SHS Student places 2nd at State Jr. Academy of Science

This past Saturday, April 16, at Winthrop University, Seneca High School Junior, Sally Cannon presented her science research project at the annual Junior Academy of Science’s state meeting. Her project was on the effect of weathering bullets on lead concentrations in soil and water. Sally became interested in the project after learning about the impacts of heavy metals and chemicals on human health and the environment. Sally collected soil from the Long Creek shooting range in Long Creek and set up PVC pipe soil columns with three different types of lead bullets, Sierra Soft Point, Hollow Tip, and Full Metal Jacket. After establishing the columns, she ran simulated rainwater through the columns and tested the water that came out of the bottom of the column for lead concentrations. Using an ICP machine, Sally’s results showed that the Sierra Soft Point was releasing the most lead into the soil at an average concentration of 3.75 parts per million or milligrams per liter. The results for the Hollow Point were an average concentration of 1.83 parts per million or milligrams per liter. The results for the Full Metal Jacket were an average concentration of 3.32 parts per million or milligrams per liter. The safe levels determined by the Environmental Protection Agency for lead in soils and water are in the parts per billion range or micrograms per liter. Sally’s research showed that lead leaching from any type of lead containing bullets was 1,000 times the safe limit. After presenting her project, Sally went on to receive second place in the Environmental Science division at the Junior Academy of Science State Meet. She was presented with a certificate and a $50 prize.