Geochemical Data for Core and Bottom-Sediment Samples

Collected in 2007 from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, 

Northeast Oklahoma

By David L. Fey, Mark F. Becker, and Kathleen S. Smith

Open-File Report 2010–1298

U.S. Department of the Interior

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

KEN SALAZAR, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

Marcia K. McNutt, Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2010

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Suggested citation:

Fey, D.L., Becker, M.F., and Smith, K.S., Geochemical data for core and bottom-sediment samples collected in 2007 

from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, northeast Oklahoma: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2010–1298, 70 p.

Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government. 

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual 

copyright owners to reproduce any copyrighted material contained within this report.
iii

Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................... 1

Methods......................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Sediment Core Collection and Preparation................................................................................................................ 3

Bottom Sediment Collection and Preparation ............................................................................................................ 5

Sample Localities and Descriptions ........................................................................................................................... 6

X-Ray Diffraction Analyses ........................................................................................................................................ 7

Multi-Element Analysis............................................................................................................................................... 9

Forms of Carbon Analyses......................................................................................................................................... 9

Results..........................................................................................................................................................................10

Bottom-Sediment Samples (Table 1–2) ....................................................................................................................10

Core GLOC-9 Elk River Arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees (Table 1–3) .............................................................12

Core GLOC-2 Neosho River above Reservoir (Table 1–4).......................................................................................14

Core GLOC-3 Spring River above Reservoir (Table 1–5).........................................................................................15

Core GLOC-7 Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees Reservoir (Table 1–6)........................................................................16

Core GLOC-8 Confluence of Neosho and Spring Rivers (Table 1–7).......................................................................17

Summary and Conclusion.............................................................................................................................................18

Acknowledgments ........................................................................................................................................................19

References ...................................................................................................................................................................19

Appendix 1. Analytical Data..........................................................................................................................................21

Appendix 2. Data Quality Control and Quality Assessment ..........................................................................................50

Sources of Geochemical Variation and Methods for Assuring Data Quality..............................................................50

Quality Control Samples ...........................................................................................................................................50

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measurement .....................................................................................................51

Quality Assessment of Data......................................................................................................................................53

Precision Analysis .................................................................................................................................................54

Accuracy Analysis .................................................................................................................................................55

SRM NIST 2709.................................................................................................................................................55

SRM NIST 2711.................................................................................................................................................57

SRM NIST 8704.................................................................................................................................................59

SRM CCRMP SO-3 ...........................................................................................................................................61

SRM USGS DGPM-1 ........................................................................................................................................63

Reference Material USGS GSP-QC.................................................................................................................65

Reference Material USGS SAR-L .....................................................................................................................67

Reference Material USGS SAR-M ....................................................................................................................69

Figures

 1. Location map for samples taken in the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees area in northeast Oklahoma .............. 2

2. Pontoon boat coring platform.......................................................................................................................... 3

3. Close-up view of mechanical vibrator attached to core barrel......................................................................... 4

4. Simple gravity corer used to collect reservoir bottom-sediment samples........................................................ 5

 1–1. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium, lead, and zinc for background core GLOC-9 .....................13

 1–2. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium, lead, and zinc for core GLOC-2 ........................................14
iv

 1–3. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium, lead, and zinc for core GLOC-3 ........................................15

 1–4. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium, lead, and zinc for core GLOC-7 ........................................16

 1–5. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium, lead, and zinc for core GLOC-8 ........................................17

 2–1. Precision plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses based on three estimates of variance .........................54

2–2. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material NIST 2709.................55

2–3. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material NIST 2711.................57

2–4. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material NIST 8704.................59

2–5. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material CCRMP SO-3............61

2–6. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material USGS DGPM-1 .........63

2–7. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for reference material USGS GSP-QC........................65

 2–8. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for refernce material USGS SAR-L .............................67

 2–9. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for refernce material USGS SAR-M ............................69

Tables

1. Field numbers, sample localities, dates, and site descriptions for core and reservoir bottom-sediment 

samples taken from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, September 2007............................................................ 6

2. Field numbers, water depths, and visual sample descriptions for core and reservoir bottom-sediment 

samples taken from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, September 2007............................................................ 7

 3. Field numbers and mineralogy by X-ray diffraction for subsamples from cores GLOC-2, GLOC-3, and 

GLOC-7 from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees .................................................................................................. 8

 4. Crustal abundance values for elements analyzed in this report .....................................................................10

 1–1. Elements analyzed, instrument used, reporting limits, and mean of eight procedure blanks for four-acid 

digestion procedure........................................................................................................................................21

 1–2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees bottom-sediment sample analyses ................................................................22

 1–3. Core sediment background sample analyses for GLOC-9, Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees......................................................................................................................................................26

 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees......................................................................................................................................................30

 1–5. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-3, Spring River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees...40

 1–6. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-7, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 4 kilometers downstream 

from Highway 2 bridge ...................................................................................................................................44

 1–7. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-8, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees at confluence of Spring 

and Neosho Rivers.........................................................................................................................................48

 2–1. Summary statistics for assessing analytical precision for carbonate carbon, total carbon, and 26 elements

by ICP-AES/MS .............................................................................................................................................52

 2–2. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 2709......................................................................................................................................................56

 2–3. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 2711......................................................................................................................................................58

 2–4. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 8704......................................................................................................................................................60

 2–5. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

CCRMP SO-3 ................................................................................................................................................62

 2–6. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

USGS DGPM-1 ..............................................................................................................................................64

 2–7. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

GSP-QC.........................................................................................................................................................66
v

 2–8. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

SAR-L ............................................................................................................................................................68

 2–9. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

SAR-M ...........................................................................................................................................................70
vi

Conversion Factors

Inch/Pound to SI

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in) 2.54 centimeter (cm)

inch (in) 0.0254 meter (m)

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter (m)

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer (km)

Area

square mile (mi2) 2.590 square kilometer (km2) 

Mass

ounce, avoirdupois (oz) 28.35 gram (g) 

pound, avoirdupois (lb) 453.6 gram (g)

ton, short (2,000 lb) 0.9072 megagram (Mg) 

SI to Inch/Pound 

Multiply By To obtain

Length

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch (in)

meter (m) 39.37 inch (in)

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft) 

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi)

Area

square kilometer (km2) 0.3861 square mile (mi2)

Mass

gram (g) 0.03527 ounce, avoirdupois (oz)

gram (g) 0.002205 pound avoirdupois (lb)

megagram (Mg) 1.102 ton, short (2,000 lb)

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows:

°F=(1.8×°C)+32

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

°C=(°F-32)/1.8

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84).

Horizontal coordinate information is referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984 (WGS84).

Altitude, as used in this report, refers to distance above the vertical datum.

Concentrations of chemical constituents in solid samples are given in either percent (%), parts per million (ppm), or parts per 

billion (ppb). 
1

Geochemical Data for Core and Bottom-Sediment 

Samples Collected in 2007 from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees, Northeast Oklahoma

By David L. Fey, Mark F. Becker, and Kathleen S. Smith

Introduction

The Tri-State Mining District, a Mississippi Valley–type (MVT) zinc-lead district, covers an 

area of about 1,200 square miles (mi2) (3,108 square kilometers [km2]) in northeast Oklahoma, 

southwest Missouri, and southeast Kansas. The district was active from about 1850 to 1970 and during 

much of this time was the largest producer of zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) ore in the world. Over the lifespan 

of the district, more than 4,000 mines produced 23 million tons of zinc concentrate and 4 million tons of 

lead concentrate (Brosius and Sawin, 2001). Gibson (1982) estimated the district total production at 8.8 

million tons zinc and 1.7 million tons lead. 

A consequence of 120 years of mining activity in the district was the distribution on the surface 

of between 165 and 300 million tons of processed mine tailings (chat), the majority of which has been 

used as road aggregate or has eroded into nearby drainages. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has 

estimated that 75 million tons of chat remain in the district (Andrews and others, 2009; State of 

Oklahoma, 2000). This material contains elevated concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead, and zinc 

(Andrews and others, 2009; Juracek and Becker, 2009), which can be transported by water and wind 

into nearby receiving streams, ponds, and rivers. Seepage from flooded mine workings and the leaching 

of chat material can also transport dissolved metals to local surface water (Andrews and others, 2009). 

The metals are transported either as dissolved aqueous species downstream (Carroll and others, 1998), 

as mineral grains entrained in bottom sediment, or through sorbtion to colloidal material or clay that 

becomes incorporated into the bottom sediment of streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs (Andrews and 

others, 2009). Accumulation of these metals in sediments downstream from the district is recognized as 

a potential hazard to aquatic life (Pope, 2005; Andrews and others, 2009). 

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a large reservoir in northeast Oklahoma, below the confluence 

of the Neosho and Spring Rivers, both of which drain the Tri-State District to the north (fig. 1). The 

reservoir was constructed in 1940 by the completion of the Pensacola Dam by the Grand River Dam 

Authority. Concerns of sediment quality and the possibility of human exposure to cadmium and lead 

through eating fish have led to several studies of the sediments in the Tri-State District: 

• bottom sediment of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees: Juracek and Becker (2009); 

• stream sediment in the Oklahoma part of the Tri-State District: Andrews and others (2009); 

• Empire Lake, Kansas: Juracek (2006); 

• stream sediment in the Kansas part of Tri-State district: Pope (2005); 

• stream sediment in the Tar Creek Basin: Parkhurst and others (1988); and

• stream sediment in the Tri-State District: Carroll and others (1998). 

Other references regarding the Tar Creek and Picher areas include Erickson and others (1988), 

Parkhurst (1987, 1988), Parkhurst and others (1988), and Smith and others (1988). 
2

Figure 1. Location map for samples taken in the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees area in northeast Oklahoma.
3

In order to record the transport and deposition from the Tri-State District of metals by the Spring 

and Neosho Rivers, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) collected 11 sediment cores and 15 bottomsediment samples from the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in northeastern Oklahoma in September 2007. 

Subsamples from five selected cores and the bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for major and 

trace elements and forms of carbon. Presentation of the analytical results is the purpose of this report. 

Methods

Sediment Core Collection and Preparation

Cores of reservoir sediment were collected at 11 sites from the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 

reservoir (fig. 1). These cores were labeled GLOC-1 (Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees) through GLOC-11. 

A 3-inch-diameter aluminum pipe (barrel) was driven down into the sediment from a pontoon raft 

working platform (fig. 2). A gasoline engine-powered vibrator (typically used for settling wet concrete) 

was attached to the barrel; this arrangement allowed the pipe to be driven to depths of 0.8–3 meters (m) 

(31–120 inches [in]) below the sediment-water interface (fig. 3). The depth of water where cores were 

taken varied from 0.6 to 3 m (2 to 10 feet [ft]). Attempts to work in deeper water were made but were 

unsuccessful. 

Figure 2. Pontoon boat coring platform. Aluminum tower is for attaching hand-operated winch to hoist core barrel.
4

Figure 3. Close-up view of mechanical vibrator attached to core barrel. Core is standing through hole in platform 

deck; gasoline engine in background is used to drive the vibrator.

After the core barrel was driven to refusal, the barrel was extracted from the sediment using a 

hand-powered hoist attached to the tower on the working platform. When possible, the depth of 

penetration was recorded. The bottom of the core barrel was capped as it was lifted above the water 

surface. Each core barrel was transported vertically to the shore, where the position of the top of the 

sediment was determined, yielding the core recovery length. The remaining barrel above was cut away, 

and the top of the recovered core was packed with laboratory cleaning tissue (to prevent mixing of the 

top of core) and capped. Cores were transported to a USGS workstation warehouse in Oklahoma City, 

Okla. This warehouse is located at a locked, secure General Services Administration (GSA) compound. 

Keys to the warehouse are accessible to USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center personnel only. 

The cores were stored in an upright position in a freezer from September 2007 to July 2008, at 

which time they were processed to yield subsamples. The cores remained sealed and frozen for the 

entire period of storage; taped end caps were undisturbed. In the warehouse, each core was laid 

horizontally in a jig, and the aluminum barrel was cut longitudinally its entire length with a hand-held 

circular saw. The blade depth of the saw was set to just penetrate the aluminum wall in order to avoid 

incorporating possible metal fragments into the sediment. The core was then rotated 180 degrees and the 

other side was cut in the same manner. One cut was taped with duct tape to form a hinge. The cored 

sample material was then cut with a plastic knife longitudinally, and one side of the barrel was rotated to 

expose both halves of the core. Each core was subsampled at 5-centimeter (cm) (2-in) intervals. Care 

was taken not to allow any contamination from the aluminum core barrel: the exterior of each

subsample was scraped off and the interior sediment was carefully removed and placed in a clean glass 

bowl to air dry in a closed hood. A subsample of the core was taken from each interval for chemical 

analysis, and another subsample was taken from core GLOC-7 for 137Cs (cesium-137) dating. Mark 

Becker of the USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center performed these tasks.

The subsamples for chemical analysis and 137Cs dating were sent by express mail to Kathleen 

Smith and David Fey at the USGS laboratories in Building 20 at the Denver Federal Center (DFC) in 

Lakewood, Colo. Building 20 is a secure building, accessible by proximity card by authorized USGS 

personnel only. The Denver Federal Center is a limited-access facility with guarded entrances.
5

At the DFC labs, the samples were visually described, sieved to minus-80 mesh (177 

micrometers [μm]), and ground to minus-100 mesh (150 μm). The ground samples were then split, with 

one set of splits kept for archival storage at the DFC and the other arranged into lots for submittal to the 

USGS contract laboratory SGS Minerals Services in Toronto, Canada, for analysis. Mineralogical 

analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed at the Denver USGS laboratory on selected sieved, 

unground subsamples from cores GLOC-2, GLOC-3, and GLOC-7. During the sample description, 

preparation, XRD determinations, and shipping processes, the samples were kept in locked offices, 

locked labs, or the secure Sample Control facility contained within Building 20. 

Bottom Sediment Collection and Preparation

Collecting core samples was time consuming and, in addition, not possible in deeper water, so 

we supplemented the sediment cores with reservoir bottom-sediment samples collected with a simple 

gravity corer. A single composite sample of reservoir bottom sediment was obtained at 15 sites by 

dropping a simple 9-cm-diameter (3.5-in-diameter) iron gravity corer from the working platform (fig. 

4). The corer was unlined, and no attempt was made to preserve the stratigraphy of the samples; a 

composite sample was made from the sediment collected from about the top 18 cm (7 in) of bottom 

sediment. These cores were labeled GLOC-12 through GLOC-26. After collection, the bottom-sediment 

samples were double-bagged in large plastic storage bags and transported to the USGS Oklahoma Water 

Science Center warehouse described above. The bottom-sediment samples remained frozen during 

storage, from September 2007 to July 2008. 

Figure 4. Simple gravity corer used to collect reservoir bottom-sediment samples.
6

Samples were air-dried at the warehouse and then shipped to the Denver USGS laboratories for 

preparation. They were processed in the same manner as the core subsamples: sieved to minus-80 mesh, 

ground to minus-100 mesh, arranged in lots, and sent to the USGS contract laboratory SGS Minerals 

Services in Toronto, Canada. 

Sample Localities and Descriptions

Sample localities are plotted in figure 1 and listed in table 1. Table 2 contains depths of water 

and descriptions for the core and bottom-sediment samples. 

Table 1. Field numbers, sample localities, dates, and site descriptions for core and reservoir bottom-sediment 

samples taken from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, September 2007. (Click to see Excel file.)

[Sample coordinates are referenced to the World Geodetic System of 1984 and are given in decimal degree. USF, upstream 

from; DSF, downstream from; mi, mile; Hwy, highway]

Core 

number

North 

latitude

West 

longitude Date Site description

GLOC-1 36.80410 94.76656 9/12/2007 Neosho River about 0.7 mi USF Hwy 60 bridge

GLOC-2 36.80331 94.76100 9/12/2007 Neosho River about 0.4 mi USF Hwy 60 bridge

GLOC-3 36.81125 94.74951 9/13/2007 Spring River about 0.8 mi USF Hwy 60 bridge

GLOC-4 36.81717 94.74482 9/13/2007 Spring River about 1.3 mi USF Hwy 60 bridge

GLOC-5 36.78646 94.75837 9/13/2007 reservoir about 0.5 mi DSF railroad bridge

GLOC-6 36.78439 94.76396 9/13/2007 reservoir about 0.3 mi DSF from GLOC-5 

GLOC-7 36.77851 94.77760 9/13/2007 reservoir about 0.9 mi DSF from GLOC-6 

GLOC-8 36.79668 94.75351 9/13/2007 reservoir at confluence of Spring and Neosho Rivers

GLOC-9 36.64159 94.68297 9/14/2007 Elk River about 1.7 mi USF from Cowskin Bridge

GLOC-10 36.64157 94.67565 9/14/2007 Elk River about 2.1 mi USF from Cowskin Bridge

GLOC-11 36.65591 94.77567 9/14/2007 reservoir right bank, across from Elk River arm

GLOC-12 36.61737 94.79456 9/15/2007 Wolf Creek Cove

GLOC-13 36.60817 94.78305 9/15/2007 upper Wolf Creek Cove

GLOC-14 36.64812 94.79848 9/15/2007 reservoir near Hickory Creek Island

GLOC-15 36.63576 94.77902 9/15/2007 reservoir main channel near Walnut Cove

GLOC-16 36.74973 94.71201 9/15/2007 upper Sycamore Cove

GLOC-17 36.74627 94.72341 9/15/2007 lower Sycamore Cove

GLOC-18 36.74020 94.72669 9/15/2007 mouth of Sycamore Cove

GLOC-19 36.72820 94.74387 9/15/2007 reservoir between Sycamore and Bee Creek Coves

GLOC-20 36.73712 94.79139 9/15/2007 upper Bee Creek Cove

GLOC-21 36.73369 94.78447 9/15/2007 mouth of Bee Creek Cove

GLOC-22 36.72219 94.77583 9/15/2007 reservoir about 0.9 mi below Bee Creek Cove

GLOC-23 36.71917 94.73907 9/15/2007 upper Council Cove

GLOC-24 36.71709 94.74388 9/15/2007 mouth of Council Cove

GLOC-25 36.69832 94.73851 9/15/2007 main channel, near North Broad Hollow

GLOC-26 36.69864 94.73283 9/15/2007 upper North Broad Hollow
7

Table 2. Field numbers, water depths, and visual sample descriptions for core and reservoir bottom-sediment 

samples taken from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, September 2007. (Click to see Excel file.)

[m, meter; in, inch]

Core number

Depth of 

water (m) Sample description

GLOC-1 3 core: silt and clay, sparse fine sand

GLOC-2 0.6 core: silt and clay, sparse fine sand

GLOC-3 0.9 core: fine sand and silt, little clay

GLOC-4 0.6 core: brown/gray clay, some silt at bottom; fine brown sand

GLOC-5 1.2 core: 63 in penetration; 38 in recovery

GLOC-6 6.7 no sample taken; encountered bedrock at bottom of reservoir

GLOC-7 1.2 core: gray clayey silt; 72 in penetration, 54 in recovery

GLOC-8 1.2 core: penetration/recovery not recorded

GLOC-9 1.2 core: 94 in penetration, 90 in recovery

GLOC-10 1.2 core: 120 in penetration, 90 in recovery; brown clay

GLOC-11 1.5 core: 32 in penetration, recovery not recorded

GLOC-12 5.2 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand

GLOC-13 2.4 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand

GLOC-14 6.7 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand

GLOC-15 13 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand

GLOC-16 2.1 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand

GLOC-17 2.1 reservoir sediment: dark gray very fine sand with quartz grains

GLOC-18 1.5 reservoir sediment: gray very fine sand

GLOC-19 6.7 reservoir sediment: gray very fine sand

GLOC-20 0.9 reservoir sediment: gray very fine sand

GLOC-21 4.3 reservoir sediment: gray very fine sand

GLOC-22 7.3 reservoir sediment: gray very fine sand

GLOC-23 2.4 reservoir sediment: gray-brown very fine sand

GLOC-24 4.3 reservoir sediment: gray-brown very fine sand

GLOC-25 7.9 reservoir sediment: gray-brown very fine sand

GLOC-26 4.9 reservoir sediment: gray-brown very fine sand

X-Ray Diffraction Analyses

Forty-one selected core subsamples were analyzed for mineralogical content by X-ray 

diffraction (XRD) using a Shimadzu XRD-6000 X-Ray diffractometer equipped with a standard copper 

(Cu) K-alpha radiation tube, monochronometer, and automatic 5-sample changer. All samples were 

powdered using an agate mortar and pestle. Each sample powder was mixed with a few drops of acetone 

to form a slurry, which was transferred by pipette to a zero-background quartz slide. These slurry 

mounts were inserted into the sequential auto sample changer. 

Raw XRD data acquired from the instrument were analyzed using Jade Search/Match software, 

version 7.5. The data were converted to diffractograms, which were background-reduced and smoothed. 

Mineral phase identities, selected from the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) database, 

were assigned to all visible peaks. Phase quantification was based on a visual comparison of peak 

intensitities and assigned M for major constituent, m for minor constituent, and t for trace values. 

Inconclusive phase identifications were assigned a p for possible. Table 3 presents the XRD data for a 

subset of samples from cores GLOC-2, GLOC-3, and GLOC-7. 
8

Table 3. Field numbers and mineralogy by X-ray diffraction for subsamples from cores GLOC-2, GLOC-3, and 

GLOC-7 from Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees (GLOC). No sulfide minerals were detected by this method. 

(Click to see Excel file.)

[cm, centimeter; M, major constituent; m, minor constituent; p, possible, followed by either m or t; t,trace. Qtz, quartz; 

Ms,muscovite; Ill,Illite; Phg,phengite; Ab,albite; Mc,microcline; Or,orthoclase; Sa,sanidine; Kln,Kaolinite; Chl,chlorite; 

Sme, smectite]

Core number

Depth below 

water/sediment 

interface (cm) Qtz Ms/Ill Ms/Phg Ab Mc Or/Sa Kln/Chl Sme

GLOC-2 1-3 5 M m m m

GLOC-2 5-7 15 M m m m p,t p,t

GLOC-2 9-11 25 M m m m p,t

GLOC-2 13-15 35 M m m m p,t p,t

GLOC-2 17-19 45 M m m p,t p,t

GLOC-2 21-23 55 M m m m m t 

GLOC-2 25-27 65 M m m m p,t

GLOC-2 29-31 75 M m m m p,t

GLOC-2 33-35 85 M m m m m

GLOC-2 37-39 95 M m m m 

GLOC-2 41-43 105 M m m m 

GLOC-2 45-47 115 M m m m m p,t m

GLOC-2 55-57 140 M m m m p,t

GLOC-2 65-67 165 M m m m p,t

GLOC-2 75-77 190 M m m m t t 

GLOC-2 85-87 215 M m m m

GLOC-2 95-97 240 M M m m

GLOC-2 105-107 265 M M m m 

GLOC-2 115-117 290 M m m 

GLOC-2 121-123 300 M m m m p,t p,t

GLOC-3 0-2 2.5 M m p,t

GLOC-3 4-6 13 M m m m 

GLOC-3 8-10 23 M t t t 

GLOC-3 12-14 33 M t m m m p,t

GLOC-3 16-18 38 M t m m

GLOC-3 20-22 53 M m m m 

GLOC-3 24-26 63 M t m m 

GLOC-3 28-30 73 M m m m p,t

GLOC-3 32-34 83 M t m p,m p,t

GLOC-3 36-38 93 M m m m m 

GLOC-3 40-42 103 M t m p,t

GLOC-3 44-46 113 M m m m

GLOC-3 48-50 123 M m m m

GLOC-3 52-54 133 M m m m p,t

GLOC-3 56-58 143 M t m m m p,t

GLOC-3 60-62 153 M t t t p,t

GLOC-3 64-66 163 M t m

GLOC-3 68-70 173 M t t t 

GLOC-3 72-74 178 M t m m m 

GLOC-7 6-8 18 M m M M p,t p,t

GLOC-7 38-40 98 M m m m
9

Multi-Element Analysis

Processed core subsamples and reservoir bottom sediment samples were weighed at SGS 

Mineral Services laboratories into 0.2-gram (g) aliquots and digested in a mixed four-acid medium of 

hydrochloric, nitric, perchloric, and hydrofluoric acids (HCl, HNO3, HClO4, and HF, respectively). The 

resulting solutions were analyzed for 26 elements by both inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission 

spectroscopy (ICP-AES) (Briggs, 2002) and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

(Briggs and Meier, 2002). The major elements are reported from the ICP-AES instrument, whereas the 

trace elements are reported from either the ICP-AES or ICP-MS instrument. Instrument sensitivities, 

linear range, and freedom from spectral or mass interferences determine which instrument is used to 

report which elements. Table 1–1 in the appendix lists the elements analyzed, their lower reporting 

limits, and, for the 26-element package, which instrument was used for each element (ICP-AES or ICPMS). The digestion procedure dissolves most minerals, including silicates, oxides, and sulfides; resistant 

or refractory minerals such as zircon, chromite, some rare-earth minerals, and some tin oxides are only 

partially dissolved. Previous investigations using a variety of geologic materials confirm the 

completeness of the digestion (Church and others, 1987; Wilson and others, 1994). For the purposes of 

analyzing for Mississippi Valley–type mineral deposit-related elements, the digestion is well suited. 

Forms of Carbon Analyses

The core subsamples and bottom-sediment samples were analyzed for total carbon and carbonate 

carbon. The organic carbon content is obtained by the difference between those constituents. The total 

carbon was determined by combustion (Brown and Curry, 2002), where a 0.2-g sample is heated to 

1,350°C to convert all forms of carbon to carbon dioxide, which is then measured using an infrared 

detector. The carbonate carbon was determined by a coulometric titration (Brown and others, 2002), 

where the sample is treated with hot 2 Normal perchloric acid and the evolved carbon dioxide is passed 

through a solution of monoethanolamine, into which it is quantitatively absorbed. This solution is then 

coulometrically titrated. The lower reporting limit for organic carbon is 0.05 percent. 
10

Results

The analytical results for five of the sediment cores and the 15 bottom-sediment samples are in 

tables 1–2 through 1–7 in appendix 1. In this section are brief discussions with descriptive statistics for 

each table. To aid in these discussions, table 4 provides estimated crustal abundance values (Fortescue, 

1992) for all constituents analyzed.

Table 4. Crustal abundance values for elements analyzed in this report. (Click to see Excel file.)

[Values taken from Fortescue (1992). ppm, parts per million]

Element

Crustal 

abundance Unit

Al 8.36 percent

Ca 4.66 percent

Fe 6.22 percent

K 1.84 percent

Mg 2.76 percent

Na 2.27 percent

P 0.112 percent

Ti 0.632 percent

S 340 ppm

As 1.8 ppm

Ba 390 ppm

Bi* 0.0082 ppm

Cd 0.16 ppm

Co 29 ppm

Cr 122 ppm

Cu 68 ppm

Ga 19 ppm

In 0.24 ppm

Li 18 ppm

Mn 1,060 ppm

Ni 99 ppm

Pb 13 ppm

Rb 78 ppm

Sr 384 ppm

V 136 ppm

Zn 76 ppm

*Value for Bi commented by Fortescue to be too small. 

Bottom-Sediment Samples (Table 1–2) 

The 15 bottom-sediment samples were taken from throughout the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 

reservoir above Highway 59 bridge between Grove and Copeland and from several arms of the reservoir 

(samples GLOC-12 through GLOC-26 on fig. 1). These samples were collected by gravity corer and 

represent about the top 18 cm (7 in) of sediment. The top three intervals together of each sediment core 

also represent about 18 cm. In table 1–2, a ‘composite’ analysis has been made of the analyses of the 

first three intervals from cores GLOC-2, GLOC-3, GLOC-7, GLOC-8, and GLOC-9. The inclusion of 

these composite analyses increases the number of points in the reservoir with metals-content analyses of 

the bottom sediments at the sediment-water interface.
11

The XRD determinations for sediment mineralogy (table 3) show that the major constituent for 

all samples from the bottom surface and the cores is quartz. Predominance of quartz in the samples is 

also supported by the major-element analyses in table 1–2. By converting the major-element analyses to 

their respective oxide forms, summing them, and subtracting that sum from 100 percent, a rough 

estimate can be made of the SiO2 content of the sediments. For the bottom-sediment samples in table

1–2, the average of this estimated SiO2 content is 80 percent quartz equivalent. Some of the silica is 

contained in clays. 

Other elements of table 1–2 are depleted compared to crustal abundance, again reflecting that the 

stream/river/lake environment has favored the retention of SiO2. Evaluating the calcium analyses shows 

that, on average, the ratio of calcium to crustal abundance is only 18 percent. This deficiency of calcium 

reflects the fact that although much of the upstream rock is carbonate, it dissolves and releases calcium

into solution. Other major elements with low ratios to crustal abundance are magnesium (Mg) and 

sodium (Na; each 17 percent), iron (Fe; 43 percent), and titanium (Ti; 38 percent). The magnesium has 

probably been mobilized like the calcium, whereas the low numbers for Na, Fe, and Ti probably reflect 

low concentrations in the original carbonate rocks.

Three major elements show higher ratios to crustal abundance. Aluminum (Al) has a value of 70 

percent, and potassium (K) has a value of 77 percent, reflecting the clay content in the sediment. Sulfur 

(S) had a ratio to crustal abundance of 310 percent; although the highest concentration of sulfur was 

only 0.33 percent, the high ratio may be due to runoff from the metallic sulfide mining districts 

upstream of the reservoir. 

The trace elements had ratios to crustal abundance mostly near or below 1.0, with exceptions 

being Zn (7.2), Cd (21), As (arsenic; 4.5), and Pb (3.3). The crustal abundance for zinc is 76 parts per 

million (ppm); the concentrations in the bottom-sediment samples ranged from 56 ppm (background, 

GLOC-9, Elk River Arm, table 1–7) to 1,523 ppm (20 times crustal abundance; GLOC-8, confluence of 

Neosho and Spring Rivers, table 1–6). Zinc is the most likely indicator of input from the mining 

districts, detected in sediment samples collected upstream of the reservoir in both the Spring and 

Neosho Rivers, and plays a major role in the discussions of the sediment cores. The zinc concentration 

at the top of core GLOC-2 (the surface sediment) collected in the Neosho River from the reservoir was 

only 122 ppm, less than 2 times crustal abundance. This enrichment is relatively slight, given that this 

location is downstream from the Picher district and Tar Creek (Andrews and others, 2009). The zinc 

concentration at the top of core GLOC-3 was 1,370 ppm. This relative enrichment of zinc indicates that 

sediment from the Spring River predominated the deposition at the surface at site GLOC-8, just below 

the confluence of the Spring and Neosho Rivers. Andrews and others (2009) noted that dissolved zinc 

concentrations in the Spring River might be higher than those in the Neosho River because a larger 

proportion of the Spring River basin had been mined (1.9 percent) than of the Neosho River basin (0.34 

percent). 

Overall, the distribution of zinc in the reservoir bottom sediments shows a general elevation of 

zinc in those drainages affected by historical mining operations. Of the 20 bottom-sediment samples 

represented in table 1–2 (15 gravity corer samples and 5 core upper interval composite analyses), 13 

averaged 490 ppm, with only a 15 percent standard deviation. Thus, the zinc is fairly evenly distributed

at the surface of the sediment. Outlier numbers can be explained by contribution from local terrestrial 

sediment input. For example, site GLOC-20 is located at the head of Bee Cove, and the sample was 

collected within meters of where Bee Creek enters the reservoir. The zinc concentration of that sample 

was 242 ppm. The local terrestrial sedimentation would serve to dilute, for a short distance, the effect of 

higher zinc concentrations in the sediment of the reservoir. Sample GLOC-21 supports this hypothesis. 

Located near the mouth of Bee Cove, just 0.8 km (0.5 mi) away, but exposed to the reservoir, the zinc 
12

concentration of this sample was 528 ppm. Likewise, GLOC-23 is located at the upper end of Council 

Cove and contained only 134 ppm zinc. Local sedimentation also may be diluting the cove sediment at 

that location. Just 0.5 km away (0.3 mi) at the mouth of Council Cove, sample GLOC-24 contained 478 

ppm zinc. As mentioned above, a sample was taken from the upper part of the Elk River arm of the 

reservoir (core GLOC-9). The Elk River drains a watershed with no known mining activity, and so 

sediment collected from that arm serves as a background comparison. The average zinc concentration 

from the top three intervals of GLOC-9 was only 56 ppm. 

Cadmium, which is chemically similar to zinc and substitutes in the sphalerite lattice, had a high 

average ratio to crustal abundance of 21 in the bottom-sediment samples. The highest cadmium 

concentration (19 ppm) occurred in the same sample as the highest zinc concentration (GLOC-8, 

confluence of Spring and Neosho Rivers).

The average arsenic ratio to crustal abundance was 4.5, although absolute concentrations were 

generally less than 10 ppm.

The lead concentrations in the bottom-sediment samples are moderate, averaging only 43 ppm. 

Although these samples were collected relatively close to the former mining districts to the north, the 

lead concentrations are only three times crustual abundance (13 ppm) in the sediment. One of the two 

primary commodities mined was lead. To that end, producers tried to retain as much lead as possible in 

the milled and refined product and not release notable quantities of lead in the tailings. Second, the 

specific gravity of galena, the primary lead-bearing mineral, is high at about 7.5, so any galena released 

in the mining or milling stages likely would remain close to the initital source in the stream system as 

detrital grains. In addition, galena is not very soluble under the near-neutral conditions common in these 

stream waters (Weast, 1978). Conversely, zinc is highly mobile in the aqueous phase once it has been 

dissolved from sphalerite (Stumm and Morgan, 1981). Thus, zinc has the ability to move relatively far 

and quickly and can settle into bed sediment sorbed to colloidal iron phases or coprecipitated with other 

phases. 

The total carbon content in the bottom-sediment samples ranged from 0.86 percent to 4.6 

percent. The carbonate carbon content was low, averaging 0.06 percent, and ranging from 0.01 percent 

to 0.23 percent, with a median concentration of 0.03 percent. Thus, carbon was mostly in the organic 

form within the sediments. 

Core GLOC-9 Elk River Arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees (Table 1–3) 

The core site in the Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees was chosen because the Elk 

River drains a watershed that does not contain Tri-State mining districts, and the site was expected to 

define local background concentrations for mining-related elements. This core seemed to have minimal, 

if any, influence from mining-related elements.

The estimated SiO2 content in core GLOC-9 averaged 88 percent. All of the other major element 

concentrations were less than crustal abundance. Calcium and magnesium concentration ratios were at 8 

and 9 percent of crustal abundance, respectively. The median iron concentration ratio was 27 percent, 

whereas the ratio for sodium was 10 percent of crustal abundance. Aluminum and potassium median 

concentrations were greater, each at about 50 percent of crustal abundance, probably reflecting the clay 

content of the sediment. 

Trace-element concentrations in core GLOC-9 were uniformly small, although arsenic (median 4 

ppm) and cadmium (median 0.3 ppm) concentrations were two times crustal abundance. Lead 

concentrations averaged slightly greater than crustal abundance at 16 ppm. The copper concentrations 

from the background core averaged 12 ppm, less than the crustal abundance concentration of 68 ppm. 
13

There were no clear trends with depth for As, Cd, or Pb in this core. Figure 1–1 shows the concentration 

versus depth profile for Cd, Pb, and Zn for core GLOC-9. 

Figure 1–1. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) for 

background core GLOC-9.

Zinc concentrations in this core averaged 52 ppm, below crustal abundance, but there was some 

variability in the upper part of the core. The top three intervals of this core had an average zinc 

concentration of 52 ppm. At a depth of 55 cm (22 in), there was a maximum concentration of 74 ppm, 

which was followed by an irregular decrease of concentrations to 45 ppm at 90-cm (35-in) depth. From 

there to the bottom of the core (235 cm [93 in]), the zinc concentration averaged 50 ppm. 
14

Core GLOC-2 Neosho River above Reservoir (Table 1–4) 

Core GLOC-2 was collected on the Neosho River about 1 km (0.6 mi) upstream from its 

confluence with the Spring River. Although the surface samples from this core, discussed previously, 

contained near-background concentrations of most elements, subsamples deeper in the core contained 

higher concentrations of As, Cd, and Zn. Figure 1–2 shows the concentration versus depth profile for 

Cd, Pb, and Zn for core GLOC-2. 

Figure 1–2. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) for 

core GLOC-2. 

Arsenic concentrations ranged from 4 to 15 ppm, with the median concentration (7 ppm) having 

a ratio to crustal abundance of 3.9. The cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 4.1 ppm, with the 

median concentration (1.1 ppm) resulting in a ratio to crustal abundance of 7.3 and a ratio to the local 

background determined from core GLOC-9 of 3.6. Lead concentrations were only slightly greater than 

the background concentration, with the high concentration being 45 ppm at a depth of 300 cm (118 in). 

The ratio of the median lead concentration (25 ppm) to the background concentration was 1.9, about 

half that for the surface sediment samples. 

The uppermost interval from core GLOC-2 had a zinc concentration of 95 ppm. Down to a depth 

of 65 cm (26 in), the zinc concentration averaged 160 ppm. With increasing depth, zinc concentrations 

increased irregularly, reaching a peak of 1,000 ppm at a depth of 215 cm (85 in). The median zinc 

concentration for the whole core was 230 ppm—three times crustal abundance and 4.4 times the local 

background as determined from core GLOC-9. 

The major element concentrations and ratios to crustal abundance in this core were similar to 

those of the surface sediment samples discussed previously. 
15

Core GLOC-3 Spring River above Reservoir (Table 1–5) 

Core GLOC-3 was collected on the Spring River about 1.6 km (1 mi) upstream from the 

confluence with the Neosho River. This core had numerous subsamples with concentrations of Cd, Pb, 

and Zn far greater than crustal abundance levels and had definitive trends with depth. The major 

element concentration ratios to crustal abundance of this core were similar to those of the surface 

sediments.

Figure 1–3 shows the concentration versus depth profile for Cd, Pb, and Zn for core GLOC-3. 

Cadmium concentrations in the top 50 cm (20 in) were about 10 ppm and then increased to over 30 ppm 

between 80- and 90-cm depth (31–35 in); this value is about 200 times the crustal abundance of 0.16 

ppm. Cadmium concentrations declined irregularly with depth in the core to 0.6 ppm at 145 cm (57 in). 

Below 145 cm, the concentrations remained steady at 0.3 ppm, or only twice crustal abundance. It is 

likely that core GLOC-3 penetrated to material deposited before the deposition of mining-related 

sediments in the Spring River. 

Figure 1–3. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) for 

core GLOC-3. 

The depth versus concentration profile for lead was similar to that of cadmium. The top 50 cm 

(20 in) of sediment had an average lead concentration of about 95 ppm, about 6 times crustal 

abundance, and more than twice the average ratio for all surface sediment. At a depth of 65 cm (26 in), 

the lead concentration was 226 ppm, after which it decreased to about 170 ppm until a depth of 94 cm

(37 in). The lead concentration increased to 250 ppm at a depth of 105 cm (41 in), and then decreased to 

20 ppm, near crustal abundance, from 145 cm (57 in) to the bottom of the core. The lead data from this 

core indicate that most of the lead entering the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is coming from the Spring 

River.

Similarly, zinc concentrations in this core are greater than those of any other sediment samples. 

The topmost interval of this core had a zinc concentration of 1,020 ppm; the concentrations then 

increased to 3,340 ppm at a depth of 105 cm (41 in). Zinc concentrations then decreased to about 100 
16

ppm from a depth of 145 cm (57 in) down to the bottom of the core (185 cm [73 in]). The bottom 

sample concentrations were only 1.4 times crustal abundance, indicating that this core penetrated to 

below sediments affected by mining. The larger lead and zinc concentrations in this core, relative to 

those of the core from the Neosho River, GLOC-2, may be related to the fact that a larger percentage of 

the land area of the Spring River basin had been mined compared to the percentage of area mined in the 

Neosho River basin. 

Core GLOC-7 Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees Reservoir (Table 1–6) 

Core GLOC-7 was collected from a site about 3.5 km (2.2 mi) downstream from the confluence 

of the Neosho and Spring Rivers, in the main body of the reservoir. The purpose of collecting this core 

was to document metal depth versus concentration profiles in Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees. Both 

cadmiuim and zinc showed distinctive profiles. The major element concentration ratios to crustal 

abundance in this core were similar to those of the surface sediments.

Figure 1–4 shows the concentration versus depth profile for Cd, Pb, and Zn for core GLOC-7. 

Whereas the cadmium concentrations were much less than those from core GLOC-3, they had a distinct 

bimodal pattern. Between the top of the core and a depth of 70 cm (28 in), the cadmium concentrations 

oscillate between 1 and 4 ppm. From 70 cm to the bottom of the core at 135 cm (53 in), the cadmium 

concentrations decrease to about 0.4 ppm, only 2.6 times crustal abundance. This core penetrated to 

below mining-affected sediment, possibly into pre-reservoir soil that was flooded and covered with 

sediment after the completion of the Pensacola Dam.

Figure 1–4. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) for 

core GLOC-7. 

Lead concentrations in core GLOC-7 are not highly elevated above background. Concentrations 

are irregular between the top interval (28 ppm), ranging up to 54 ppm at 20-cm (8-in) depth and 

decreasing to 20 ppm at a depth of 80 cm (31 in), which is 1.5 times crustal abundance. Despite large 

concentrations entering the reservoir from the Spring River, the lead concentrations are attenuated by 

the time sediment reaches GLOC-7, probably due to the immobility of lead. 
17

Zinc concentrations in core GLOC-7 also had a bimodal distribution, with one depth range of 

elevated and variable concentrations and a second depth range with values near crustal abundance. 

Beneath the top sample interval, which has a zinc concentration of 336 ppm (crustal abundance is 76 

ppm), the zinc concentration profile ranges from a local maximum of 463 ppm at 20-cm (8-in) depth, 

down to a local minimum of 152 ppm at 45 cm (18 in), and then up to a core maximum of 554 ppm at 

70-cm (28-in) depth, after which the concentrations show a sharp decline. Below 85-cm (33-in) depth, 

zinc concentration remained about 70 ppm, the crustal abundance concentration. The zinc concentration 

profile, then, also appears to indicate that the core penetrated to pre-reservoir material.

Core GLOC-8 Confluence of Neosho and Spring Rivers (Table 1–7) 

Core GLOC-8 was collected just off the tip of land that protrudes into the reservoir on the 

southern end of Twin Bridges State Park. The site was selected to represent a possible mixing zone for 

sediment from the Neosho and Spring Rivers; however, there may not have been equal contributions of 

sediment from each river at this site. Metals concentrations of the top three intervals indicate that the 

Spring River contributes more to the current surface sediment signature (see the previous discussion on 

bottom-surface sediment). The major element concentration ratios to crustal abundance in this core were 

similar to those of the surface sediments.

Figure 1–5 shows the concentration versus depth profile for Cd, Pb, and Zn for core GLOC-8. 

The cadmium concentrations at the top three intervals (15 cm [6 in]) of this core are about 20 ppm, 130 

times crustal abundance. At 25-cm (10-in) depth, a maximum of 25 ppm cadmium was measured, 

followed by a decrease to 3.1 ppm at 50-cm (20-in) depth. From 50 cm to the bottom of the core (75 cm

[30 in]), cadmium concentrations decreased to 0.7 ppm, or about 4.5 times crustal abundance. The 

background core GLOC-9 had cadmium concentrations of about 0.3 ppm, so it appears that core 

GLOC-8 cadmium concentrations were approaching local background concentrations near the base. 

Figure 1–5. Concentration versus depth profile for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) for 

core GLOC-8. 
18

Lead concentrations in core GLOC-8 were also elevated, relative to background. This site is only 

1.6 km (1 mi) downstream from GLOC-3, the Spring River core. The first three intervals of this core 

averaged 90 ppm lead, followed by a maximum of 204 ppm at a depth of 20 cm (8 in). The maximum 

lead concentration from the Spring River core (GLOC-3) was 250 ppm. From 20-cm depth to the core 

bottom at 75 cm (30 in), there is an irregular decrease in lead concentrations, with the bottom three 

intervals containing 20 ppm, or just 1.4 times crustal abundance. 

Zinc concentrations in the upper 60 cm (24 in) of core GLOC-8 were much greater than 

background concentrations. The top three intervals of this core contained about 1,500 ppm zinc, with a 

concentration of 2,030 ppm occurring at a depth of 20 cm (8 in). The relatively large zinc concentrations 

in this core appear to be contributed mostly by sediment from the Spring River, since GLOC-2, the core 

from the Neosho River, contained smaller zinc concentrations than core GLOC-8. Between depths of 25 

and 35 cm (10–14 in), the zinc concentration in core GLOC-8 averaged 1,690 ppm and then decreased 

irregularly to 478 ppm at a depth of 60 cm (24 in). In the last three depth intervals, 65 to 75 cm (26–30 

in), the zinc concentration in this core averaged 110 ppm, which may be a result of the core’s having 

penetrated to below mining-affected sediment.

Summary and Conclusion

Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees is a reservoir downstream from the Tri-State District of 

Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. This is a Mississippi Valley–type deposit, formerly one of the largest 

producers of lead and zinc in the world. Sediment core samples and bottom sediment samples were 

collected from the reservoir and from the Neosho River and the Spring River and analyzed to assess 

their geochemical signatures.

The Elk River arm (core GLOC-9) to the reservoir defines local background concentrations for 

the metals Zn, Pb, Cd, As, and Cu. The background for zinc was 52 ppm, which is less than the crustal 

abundance of 76 ppm. The local background for lead was 16 ppm, similar to the crustal abundance 

concentration of 13 ppm. The local background concentration for cadmium was 0.3 ppm, about twice 

that of the crustal abundance of 0.16 ppm. The local background concentration for arsenic was 4.2 ppm, 

compared to 1.8 ppm crustal abundance. Copper had a background concentration of 12 ppm, compared 

to 68 ppm crustal abundance. 

The sediment samples collected from the sediment-water interface had larger average 

concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Pb than local background. The zinc concentrations of the bottomsediment samples averaged 500 ppm, or almost 10 times the local background. The bottom-sediment 

lead concentrations averaged 42 ppm, about 2.6 times the local background. The cadmium 

concentrations of the bottom-sediment samples averaged 2.5 ppm, about 8 times local background. 

Locally, terrestrial sediment input into the upper parts of some coves can dilute the sediment signature. 

The Spring River core GLOC-3 had the largest concentrations of mining-related elements. These 

concentrations were larger than those from the Neosho River core GLOC-2, possibly related to the fact 

that a larger percentage of the land area in the Spring River basin was mined compared to the percentage 

mined in the Neosho River Basin. The core collected from just south of Twin Bridges State Park, core 

GLOC-8 at the confluence of the Spring and Neosho Rivers, showed a mixing zone with more miningrelated elements coming from the Spring River side.

The element zinc showed the most definitive patterns in concentration versus depth profiles. The 

core collected from the main body of the reservoir, GLOC-7, showed affected sediment down to a depth 

of 85 cm (33 in), below which mining-related element concentrations approached local background 

levels. This core and cores GLOC-3 and GLOC-8 appear to have penetrated to below mining-affected 

sediment.
19

Acknowledgments

We were assisted in the collection of the sediment cores and bottom-sediment samples by Ernie 

Smith of the USGS Oklahoma Water Science Center. Rhonda Driscoll at the USGS Denver Federal 

Center laboratories performed X-ray diffraction (XRD) mineralogical analyses on selected samples. 

Sample handling, preparation, and shipping from the Denver Federal Center laboratories were 

performed by USGS personnel David Walters and Murray Beasley. The USGS Central Region 

Interdisciplinary Science Program (CRISP) provided funding for the project. Reviews by Warren Day 

and William Andrews of the USGS provided significant improvements. 

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21

Appendix 1. Analytical Data

Table 1–1. Elements analyzed, instrument used, reporting limits, and mean of eight procedure blanks for four-acid 

digestion procedure. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma–mass 

spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not available]

Element Instrument Unit

Reporting 

limit

Blank mean 

(n=8)

Carb C Coulometric percent 0.003 <0.003

Total C Combustion percent 0.01 n/a

Al ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

Ca ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

Fe ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

K ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

Mg ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

Na ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

S ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

Ti ICP-AES percent 0.01 <0.01

As ICP-MS ppm 1.0 < 1

Ba ICP-AES ppm 5.0 < 5

Bi ICP-MS ppm 0.04 < 0.04

Cd ICP-MS ppm 0.1 < 0.1

Co ICP-MS ppm 0.1 0.2

Cr ICP-AES ppm 1.0 2.0

Cu ICP-AES ppm 0.5 0.65

Ga ICP-MS ppm 0.05 0.06

In ICP-MS ppm 0.02 < 0.02

Li ICP-AES ppm 1.0 < 1

Mn ICP-AES ppm 5.0 < 5

Ni ICP-AES ppm 0.5 0.60

P ICP-AES ppm 50 < 50

Pb ICP-MS ppm 0.5 0.80

Rb ICP-MS ppm 0.2 0.30

Sr ICP-AES ppm 0.5 < 0.5

V ICP-AES ppm 1.0 < 1

Zn ICP-AES ppm 1.0 < 1
22

Table 1–2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees bottom-sediment sample analyses. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after fouracid digestion, except for forms of carbon. First five samples are composites of top three intervals of cores GLOC2, GLOC-3, GLOC-7, GLOC-8, and GLOC-9. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Total C Carbonate C Organic C Al Ca Fe K 

Lab no. Field no. % % % % % % %

composite GLOC-2_1-7 1.01 0.04 0.97 5.35 0.62 2.26 1.54

composite GLOC-3_1-7 1.39 0.08 1.30 2.87 0.48 1.65 0.71

composite GLOC-7_1-7 1.68 0.04 1.65 6.60 0.85 2.95 1.43

composite GLOC-8_1-7 1.13 0.01 1.11 5.20 0.473 2.35 1.32

composite GLOC-9_1-7 1.54 0.24 1.30 2.82 1.02 1.16 0.99

C-310716 GLOC-12_1-7 1.79 0.02 1.77 7.39 0.83 3.46 1.67

C-310690 GLOC-13_1-7 1.25 0.01 1.24 4.81 0.62 2.08 1.10

C-310708 GLOC-14_1-7 2.01 0.08 1.93 7.60 1.09 3.3 1.55

C-310685 GLOC-15_1-7 1.99 0.02 1.97 8.11 0.94 3.91 1.76

C-310703 GLOC-16_1-7 1.98 0.19 1.79 4.89 1.23 2.22 1.27

C-310681 GLOC-17_1-7 1.77 0.04 1.73 7.41 0.94 3.51 1.69

C-310713 GLOC-18_1-7 1.29 0.03 1.26 5.69 0.65 2.39 1.59

C-310707 GLOC-19_1-7 1.76 0.03 1.73 7.71 0.89 3.57 1.70

C-310688 GLOC-20_1-7 1.78 0.01 1.77 3.33 0.41 1.64 0.90

C-310702 GLOC-21_1-7 2.05 0.10 1.95 8.32 1.26 3.92 1.77

C-310684 GLOC-22_1-7 1.57 0.02 1.55 7.58 0.83 3.45 1.77

C-310700 GLOC-23_1-7 0.86 0.01 0.85 4.37 0.32 1.81 1.15

C-310693 GLOC-24_1-7 1.36 0.06 1.30 4.68 0.71 2.15 1.31

C-310712 GLOC-25_1-7 1.36 0.02 1.34 5.93 0.61 2.57 1.57

C-310710 GLOC-26_1-7 4.58 0.23 4.35 6.14 1.74 3.12 1.47
23

Table 1–2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees bottom-sediment sample analyses. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after fouracid digestion, except for forms of carbon. First five samples are composites of top three intervals of cores GLOC2, GLOC-3, GLOC-7, GLOC-8, and GLOC-9.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Mg Na S Ti As Ba Bi

Lab no. Field no. % % % % ppm ppm ppm

composite GLOC-2_1-7 0.45 0.64 0.03 0.23 6 500 0.23

composite GLOC-3_1-7 0.17 0.23 0.07 0.15 4 269 0.16

composite GLOC-7_1-7 0.35 0.65 0.05 0.21 6 450 0.19

composite GLOC-8_1-7 0.38 0.46 0.04 0.24 7 465 0.27

composite GLOC-9_1-7 0.19 0.22 0.04 0.17 3 297 0.14

C-310716 GLOC-12_1-7 0.63 0.33 0.12 0.31 10 547 0.33

C-310690 GLOC-13_1-7 0.34 0.30 0.16 0.23 7 414 0.28

C-310708 GLOC-14_1-7 0.62 0.24 0.19 0.29 10 532 0.35

C-310685 GLOC-15_1-7 0.71 0.32 0.11 0.30 10 604 0.36

C-310703 GLOC-16_1-7 0.36 0.28 0.14 0.22 8 434 0.22

C-310681 GLOC-17_1-7 0.64 0.38 0.12 0.25 10 574 0.34

C-310713 GLOC-18_1-7 0.46 0.60 0.07 0.26 7 500 0.25

C-310707 GLOC-19_1-7 0.66 0.35 0.13 0.30 11 566 0.33

C-310688 GLOC-20_1-7 0.23 0.24 0.09 0.19 6 338 0.18

C-310702 GLOC-21_1-7 0.74 0.27 0.17 0.28 13 577 0.36

C-310684 GLOC-22_1-7 0.67 0.42 0.11 0.28 9 583 0.34

C-310700 GLOC-23_1-7 0.25 0.41 0.03 0.24 5 487 0.20 

C-310693 GLOC-24_1-7 0.36 0.32 0.08 0.23 7 447 0.23

C-310712 GLOC-25_1-7 0.49 0.53 0.06 0.24 7 518 0.27

C-310710 GLOC-26_1-7 0.56 0.32 0.33 0.24 16 511 0.36
24

Table 1–2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees bottom-sediment sample analyses. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after fouracid digestion, except for forms of carbon. First five samples are composites of top three intervals of cores GLOC2, GLOC-3, GLOC-7, GLOC-8, and GLOC-9.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Cd Co Cr Cu Ga In Li Mn

Lab no. Field no. ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm

composite GLOC-2_1-7 0.43 11 51 15.0 13 0.04 30 488

composite GLOC-3_1-7 9.2 9.3 34 16.5 6.93 0.04 20 543

composite GLOC-7_1-7 1.8 8.9 40 16.6 10.5 0.04 25 378

composite GLOC-8_1-7 19 11.3 50 23.0 11.9 0.07 31 534

composite GLOC-9_1-7 0.40 7.7 40 11.5 6.0 0.02 17 307

C-310716 GLOC-12_1-7 3.1 13.9 67 25.5 17 0.06 48 647

C-310690 GLOC-13_1-7 1.7 9.5 57 19.5 10.5 0.04 31 346

C-310708 GLOC-14_1-7 2.3 14.0 77 24.5 17.6 0.07 49 382

C-310685 GLOC-15_1-7 2.7 14.2 74 26.7 18.4 0.07 52 1,040

C-310703 GLOC-16_1-7 2.2 11.9 54 19.9 11.2 0.04 31 510

C-310681 GLOC-17_1-7 3.4 14.5 77 27.1 17.3 0.07 47 859

C-310713 GLOC-18_1-7 2.8 10.5 48 18.2 12.1 0.05 34 503

C-310707 GLOC-19_1-7 3.4 14.4 69 25.1 18.0 0.07 50 735

C-310688 GLOC-20_1-7 0.70 8.1 38 13.8 7.3 0.03 22 281

C-310702 GLOC-21_1-7 2.8 16.3 137 30.0 20.1 0.08 54 690

C-310684 GLOC-22_1-7 3.0 13.8 65 25.9 17.0 0.07 48 603

C-310700 GLOC-23_1-7 1.0 11.2 39 14.1 9.9 0.04 26 559

C-310693 GLOC-24_1-7 2.7 12.7 38 18.9 10.8 0.04 30 503

C-310712 GLOC-25_1-7 2.7 11.1 53 22.2 13.0 0.05 35 514

C-310710 GLOC-26_1-7 3.8 22.2 63 30.0 14.1 0.06 40 795
25

Table 1–2. Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees bottom-sediment sample analyses. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after fouracid digestion, except for forms of carbon. First five samples are composites of top three intervals of cores GLOC2, GLOC-3, GLOC-7, GLOC-8, and GLOC-9.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Ni P Pb Rb Sr V Zn 

Lab no. Field no. ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm

composite GLOC-2_1-7 22.0 607 20.2 90.0 113 78 122

composite GLOC-3_1-7 16.4 733 87.0 46.8 42.0 45 1,370

composite GLOC-7_1-7 18.6 530 28.3 77.3 92.7 65 310

composite GLOC-8_1-7 24.7 747 90.0 82.0 75.0 79 1,523

composite GLOC-9_1-7 22.2 357 17.0 49.0 39.3 42 56

C-310716 GLOC-12_1-7 33.0 970 46.9 117 103 119 574

C-310690 GLOC-13_1-7 28.1 560 34.4 71.5 69.4 73 402

C-310708 GLOC-14_1-7 34.8 840 47.0 119 94.5 120 540

C-310685 GLOC-15_1-7 34.6 1,370 45.2 118 107 127 516

C-310703 GLOC-16_1-7 26.1 650 37.0 80.1 78.7 77 448

C-310681 GLOC-17_1-7 34.2 1,020 48.9 111 106 115 562

C-310713 GLOC-18_1-7 23.4 680 36.2 87.7 100 82 450

C-310707 GLOC-19_1-7 33.2 1,150 46.4 123 109 118 577

C-310688 GLOC-20_1-7 17.4 600 22.4 58.9 51.5 57 242

C-310702 GLOC-21_1-7 72.2 1,170 46.2 132 114 135 550

C-310684 GLOC-22_1-7 32.1 950 42.1 112 113 116 528

C-310700 GLOC-23_1-7 19.9 360 21.2 75.3 68.3 62 134

C-310693 GLOC-24_1-7 22.0 670 37.1 76.0 78.1 73 478

C-310712 GLOC-25_1-7 25.1 790 36.9 92.5 97.4 85 473

C-310710 GLOC-26_1-7 40.2 1,360 76.2 97.9 108 122 1,020
26

Table 1–3. Core sediment background sample analyses for GLOC-9, Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-310665 GLOC-9_1-3 2 5 1.6 0.31 1.29 2.71 1.23 1.13

C-310655 GLOC-9_3-5 4 10 1.53 0.23 1.3 2.94 0.99 1.19

C-310627 GLOC-9_5-7 6 15 1.49 0.19 1.3 2.82 0.84 1.15

C-310670 GLOC-9_7-9 8 20 1.47 0.2 1.27 2.67 0.88 1.04

C-310671 GLOC-9_9-11 10 25 1.35 0.19 1.16 2.47 0.83 1.02

C-310661 GLOC-9_11-13 12 30 1.42 0.18 1.24 2.7 0.78 1.09

C-310650 GLOC-9_13-15 14 35 1.41 0.11 1.3 2.66 0.58 1.11

C-310642 GLOC-9_15-17 16 40 1.6 0.1 1.5 2.87 0.6 1.14

C-310672 GLOC-9_17-19 18 45 1.98 0.1 1.88 3.14 0.65 1.24

C-310647 GLOC-9_19-21 20 50 3.36 0.06 3.3 3.27 0.55 1.31

C-310639 GLOC-9_21-23 22 55 2.04 0.22 1.82 3.46 0.98 1.43

C-310628 GLOC-9_23-25 24 60 1.53 0.1 1.43 3.05 0.58 1.28

C-310629 GLOC-9_25-27 26 65 1.16 0.08 1.08 2.46 0.4 1.16

C-310645 GLOC-9_27-29 28 70 0.68 <0.003 0.68 3.17 0.17 1.21

C-310668 GLOC-9_29-31 30 75 1.14 0.02 1.12 3.02 0.25 1.24

C-310653 GLOC-9_31-33 32 80 1.19 <0.003 1.19 3.19 0.22 1.24

C-310644 GLOC-9_33-35 34 85 1.03 0.05 0.98 2.73 0.32 1.18

C-310649 GLOC-9_35-37 36 90 0.74 0.01 0.73 3.21 0.17 1.23

C-310632 GLOC-9_37-39 38 95 0.41 <0.003 0.41 3.26 0.16 1.29

C-310669 GLOC-9_39-41 40 100 0.43 <0.003 0.43 3.45 0.16 1.32

C-310660 GLOC-9_41-43 42 105 0.4 0.02 0.38 3.3 0.16 1.37

C-310640 GLOC-9_43-45 44 110 0.41 0.02 0.39 3.58 0.18 1.52

C-310636 GLOC-9_45-47 46 115 0.58 0.05 0.53 3.67 0.18 1.65

C-310659 GLOC-9_47-49 48 120 0.42 0.04 0.38 3.64 0.18 1.65

C-310656 GLOC-9_49-51 50 125 0.39 0.03 0.36 3.72 0.19 1.65

C-310630 GLOC-9_51-53 54 135 0.37 0.02 0.35 3.89 0.18 1.71

C-310654 GLOC-9_53-55 56 140 0.34 0.02 0.32 3.7 0.17 1.6

C-310651 GLOC-9_55-57 58 145 0.34 0.01 0.33 3.79 0.18 1.61

C-310641 GLOC-9_57-59 62 155 0.33 0.01 0.32 3.84 0.19 1.63

C-310658 GLOC-9_59-61 64 160 0.32 0.01 0.31 3.8 0.18 1.59

C-310662 GLOC-9_61-63 66 165 0.31 0.01 0.3 3.81 0.19 1.63

C-310643 GLOC-9_63-65 68 170 0.29 0.01 0.28 3.72 0.19 1.61

C-310675 GLOC-9_65-67 70 175 0.29 0.01 0.28 3.76 0.19 1.58

C-310631 GLOC-9_67-69 72 180 0.28 <0.003 0.28 3.79 0.19 1.57

C-310652 GLOC-9_69-71 74 185 0.28 <0.003 0.28 3.85 0.2 1.58

C-310633 GLOC-9_71-73 78 195 0.25 0.01 0.24 3.94 0.21 1.61

C-310637 GLOC-9_73-75 80 200 0.25 <0.003 0.25 3.87 0.2 1.58

C-310638 GLOC-9_75-77 82 205 0.24 <0.003 0.24 3.94 0.21 1.58

C-310666 GLOC-9_77-79 84 210 0.24 0.01 0.23 3.89 0.21 1.57

C-310635 GLOC-9_79-81 86 215 0.23 <0.003 0.23 3.88 0.21 1.56

C-310674 GLOC-9_81-83 88 220 0.23 <0.003 0.23 3.74 0.21 1.52

C-310667 GLOC-9_83-85 90 225 0.21 <0.003 0.21 3.77 0.21 1.54

C-310657 GLOC-9_85-87 92 230 0.22 0.01 0.21 3.72 0.21 1.54

C-310664 GLOC-9_87-89 94 235 0.21 <0.003 0.21 3.75 0.21 1.53
27

Table 1–3. Core sediment background sample analyses for GLOC-9, Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm Bi ppm

C-310665 GLOC-9_1-3 0.95 0.19 0.21 0.05 0.16 3 284 0.13

C-310655 GLOC-9_3-5 1.03 0.2 0.23 0.04 0.18 3 311 0.14

C-310627 GLOC-9_5-7 0.98 0.18 0.22 0.04 0.17 3 295 0.14

C-310670 GLOC-9_7-9 0.94 0.17 0.21 0.04 0.16 3 283 0.13

C-310671 GLOC-9_9-11 0.89 0.15 0.21 0.03 0.16 3 270 0.11

C-310661 GLOC-9_11-13 0.98 0.16 0.23 0.03 0.17 3 292 0.11

C-310650 GLOC-9_13-15 0.95 0.17 0.22 0.02 0.17 3 288 0.13

C-310642 GLOC-9_15-17 0.95 0.18 0.23 0.03 0.18 3 301 0.12

C-310672 GLOC-9_17-19 1.08 0.2 0.24 0.04 0.19 3 329 0.18

C-310647 GLOC-9_19-21 1.04 0.21 0.23 0.05 0.19 4 343 0.15

C-310639 GLOC-9_21-23 1.11 0.22 0.23 0.04 0.2 5 352 0.17

C-310628 GLOC-9_23-25 0.98 0.18 0.24 0.03 0.19 4 333 0.14

C-310629 GLOC-9_25-27 0.83 0.15 0.18 0.02 0.16 4 275 0.12

C-310645 GLOC-9_27-29 1.13 0.19 0.25 0.01 0.18 4 360 0.15

C-310668 GLOC-9_29-31 1.04 0.18 0.23 0.02 0.18 4 337 0.14

C-310653 GLOC-9_31-33 1.1 0.2 0.24 0.02 0.19 4 363 0.16

C-310644 GLOC-9_33-35 0.95 0.16 0.22 0.02 0.17 4 302 0.12

C-310649 GLOC-9_35-37 1.11 0.19 0.25 0.01 0.19 4 363 0.15

C-310632 GLOC-9_37-39 1.1 0.2 0.24 0.01 0.18 4 356 0.15

C-310669 GLOC-9_39-41 1.17 0.2 0.24 0.01 0.19 4 367 0.15

C-310660 GLOC-9_41-43 1.09 0.2 0.22 0.01 0.18 4 352 0.15

C-310640 GLOC-9_43-45 1.15 0.22 0.23 0.01 0.19 5 349 0.15

C-310636 GLOC-9_45-47 1.16 0.22 0.23 0.01 0.19 5 347 0.16

C-310659 GLOC-9_47-49 1.12 0.22 0.22 0.01 0.19 5 342 0.16

C-310656 GLOC-9_49-51 1.14 0.23 0.22 0.01 0.19 5 339 0.15

C-310630 GLOC-9_51-53 1.18 0.24 0.22 0.01 0.2 5 346 0.16

C-310654 GLOC-9_53-55 1.14 0.23 0.22 0.01 0.19 4 339 0.17

C-310651 GLOC-9_55-57 1.16 0.23 0.23 0.01 0.19 4 341 0.15

C-310641 GLOC-9_57-59 1.19 0.24 0.23 0.01 0.2 5 347 0.16

C-310658 GLOC-9_59-61 1.17 0.24 0.23 0.01 0.19 5 353 0.17

C-310662 GLOC-9_61-63 1.16 0.24 0.23 <0.01 0.19 5 362 0.17

C-310643 GLOC-9_63-65 1.16 0.23 0.23 <0.01 0.19 5 351 0.16

C-310675 GLOC-9_65-67 1.18 0.24 0.23 <0.01 0.19 4 356 0.17

C-310631 GLOC-9_67-69 1.18 0.24 0.24 <0.01 0.2 5 360 0.16

C-310652 GLOC-9_69-71 1.21 0.24 0.25 <0.01 0.2 4 373 0.16

C-310633 GLOC-9_71-73 1.25 0.25 0.26 0.01 0.2 5 393 0.18

C-310637 GLOC-9_73-75 1.23 0.25 0.26 <0.01 0.2 5 387 0.2

C-310638 GLOC-9_75-77 1.27 0.25 0.27 0.01 0.21 5 392 0.16

C-310666 GLOC-9_77-79 1.25 0.25 0.27 0.01 0.2 5 408 0.16

C-310635 GLOC-9_79-81 1.22 0.25 0.27 <0.01 0.19 5 391 0.16

C-310674 GLOC-9_81-83 1.21 0.24 0.27 <0.01 0.21 4 389 0.2

C-310667 GLOC-9_83-85 1.22 0.24 0.27 <0.01 0.2 5 390 0.17

C-310657 GLOC-9_85-87 1.19 0.24 0.26 <0.01 0.2 4 383 0.15

C-310664 GLOC-9_87-89 1.2 0.24 0.27 <0.01 0.21 4 385 0.16
28

Table 1–3. Core sediment background sample analyses for GLOC-9, Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm Li ppm Mn ppm

C-310665 GLOC-9_1-3 0.4 8 53 12.2 6 0.02 17 317

C-310655 GLOC-9_3-5 0.5 7.6 28 10.9 6 0.02 18 301

C-310627 GLOC-9_5-7 0.4 7.4 38 11.3 6 0.02 17 302

C-310670 GLOC-9_7-9 0.4 7.1 41 11.1 6 0.02 16 284

C-310671 GLOC-9_9-11 0.4 6.3 33 9.9 5.1 <0.02 16 287

C-310661 GLOC-9_11-13 0.3 6.5 29 10.5 5.3 <0.02 17 314

C-310650 GLOC-9_13-15 0.3 7.6 33 10.6 6 0.02 17 354

C-310642 GLOC-9_15-17 0.4 6.9 25 10.7 5.6 <0.02 18 355

C-310672 GLOC-9_17-19 0.4 7.8 27 12 6.9 0.03 20 428

C-310647 GLOC-9_19-21 0.4 7.2 45 12.3 6.9 0.03 20 474

C-310639 GLOC-9_21-23 0.5 9 36 13.7 7.9 0.03 21 802

C-310628 GLOC-9_23-25 0.4 7.6 33 11.7 6.3 0.02 19 580

C-310629 GLOC-9_25-27 0.4 7.2 24 10.1 5.4 0.02 15 683

C-310645 GLOC-9_27-29 0.4 8 52 12.3 7.4 0.03 19 378

C-310668 GLOC-9_29-31 0.4 9.9 34 12 6.8 0.03 18 388

C-310653 GLOC-9_31-33 0.4 10 30 13 7.1 0.03 19 414

C-310644 GLOC-9_33-35 0.4 9.3 30 11 6 0.02 18 599

C-310649 GLOC-9_35-37 0.4 8 38 12.2 7.3 0.03 19 369

C-310632 GLOC-9_37-39 0.3 8.4 36 11.3 7.4 0.03 19 360

C-310669 GLOC-9_39-41 0.3 8.2 35 11.4 7.4 0.03 20 385

C-310660 GLOC-9_41-43 0.2 9.8 65 11.9 8 0.03 20 570

C-310640 GLOC-9_43-45 0.2 8.4 35 11.3 8 0.03 21 695

C-310636 GLOC-9_45-47 0.2 9.3 37 11.9 8.1 0.03 21 1,110

C-310659 GLOC-9_47-49 0.2 9.8 32 11.6 8 0.03 21 1,060

C-310656 GLOC-9_49-51 0.3 9.9 37 12.3 7.9 0.03 21 980

C-310630 GLOC-9_51-53 0.2 11 35 12.4 8.7 0.03 22 798

C-310654 GLOC-9_53-55 0.2 10.5 37 12.2 8.6 0.03 21 754

C-310651 GLOC-9_55-57 0.3 9.4 32 12.8 8.1 0.03 21 745

C-310641 GLOC-9_57-59 0.2 8.9 36 12.8 8.5 0.03 22 704

C-310658 GLOC-9_59-61 0.3 8.7 44 12.4 8.9 0.03 22 727

C-310662 GLOC-9_61-63 0.3 9.3 43 12.8 9.1 0.03 21 738

C-310643 GLOC-9_63-65 0.2 9 35 12.6 7.9 0.03 21 799

C-310675 GLOC-9_65-67 0.3 9.6 32 12.5 8.4 0.03 21 798

C-310631 GLOC-9_67-69 0.3 9.7 40 12.9 8.4 0.03 22 897

C-310652 GLOC-9_69-71 0.4 9 38 12.6 8.5 0.03 21 869

C-310633 GLOC-9_71-73 0.3 10.2 68 14.1 9.1 0.04 22 892

C-310637 GLOC-9_73-75 0.4 9.7 36 13.6 8.9 0.03 22 875

C-310638 GLOC-9_75-77 0.4 9 39 13.7 8.6 0.03 22 818

C-310666 GLOC-9_77-79 0.3 10.1 36 13.9 8.9 0.03 22 911

C-310635 GLOC-9_79-81 0.3 9.2 49 13.2 8.6 0.03 22 880

C-310674 GLOC-9_81-83 0.3 9 34 17.6 8.5 0.03 21 824

C-310667 GLOC-9_83-85 0.2 9.8 68 13.3 8.6 0.03 21 857

C-310657 GLOC-9_85-87 0.2 8.1 46 12.4 7.4 0.03 21 825

C-310664 GLOC-9_87-89 0.2 9.4 35 12.8 8.4 0.03 21 809
29

Table 1–3. Core sediment background sample analyses for GLOC-9, Elk River arm of Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm V ppm Zn ppm

C-310665 GLOC-9_1-3 30.8 340 16 46.8 39.2 41 55

C-310655 GLOC-9_3-5 16.2 360 17.7 49.3 40.2 42 57

C-310627 GLOC-9_5-7 19.7 370 16.1 51.1 38.4 43 55

C-310670 GLOC-9_7-9 20.4 320 16.5 46.9 36 40 53

C-310671 GLOC-9_9-11 16.6 290 15.1 43.4 35 35 52

C-310661 GLOC-9_11-13 15.3 320 15.2 46.6 37.8 38 51

C-310650 GLOC-9_13-15 17.5 320 17.4 47.4 35.8 40 53

C-310642 GLOC-9_15-17 15.8 330 17 48.7 37.7 41 57

C-310672 GLOC-9_17-19 16 410 19.1 54.9 40.4 46 66

C-310647 GLOC-9_19-21 18.6 460 18.8 59.3 39.6 50 71

C-310639 GLOC-9_21-23 19.5 510 22.1 59.3 42.2 54 74

C-310628 GLOC-9_23-25 18.1 430 18.2 53.5 39.4 46 61

C-310629 GLOC-9_25-27 14.1 350 16.2 42.6 32.3 37 52

C-310645 GLOC-9_27-29 25.9 310 15.8 61.2 40.3 51 44

C-310668 GLOC-9_29-31 19.4 360 19.3 54.8 38.2 47 60

C-310653 GLOC-9_31-33 20.3 360 19.9 59.5 40 49 55

C-310644 GLOC-9_33-35 20.1 320 17.3 47.6 36.6 40 55

C-310649 GLOC-9_35-37 21.4 320 16.1 60.1 40.5 52 45

C-310632 GLOC-9_37-39 20.1 290 15.6 59.4 38.7 51 44

C-310669 GLOC-9_39-41 19.2 270 15.5 60.8 40 54 45

C-310660 GLOC-9_41-43 33.7 270 15.5 62 37.5 53 43

C-310640 GLOC-9_43-45 20 270 15.2 63.4 38.1 56 48

C-310636 GLOC-9_45-47 20.1 270 15.6 63.1 38.2 56 46

C-310659 GLOC-9_47-49 20.1 250 15.4 64.7 36.6 58 50

C-310656 GLOC-9_49-51 22.6 260 15.8 60.1 37.4 58 48

C-310630 GLOC-9_51-53 21.7 260 16 65.4 38.9 60 49

C-310654 GLOC-9_53-55 21.7 250 16.2 64 36.9 60 50

C-310651 GLOC-9_55-57 19.7 250 15.9 62 38.1 57 49

C-310641 GLOC-9_57-59 21.6 240 16.8 64 39.1 59 53

C-310658 GLOC-9_59-61 23 220 16.2 66.1 38.6 60 52

C-310662 GLOC-9_61-63 23.8 230 16.5 65.8 38.7 61 52

C-310643 GLOC-9_63-65 24.2 210 14.8 64 38.6 60 51

C-310675 GLOC-9_65-67 20.5 210 16 62.8 38.5 57 51

C-310631 GLOC-9_67-69 21.8 230 15.8 62.5 40.9 59 51

C-310652 GLOC-9_69-71 21.9 230 16.5 63.9 41.2 59 52

C-310633 GLOC-9_71-73 35.5 240 16.3 67 43 62 53

C-310637 GLOC-9_73-75 22.6 220 16.3 64.6 42.3 60 53

C-310638 GLOC-9_75-77 23.8 220 16.5 65.2 43.7 60 52

C-310666 GLOC-9_77-79 26.3 220 17.1 66.3 43.9 61 54

C-310635 GLOC-9_79-81 23.8 210 16.5 63 43.4 58 52

C-310674 GLOC-9_81-83 21.9 210 16.6 65.5 42.4 60 51

C-310667 GLOC-9_83-85 36.8 220 16.8 62.6 43.3 60 50

C-310657 GLOC-9_85-87 23.3 210 14 60.8 42.6 57 51

C-310664 GLOC-9_87-89 20.6 210 15.8 62.5 43 58 50
30

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-312239 GLOC-2_1-3 2 5 1.01 0.07 0.94 5.42 0.70 2.34

C-312296 GLOC-2_3-5 4 10 1.01 0.03 0.98 5.28 0.59 2.20

C-312263 GLOC-2_5-7 6 15 1.02 0.03 0.99 5.35 0.57 2.24

C-312276 GLOC-2_7-9 8 20 1.03 0.03 1.00 5.24 0.55 2.25

C-312275 GLOC-2_9-11 10 25 1.15 0.03 1.12 5.46 0.57 2.33

C-312258 GLOC-2_11-13 12 30 0.98 0.02 0.96 5.04 0.48 2.06

C-312242 GLOC-2_13-15 14 35 0.79 0.02 0.77 4.65 0.46 1.79

C-312302 GLOC-2_15-17 16 40 0.96 0.03 0.93 4.96 0.53 2.17

C-312245 GLOC-2_17-19 18 45 0.91 0.02 0.89 5.42 0.49 2.25

C-312254 GLOC-2_19-21 20 50 1.08 0.02 1.06 5.87 0.54 2.54

C-312300 GLOC-2_21-23 22 55 0.96 0.01 0.95 5.25 0.48 2.34

C-312247 GLOC-2_23-25 24 60 0.89 0.02 0.87 5.36 0.45 2.36

C-312297 GLOC-2_25-27 26 65 0.93 0.01 0.92 5.05 0.44 2.22

C-312283 GLOC-2_27-29 28 70 0.91 0.02 0.89 5.44 0.50 2.37

C-312266 GLOC-2_29-31 30 75 0.78 0.01 0.77 5.01 0.47 2.04

C-312309 GLOC-2_31-33 32 80 0.98 0.02 0.96 5.06 0.49 2.18

C-312311 GLOC-2_33-35 34 85 1.07 0.02 1.05 5.58 0.53 2.42

C-312307 GLOC-2_35-37 36 90 1.08 0.01 1.07 5.36 0.51 2.46

C-312292 GLOC-2_37-39 38 95 1.63 0.03 1.60 4.95 0.52 2.11

C-312298 GLOC-2_39-41 40 100 1.1 0.08 1.02 4.88 0.62 2.31

C-312253 GLOC-2_41-43 42 105 0.92 0.05 0.87 5.29 0.54 2.18

C-312271 GLOC-2_43-45 44 110 1.25 0.01 1.24 5.94 0.65 2.67

C-312282 GLOC-2_45-47 46 115 1.21 0.03 1.18 5.49 0.56 2.50

C-312310 GLOC-2_47-49 48 120 1.11 0.03 1.08 5.73 0.55 2.37

C-312241 GLOC-2_49-51 50 125 0.88 0.1 0.78 5.18 0.63 2.11

C-312308 GLOC-2_51-53 52 130 0.83 0.07 0.76 4.94 0.58 2.01

C-312286 GLOC-2_53-55 54 135 1.13 0.07 1.06 5.76 0.65 2.52

C-312248 GLOC-2_55-57 56 140 1.04 0.13 0.91 5.9 0.54 2.51

C-312240 GLOC-2_57-59 58 145 1.24 0.01 1.23 6.18 0.54 2.71

C-312280 GLOC-2_59-61 60 150 0.74 0.07 0.67 4.56 0.54 1.88

C-312287 GLOC-2_61-63 62 155 0.75 0.06 0.69 4.67 0.53 1.97

C-312261 GLOC-2_63-65 64 160 0.98 0.06 0.92 5.29 0.60 2.39

C-312289 GLOC-2_65-67 66 165 0.92 0.03 0.89 4.95 0.46 2.06

C-312285 GLOC-2_67-69 68 170 1.05 0.04 1.01 5.34 0.53 2.24

C-312237 GLOC-2_69-71 70 175 1.2 0.04 1.16 6.08 0.61 2.64

C-312304 GLOC-2_71-73 72 180 1.15 0.05 1.10 5.67 0.62 2.63

C-312255 GLOC-2_73-75 74 185 1.42 0.11 1.31 6.27 0.75 2.83

C-312281 GLOC-2_75-77 76 190 1.37 0.08 1.29 6.06 0.71 2.68

C-312306 GLOC-2_77-79 78 195 1.43 0.12 1.31 6.22 0.87 3.06

C-312264 GLOC-2_79-81 80 200 1.19 0.13 1.06 5.59 0.79 2.47

C-312249 GLOC-2_81-83 82 205 0.79 0.03 0.76 4.73 0.65 1.93

C-312265 GLOC-2_83-85 84 210 1.1 0.13 0.97 5.46 0.81 2.29

C-312279 GLOC-2_85-87 86 215 1.41 0.17 1.24 5.97 0.95 2.71

C-312301 GLOC-2_87-89 88 220 1.16 0.2 0.96 5.69 1.1 2.38

C-312259 GLOC-2_89-91 90 225 1.15 0.16 0.99 5.58 0.99 2.47
31

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-312290 GLOC-2_91-93 92 230 1.62 0.16 1.46 7.02 1.02 3.20

C-312238 GLOC-2_93-95 94 235 1.29 0.08 1.21 6.23 0.74 2.89

C-312303 GLOC-2_95-97 96 240 1.25 0.08 1.17 5.68 0.67 2.50

C-312251 GLOC-2_97-99 98 245 1.24 0.09 1.15 6.04 0.70 2.66

C-312236 GLOC-2_99-101 100 250 1.39 0.14 1.25 6.7 0.76 3.15

C-312293 GLOC-2_101-103 102 255 1.47 0.19 1.28 6.48 0.93 3.01

C-312277 GLOC-2_103-105 104 260 1.45 0.11 1.34 6.28 0.75 2.69

C-312262 GLOC-2_105-107 106 265 1.18 0.07 1.11 5.89 0.61 2.50

C-312246 GLOC-2_107-109 108 270 1.28 0.1 1.18 6.04 0.68 2.61

C-312291 GLOC-2_109-111 110 275 1.16 0.11 1.05 5.32 0.67 2.32

C-312256 GLOC-2_111-113 112 280 0.84 0.12 0.72 4.55 0.61 1.93

C-312299 GLOC-2_113-115 114 285 1.09 0.2 0.89 5.08 0.93 2.21

C-312295 GLOC-2_115-117 116 290 1.44 0.28 1.16 6.09 1.01 3.09

C-312274 GLOC-2_117-119 118 295 1.4 0.05 1.35 6.35 0.59 2.79

C-312250 GLOC-2_119-121 120 300 1.44 0.03 1.41 6.75 0.53 3.02

C-312272 GLOC-2_121-123 122 305 1.79 0.1 1.69 6.81 0.60 3.57
32

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm

C-312239 GLOC-2_1-3 1.58 0.47 0.63 0.03 0.24 7 488

C-312296 GLOC-2_3-5 1.52 0.44 0.65 0.03 0.23 6 500

C-312263 GLOC-2_5-7 1.52 0.43 0.64 0.03 0.22 6 508

C-312276 GLOC-2_7-9 1.47 0.42 0.61 0.05 0.21 7 491

C-312275 GLOC-2_9-11 1.50 0.44 0.60 0.06 0.22 7 512

C-312258 GLOC-2_11-13 1.48 0.39 0.68 0.05 0.22 6 484

C-312242 GLOC-2_13-15 1.47 0.35 0.72 0.06 0.22 5 467

C-312302 GLOC-2_15-17 1.52 0.41 0.68 0.05 0.25 6 501

C-312245 GLOC-2_17-19 1.56 0.43 0.67 0.04 0.25 6 504

C-312254 GLOC-2_19-21 1.52 0.46 0.59 0.04 0.24 8 539

C-312300 GLOC-2_21-23 1.57 0.44 0.64 0.03 0.25 8 530

C-312247 GLOC-2_23-25 1.51 0.43 0.62 0.03 0.23 6 479

C-312297 GLOC-2_25-27 1.38 0.4 0.58 0.03 0.24 6 475

C-312283 GLOC-2_27-29 1.53 0.44 0.64 0.03 0.22 7 523

C-312266 GLOC-2_29-31 1.44 0.37 0.67 0.03 0.21 6 499

C-312309 GLOC-2_31-33 1.42 0.39 0.62 0.04 0.23 7 496

C-312311 GLOC-2_33-35 1.51 0.44 0.61 0.04 0.27 6 527

C-312307 GLOC-2_35-37 1.50 0.46 0.57 0.04 0.27 7 520

C-312292 GLOC-2_37-39 1.34 0.39 0.56 0.09 0.21 8 443

C-312298 GLOC-2_39-41 1.54 0.44 0.65 0.05 0.24 6 507

C-312253 GLOC-2_41-43 1.49 0.42 0.64 0.06 0.22 7 502

C-312271 GLOC-2_43-45 1.53 0.5 0.56 0.06 0.25 7 533

C-312282 GLOC-2_45-47 1.49 0.46 0.57 0.08 0.26 10 502

C-312310 GLOC-2_47-49 1.48 0.45 0.59 0.05 0.27 8 506

C-312241 GLOC-2_49-51 1.60 0.42 0.72 0.04 0.23 4 507

C-312308 GLOC-2_51-53 1.54 0.39 0.73 0.04 0.24 5 506

C-312286 GLOC-2_53-55 1.52 0.47 0.59 0.05 0.23 7 515

C-312248 GLOC-2_55-57 1.58 0.51 0.57 0.05 0.27 8 540

C-312240 GLOC-2_57-59 1.57 0.56 0.52 0.04 0.26 6 546

C-312280 GLOC-2_59-61 1.37 0.36 0.65 0.03 0.2 5 451

C-312287 GLOC-2_61-63 1.36 0.39 0.59 0.03 0.2 5 454

C-312261 GLOC-2_63-65 1.47 0.44 0.6 0.04 0.25 9 507

C-312289 GLOC-2_65-67 1.37 0.4 0.58 0.04 0.2 8 469

C-312285 GLOC-2_67-69 1.43 0.44 0.57 0.04 0.22 7 489

C-312237 GLOC-2_69-71 1.57 0.51 0.55 0.05 0.24 9 523

C-312304 GLOC-2_71-73 1.54 0.51 0.56 0.04 0.26 8 522

C-312255 GLOC-2_73-75 1.52 0.55 0.49 0.05 0.26 9 524

C-312281 GLOC-2_75-77 1.50 0.52 0.49 0.06 0.24 12 503

C-312306 GLOC-2_77-79 1.61 0.61 0.48 0.06 0.28 11 552

C-312264 GLOC-2_79-81 1.47 0.49 0.54 0.05 0.22 10 492

C-312249 GLOC-2_81-83 1.48 0.38 0.68 0.03 0.22 6 453

C-312265 GLOC-2_83-85 1.47 0.47 0.59 0.04 0.22 6 511

C-312279 GLOC-2_85-87 1.51 0.54 0.5 0.07 0.24 11 534

C-312301 GLOC-2_87-89 1.54 0.5 0.61 0.05 0.25 10 512

C-312259 GLOC-2_89-91 1.56 0.54 0.6 0.05 0.23 9 553
33

Table 1–4 . Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm

C-312290 GLOC-2_91-93 1.68 0.76 0.41 0.05 0.26 9 532

C-312238 GLOC-2_93-95 1.53 0.53 0.5 0.06 0.27 15 571

C-312303 GLOC-2_95-97 1.44 0.47 0.54 0.05 0.26 7 503

C-312251 GLOC-2_97-99 1.53 0.52 0.52 0.05 0.26 8 506

C-312236 GLOC-2_99-101 1.70 0.62 0.51 0.05 0.25 9 549

C-312293 GLOC-2_101-103 1.61 0.59 0.51 0.04 0.25 9 549

C-312277 GLOC-2_103-105 1.51 0.54 0.48 0.05 0.24 12 516

C-312262 GLOC-2_105-107 1.54 0.52 0.57 0.05 0.25 7 515

C-312246 GLOC-2_107-109 1.53 0.53 0.51 0.06 0.26 7 498

C-312291 GLOC-2_109-111 1.37 0.45 0.48 0.06 0.21 8 481

C-312256 GLOC-2_111-113 1.26 0.36 0.55 0.05 0.2 7 417

C-312299 GLOC-2_113-115 1.40 0.44 0.59 0.04 0.23 7 472

C-312295 GLOC-2_115-117 1.54 0.56 0.5 0.06 0.27 12 542

C-312274 GLOC-2_117-119 1.51 0.56 0.49 0.05 0.24 8 526

C-312250 GLOC-2_119-121 1.58 0.54 0.49 0.05 0.28 10 523

C-312272 GLOC-2_121-123 1.54 0.58 0.41 0.06 0.29 10 556
34

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Bi ppm Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm

C-312239 GLOC-2_1-3 0.21 0.4 10.6 50 14.8 12.9 0.04

C-312296 GLOC-2_3-5 0.25 0.4 10.3 52 14.9 13.6 0.04

C-312263 GLOC-2_5-7 0.23 0.5 10.9 51 15.2 13.4 0.04

C-312276 GLOC-2_7-9 0.22 0.8 9.9 53 15.7 12.8 0.04

C-312275 GLOC-2_9-11 0.24 0.6 11 53 16.5 13.6 0.04

C-312258 GLOC-2_11-13 0.21 0.6 9.4 50 14.6 12.1 0.04

C-312242 GLOC-2_13-15 0.17 0.5 8.7 40 12.9 10.5 0.04

C-312302 GLOC-2_15-17 0.22 0.6 9.5 47 14.3 12.6 0.04

C-312245 GLOC-2_17-19 0.21 0.6 10.2 50 15.6 12.3 0.04

C-312254 GLOC-2_19-21 0.26 1.2 9.6 61 18.4 14.1 0.05

C-312300 GLOC-2_21-23 0.26 0.7 11 49 16.9 13.8 0.05

C-312247 GLOC-2_23-25 0.93 0.8 10.1 47 15.4 12.8 0.04

C-312297 GLOC-2_25-27 0.25 0.8 10.2 51 14.8 12.8 0.04

C-312283 GLOC-2_27-29 0.27 0.7 9.9 52 16.3 13.5 0.04

C-312266 GLOC-2_29-31 0.23 0.7 8.5 49 14.5 11.8 0.04

C-312309 GLOC-2_31-33 0.26 1.3 8.5 49 16.5 12.5 0.04

C-312311 GLOC-2_33-35 0.27 1.7 9.4 60 17.7 14 0.05

C-312307 GLOC-2_35-37 0.29 1.6 10.2 63 17.3 14.1 0.05

C-312292 GLOC-2_37-39 0.26 1.2 10.6 49 16.3 12.8 0.04

C-312298 GLOC-2_39-41 0.25 1.1 8.6 51 16 12.6 0.04

C-312253 GLOC-2_41-43 0.23 0.8 10.2 52 17 13 0.04

C-312271 GLOC-2_43-45 0.3 0.9 11.6 59 20.6 14.9 0.05

C-312282 GLOC-2_45-47 0.32 2 11.7 58 19 14.8 0.05

C-312310 GLOC-2_47-49 0.29 1 11 56 16.9 14.3 0.05

C-312241 GLOC-2_49-51 0.2 0.4 9.4 43 14.2 11.5 0.04

C-312308 GLOC-2_51-53 0.23 0.4 9.4 47 13.1 12.2 0.04

C-312286 GLOC-2_53-55 0.25 0.6 10.2 57 17.1 13.8 0.05

C-312248 GLOC-2_55-57 0.25 1.5 11 55 18.1 13.9 0.05

C-312240 GLOC-2_57-59 0.27 2.2 10.5 58 19.7 14.6 0.05

C-312280 GLOC-2_59-61 0.2 0.7 9.4 43 12.7 11.4 0.04

C-312287 GLOC-2_61-63 0.21 1 9 46 13.7 11.6 0.06

C-312261 GLOC-2_63-65 0.26 1.3 10.2 53 15.5 13.3 0.05

C-312289 GLOC-2_65-67 0.3 1.3 9.3 64 17.9 12.5 0.05

C-312285 GLOC-2_67-69 0.24 1.4 9 56 16.3 12.7 0.06

C-312237 GLOC-2_69-71 0.26 1.5 11.3 59 23 14.6 0.07

C-312304 GLOC-2_71-73 0.27 1 11.2 57 18.7 14.9 0.06

C-312255 GLOC-2_73-75 0.29 2.1 12.2 68 21 15.7 0.08

C-312281 GLOC-2_75-77 0.29 3.1 11.9 65 21 15.2 0.09

C-312306 GLOC-2_77-79 0.31 1.3 12.9 69 21.2 17.1 0.07

C-312264 GLOC-2_79-81 0.25 1.2 9.7 56 17.6 14 0.06

C-312249 GLOC-2_81-83 0.2 0.8 8 37 13.6 11.1 0.05

C-312265 GLOC-2_83-85 0.24 1.4 8.5 55 17.4 13.3 0.06

C-312279 GLOC-2_85-87 0.31 4.1 10.5 61 23.3 15.2 0.17

C-312301 GLOC-2_87-89 0.27 0.8 12.4 54 17.2 14.4 0.07

C-312259 GLOC-2_89-91 0.25 0.6 10.1 55 17.8 13.7 0.05
35

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Bi ppm Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm

C-312290 GLOC-2_91-93 0.35 0.8 13 65 26.7 18.2 0.07

C-312238 GLOC-2_93-95 0.28 4 10.2 59 21.6 14.8 0.1

C-312303 GLOC-2_95-97 0.31 2.9 9.5 58 19.7 14.5 0.08

C-312251 GLOC-2_97-99 0.31 2.6 11.5 62 20.4 15 0.09

C-312236 GLOC-2_99-101 0.3 1.6 14.6 63 26.5 15.9 0.11

C-312293 GLOC-2_101-103 0.31 1.2 11.6 65 21 17 0.12

C-312277 GLOC-2_103-105 0.33 2.7 11.5 69 24.2 16 0.22

C-312262 GLOC-2_105-107 0.3 1.1 11.3 63 18 14.7 0.07

C-312246 GLOC-2_107-109 0.25 1 10.8 60 19.1 14.3 0.08

C-312291 GLOC-2_109-111 0.24 1 10 58 16.2 13.4 0.06

C-312256 GLOC-2_111-113 0.21 1 9.7 47 14.2 11.2 0.09

C-312299 GLOC-2_113-115 0.26 1.2 9.1 52 16.8 12.3 0.13

C-312295 GLOC-2_115-117 0.34 2.4 12.4 63 21.5 15.9 0.13

C-312274 GLOC-2_117-119 0.3 1.4 13 66 22.5 16.1 0.08

C-312250 GLOC-2_119-121 0.31 3 12.1 66 25.7 16.7 0.1

C-312272 GLOC-2_121-123 0.39 3.7 11.5 74 29.6 17.1 0.19
36

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Li ppm Mn ppm Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm

C-312239 GLOC-2_1-3 31 521 22.7 630 19.6 94.1 113

C-312296 GLOC-2_3-5 30 472 21.8 580 20.2 89 113

C-312263 GLOC-2_5-7 30 470 21.3 610 20.8 87.2 113

C-312276 GLOC-2_7-9 29 456 22.3 660 21.7 84.5 110

C-312275 GLOC-2_9-11 31 475 22.4 660 22.9 89.8 112

C-312258 GLOC-2_11-13 27 404 20.1 600 19.6 80.8 108

C-312242 GLOC-2_13-15 25 320 17.6 470 18.7 78.6 101

C-312302 GLOC-2_15-17 30 398 20.6 570 20.4 84.3 110

C-312245 GLOC-2_17-19 31 434 22.5 560 22.2 87 108

C-312254 GLOC-2_19-21 33 522 25.6 710 27.8 95.8 112

C-312300 GLOC-2_21-23 32 446 22.7 580 24.2 94.6 109

C-312247 GLOC-2_23-25 31 467 21.5 640 27.0 91.5 102

C-312297 GLOC-2_25-27 29 422 22.2 600 24.6 82.3 100

C-312283 GLOC-2_27-29 31 478 21.7 620 24.5 87.4 110

C-312266 GLOC-2_29-31 27 414 19.5 510 24.9 79.4 107

C-312309 GLOC-2_31-33 30 408 20.3 620 26.7 83.3 105

C-312311 GLOC-2_33-35 33 450 24.1 680 28.8 91.4 111

C-312307 GLOC-2_35-37 33 413 24.4 700 28.7 92.1 106

C-312292 GLOC-2_37-39 29 402 22.3 690 26.4 82.8 101

C-312298 GLOC-2_39-41 32 689 22.5 670 23.2 88.3 110

C-312253 GLOC-2_41-43 30 506 22.2 570 22.8 85.2 109

C-312271 GLOC-2_43-45 34 804 25.8 730 25.0 96.8 116

C-312282 GLOC-2_45-47 34 526 26.6 670 30.2 92.9 109

C-312310 GLOC-2_47-49 34 470 24.3 580 26.4 91.4 113

C-312241 GLOC-2_49-51 29 740 19.8 470 19.5 82.1 114

C-312308 GLOC-2_51-53 28 603 19.7 480 19.1 81.1 115

C-312286 GLOC-2_53-55 33 721 24.2 590 23.7 92 119

C-312248 GLOC-2_55-57 35 355 25.6 560 27.6 94.8 114

C-312240 GLOC-2_57-59 38 335 28 630 29.1 101 114

C-312280 GLOC-2_59-61 24 495 17.8 490 21.0 76.7 104

C-312287 GLOC-2_61-63 26 480 19.7 500 23.1 75.8 102

C-312261 GLOC-2_63-65 30 598 22.1 630 25.5 85.2 113

C-312289 GLOC-2_65-67 28 404 24.2 520 24.6 81.9 103

C-312285 GLOC-2_67-69 31 488 23.7 560 26.5 85 109

C-312237 GLOC-2_69-71 36 635 27.6 650 27.9 98.2 115

C-312304 GLOC-2_71-73 36 649 26.7 660 24.7 96 116

C-312255 GLOC-2_73-75 37 787 30 680 29.7 99.9 120

C-312281 GLOC-2_75-77 36 649 29.2 650 34.5 97.7 117

C-312306 GLOC-2_77-79 40 715 31.2 690 25.7 109 126

C-312264 GLOC-2_79-81 32 569 24.7 570 24.5 87.1 116

C-312249 GLOC-2_81-83 26 577 17.8 440 20.9 81 109

C-312265 GLOC-2_83-85 30 461 22.4 550 21.6 84.5 119

C-312279 GLOC-2_85-87 36 597 27.2 740 39.1 94.6 126

C-312301 GLOC-2_87-89 34 581 24.9 550 22.7 90.6 132

C-312259 GLOC-2_89-91 31 560 22.2 590 21.2 90.8 129
37

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Li ppm Mn ppm Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm

C-312290 GLOC-2_91-93 43 932 28.4 690 28.3 114 130

C-312238 GLOC-2_93-95 38 522 27.1 750 40.6 98.5 122

C-312303 GLOC-2_95-97 35 541 24.8 700 35.4 90.9 115

C-312251 GLOC-2_97-99 36 606 29.4 710 33.6 101 115

C-312236 GLOC-2_99-101 41 981 32.5 760 27.9 110 123

C-312293 GLOC-2_101-103 39 1,160 29.1 700 26.1 106 128

C-312277 GLOC-2_103-105 37 670 29.8 610 33.2 101 118

C-312262 GLOC-2_105-107 34 539 27 560 24.7 92.7 114

C-312246 GLOC-2_107-109 36 537 28.1 560 27.0 98.4 111

C-312291 GLOC-2_109-111 31 518 26.5 530 24.3 85.4 104

C-312256 GLOC-2_111-113 27 466 20.2 470 23.0 70.3 98.1

C-312299 GLOC-2_113-115 30 576 23.4 520 23.3 81.4 116

C-312295 GLOC-2_115-117 37 848 30 830 29.3 102 124

C-312274 GLOC-2_117-119 38 508 29.9 690 29.8 102 111

C-312250 GLOC-2_119-121 42 485 29.4 750 45.0 110 111

C-312272 GLOC-2_121-123 44 759 31.8 980 41.2 113 112
38

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. V ppm Zn ppm

C-312239 GLOC-2_1-3 77 95

C-312296 GLOC-2_3-5 78 113

C-312263 GLOC-2_5-7 78 157

C-312276 GLOC-2_7-9 80 197

C-312275 GLOC-2_9-11 84 152

C-312258 GLOC-2_11-13 72 167

C-312242 GLOC-2_13-15 62 125

C-312302 GLOC-2_15-17 76 161

C-312245 GLOC-2_17-19 77 131

C-312254 GLOC-2_19-21 89 189

C-312300 GLOC-2_21-23 80 132

C-312247 GLOC-2_23-25 75 153

C-312297 GLOC-2_25-27 78 180

C-312283 GLOC-2_27-29 79 142

C-312266 GLOC-2_29-31 72 113

C-312309 GLOC-2_31-33 75 231

C-312311 GLOC-2_33-35 88 289

C-312307 GLOC-2_35-37 87 279

C-312292 GLOC-2_37-39 76 283

C-312298 GLOC-2_39-41 75 234

C-312253 GLOC-2_41-43 78 185

C-312271 GLOC-2_43-45 94 196

C-312282 GLOC-2_45-47 87 475

C-312310 GLOC-2_47-49 88 271

C-312241 GLOC-2_49-51 70 113

C-312308 GLOC-2_51-53 71 99

C-312286 GLOC-2_53-55 88 141

C-312248 GLOC-2_55-57 86 372

C-312240 GLOC-2_57-59 93 453

C-312280 GLOC-2_59-61 67 162

C-312287 GLOC-2_61-63 69 243

C-312261 GLOC-2_63-65 81 315

C-312289 GLOC-2_65-67 76 281

C-312285 GLOC-2_67-69 81 327

C-312237 GLOC-2_69-71 90 327

C-312304 GLOC-2_71-73 87 236

C-312255 GLOC-2_73-75 98 439

C-312281 GLOC-2_75-77 95 563

C-312306 GLOC-2_77-79 99 339

C-312264 GLOC-2_79-81 86 288

C-312249 GLOC-2_81-83 64 166

C-312265 GLOC-2_83-85 85 393

C-312279 GLOC-2_85-87 93 1,000

C-312301 GLOC-2_87-89 85 194

C-312259 GLOC-2_89-91 82 131
39

Table 1–4. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-2, Neosho River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. V ppm Zn ppm

C-312290 GLOC-2_91-93 112 170

C-312238 GLOC-2_93-95 94 649

C-312303 GLOC-2_95-97 88 536

C-312251 GLOC-2_97-99 91 464

C-312236 GLOC-2_99-101 100 364

C-312293 GLOC-2_101-103 102 212

C-312277 GLOC-2_103-105 101 420

C-312262 GLOC-2_105-107 88 219

C-312246 GLOC-2_107-109 93 218

C-312291 GLOC-2_109-111 85 227

C-312256 GLOC-2_111-113 71 215

C-312299 GLOC-2_113-115 75 265

C-312295 GLOC-2_115-117 96 563

C-312274 GLOC-2_117-119 101 244

C-312250 GLOC-2_119-121 101 438

C-312272 GLOC-2_121-123 112 634
40

Table 1–5. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-3, Spring River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-312208 GLOC-3_0-2 2 5 0.8 0.06 0.74 1.78 0.31 1.31

C-312225 GLOC-3_2-4 4 10 2.09 0.11 1.98 4.12 0.68 2.04

C-312231 GLOC-3_4-6 6 15 1.27 0.08 1.19 2.71 0.45 1.61

C-312228 GLOC-3_6-8 8 20 1.07 0.06 1.01 2.40 0.36 1.49

C-312224 GLOC-3_8-10 10 25 1.28 0.04 1.24 3.11 0.38 1.69

C-312198 GLOC-3_10-12 12 30 1.55 0.02 1.53 3.48 0.37 1.91

C-312200 GLOC-3_12-14 14 35 1.75 0.03 1.72 4.70 0.48 2.36

C-312192 GLOC-3_14-16 16 40 1.49 0.08 1.41 3.62 0.53 1.82

C-312188 GLOC-3_16-18 18 45 1.35 0.07 1.28 3.25 0.43 1.70

C-312191 GLOC-3_18-20 20 50 1.48 0.04 1.44 3.83 0.40 1.95

C-312218 GLOC-3_20-22 22 55 n/a 0.05 n/a 4.41 0.42 2.07

C-312210 GLOC-3_22-24 24 60 1.52 0.01 1.51 4.71 0.36 2.13

C-312211 GLOC-3_24-26 26 65 1.44 0.01 1.43 4.42 0.33 2.09

C-312204 GLOC-3_26-28 28 70 1.47 0.01 1.46 4.51 0.33 2.08

C-312216 GLOC-3_28-30 30 75 1.56 0.01 1.55 4.74 0.34 2.15

C-312197 GLOC-3_30-32 32 80 1.58 <0.003 1.58 4.83 0.35 2.23

C-312215 GLOC-3_32-34 34 85 1.53 0.01 1.52 4.85 0.34 2.23

C-312212 GLOC-3_34-36 36 90 1.48 0.01 1.47 4.90 0.34 2.28

C-312189 GLOC-3_36-38 38 95 1.46 0.02 1.44 4.88 0.34 2.37

C-312226 GLOC-3_38-40 40 100 1.47 0.02 1.45 5.08 0.35 2.50 

C-312194 GLOC-3_40-42 42 105 1.55 0.02 1.53 4.82 0.33 2.32

C-312230 GLOC-3_42-44 44 110 1.45 0.04 1.41 5.27 0.36 2.49

C-312219 GLOC-3_44-46 46 115 1.42 0.01 1.41 4.60 0.33 2.27

C-312223 GLOC-3_46-48 48 120 1.39 0.01 1.38 4.68 0.33 2.21

C-312203 GLOC-3_48-50 50 125 1.43 0.03 1.40 4.52 0.32 2.06

C-312195 GLOC-3_50-52 52 130 1.31 0.01 1.30 4.16 0.28 1.72

C-312209 GLOC-3_52-54 54 135 1.1 0.07 1.03 4.27 0.31 1.94

C-312205 GLOC-3_54-56 56 140 0.92 0.02 0.90 4.25 0.27 1.66

C-312206 GLOC-3_56-58 58 145 0.85 <0.003 0.85 4.02 0.26 1.44

C-312214 GLOC-3_58-60 60 150 0.65 0.01 0.64 3.69 0.22 1.35

C-312213 GLOC-3_60-62 62 155 0.66 0.01 0.65 3.82 0.23 1.38

C-312196 GLOC-3_62-64 64 160 0.66 0.01 0.65 3.83 0.23 1.35

C-312222 GLOC-3_64-66 66 165 0.59 0.01 0.58 3.86 0.23 1.39

C-312221 GLOC-3_66-68 68 170 0.54 0.02 0.52 3.93 0.22 1.43

C-312227 GLOC-3_68-70 70 175 0.49 0.02 0.47 3.79 0.21 1.30 

C-312202 GLOC-3_70-72 72 180 0.49 0.01 0.48 3.85 0.21 1.25

C-312220 GLOC-3_72-74 74 185 0.43 <0.003 0.43 4.02 0.24 1.34
41

Table 1–5. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-3, Spring River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm Bi ppm

C-312208 GLOC-3_0-2 0.43 0.11 0.14 0.05 0.09 3 169 0.11

C-312225 GLOC-3_2-4 1.02 0.24 0.32 0.1 0.21 6 386 0.23

C-312231 GLOC-3_4-6 0.68 0.16 0.22 0.07 0.15 4 253 0.15

C-312228 GLOC-3_6-8 0.63 0.15 0.23 0.05 0.13 3 236 0.14

C-312224 GLOC-3_8-10 0.84 0.18 0.30 0.05 0.2 5 312 0.17

C-312198 GLOC-3_10-12 0.85 0.19 0.28 0.05 0.19 5 324 0.19

C-312200 GLOC-3_12-14 1.11 0.27 0.34 0.09 0.24 7 432 0.27

C-312192 GLOC-3_14-16 0.94 0.21 0.33 0.11 0.21 6 343 0.20 

C-312188 GLOC-3_16-18 0.84 0.18 0.29 0.12 0.18 5 315 0.19

C-312191 GLOC-3_18-20 0.95 0.22 0.31 0.1 0.21 5 357 0.24

C-312218 GLOC-3_20-22 1.09 0.25 0.35 0.12 0.23 9 406 0.28

C-312210 GLOC-3_22-24 1.15 0.26 0.36 0.09 0.24 8 429 0.36

C-312211 GLOC-3_24-26 1.08 0.24 0.34 0.06 0.24 5 413 0.37

C-312204 GLOC-3_26-28 1.11 0.25 0.35 0.06 0.24 5 438 0.33

C-312216 GLOC-3_28-30 1.15 0.27 0.35 0.07 0.24 5 446 0.33

C-312197 GLOC-3_30-32 1.16 0.27 0.37 0.05 0.25 6 468 0.38

C-312215 GLOC-3_32-34 1.15 0.27 0.35 0.05 0.25 6 452 0.37

C-312212 GLOC-3_34-36 1.15 0.28 0.34 0.05 0.25 7 440 0.38

C-312189 GLOC-3_36-38 1.14 0.28 0.33 0.04 0.26 7 438 0.34

C-312226 GLOC-3_38-40 1.2 0.29 0.34 0.04 0.3 7 450 0.35

C-312194 GLOC-3_40-42 1.16 0.27 0.33 0.05 0.25 7 443 0.34

C-312230 GLOC-3_42-44 1.30 0.30 0.38 0.05 0.25 7 449 0.31

C-312219 GLOC-3_44-46 1.17 0.26 0.35 0.04 0.25 7 441 0.27

C-312223 GLOC-3_46-48 1.22 0.26 0.36 0.04 0.25 7 460 0.27

C-312203 GLOC-3_48-50 1.20 0.24 0.37 0.03 0.25 7 468 0.26

C-312195 GLOC-3_50-52 1.18 0.22 0.39 0.03 0.26 5 490 0.21

C-312209 GLOC-3_52-54 1.21 0.22 0.41 0.03 0.28 5 514 0.20 

C-312205 GLOC-3_54-56 1.14 0.22 0.38 0.02 0.24 4 536 0.20 

C-312206 GLOC-3_56-58 1.11 0.21 0.37 0.02 0.22 3 497 0.18

C-312214 GLOC-3_58-60 1.06 0.19 0.35 0.02 0.23 3 437 0.17

C-312213 GLOC-3_60-62 1.09 0.20 0.36 0.02 0.23 3 439 0.20 

C-312196 GLOC-3_62-64 1.10 0.19 0.36 0.02 0.25 3 452 0.17

C-312222 GLOC-3_64-66 1.12 0.20 0.36 0.02 0.22 3 444 0.19

C-312221 GLOC-3_66-68 1.13 0.20 0.37 0.02 0.25 3 438 0.19

C-312227 GLOC-3_68-70 1.09 0.19 0.35 0.01 0.23 3 419 0.17

C-312202 GLOC-3_70-72 1.10 0.20 0.34 0.01 0.23 3 418 0.18

C-312220 GLOC-3_72-74 1.14 0.21 0.35 0.01 0.24 3 431 0.18
42

Table 1–5. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-3, Spring River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Lab no. Field no. Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm Li ppm Mn ppm

C-312208 GLOC-3_0-2 6.1 6.8 25 10.7 4.23 <0.02 13 357

C-312225 GLOC-3_2-4 12.9 12.5 44 23.7 9.74 0.04 27 796

C-312231 GLOC-3_4-6 8.6 8.7 33 15.2 6.83 0.04 19 477

C-312228 GLOC-3_6-8 7.1 8.3 29 14 5.6 0.02 17 344

C-312224 GLOC-3_8-10 8.2 9.9 34 16.6 6.92 0.03 21 404

C-312198 GLOC-3_10-12 8.1 10.4 38 18.8 7.72 0.03 23 477

C-312200 GLOC-3_12-14 12.2 14.8 48 22.9 11.1 0.04 30 573

C-312192 GLOC-3_14-16 120 11.4 39 17.6 8.32 0.03 24 509

C-312188 GLOC-3_16-18 11.0 9.9 36 18.5 7.52 0.03 21 481

C-312191 GLOC-3_18-20 14.0 12.3 42 22.6 9.01 0.04 25 528

C-312218 GLOC-3_20-22 15.4 17.7 46 24.9 10.4 0.04 28 573

C-312210 GLOC-3_22-24 17.8 14.9 50 36.1 11.2 0.06 30 539

C-312211 GLOC-3_24-26 21.1 13.6 51 38.3 10.3 0.05 28 513

C-312204 GLOC-3_26-28 23.3 13.4 52 31.2 10.6 0.05 28 504

C-312216 GLOC-3_28-30 26.6 13.7 55 32.3 10.8 0.05 29 530

C-312197 GLOC-3_30-32 31.4 14.4 58 40.5 11.4 0.07 31 603

C-312215 GLOC-3_32-34 28.7 13.9 59 39 11.6 0.06 30 522

C-312212 GLOC-3_34-36 29.4 13.9 59 38.7 11.6 0.06 31 472

C-312189 GLOC-3_36-38 20.5 14.6 56 38.8 11.9 0.06 31 576

C-312226 GLOC-3_38-40 23.7 14.7 56 43.7 11.9 0.06 33 627

C-312194 GLOC-3_40-42 24.4 14.3 51 40 11.4 0.05 30 513

C-312230 GLOC-3_42-44 23.5 14.5 53 38.2 11.3 0.05 33 634

C-312219 GLOC-3_44-46 19.7 13.7 46 27.6 11 0.04 28 822

C-312223 GLOC-3_46-48 20.0 12.9 46 25.1 10.9 0.04 28 778

C-312203 GLOC-3_48-50 14.5 11.8 43 24.2 10.4 0.04 28 720

C-312195 GLOC-3_50-52 8.0 9.8 40 17.6 9.65 0.03 27 579

C-312209 GLOC-3_52-54 4.8 10.3 43 17.9 9.43 0.03 27 1,210

C-312205 GLOC-3_54-56 2.0 8.7 42 17.5 9.91 0.04 26 662

C-312206 GLOC-3_56-58 0.6 7.8 39 15.2 8.92 0.03 24 443

C-312214 GLOC-3_58-60 0.4 6.4 37 13.4 8.11 0.02 23 554

C-312213 GLOC-3_60-62 0.5 7.0 36 16.5 8.59 0.03 23 551

C-312196 GLOC-3_62-64 0.3 6.7 35 13.6 8.34 0.03 23 516

C-312222 GLOC-3_64-66 0.3 7.8 37 14.7 8.94 0.03 23 642

C-312221 GLOC-3_66-68 0.3 8.7 37 15.9 8.52 0.03 24 663

C-312227 GLOC-3_68-70 0.2 9.2 38 14.5 8.64 0.03 23 574

C-312202 GLOC-3_70-72 0.3 9.8 36 14.5 8.82 0.03 24 609

C-312220 GLOC-3_72-74 0.3 9.0 38 17.4 9.1 0.03 24 714
43

Table 1–5. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-3, Spring River upstream from Grand Lake O’ the 

Cherokees. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Lab no. Field no. Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm V ppm Zn ppm

C-312208 GLOC-3_0-2 12.5 530 60.5 28.3 28.9 31 1,020

C-312225 GLOC-3_2-4 21.1 1,000 130 68.5 56.9 62 1,820

C-312231 GLOC-3_4-6 15.7 670 69.3 43.6 40.2 43 1,280

C-312228 GLOC-3_6-8 14.6 610 76.5 39.2 36.1 38 1,250

C-312224 GLOC-3_8-10 17.2 640 89.9 50.6 46.4 46 1,440

C-312198 GLOC-3_10-12 19.7 810 95.1 55.1 49.4 52 1,380

C-312200 GLOC-3_12-14 25.1 1,050 109 79.3 60.5 71 1,610

C-312192 GLOC-3_14-16 21.4 710 103 56.9 51.8 51 1,630

C-312188 GLOC-3_16-18 20.4 650 98.4 52.2 45.7 48 1,550

C-312191 GLOC-3_18-20 24.2 770 122 60.9 51.1 58 1,710

C-312218 GLOC-3_20-22 29.7 880 143 73.8 56.5 66 1,910

C-312210 GLOC-3_22-24 28.1 900 196 78.1 59.8 70 2,180

C-312211 GLOC-3_24-26 27 920 226 71.1 57.7 65 2,380

C-312204 GLOC-3_26-28 28.5 960 176 74.2 58.5 67 2,470

C-312216 GLOC-3_28-30 30.8 1,130 176 75.4 59.9 71 2,640

C-312197 GLOC-3_30-32 32.9 1,430 173 79.8 62.8 71 2,980

C-312215 GLOC-3_32-34 30.8 1,200 177 78.9 60.9 74 3,120

C-312212 GLOC-3_34-36 30 950 172 79.3 60.5 75 3,240

C-312189 GLOC-3_36-38 30.3 770 180 81.9 60.2 77 3,160

C-312226 GLOC-3_38-40 31.3 740 207 84.1 63.3 76 3,300

C-312194 GLOC-3_40-42 30.6 640 248 78.5 59.9 73 3,340

C-312230 GLOC-3_42-44 31.4 640 208 80.5 67.2 77 3,250

C-312219 GLOC-3_44-46 27.8 600 169 80 59.1 72 2,810

C-312223 GLOC-3_46-48 28.1 590 157 82.7 60.5 73 2,400

C-312203 GLOC-3_48-50 25.5 580 128 84.3 62.2 70 1,800

C-312195 GLOC-3_50-52 21.7 480 84.6 78.7 63.4 66 1,060

C-312209 GLOC-3_52-54 19.9 460 48.6 79.2 68.6 63 606

C-312205 GLOC-3_54-56 17.4 390 25.2 81.7 65.9 65 297

C-312206 GLOC-3_56-58 15.1 370 20 75.8 60.5 60 154

C-312214 GLOC-3_58-60 13.8 310 18.3 66.9 55.9 52 114

C-312213 GLOC-3_60-62 13.8 310 19.7 71.6 57.3 55 113

C-312196 GLOC-3_62-64 13.3 290 19.1 68 57.8 54 100

C-312222 GLOC-3_64-66 14 280 19.9 71.3 56.2 54 102

C-312221 GLOC-3_66-68 14.6 260 20.2 71.1 58.8 54 100

C-312227 GLOC-3_68-70 14.4 240 18.7 73.9 55 52 97

C-312202 GLOC-3_70-72 14.3 230 17.4 74.7 54.9 52 100

C-312220 GLOC-3_72-74 15.1 220 18.8 75.1 56.3 54 103
44

Table 1–6. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-7, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 4 kilometers downstream 

from Highway 2 bridge. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-312182 GLOC-7_0-2 2 5 0.90 0.06 0.84 4.63 0.59 1.89

C-312172 GLOC-7_2-4 4 10 0.92 0.04 0.88 4.56 0.51 1.87

C-312159 GLOC-7_4-6 6 15 0.73 0.01 0.72 4.96 0.40 1.95

C-312160 GLOC-7_6-8 8 20 1.04 0.01 1.03 5.76 0.46 2.54

C-312169 GLOC-7_8-10 10 25 0.96 0.01 0.95 5.79 0.47 2.57

C-312154 GLOC-7_10-12 12 30 0.71 0.01 0.70 5.21 0.43 2.14

C-312176 GLOC-7_12-14 14 35 0.80 0.01 0.79 5.07 0.43 2.09

C-312183 GLOC-7_14-16 16 40 0.88 0.02 0.86 5.44 0.48 2.40

C-312162 GLOC-7_17-18 18 45 0.72 0.01 0.71 4.97 0.42 1.94

C-312151 GLOC-7_18-20 20 50 0.91 0.05 0.86 5.75 0.62 2.44

C-312155 GLOC-7_20-22 22 55 0.93 0.03 0.90 5.31 0.50 2.18

C-312158 GLOC-7_22-24 24 60 0.79 <0.003 0.79 5.01 0.47 2.03

C-312179 GLOC-7_24-26 26 65 1.09 0.05 1.04 5.76 0.59 2.49

C-312167 GLOC-7_26-28 28 70 1.28 0.09 1.19 5.66 0.64 2.53

C-312178 GLOC-7_28-30 30 75 1.00 0.01 0.99 5.09 0.36 2.17

C-312170 GLOC-7_30-32 32 80 0.84 <0.003 0.84 3.91 0.23 1.57

C-312157 GLOC-7_32-34 34 85 0.79 <0.003 0.79 3.84 0.20 1.55

C-312163 GLOC-7_34-36 36 90 0.83 <0.003 0.83 3.96 0.21 1.60

C-312177 GLOC-7_36-38 38 95 0.82 <0.003 0.82 3.98 0.20 1.65

C-312168 GLOC-7_38-40 40 100 0.80 <0.003 0.80 4.02 0.20 1.73

C-312166 GLOC-7_40-42 42 105 0.75 <0.003 0.75 3.77 0.18 1.59

C-312173 GLOC-7_42-44 44 110 0.76 <0.003 0.76 4.11 0.19 1.80

C-312180 GLOC-7_44-46 46 115 0.73 <0.003 0.73 4.19 0.20 1.84

C-312171 GLOC-7_46-48 48 120 0.73 <0.003 0.73 4.29 0.20 1.74

C-312156 GLOC-7_48-50 50 125 0.64 <0.003 0.64 4.30 0.19 1.83

C-312174 GLOC-7_50-52 52 130 0.6 <0.003 0.60 4.39 0.18 1.97

C-312161 GLOC-7_52-54 54 135 0.55 <0.003 0.55 4.49 0.19 2.03

(Click to see Excel file.)
45

Table 1–6. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-7, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 4 kilometers downstream 

from Highway 2 bridge. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm Bi ppm

C-312182 GLOC-7_0-2 1.42 0.34 0.66 0.06 0.22 6 447 0.18

C-312172 GLOC-7_2-4 1.37 0.34 0.62 0.06 0.2 6 427 0.18

C-312159 GLOC-7_4-6 1.49 0.36 0.68 0.04 0.22 5 474 0.20

C-312160 GLOC-7_6-8 1.56 0.47 0.58 0.04 0.25 8 511 0.25

C-312169 GLOC-7_8-10 1.60 0.48 0.60 0.03 0.25 6 521 0.26

C-312154 GLOC-7_10-12 1.57 0.41 0.69 0.02 0.22 5 501 0.21

C-312176 GLOC-7_12-14 1.51 0.38 0.70 0.02 0.23 5 491 0.21

C-312183 GLOC-7_14-16 1.54 0.44 0.62 0.02 0.23 6 494 0.22

C-312162 GLOC-7_17-18 1.49 0.38 0.68 0.03 0.22 6 486 0.19

C-312151 GLOC-7_18-20 1.67 0.50 0.66 0.05 0.24 7 531 0.24

C-312155 GLOC-7_20-22 1.48 0.40 0.63 0.04 0.2 6 484 0.23

C-312158 GLOC-7_22-24 1.46 0.38 0.66 0.04 0.21 6 465 0.20

C-312179 GLOC-7_24-26 1.57 0.47 0.60 0.05 0.25 7 509 0.25

C-312167 GLOC-7_26-28 1.55 0.48 0.59 0.05 0.25 7 505 0.26

C-312178 GLOC-7_28-30 1.43 0.40 0.51 0.04 0.23 6 475 0.21

C-312170 GLOC-7_30-32 1.14 0.25 0.38 0.05 0.21 4 413 0.17

C-312157 GLOC-7_32-34 1.10 0.24 0.34 0.03 0.19 4 396 0.16

C-312163 GLOC-7_34-36 1.10 0.25 0.35 0.03 0.2 4 410 0.17

C-312177 GLOC-7_36-38 1.11 0.25 0.34 0.02 0.2 5 400 0.17

C-312168 GLOC-7_38-40 1.09 0.25 0.32 0.02 0.2 5 407 0.17

C-312166 GLOC-7_40-42 1.02 0.23 0.29 0.02 0.2 4 390 0.16

C-312173 GLOC-7_42-44 1.10 0.25 0.31 0.02 0.2 5 407 0.17

C-312180 GLOC-7_44-46 1.11 0.26 0.30 0.02 0.22 6 414 0.18

C-312171 GLOC-7_46-48 1.12 0.26 0.30 0.03 0.2 4 432 0.18

C-312156 GLOC-7_48-50 1.10 0.26 0.29 0.02 0.18 4 428 0.18

C-312174 GLOC-7_50-52 1.12 0.27 0.28 0.02 0.22 5 429 0.18

C-312161 GLOC-7_52-54 1.13 0.28 0.28 0.02 0.22 6 432 0.19
46

Table 1–6. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-7, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 4 kilometers downstream 

from Highway 2 bridge. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm Li ppm Mn ppm

C-312182 GLOC-7_0-2 1.8 9.1 40 17.7 10.0 0.04 25 384

C-312172 GLOC-7_2-4 2.2 9.5 40 15.8 10.7 0.03 25 366

C-312159 GLOC-7_4-6 1.4 8.2 41 16.3 10.8 0.04 26 385

C-312160 GLOC-7_6-8 4.6 11.2 55 23.8 13.2 0.05 34 612

C-312169 GLOC-7_8-10 2.6 11.1 53 23.0 13.8 0.04 33 598

C-312154 GLOC-7_10-12 1.3 8.3 44 18.0 11.2 0.04 28 489

C-312176 GLOC-7_12-14 2.2 8.7 43 16.5 11.6 0.04 27 458

C-312183 GLOC-7_14-16 1.1 9.6 68 18.9 12.5 0.05 30 730

C-312162 GLOC-7_17-18 0.7 8.4 43 14.2 11.2 0.04 27 403

C-312151 GLOC-7_18-20 1.0 10.0 54 17.0 12.1 0.05 33 636

C-312155 GLOC-7_20-22 2.4 9.0 49 17.5 11.8 0.04 29 565

C-312158 GLOC-7_22-24 1.6 8.7 44 19.0 10.4 0.04 28 582

C-312179 GLOC-7_24-26 3.7 10.8 55 20.3 13.6 0.05 33 678

C-312167 GLOC-7_26-28 4.3 11.4 54 20.9 13.3 0.05 33 1,000

C-312178 GLOC-7_28-30 1.5 10.0 46 18.0 11.8 0.04 29 436

C-312170 GLOC-7_30-32 0.6 8.0 38 15.2 8.89 0.03 23 302

C-312157 GLOC-7_32-34 0.3 7.0 38 13.5 8.39 0.03 22 323

C-312163 GLOC-7_34-36 0.4 7.5 37 14.3 8.94 0.03 23 338

C-312177 GLOC-7_36-38 0.4 7.5 36 14.7 9.15 0.03 23 359

C-312168 GLOC-7_38-40 0.3 7.7 39 17.6 9.12 0.03 23 378

C-312166 GLOC-7_40-42 0.4 7.3 41 12.4 8.89 0.03 22 361

C-312173 GLOC-7_42-44 0.3 8.0 42 16.0 9.35 0.03 24 417

C-312180 GLOC-7_44-46 0.3 8.5 45 13.5 9.55 0.03 25 441

C-312171 GLOC-7_46-48 0.4 8.8 42 17.7 9.75 0.03 26 437

C-312156 GLOC-7_48-50 0.3 8.5 43 15.5 9.02 0.03 25 477

C-312174 GLOC-7_50-52 0.4 9.6 43 17.0 9.95 0.03 27 508

C-312161 GLOC-7_52-54 0.2 10.2 44 16.2 9.82 0.04 26 527
47

Table 1–6. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-7, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees 4 kilometers downstream 

from Highway 2 bridge. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm V ppm Zn ppm

C-312182 GLOC-7_0-2 18.1 540 28.1 73.9 93.8 63 336

C-312172 GLOC-7_2-4 18.3 520 29.2 77.9 90.0 63 362

C-312159 GLOC-7_4-6 19.5 530 27.7 80.1 94.4 68 231

C-312160 GLOC-7_6-8 23.8 840 53.9 95.0 97.6 85 463

C-312169 GLOC-7_8-10 24.4 760 36.8 97.0 98.4 84 339

C-312154 GLOC-7_10-12 20.5 580 21.9 84.0 99.3 72 160

C-312176 GLOC-7_12-14 19.4 510 25.1 85.0 99.4 70 211

C-312183 GLOC-7_14-16 24.8 610 24.9 90.3 98.7 77 166

C-312162 GLOC-7_17-18 19.4 460 20.1 80.3 98.3 67 152

C-312151 GLOC-7_18-20 24.6 550 22.3 89.1 108 80 190

C-312155 GLOC-7_20-22 22.5 590 32.5 86.0 97.0 76 315

C-312158 GLOC-7_22-24 20.7 560 24.1 77.0 95.8 66 275

C-312179 GLOC-7_24-26 25.1 680 34.9 95.0 102 81 542

C-312167 GLOC-7_26-28 25.2 620 35.9 92.5 103 82 554

C-312178 GLOC-7_28-30 22.1 500 24.3 87.5 84.8 74 231

C-312170 GLOC-7_30-32 16.8 310 19.6 70.3 62.5 59 101

C-312157 GLOC-7_32-34 16.1 300 17.8 64.0 57.3 58 75

C-312163 GLOC-7_34-36 17.2 310 18.7 69.9 58.1 61 87

C-312177 GLOC-7_36-38 16.9 300 19.2 69.8 56.5 60 84

C-312168 GLOC-7_38-40 18.1 320 19.6 68.5 57.6 60 74

C-312166 GLOC-7_40-42 17.8 290 17.5 65.5 50.8 59 67

C-312173 GLOC-7_42-44 18.2 300 18.3 69.8 57.1 63 67

C-312180 GLOC-7_44-46 20.2 300 19.0 71.0 56.6 63 69

C-312171 GLOC-7_46-48 19.5 290 18.7 69.4 53.8 64 67

C-312156 GLOC-7_48-50 19.9 290 18.9 66.7 52.6 64 70

C-312174 GLOC-7_50-52 19.5 280 20.4 71.4 53.2 67 64

C-312161 GLOC-7_52-54 20.3 270 20.0 71.3 52.4 68 64
48

Table 1–7. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-8, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees at confluence of Spring 

and Neosho Rivers. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon. 

(Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no.

Depth in 

inches

Depth 

in cm

Total 

C %

Carbonate 

C %

Organic 

C % Al % Ca % Fe %

C-310682 GLOC-8_1-3 2 5 1.1 0.02 1.08 4.95 0.47 2.27

C-310709 GLOC-8_3-5 4 10 1.15 0.01 1.14 5.32 0.49 2.41

C-310717 GLOC-8_5-7 6 15 1.13 0.01 1.12 5.2 0.46 2.37

C-310695 GLOC-8_7-9 8 20 1.61 <0.003 1.61 5.84 0.42 2.51

C-310692 GLOC-8_9-11 10 25 1.2 0.01 1.19 5.41 0.44 2.5

C-310697 GLOC-8_11-13 12 30 1.39 <0.003 1.39 5.82 0.44 2.69

C-310715 GLOC-8_13-15 14 35 1.38 0.01 1.37 5.26 0.39 2.34

C-310701 GLOC-8_15-17 16 40 1.17 0.01 1.16 3.89 0.3 1.6

C-310704 GLOC-8_17-19 18 45 1.25 0.01 1.24 3.81 0.29 1.54

C-310691 GLOC-8_19-21 20 50 1.27 0.03 1.24 3.95 0.32 1.71

C-310687 GLOC-8_21-23 22 55 1.13 0.01 1.12 4.19 0.32 1.75

C-310699 GLOC-8_23-25 24 60 1.34 0.03 1.31 5.13 0.67 2.5

C-310694 GLOC-8_25-27 26 65 0.86 0.01 0.85 4.27 0.33 1.72

C-310683 GLOC-8_27-29 28 70 0.74 <0.003 0.74 4.1 0.31 1.52

C-310689 GLOC-8_29-31 30 75 0.53 <0.003 0.53 3.97 0.29 1.53

Lab no. Field no. K % Mg % Na % S % Ti % As ppm Ba ppm Bi ppm

C-310682 GLOC-8_1-3 1.29 0.36 0.46 0.04 0.23 7 453 0.25

C-310709 GLOC-8_3-5 1.35 0.4 0.47 0.04 0.24 7 468 0.27

C-310717 GLOC-8_5-7 1.31 0.38 0.44 0.04 0.24 6 473 0.28

C-310695 GLOC-8_7-9 1.35 0.38 0.38 0.04 0.28 7 509 0.38

C-310692 GLOC-8_9-11 1.21 0.39 0.4 0.04 0.24 7 476 0.31

C-310697 GLOC-8_11-13 1.41 0.43 0.42 0.04 0.26 7 491 0.33

C-310715 GLOC-8_13-15 1.31 0.35 0.42 0.04 0.26 6 482 0.3

C-310701 GLOC-8_15-17 1.18 0.21 0.42 0.03 0.23 4 474 0.18

C-310704 GLOC-8_17-19 1.14 0.22 0.4 0.03 0.22 4 458 0.19

C-310691 GLOC-8_19-21 1.16 0.22 0.41 0.03 0.23 5 473 0.19

C-310687 GLOC-8_21-23 1.13 0.23 0.4 0.04 0.23 6 506 0.2

C-310699 GLOC-8_23-25 1.12 0.4 0.24 0.09 0.25 9 409 0.29

C-310694 GLOC-8_25-27 1.2 0.25 0.42 0.02 0.24 4 483 0.19

C-310683 GLOC-8_27-29 1.2 0.24 0.44 0.03 0.24 4 528 0.19

C-310689 GLOC-8_29-31 1.2 0.23 0.43 0.01 0.21 3 487 0.19
49

Table 1–7. Core sediment sample analyses for GLOC-8, Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees at confluence of Spring 

and Neosho Rivers. Analyses by ICP-AES/MS after four-acid digestion, except for forms of carbon.—Continued

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; cm, centimeter; %, percent; 

ppm, parts per million]

Lab no. Field no. Cd ppm Co ppm Cr ppm Cu ppm Ga ppm In ppm Li ppm Mn ppm

C-310682 GLOC-8_1-3 20.5 11.4 47 21.4 11.7 0.07 30 552

C-310709 GLOC-8_3-5 16.4 11.5 52 23.3 12.1 0.07 32 530

C-310717 GLOC-8_5-7 19.5 11.1 50 25 11.8 0.07 32 521

C-310695 GLOC-8_7-9 25 13.6 58 32.8 13.4 0.07 36 647

C-310692 GLOC-8_9-11 21.9 12.5 67 28.1 12.8 0.07 33 522

C-310697 GLOC-8_11-13 22.1 12.8 51 26.7 13.5 0.05 36 583

C-310715 GLOC-8_13-15 16.9 12.2 48 26.1 12 0.05 32 611

C-310701 GLOC-8_15-17 3.5 9.8 42 17.8 8.3 0.03 24 428

C-310704 GLOC-8_17-19 5.8 8.3 29 16.8 8.7 0.03 24 445

C-310691 GLOC-8_19-21 3.1 10.1 44 15.3 8.4 0.03 24 893

C-310687 GLOC-8_21-23 1.9 11 37 13.6 9.1 0.04 26 399

C-310699 GLOC-8_23-25 2 11.7 49 21.2 12.3 0.04 33 556

C-310694 GLOC-8_25-27 1.1 10.1 34 14.4 9.4 0.03 26 731

C-310683 GLOC-8_27-29 0.9 8.7 36 14.5 9 0.03 25 513

C-310689 GLOC-8_29-31 0.7 9.7 33 13.2 9.4 0.03 23 546

Lab no. Field no. Ni ppm P ppm Pb ppm Rb ppm Sr ppm V ppm Zn ppm

C-310682 GLOC-8_1-3 23.8 740 82 77.2 74.9 76 1,460

C-310709 GLOC-8_3-5 25.8 740 85 85 76 81 1,530

C-310717 GLOC-8_5-7 24.5 760 102 82.6 74.1 79 1,580

C-310695 GLOC-8_7-9 27.9 780 204 88.3 73.9 89 2,030

C-310692 GLOC-8_9-11 31 750 115 80.1 74 87 1,570

C-310697 GLOC-8_11-13 28.8 640 112 87.4 77.5 88 1,770

C-310715 GLOC-8_13-15 27.9 600 130 85 74.1 83 1,720

C-310701 GLOC-8_15-17 24.3 570 62.4 69.6 66.6 56 608

C-310704 GLOC-8_17-19 17.9 580 70.2 71.7 63.9 59 969

C-310691 GLOC-8_19-21 19.3 540 51.1 68.9 66.7 58 456

C-310687 GLOC-8_21-23 18.6 410 37 72 68 63 277

C-310699 GLOC-8_23-25 24.4 760 34.9 82.5 72.3 83 478

C-310694 GLOC-8_25-27 18.5 360 21.6 73.4 67.3 61 120

C-310683 GLOC-8_27-29 19.3 370 22.3 72.5 68.7 60 118

C-310689 GLOC-8_29-31 16.1 380 19.4 72.9 64.6 49 92
50

Appendix 2. Data Quality Control and Quality Assessment

Sources of Geochemical Variation and Methods for Assuring Data Quality

There are several potential sources and levels of variation in geochemical data—for instance, 

between-site variation, within-site variation, sample inhomogeneity, and analytical variation. A 

complete analysis of variation (ANOVA) sampling design generally shows that the primary variation in 

geochemical data is that found between individual samples at different and widely spaced sites 

(between-site variation). This variation is due to differences in sample parent material, local geology, 

mineralization processes (Rose and others, 1979), and possible anthropogenic influences. This variation 

provides areal geochemical contrasts and is the basis upon which geochemical exploration programs 

operate. 

The next level of geochemical variation is known as within-site variation. This variation can be 

reduced by compositing several subsamples within the immediate area of sample collection, resulting in 

a more representative sample of the entire site. Variation is also found within any single sample due to 

the heterogeneity of the sampled material. This sample variation can be reduced by good sample 

preparation procedures (Fey and others, 2009). A process of crushing, grinding, mixing, and splitting 

the sample typically creates a very fine homogenous powder from the original heterogeneous material. 

All of the sample preparation processes were performed by USGS personnel in either Oklahoma City or 

Denver. Laboratory analytical procedures also can be sources of variation in the geochemical data. 

These sources include differences in analysts, dissolution procedures, analytical instruments, instrument 

calibration errors, and instrument drift. The combined variation due to sample preparation, aliquot size, 

and analytical procedures (commonly called analytical variation) can be assessed by using standard 

reference materials, analytical duplicates, and procedure blanks (Dux, 1986) 

Quality Control Samples

The SGS Minerals Services contract laboratory analyzed quality control samples along with the 

field samples. The SGS laboratories are ISO 17025 accredited, certified by the International 

Organization for Standardization (ISO). A standard reference material (SRM) was run for every 20 

samples; this material was the Canadian soil standard CCRMP SO-3 (Canadian Certified Reference 

Materials Project: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/smm-mms/tect-tech/ccrmp/cer-cer/so-2-eng.htm). Laboratory 

personnel also processed and analyzed about one out of every 20 samples twice as analytical duplicates. 

Procedure blanks, which are solutions of the acid reagents carried through the entire process, were also 

analyzed at a rate of one for every 20 samples. In this study, the data for these laboratory internal quality 

control samples were requested from the contract laboratory so that the analytical variation could be 

assessed.

In addition to the SGS internal laboratory quality-control samples, the USGS submitted 

additional quality control samples as blind samples. These included sample splits for analytical 

duplicates (for precision assessment), three National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 

standards (NIST-2709, NIST-2711, and NIST-8704), and a suite of USGS-prepared standard reference 

materials (SAR-L, SAR-M, DGPM-1, and GSP-QC)1

 

1 SAR-L and SAR-M: sediment, Animas River watershed, Colo., low and moderate levels of contaminant constituents, 

respectively; DGPM-1: disseminated gold ore, Pinson Mine, Nev.; GSP-QC: granodiorite, Silver Plume, Colo.

 (for precision and accuracy assessment). These 

blind quality control samples were submitted to SGS Minerals Services at a rate of ten percent.
51

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Measurement

A quality management system for a geochemical survey includes both quality assurance (QA) 

and quality control (QC) elements. The QA focus is mainly in the analytical laboratory environment. 

Under the QA umbrella, the components of standard operating procedures, instrument logs, training 

records, data acceptance/rejection criteria, and lab audits are covered (Dux, 1986). The QA element is 

not easily measured. However, the QC element provides measures of the accuracy and precision of 

geochemical data produced by an analytical method. The precision of an analytical method can be 

measured by the percent relative standard deviation (percent RSD) of data for a number of runs of a 

particular sample or standard; it is calculated by dividing the standard deviation (SD) by the mean and 

multiplying by 100. This most common version of the SD is defined as the square root of the quantity 

{“sum of squares of deviations of individual results from the mean, divided by one less than the number 

of results in the set”} (Dux, 1986): 

This precision was calculated for each element, for each SRM. The resulting eight precision values were 

then pooled together to derive an overall RSD for each element, using the following relation: 

SDpooled =√{(n1SD1

2 + n2SD22 +n3SD32 +n4SD42 + n5SD52 + n6SD62 + n7SD72

+n8SD8

2

)/(n1+n2+n3+n4+n5+n6+n7+n8)}

Where n1...8 = number of pairs for a particular element, and SD1...8 = individual standard deviation 

calculated for each SRM and element. The precision as represented by the percent RSD calculated from 

this method is shown in column 8 of table 2–1. 

∑=

−−=

n

i

i SD nXX

1

2 1/)(
52

Table 2–1. Summary statistics for assessing analytical precision for carbonate carbon, total carbon, and 26 

elements by ICP-AES/MS. Percent RSD, mean of relative percent differences, and pooled standard deviation are 

three separate measurements of analytical precision. (Click to see Excel file.)

[ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RPD, relative percent 

differences; RSD, relative standard deviation; SRMS, standard reference materials; %, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Element Unit Pairs 

(k) Min Max Mean

Standard 

deviation 

based on 

duplicates

Percent 

RSD

based on 

duplicate 

pairs

Mean of 

RPD 

between 

pairs

Percent 

RSD 

based on 

SRMS 

(pooled)

Carbonate 

C % 22 0.003 1.47 0.03 0.0067 2.00 20.0 14.0

Total C % 25 0.27 1.55 0.90 0.0179 1.99 2.21 4.56

Al % 25 2.94 6.16 4.56 0.0780 1.71 1.90 2.61

Ca % 25 0.18 0.79 0.37 0.0087 2.36 2.70 2.38

Fe % 25 1.39 2.64 1.96 0.0352 1.79 2.02 2.88

K % 25 0.77 1.57 1.26 0.0220 1.75 1.81 3.13

Mg % 25 0.17 0.51 0.31 0.0071 2.25 2.39 2.65

Na % 25 0.22 0.68 0.43 0.0088 2.03 2.29 3.59

S % 23 0.01 0.06 0.04 0.0000 0.00 0.00 4.20

Ti % 25 0.16 0.26 0.22 0.0132 6.12 6.64 5.18

As ppm 25 3.0 9.0 5.59 0.616 11.0 7.04 9.20

Ba ppm 25 299 527 432 8.71 2.02 2.18 1.88

Bi ppm 20 0.15 0.39 0.22 0.010 4.46 5.60 15.5

Cd ppm 25 0.2 24.4 4.00 0.317 7.92 9.78 19.0

Co ppm 25 7.0 14.3 10.0 0.370 3.69 3.82 11.6

Cr ppm 25 32 59 45.2 2.63 5.83 5.46 7.66

Cu ppm 25 12.3 40 18.3 0.932 5.09 5.52 6.96

Ga ppm 25 6.92 14.6 10.6 0.283 2.68 2.98 8.77

In ppm 25 0.03 0.07 0.04 0.003 8.03 3.69 13.5

Li ppm 25 19 36 26.3 0.693 2.63 3.08 3.53

Mn ppm 25 323 980 543 15.5 2.86 2.83 4.39

Ni ppm 25 14 32.6 22.0 1.26 5.70 5.19 9.94

P ppm 25 230 930 503 12.6 2.52 2.45 2.69

Pb ppm 25 15 248 52.7 2.58 4.89 3.99 6.00

Rb ppm 25 50.1 100 75.1 2.18 2.91 2.80 6.52

Sr ppm 25 37.4 116 74.4 1.43 1.93 2.39 1.92

V ppm 25 46 91 67.4 1.21 1.79 1.59 2.64

Zn ppm 25 48 3,500 586 32.0 5.47 3.10 3.67
53

A second way to assess the precision of a technique is to calculate the average of the relative 

percent differences (RPDs) between pairs of duplicate measurements: samples that were split in the 

laboratory after field collection and then processed and analyzed as two separate samples. In this study, 

there were 25 pairs of duplicate measurements for most elements. The version of precision thus 

calculated is:

Precision = {Average of Σ (absolute value (X1-X2)/(X1+ X2))/2)} * 100 

where X1 and X2 are the measurement values of each duplicate pair. This precision is shown in column 9 

of table 2–1. 

Another way to estimate precision from analytical duplicate pairs is to calculate the standard 

deviation as the square root of the quantity {sum of squares of the difference between the duplicate 

results (R), divided by two times the number of sets of duplicate samples} (Dux, 1986). 

The percent RSD is then again calculated by dividing the standard deviation (SDdupe) by the mean and 

multiplying by 100. This third estimate for precision in this study is shown in column 10 of table 2–1. 

The accuracy of an analytical method is measured by the percent recovery, which is calculated 

by dividing the mean concentration of replicate analyses by the target value of the standard reference 

material used and multiplying by 100. Target values for standard reference materials may consist of 

certified values or, when certified values are not available, informational values. The percent recovery 

derived from informational values is not as reliable as the percent recovery calculated from certified 

values, but it is still useful. In general, analytical determinations become less accurate and precise as 

data values approach the lower or upper reporting limits. Measurements of precision and accuracy are 

best when elemental concentrations fall within the middle of the determination range for a specified 

analytical method and element. Percent RSD and percent recovery values are more robust when 

calculated on mean values greater than five times the method’s lower reporting limit.

Possible contamination during the analytical procedure is assessed through the use of procedure 

blanks. Blanks are defined based on the sample medium and analytical method and are processed 

concurrently with samples to determine whether contamination has occurred during the sample 

dissolution stages or whether cross-sample contamination has occurred in the analytical instrument 

during a sample run. Commonly, blanks are a set of all the reagents used in the sample processing and 

analysis procedure. Procedure blanks were prepared, analyzed, and results provided by SGS Minerals to 

the USGS. The blank results are shown in table 1–1; they show no contamination effects from reagents 

or the analytical procedures.

Quality Assessment of Data

Eight different reference materials were analyzed with the samples for the ICP-AES/MS method. 

Five of these materials have certified values (NIST 2709, NIST 2711, NIST 8704, USGS DGPM-1, 

CCRMP SO-3), and three are in-house USGS materials that have been submitted to the contract 

laboratory over a period of years but do not have certified values (USGS SAR-L, USGS SAR-M, USGS 

GSP-QC). No single certified reference material covers all of the elements analyzed; the use of several 

different certified SRMs allowed for all elements except bismuth (Bi) and lithium (Li) to have certified 

accuracy (percent recovery) assessments calculated. Comparison of the concentration values for bismuth 

SDdupe = ∑ 2/ kR2
54

and lithium for USGS SAR-L, SAR-M, and GSP-QC with their respective historical values allowed for 

noncertified percent recovery calculations to be made for those two elements. 

Precision Analysis

As outlined above, precision was calculated using three different approaches. Analysis of 25 

duplicate pairs yielded a percent RSD and a mean of relative percent differences for all elements. 

Multiple analyses of each reference material allowed for a calculation of a percent RSD for each. These 

RSDs were then pooled to produce a third overall measure of precision for the dataset. The three 

calculated precision values are plotted in figure 2–1. In general, the precision values mostly plot at 

better than <10 percent by all three methods. Tables 2–2 through 2–9 include columns for the standard 

deviation and percent relative standard deviation for each respective reference material. These are the 

values used in the pooled standard deviation calculation discussed above. A brief description follows for 

those elements whose RSD calculations were above ten percent for one or more of the precision 

parameters: carbonate carbon, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cobalt, indium, and nickel. 

Figure 2–1. Precision plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses based on three estimates of 

variance. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; RSD, relative standard deviation; SRMS, 

standard reference materials]

The high variability for carbonate carbon based on the mean of differences between pairs, 20 

percent, is related to the weight contributed to the calculation from samples whose carbonate carbon 

contents are very low, near the detection limit. For example, the percent difference between duplicate 

analyses of 0.01 and 0.02 is 67 percent, whereas the percent difference between duplicate analyses of 

1.15 and 1.13 is only 1.7 percent. Thus, the sample pairs with very low carbonate carbon tend to skew 

this calculation of the precision parameter. 

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Carb C %

Tot C %

Al-%

Ca-%

Fe-%

K-%

Mg-%

Na-%

S-%

Ti-%

As-ppm

Ba-ppm

Bi-ppm

Cd-ppmCo-ppm

Cr-ppm

Cu-ppm

Ga-ppm

In-ppmLi-ppm

Mn-ppm

Ni-ppm

P-ppm

Pb-ppm

Rb-ppm

Sr-ppm

V-ppm

Zn-ppm

Elements

Variance, percent

Mean of Differences Between

Pairs (percent)

Percent RSD based on

duplicate pairs

Percent RSD based on SRMS

(pooled)
55

The pooled RSD for arsenic was 14.7 percent, but this value was skewed by the individual RSD 

for the reference material CCRMP SO-3, which was 29 percent. Discarding this one value resulted in a 

pooled RSD for arsenic of 8 percent. 

The precision for bismuth based on the duplicate pairs and the mean of the RPDs is about 5 

percent (table 2–1). The pooled RSD based on the eight reference materials is 15.5 percent. This greater 

value is influenced by those standards that had bismuth concentrations at less than 1 ppm. At this level, 

distributions of trace elements are much less homogeneous. The same situation and explanation applies 

to cadmium. 

The pooled estimate for RSD for cobalt was 10.8 percent. A single outlier value for the SRM 

NIST 8704 of 5.1 ppm versus a target of 13.6 ppm resulted in this high RSD. Eliminating that outlier 

value results in a pooled RSD estimate for cobalt of 4.7 percent. 

A single outlier value for the SRM NIST 8704 also influenced the pooled RSD estimate for 

indium. With the outlier the estimate is 12.2 percent. Removing the outlier (0.03 ppm versus a mean of 

0.08 ppm) results in a pooled RSD estimate of 5.1 percent. 

Accuracy Analysis

SRM NIST 2709

The SRM NIST 2709 was analyzed six times along with the samples. Table 2–2 gives the 

percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–2 shows graphically the 

accuracy plot. Those elements that show “n/a” in table 2–2 or have no symbol plotted on figure 2–2 do 

not have a certified value for comparison. All plotted elements except chromium and nickel fall within 

±15 percent of the target values. The chromium recovery is low, 76 percent, due to the difficulty of the 

four-acid digestion to dissolve the refractory mineral phase in which chromium resides. 

Figure 2–2. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material 

NIST 2709. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material NIST 2709

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppmBa ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppmRb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
56

Table 2–2. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 2709 determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES-MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission 

spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of analyses of NIST 2709; RSD, relative standard deviation; 

%, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 6 7.50 7.16 0.12 1.74 96

Ca % 0.01 6 1.89 1.81 0.01 0.81 96

Fe % 0.01 6 3.50 3.29 0.07 2.25 94

K % 0.01 6 2.03 1.98 0.04 2.24 97

Mg % 0.01 6 1.51 1.41 0.03 1.88 94

Na % 0.01 6 1.16 1.14 0.01 1.29 98

S % 0.01 6 0.062 0.10 0.00 4.15 110

Ti % 0.01 6 0.34 0.29 0.01 2.58 85

As ppm 1 6 17.7 16.5 0.84 5.07 93

Ba ppm 5 6 968 921 14.1 1.5 95

Bi ppm 0.04 6 n/a 0.29 0.02 5.32 n/a

Cd ppm 0.1 6 0.38 0.40 0.00 0.00 105

Co ppm 0.1 6 13.4 12.8 0.38 2.9 96

Cr ppm 1 6 130 99.3 3.50 3.53 76

Cu ppm 0.5 6 34.6 33.8 2.42 7.2 98

Ga ppm 0.05 6 14 15.6 0.57 3.7 111

In ppm 0.02 6 n/a 0.05 0.00 7.9 n/a

Li ppm 1 6 n/a 51 1.41 2.8 n/a

Mn ppm 5 6 538 516 13.3 2.6 96

Ni ppm 0.5 6 88.0 72.5 1.86 2.6 82

P ppm 50 6 0.062 602 29.3 4.9 99

Pb ppm 0.5 6 18.9 18.8 1.67 8.9 100

Rb ppm 0.2 6 n/a 94.4 3.16 3.3 n/a

Sr ppm 0.5 6 231 216 2.07 1.0 94

V ppm 1 6 112 120 2.51 2.1 107

Zn ppm 1 6 106 99.3 3.50 3.5 94

Total C % 0.01 6 n/a 1.16 0.03 2.8 n/a

Carbonate C % 0.003 6 n/a 0.25 0.00 1.62 n/a
57

SRM NIST 2711

The SRM NIST 2711 was analyzed six times along with the samples. Table 2–3 gives the 

percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–3 shows graphically the 

accuracy plot. Those elements that show “n/a” in table 2–3 or have no symbol plotted on figure 2–3 do 

not have a certified value for comparison. All plotted elements except chromium and nickel fall within 

±15 percent of the target values. The chromium recovery is low, 79 percent, due to the difficulty of the 

four-acid digestion to dissolve the refractory mineral phase in which chromium resides. 

Figure 2–3. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material 

NIST 2711. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material NIST 2711

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppm

Ba ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppm

Rb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
58

Table 2–3. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 2711 determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission 

spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit ; n, number of analyses of NIST 2711; RSD, relative standard 

deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable] 

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 6 6.53 6.34 0.18 2.87 97

Ca % 0.01 6 2.88 2.19 0.06 2.64 76

Fe % 0.01 6 2.89 2.57 0.06 2.43 89

K % 0.01 6 2.45 2.49 0.08 3.13 102

Mg % 0.01 6 1.05 0.89 0.03 3.26 84

Na % 0.01 6 1.14 1.17 0.03 2.61 103

S % 0.01 6 0.086 0.04 0.00 0.00 46

Ti % 0.01 6 0.306 0.23 0.01 3.72 74

As ppm 1 6 105 92.3 1.21 1.31 88

Ba ppm 5 6 726 703 7.52 1.07 97

Bi ppm 0.04 6 n/a 2.72 0.04 1.46 n/a

Cd ppm 0.1 6 41.7 49.7 2.51 5.06 119

Co ppm 0.1 6 10 9.18 0.32 3.47 92

Cr ppm 1 6 47 37.2 2.71 7.30 79

Cu ppm 0.5 6 114 123 5.38 4.37 108

Ga ppm 0.05 6 15 15.1 0.79 5.25 101

In ppm 0.02 6 n/a 1.13 0.04 3.90 n/a

Li ppm 1 6 n/a 24.2 0.75 3.11 n/a

Mn ppm 5 6 638 592 16.4 2.77 93

Ni ppm 0.5 6 20.6 17.0 0.60 3.56 82

P ppm 50 6 860 793 10.3 1.30 92

Pb ppm 0.5 6 1,162 1,142 61.8 5.41 98

Rb ppm 0.2 6 n/a 116 4.63 3.98 n/a

Sr ppm 0.5 6 245 225 3.27 1.46 92

V ppm 1 6 81.6 81.5 3.02 3.70 100

Zn ppm 1 6 350 361 12.3 3.42 103

Total C % 0.01 6 n/a 1.55 0.06 3.81 n/a

Carbonate C % 0.003 6 n/a 0.34 0.01 1.59 n/a
59

SRM NIST 8704

The SRM NIST 8704 was analyzed six times along with the samples. Table 2–4 gives the 

percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–4 shows graphically the 

accuracy plot. Those elements that show “n/a” in table 2–4 or have no symbol plotted on figure 2–4 do 

not have a certified value for comparison. All plotted elements except titanium, arsenic, and chromium 

fall within ±15 percent of the target values. The recovery for titanium was only 43 percent, and the 

recovery for chromium was 81 percent; both of these elements can occur in mineral phases that are 

difficult to fully dissolve by the four-acid digestion procedure. The arsenic recovery, 74 percent, is 

related to the low precision and accuracy at low analytical levels (arsenic is present at less than 20 times 

the method reporting limit).

Figure 2–4. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material 

NIST 8704. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; %, percent; ppm, parts per 

million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material NIST 8704

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppmBa ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppm

Li ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppmRb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
60

Table 2–4. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

NIST 8704 determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[NIST, National Institute of Standards and Technology; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission 

spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of analyses of NIST 8704; RSD, relative standard deviation; 

%, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 6 6.1 5.77 0.09 1.6 95

Ca % 0.01 6 2.64 2.49 0.05 2.0 94

Fe % 0.01 6 3.97 3.61 0.07 1.9 91

K % 0.01 6 2 1.93 0.04 2.2 97

Mg % 0.01 6 1.20 1.09 0.02 2.1 91

Na % 0.01 6 0.553 0.61 0.01 1.7 109

S % 0.01 6 n/a 0.37 0.02 4.3 n/a

Ti % 0.01 6 0.457 0.20 0.02 7.8 43

As ppm 1 6 17.0 12.5 2.74 21.9 74

Ba ppm 5 6 413 403 9.67 2.4 97

Bi ppm 0.04 6 n/a 1.92 0.53 27.7 n/a

Cd ppm 0.1 6 2.94 2.98 0.26 8.7 101

Co ppm 0.1 6 13.6 2.55 1.08 42.3 85

Cr ppm 1 6 122 11.6 3.18 27.5 81

Cu ppm 0.5 6 87 98.5 2.51 2.5 100

Ga ppm 0.05 6 n/a 86.8 5.88 6.8 n/a

In ppm 0.02 6 n/a 13.0 2.53 19.5 n/a

Li ppm 1 6 n/a 0.08 0.03 31.9 n/a

Mn ppm 5 6 544 41.7 0.82 2.0 95

Ni ppm 0.5 6 42.9 517 11.3 2.2 87

P ppm 50 6 n/a 37.3 1.82 4.9 n/a

Pb ppm 0.5 6 150 923 25.8 2.8 91

Rb ppm 0.2 6 n/a 137 9.19 6.7 n/a

Sr ppm 0.5 6 n/a 92.9 11.2 12.0 n/a

V ppm 1 6 94.6 127 1.76 1.4 99

Zn ppm 1 6 408 93.8 1.83 2.0 89

Total C % 0.01 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a

Carbonate C % 0.003 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
61

SRM CCRMP SO-3 

The SRM CCRMP SO-3 was analyzed eight times along with the samples. Table 2–5 gives the 

percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–5 shows graphically the 

accuracy plot. Those elements that show “n/a” in table 2–5 or have no symbol plotted on figure 2–5 do 

not have a certified value for comparison. All plotted elements except titanium, copper, and nickel fall 

within ±15 percent of the target values. The titanium recovery was 80 percent, probably due to 

difficulties in obtaining a complete decomposition of refractory titanium phases using the four-acid 

digestion. The low accuracy estimates for copper and nickel (82 and 72 percent, respectively) may be 

due to those elements’ concentrations being near instrumental reporting limits.

Figure 2–5. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material 

CCRMP SO-3. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; CCRMP, Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project; %, percent; ppm, parts 

per million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material CCRMP SO-3

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppmBa ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppmRb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
62

Table 2–5. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

CCRMP SO-3 determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at 

SGS Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[CCRMP, Canadian Certified Reference Materials Project; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission 

spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of analyses of CCRMP SO-3; RSD, relative standard 

deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 8 3.06 3.21 0.06 1.9 105

Ca % 0.01 8 14.6 14.1 0.32 2.29 97

Fe % 0.01 8 1.51 1.51 0.02 1.12 100

K % 0.01 8 1.16 1.29 0.05 4.14 111

Mg % 0.01 8 4.98 5.00 0.06 1.19 100

Na % 0.01 8 0.74 0.80 0.02 3.02 108

S % 0.01 8 n/a 0.02 0.00 0.00 n/a

Ti % 0.01 8 0.2 0.16 0.02 9.88 80

As ppm 1 8 n/a 2.00 0.58 28.9 n/a

Ba ppm 5 8 296 292 5.46 1.87 99

Bi ppm 0.04 8 n/a 0.08 0.01 15.5 n/a

Cd ppm 0.1 8 n/a 0.14 0.05 37.6 n/a

Co ppm 0.1 8 n/a 5.31 0.30 5.64 n/a

Cr ppm 1 8 26 24.0 2.96 12.3 92

Cu ppm 0.5 8 17 13.9 2.29 16.5 82

Ga ppm 0.05 8 n/a 6.90 0.35 5.12 n/a

In ppm 0.02 8 n/a 0.03 0.00 0.00 n/a

Li ppm 1 8 n/a 12.6 0.52 4.10 n/a

Mn ppm 5 8 520 520 5.87 1.13 100

Ni ppm 0.5 8 16 11.5 1.87 16.3 72

P ppm 50 8 480 484 11.3 2.33 101

Pb ppm 0.5 8 14 12.9 0.62 4.85 92

Rb ppm 0.2 8 n/a 37.6 1.40 3.72 n/a

Sr ppm 0.5 8 217 227 4.66 2.05 105

V ppm 1 8 38 36.7 0.71 1.93 96

Zn ppm 1 8 52 46.1 3.41 7.39 89

Total C % 0.01 8 n/a 6.66 0.11 1.60 n/a

Carbonate C % 0.003 0 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
63

SRM USGS DGPM-1 

The SRM USGS DGPM-1 was analyzed four times along with the samples. Table 2–6 gives the 

percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–6 shows graphically the 

accuracy plot. Those elements that show “n/a” in table 2–6 or have no symbol plotted on figure 2–6 do 

not have a certified value for comparison. All plotted elements except cadmium fall within ±15 percent 

of the target values. The cadmium recovery, 83 percent, is quite acceptable given that the concentration 

is only three times the analytical reporting limit. 

Figure 2–6. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for standard reference material 

USGS DGPM-1. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; DGPM, disseminated gold ore, Pinson Mine, Nev.; 

%, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material USGS DGPM-1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppm

Ba ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppm

Rb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
64

Table 2–6. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the standard reference material 

USGS DGPM-1 determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at 

SGS Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; DGPM, disseminated gold ore, Pinson Mine, Nev.; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled 

plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of analyses of DGPM-1; RSD, 

relative standard deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 4 5.06 4.88 0.17 3.4 96

Ca % 0.01 4 0.157 0.14 0.01 3.54 90

Fe % 0.01 4 1.34 1.33 0.04 3.04 99

K % 0.01 4 2.27 2.24 0.07 2.99 99

Mg % 0.01 4 0.337 0.32 0.01 1.81 95

Na % 0.01 4 0.06 0.06 0.01 8.70 96

S % 0.01 4 0.363 0.37 0.01 2.57 103

Ti % 0.01 4 0.266 0.26 0.01 3.14 98

As ppm 1 4 180 172 1.29 0.75 96

Ba ppm 5 4 1,326 1,293 20.6 1.60 97

Bi ppm 0.04 4 0.114 0.12 0.02 18.9 103

Cd ppm 0.1 4 0.33 0.28 0.05 18.2 83

Co ppm 0.1 4 1.36 1.38 0.15 10.9 101

Cr ppm 1 4 97 112 17.05 15.2 115

Cu ppm 0.5 4 13.7 13.1 1.71 13.0 95

Ga ppm 0.05 4 10.8 10.9 0.46 4.25 101

In ppm 0.02 4 n/a <0.02 n/a n/a n/a

Li ppm 1 4 39.6 38.2 0.96 2.50 97

Mn ppm 5 4 28 25.7 2.87 11.2 92

Ni ppm 0.5 4 11.4 11.5 3.56 31.0 101

P ppm 50 4 418 400 8.16 2.04 96

Pb ppm 0.5 4 9.8 9.58 0.66 6.84 98

Rb ppm 0.2 4 90 91.6 4.77 5.21 102

Sr ppm 0.5 4 91.5 88.2 1.43 1.63 96

V ppm 1 4 106 109 2.16 1.98 103

Zn ppm 1 4 24.4 22.0 1.15 5.25 90

Total C % 0.01 4 0.10 0.10 0.01 9.34 103

Carbonate C % 0.003 3 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.0 100
65

Reference Material USGS GSP-QC

In contrast to the first five SRMs discussed above, the reference material USGS GSP-QC is not 

certified nor used outside of the U.S. Geological Survey. It is a material similar to the certified SRM 

GSP-1 (Silver Plume Granite) but was developed at a later time, and so it is slightly different in 

elemental concentrations. This material was developed in-house at the Denver USGS laboratories for 

inclusion with samples sent to the SGS Minerals laboratory. During the period of September 2004 to 

November 2008, this material was analyzed 360 times by the contract laboratory for the ICP-AES/MS 

package as blind samples and 120 times for carbon. The results were compiled, and the means derived 

were used as target values for the accuracy assessments of this material submitted in this report. As a 

consequence, target values are available for all elements in the ICP-AES/MS package and for total and 

carbonate carbon. 

The noncertified USGS reference material GSP-QC was analyzed five times along with the 

study samples. Table 2–7 gives the percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and 

figure 2–7 shows graphically the accuracy plot. The only element that plotted outside of the 15-percent 

window was nickel at 82 percent, probably due to its low concentration. 

Figure 2–7. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for reference material USGS 

GSP-QC. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; GSP-QC, granodiorite, Silver Plume, Colo.; %, 

percent; ppm, parts per million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material USGS GSP-QC

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppm

Ba ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppm

Co ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppm

Rb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
66

Table 2–7. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

GSP-QC determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[USGS; U.S. Geological Survey; GSP-QC, granodiorite, Silver Plume, Colo.; ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–

atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of analyses of GSP-QC; RSD, relative 

standard deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million; n/a, not applicable]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 5 7.57 7.48 0.27 3.58 99

Ca % 0.01 5 1.5 1.47 0.05 3.55 98

Fe % 0.01 5 2.77 2.70 0.13 4.84 97

K % 0.01 5 4.25 4.30 0.20 4.57 101

Mg % 0.01 5 0.615 0.59 0.02 3.81 96

Na % 0.01 5 1.87 1.88 0.08 4.00 101

S % 0.01 5 0.074 0.07 0.00 6.62 100

Ti % 0.01 5 0.339 0.33 0.02 6.46 99

As ppm 1 5 31.4 31.2 2.04 6.54 99

Ba ppm 5 5 1,310 1,343 37.8 2.81 103

Bi ppm 0.04 5 4.28 4.21 0.17 4.12 98

Cd ppm 0.1 5 0.227 0.22 0.04 18.1 97

Co ppm 0.1 5 6.3 6.22 0.18 2.95 99

Cr ppm 1 5 16.6 18.6 2.48 13.3 112

Cu ppm 0.5 5 31.3 31.3 2.52 8.06 100

Ga ppm 0.05 5 22.2 22.6 0.84 3.74 102

In ppm 0.02 5 0.044 0.05 0.00 9.13 108

Li ppm 1 5 34 32.7 1.51 4.61 96

Mn ppm 5 5 281 270 10.3 3.81 96

Ni ppm 0.5 5 11.5 9.48 1.05 11.1 82

P ppm 50 5 1,230 1,228 29.3 2.38 100

Pb ppm 0.5 5 40.4 40.1 1.32 3.29 99

Rb ppm 0.2 5 228 224 14.9 6.66 98

Sr ppm 0.5 5 226 218 8.59 3.95 96

V ppm 1 5 73.3 78.1 3.55 4.55 106

Zn ppm 1 5 117 114 4.82 4.23 97

Total C % 0.01 5 n/a 0.20 0.00 2.26 n/a

Carbonate C % 0.003 5 n/a 0.32 0.01 3.44 n/a
67

Reference Material USGS SAR-L 

Like USGS GSP-QC, the reference material SAR-L is not certified nor used outside of the U.S. 

Geological Survey. It is a composite of contaminated sediment from the Animas River watershed in 

Colorado with low levels of contaminant constituents. This material was developed in-house at the 

Denver USGS laboratories for inclusion with samples sent to the SGS laboratory. During the period of 

September 2004 to November 2008, this material was analyzed 360 times by the SGS laboratory for the 

ICP-AES/MS package as blind samples and 150 times for carbon. The results were compiled, and the 

means derived were used as target values for the accuracy assessments of this material submitted in this 

report. As a consequence, target values are available for all elements in the ICP-AES/MS package and 

for total and carbonate carbon. 

The noncertified USGS reference material SAR-L was analyzed seven times along with the 

study samples. Table 2–8 gives the percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and 

figure 2–8 shows graphically the accuracy plot. All of the elements plot within ±15 percent for percent 

recovery.

Figure 2–8. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for reference material USGS 

SAR-L. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; SAR-L, sediment, Animas River watershed, Colo., 

low levels of contaminants; %, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material USGS SARL-1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppmBa ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppmRb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
68

Table 2–8. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

SAR-L determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; SAR-L, sediment, Animas River watershed, Colo., low levels of contaminants; ICPAES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL, reporting limit; n, number of 

analyses of SAR-L; RSD, relative standard deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 7 5.84 5.66 0.15 2.7 97

Ca % 0.01 7 1.06 1.01 0.016 1.56 95

Fe % 0.01 7 2.60 2.48 0.071 2.85 95

K % 0.01 7 3.02 3.01 0.084 2.78 100

Mg % 0.01 7 0.54 0.514 0.014 2.72 96

Na % 0.01 7 1.51 1.50 0.041 2.76 99

S % 0.01 7 0.08 0.080 0.000 0.00 103

Ti % 0.01 7 0.23 0.207 0.0049 2.36 90

As ppm 1 7 16.3 16.0 0.0 0.0 98

Ba ppm 5 7 910 893 18.4 2.06 98

Bi ppm 0.04 7 1.19 1.17 0.23 19.4 99

Cd ppm 0.1 7 2.95 2.89 0.15 5.07 98

Co ppm 0.1 7 7.14 7.09 0.27 3.77 99

Cr ppm 1 7 96 97 3.9 4.01 101

Cu ppm 0.5 7 386 356 14.8 4.16 92

Ga ppm 0.05 7 16.5 16.4 0.72 4.39 99

In ppm 0.02 7 0.30 0.30 0.01 3.83 100

Li ppm 1 7 26.4 25 0.98 3.84 96

Mn ppm 5 7 2,190 2,046 70.4 3.44 93

Ni ppm 0.5 7 53 49.5 1.38 2.80 93

P ppm 50 7 830 759 9.00 1.19 91

Pb ppm 0.5 7 589 527 22.5 4.27 89

Rb ppm 0.2 7 140 137 6.61 4.82 98

Sr ppm 0.5 7 156 145 2.89 1.99 93

V ppm 1 7 137 140 3.82 2.72 102

Zn ppm 1 7 457 431 5.91 1.37 94

Total C % 0.01 7 1.06 1.07 0.01 0.89 101

Carbonate C % 0.003 7 0.11 0.01 0.0 0.0 91

. 
69

Reference Material USGS SAR-M 

Like USGS GSP-QC and SAR-L, the reference material SAR-M is not certified nor used outside 

of the U.S. Geological Survey. It is a composite of contaminated sediment from the Animas River 

watershed in Colorado with moderate levels of contaminant constituents. This material was developed 

in-house at the Denver USGS laboratories for inclusion with samples sent to the SGS Minerals 

laboratory. During the period of September 2004 to November 2008, this material was analyzed 320 

times by the contract laboratory for the ICP-AES/MS package as blind samples and 250 times for 

carbon. The results were compiled, and the means derived were used as target values for the accuracy 

assessments of this material submitted in this report. As a consequence, target values are available for 

all elements in the ICP-AES/MS package and for total and carbonate carbon.

The noncertified USGS reference material SAR-M was analyzed six times along with the study 

samples. Table 2–9 gives the percent RSD and percent recovery results for this standard, and figure 2–9 

shows graphically the accuracy plot. All of the elements plot within ±15 percent for percent recovery, 

except for vanadium, which had a 170 percent recovery.

Figure 2–9. Accuracy plot for ICP-AES/MS and carbon analyses for reference material USGS 

SAR-M. [ICP-AES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass 

spectroscopy; USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; SAR-M, sediment, Animas River watershed, Colo., 

moderate levels of contaminants; %, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Analysis of Analytical Accuracy

ICP-AES/MS and Carbon Analyses of Sediment

based on Standard Reference Material USGS SARM-1

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Carb C %

Total C %

Al %

Ca %

Fe %

K %

Mg %

Na %

S %

Ti %

As ppmBa ppm

Bi ppm

Cd ppmCo ppm

Cr ppm

Cu ppm

Ga ppm

In ppmLi ppm

Mn ppm

Ni ppm

P ppm

Pb ppmRb ppm

Sr ppm

V ppm

Zn ppm

Elements

Percent Recovery

Percent Recovery

85% Recovery

115% Recovery
70

Table 2–9. Summary statistics for assessing analytical variation and accuracy for the reference material USGS 

SAR-M determined after a four-acid total digestion of sediment samples by the ICP-AES/MS package at SGS 

Minerals and for total and carbonate carbon. (Click to see Excel file.)

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; SAR-M, sediment, Animas River watershed, Colo., moderate levels of contaminants; ICPAES/MS, inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy/mass spectroscopy; RL,reporting limit; n, number of 

analyses of SAR-M; RSD, relative standard deviation; %, percent; ppm, parts per million]

Element Units RL n Target 

value Mean Standard deviation % RSD % Recovery

Al % 0.01 6 6.13 5.94 0.10 1.7 97

Ca % 0.01 6 0.587 0.55 0.02 3.75 93

Fe % 0.01 6 3.1 2.92 0.09 3.14 94

K % 0.01 6 2.88 2.97 0.09 3.20 103

Mg % 0.01 6 0.49 0.47 0.01 3.01 96

Na % 0.01 6 1.16 1.17 0.02 1.67 101

S % 0.01 6 0.118 0.13 0.01 6.63 110

Ti % 0.01 6 0.272 0.24 0.02 8.40 88

As ppm 1 6 38.8 37.5 1.09 2.91 97

Ba ppm 5 6 801 790 8.82 1.12 99

Bi ppm 0.04 6 1.94 1.77 0.16 9.05 91

Cd ppm 0.1 6 5.27 5.34 0.10 1.88 101

Co ppm 0.1 6 10.7 10.7 0.28 2.59 100

Cr ppm 1 6 79.7 86.6 4.15 4.79 109

Cu ppm 0.5 6 331 304. 15.9 5.23 92

Ga ppm 0.05 6 16.8 16.7 0.95 5.70 99

In ppm 0.02 6 1.08 1.07 0.04 3.35 99

Li ppm 1 6 27.4 25.9 1.29 4.96 95

Mn ppm 5 6 5,220 5,068 152 3.00 97

Ni ppm 0.5 6 41.5 39.3 1.37 3.48 95

P ppm 50 6 775 696 37.3 5.35 90

Pb ppm 0.5 6 982 915 42.4 4.64 93

Rb ppm 0.2 6 146 146 6.04 4.14 100

Sr ppm 0.5 6 151 144 3.32 2.30 95

V ppm 1 6 37.2 63.5 11.6 18.3 171

Zn ppm 1 6 930 919 24.3 2.64 99

Total C % 0.01 6 0.35 0.30 0.03 9.46 87

Carbonate C % 0.003 6 0.13 0.13 0.02 15.4 100