The primary goal of this project is to develop a new sample-to-answer, in-situ micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) probe that can rapidly determine hot-spot locations of metal contamination and what areas do or do not require dredging. This tool could make the resource management process significantly more cost effective.

The intended outcome of the project is a working prototype for real-time, in-situ quantification of metals concentrations in marine sediments. It is anticipated that this product can be used in future studies to push sediment management state of the art forward.

There are many areas in the New York/New Jersey Harbor that will be dredged for environmental reasons; the authors have particular interest in the deposition of sediments in recently dredged areas and extent to which “new” sediments contribute to contamination in a specific area.