen
GeophysicistEmailPhonePhilip L Hageman (Former Employee)
Research Physical ScientistSuzette A Morman (Former Employee)
Research Physical ScientistTimothy Reilly
Environmental Health Deputy Program CoordinatorEmailPhone