An innovative method for nondestructive analysis of cast iron artifacts at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is conducting research at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (fig. 1; see sidebar, page 53) in southeastern Pennsylvania to determine the fate of trace metals, such as arsenic, cobalt, and lead, released into the environment during the iron-smelting process. Arsenic is a carcinogen, cobalt is a suspected carcinogen, and lead can cause severe health problems.
Iron ore containing elevated quantities of trace metals was smelted at Hopewell Furnace during its 113 years of operation (1771-1883). The ore used at Hopewell Furnace was obtained from local mines, mainly the Jones and Hopewell mines, which were within 5 miles (8 km) of the furnace. The iron ore deposits were formed during the early Jurassic period about 200 million years ago. The deposits are mineralogically similar and contain abundant magnetite, the chief iron mineral, and accessory minerals enriched in arsenic, cobalt, copper, and other metals.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | An innovative method for nondestructive analysis of cast iron artifacts at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Pennsylvania |
| Series title | Park Science |
| Volume | 27 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | National Park Service |
| Publisher location | Corvallis, OR |
| Contributing office(s) | Pennsylvania Water Science Center |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 50 |
| Last page | 53 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Other Geospatial | Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |