1 

Questa Baseline and Pre-Mining Ground-WaterQuality Investigation. 16. Quality Assurance and 

Quality Control for Water Analyses 

By R. Blaine McCleskey, D. Kirk Nordstrom, and Cheryl A. Naus 

Open-File Report 2004-1341

U.S. Department of the Interior 

U.S. Geological Survey
i

Cover: Patricia Acero, USGS volunteer, measuring pH in Straight Creek, Red River Basin, New Mexico 
ii

Questa Baseline and Pre-Mining Ground-WaterQuality Investigation. 16. Quality Assurance and 

Quality Control for Water Analyses 

By R. Blaine McCleskey, D. Kirk Nordstrom, and Cheryl A. Naus 

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

imply endorsement by the U.S. Government 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Open-File Report 2004-1341 

Boulder, Colorado 

2004 
iii

U.S. Department of the Interior 

Gale A. Norton, Secretary 

U.S. Geological Survey 

Charles G. Groat, Director 

For product and ordering information: 

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/pubprod 

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS 

For more information on the USGS—the Federal source for science about the Earth, 

its natural and living resources, natural hazards, and the environment: 

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov 

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS 

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 

Contents..............................................................................................................................................................................iii

Figures ................................................................................................................................................................................iv

Tables .................................................................................................................................................................................vi

Explanation of Abbreviations and Symbols ......................................................................................................................vii

Conversion Factors...........................................................................................................................................................viii

SI to Inch/Pound ...........................................................................................................................................................viii

Abstract ...............................................................................................................................................................................1

Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................................2

Methods ...............................................................................................................................................................................4

Sample Collection............................................................................................................................................................4

Blanks..........................................................................................................................................................................6

Sequential Duplicates ..................................................................................................................................................6

Filtration Studies..........................................................................................................................................................6

Analytical ........................................................................................................................................................................7

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Results for Water Analyses ................................................................................14

Standard Reference Water Samples...............................................................................................................................14

Charge Balance Calculations.........................................................................................................................................23

Analyses of Blanks ........................................................................................................................................................24

Spike Recoveries ...........................................................................................................................................................43

Dissolved Organic Carbon Analyses .............................................................................................................................44

Analyses by Different Methods .....................................................................................................................................44

Analyses by Different Laboratories...............................................................................................................................49

Duplicate Sampling .......................................................................................................................................................55

Filtration Studies............................................................................................................................................................61

Filtration Pore Size and Apparatus ............................................................................................................................61

Filtration Timing............................................................................................................................................................68

Sequential Filtration ......................................................................................................................................................72

Summary............................................................................................................................................................................74

References Cited................................................................................................................................................................74

Appendix ...........................................................................................................................................................................76
iv

Figures 

Figure 1. Location of Red River, New Mexico................................................................................................3

Figure 2. (A) The percent difference between the measured mean concentration and the MPV for SRWSs using 

equation 1 plotted in relation to the measured concentration divided by the method detection limit. (B) The 

measured relative standard deviation for determinations of SRWSs plotted in relation to the measured mean 

concentration divided by the method detection limit.................................................................................................15

Figure 3. Frequency distribution of charge imbalance in percent using equation 2..........................................................23

Figure 4. (A) Iron concentration determined by ICP-OES and by the FerroZine colorimetric method. (B) Aluminum 

concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (C) Manganese concentration determined by ICPOES and ICP-MS. (D) Beryllium concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The solid line is an equal 

concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line...........................................45

Figure 5. (A) Lithium concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (B) Strontium concentration determined by 

ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (C) Barium concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (D) Zinc concentration 

determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 

percent from the equal concentration line..................................................................................................................46

Figure 6. (A) Nickel concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (B) Copper concentration 

determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (C) Cadmium concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS 

and ICP-MS. (D) Cobalt concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. The solid line is an equal 

concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line...........................................47

Figure 7. (A) Chromium concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (B) Chromium concentration 

determined by GFAAS and ICP-OES. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 

percent from the equal concentration line..................................................................................................................48

Figure 8. (A) Calcium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) 

Magnesium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Sodium 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Potassium concentration 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line.

...................................................................................................................................................................................50

Figure 9. (A) Sulfate concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Alkalinity 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Fluoride concentration determined by two 

contract laboratories and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Chloride concentration determined by a contract 

laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line. .......................................51

Figure 10. (A) Aluminum concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Iron 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Manganese concentration 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Beryllium concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line 

is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line.......................................................................................................52

Figure 11. (A) Barium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Zinc 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Lead concentration 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Nickel concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line 

is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line.......................................................................................................53

Figure 12. (A) Copper concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Cadmium 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Chromium concentration 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Cobalt concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line 

is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line.......................................................................................................54

Figure 13. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, 

Hottentot, and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) calcium; (B) magnesium; (C) sodium; (D) potassium; (E) 

sulfate; and (F) alkalinity. The solid line is an equal concentration line. ..................................................................56
v

Figure 14. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, 

Hottentot, and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) fluoride; (B) chloride; (C) silica; (D) aluminum; (E) aluminum 

less than 1 mg/L; and (F) boron. The solid line is an equal concentration line. ........................................................57

Figure 15. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, 

Hottentot, and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) total dissolved iron; (B) total dissolved iron less than 1 mg/L;

(C) ferrous iron; (D) ferrous iron less than 0.1 mg/L; (E) lithium; and (F) strontium. The solid line is an equal 

concentration line. .....................................................................................................................................................58

Figure 16. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, 

Hottentot, and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) barium; (B) manganese; (C) zinc; (D) nickel; (E) copper; and (F) 

cadmium. The solid line is an equal concentration line.............................................................................................59

Figure 17. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, 

Hottentot, and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) chromium; (B) cobalt; and (C) beryllium. The solid line is an 

equal concentration line.............................................................................................................................................60

Figure 18. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for Straight Creek surface water collected on April 16, 2003. 

(A) Comparison of calcium, total dissolved iron, aluminum, magnesium, and silica. (B) Comparison of manganese, 

zinc, sodium, and copper. (C) Comparison of nickel, ferrous iron, strontium, cobalt, and lithium. (D) Comparison 

of chromium, cadmium, beryllium, and lead. Solid line is the mean concentration and the dotted line is ± the first 

standard deviation......................................................................................................................................................62

Figure 19. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from the Red River below Fawn Lake collected on 

April 15, 2003. (A) Comparison of calcium, silica, magnesium, and potassium. (B) Comparison of strontium, 

aluminum, barium, and total dissolved iron. (C) Comparison of manganese, zinc, copper, and ferrous iron. (D) 

Comparison of nickel. Solid line is the mean concentration and the dotted line is ± the first standard deviation.....63

Figure 20. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC2B collected on March 25, 2002. (A) 

Comparison of total dissolved iron, ferrous iron, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. (B) Comparison of 

strontium, chloride, potassium, fluoride, silica, manganese, and sodium. (C) Comparison of cobalt, lithium, nickel, 

zinc, and aluminum. (D) Comparison of barium, boron, and beryllium. Dashed line is the equal concentration line.

...................................................................................................................................................................................64

Figure 21. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC3A collected on March 27, 2002. (A) 

Comparison of magnesium, calcium, sulfate, aluminum, and silica. (B) Comparison of chloride, potassium, 

fluoride, manganese, and zinc. (C) Comparison of lithium, cobalt, nickel, total dissolved iron, and strontium, (D) 

Comparison of barium, boron, chromium, beryllium, ferrous iron, and cadmium. Dashed line is the equal 

concentration line. .....................................................................................................................................................65

Figure 22. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC3B collected on March 25, 2002. (A) 

Comparison of total dissolved iron, ferrous iron, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. (B) Comparison of 

strontium, chloride, potassium, fluoride, silica, manganese, sodium, zinc, and aluminum. (C) Comparison of cobalt, 

lithium, and nickel. (D) Comparison of cadmium, chromium, lead, barium, molybdenum, boron, and beryllium. 

Solid line is the equal concentration line. ..................................................................................................................66

Figure 23. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC5A collected on March 27, 2002. (A) 

Comparison of magnesium, calcium, sulfate, aluminum, and silica. (B) Comparison of chloride, potassium, 

fluoride, manganese, and zinc. (C) Comparison of lithium, cobalt, nickel, total dissolved iron, and strontium. (D) 

Comparison of barium, boron, chromium, beryllium, ferrous iron, and cadmium. Solid line is the equal 

concentration line. .....................................................................................................................................................67

Figure 24. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River 

on April 15, 2003 for: (A) calcium; (B) magnesium; (C) sodium; (D) potassium; (E) strontium; and (F) barium...69

Figure 25. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River 

on April 15, 2003 for: (A) aluminum; (B) silica; (C) total dissolved iron; (D) ferrous iron; (E) copper; and (F) zinc.

...................................................................................................................................................................................70

Figure 26. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River 

on April 15, 2003 for: (A) manganese and (B) nickel. (C) The effect of time on pH for water samples collected 

from two sites along the Red River on April 15, 2003. .............................................................................................71

Figure 27. The effects of sample volume passing through filters for water samples collected from the Red River at the 

gage on March 20, 2002. (A) Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, and potassium concentrations after filtration 

through a 0.45-μm filter. (B) Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, and potassium concentrations after filtration 

through a 0.1-μm filter. (C) Manganese, strontium, zinc, total dissolved iron, and ferrous iron concentrations after 
vi

filtration through a 0.45μm filter. (D) Manganese, strontium, zinc, total dissolved iron, and ferrous iron 

concentrations after filtration through a 0.1-μm filter. (E) Barium, nickel, cobalt, and copper concentrations after 

filtration through a 0.45-μm filter. (F) Barium, nickel, cobalt, and copper concentrations after filtration through a 

0.1-μm filter...............................................................................................................................................................73

Tables 

Table 1. Container preparation and stabilization methods for filtered samples................................................................5

Table 2. Filtration assemblies, membrane pore size, material, and type ..........................................................................7

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references .8

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples ..........................................................................................16

Table 5. Measurement of blanks.....................................................................................................................................25

Table 6. Sample spike recoveries, analyses by ICP-OES...............................................................................................43

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods..........................................................................................................................77

Table 8. Analyses by different laboratories....................................................................................................................94

Table 9. Measurement of samples from Straight Creek and Red River..........................................................................98

Table 10. Measurement of sequential aliquots for a sample from the Red River at U.S. Geological Survey streamflowgaging station 082655000................................................................................................................................102
vii

Explanation of Abbreviations and Symbols 

--- not analyzed, measured, or calculated 

< less than 

°C degrees Celsius 

C.I. charge imbalance 

CVAFS cold-vapor atomic fluorescence 

spectrometry 

DIW deionized water 

DOC dissolved organic carbon 

Fs pseudosigma 

FA filtered-acidified 

FU filtered-unacidified 

FIAS flow injection analysis system 

GFAAS graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry 

GW ground water 

HCl hydrochloric acid 

HDPE high-density polyethylene 

HGAAS hydride-generation atomic-absorption 

spectrometry 

HNO3

 nitric acid 

IC ion chromatography 

ICP-MS inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry 

ICP-OES inductively coupled plasma-optical 

emission spectrometry 

ID identification 

ISE ion-selective electrode 

km kilometers 

m meters 

mm millimeter 

meq/L milliequivalents per liter 

mM millimoles per liter 

mg/L milligrams per liter 

MPV most probable value 

N normality 

ng nanograms 

ng/L nanograms per liter 

nm nanometer 

NMED New Mexico Environment 

 Department 

μg/L micrograms per liter 

μm micrometer 

μS/cm microsemens per centimeter 

UV ultraviolet 

n number of analyses 

NMWL nominal molecular weight limit 

PE polyethylene 

RA raw-acidified 

RSD relative standard deviation 

RU raw-unacidified 

s standard deviation 

SC specific conductance 

SRWS standard reference water sample 

SW surface water 

TOC total organic carbon 

THGA transversely heated graphite atomizer 

UFA ultrafiltered-acidified 

v/v volume per volume 
viii

Conversion Factors 

SI to Inch/Pound 

Multiply By To obtain 

Length 

micrometer (μm) 0.00003937 inch (in.) 

millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch (in.) 

meter (m) 3.281 foot (ft) 

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile (mi) 

Area 

square meter (m2) 0.0002471 acre 

Volume 

liter (L) 33.82 ounce, fluid (fl. oz) 

liter (L) 2.113 pint (pt) 

cubic meter (m3) 264.2 gallon (gal) 

liter (L) 61.02 cubic inch (in3) 

Mass 

gram (g) 0.03527 ounce, avoirdupois (oz) 

kilogram (kg) 2.205 pound avoirdupois (lb) 

Temperature in degrees Celsius (°C) may be converted 

to degrees Fahrenheit (°F) as follows: 

°F=(1.8×°C)+32 

Specific conductance is given in microsemens per 

centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius (μS/cm at 25°C). 

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are 

given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L), micrograms 

per liter (μg/L), nanograms per liter (ng/L), or mM 

(millimoles per liter).
1 

Questa Baseline and Pre-Mining Ground-Water 

Quality Investigation. 16. Quality Assurance and 

Quality Control for Water Analyses 

By R. Blaine McCleskey, D. Kirk Nordstrom, and Cheryl A. Naus 

Abstract 

The Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation has the main objective of inferring 

the ground-water chemistry at an active mine site. Hence, existing ground-water chemistry and its quality assurance 

and quality control is of crucial importance to this study and a substantial effort was spent on this activity. Analyses 

of seventy-two blanks demonstrated that contamination from processing, handling, and analyses were minimal. 

Blanks collected using water deionized with anion and cation exchange resins contained elevated concentrations of 

boron (0.17 milligrams per liter (mg/L)) and silica (3.90 mg/L), whereas double-distilled water did not. Boron and 

silica were not completely retained by the resins because they can exist as uncharged species in water. Chloride was 

detected in ten blanks, the highest being 3.9 mg/L, probably as the result of washing bottles, filter apparatuses, and 

tubing with hydrochloric acid. Sulfate was detected in seven blanks; the highest value was 3.0 mg/L, most likely 

because of carryover from the high sulfate waters sampled. With only a few exceptions, the remaining blank 

analyses were near or below method detection limits. Analyses of standard reference water samples by cold-vapor 

atomic fluorescence spectrometry, ion chromatography, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, FerroZine, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, hydride 

generation atomic spectrometry, and titration provided an accuracy check. For constituents greater than 10 times the 

detection limit, 95 percent of the samples had a percent error of less than 8.5. For constituents within 10 percent of 

the detection limit, the percent error often increased as a result of measurement imprecision. Charge imbalance was 

calculated using WATEQ4F and 251 out of 257 samples had a charge imbalance less than 11.8 percent. The charge 

imbalance for all samples ranged from -16 to 16 percent. Spike recoveries were performed by spiking ground-water 

samples from SC2B, SC3A, SC3B, CC2A, and Hottentot with a mixed-element standard and then analyzing them 

by ICP-OES. The mean recovery for all the constituents by ICP-OES was 103 percent with a standard deviation of 

16 percent. Fifteen surface- and ground-water sequential duplicates were collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River from 2002 to 2003. Except for chloride from well SC5B and low concentrations of iron (<0.05 

mg/L) and aluminum (<0.01 mg/L), constituents of sequential duplicates are generally within 10 percent of each 

other. Analytical results from different methods and different laboratories, with rare exceptions, were within 10 

percent. Chromium analyses were in poor agreement when comparing analyses from the USGS and a contract 

laboratory, but USGS analyses by ICP-OES and ICP-MS were usually within 10 percent for chromium 

concentrations above 0.03 mg/L and analyses by ICP-OES and GFAAS were usually within 15 percent for 

chromium concentrations as much as 0.1 mg/L. 

Filtration studies also were performed to study the effects of filtration apparatuses (Minitan, plate, capsule, 

and syringe), pore sizes, and timing on dissolved metal concentrations. Except for iron and aluminum, constituents 

with concentrations greater than about 0.05 mg/L were generally not affected by the filtration apparatus, membrane 

pore-size, and filtration delays. Iron, aluminum, and some dissolved metals concentrations less than about 0.05 

mg/L, especially copper, were generally lowest in filtrates from the tangential flow Minitan system containing a 

filter membrane with a pore size of 10,000 Daltons. As part of a filtration timing study, grab samples were collected 

from two sites along the Red River and were processed immediately and then again 1 to 3 hours later. Aluminum 

and iron colloids formed during the delay in the sample collected at the USGS gaging station and, after the delay, 

0.1-μm filtrate aluminum and iron concentrations approached the ultrafiltrate (Minitan) concentrations. In the 

upstream site below Fawn Lakes, aluminum in the 0.1-μm filtrate decreased but did not decrease in the 0.45-μm 

filtrate, signifying that the colloids formed during the delay are between 0.1 and 0.45 μm. Dissolved nickel and pH 

also decreased in both samples during the delay. Except for ferrous iron and barium, a sequential filtration study 
2

demonstrated that water collected from the Red River at the gage did not affect dissolved metal concentrations with 

increasing sample volume passing through a plate filter with 0.45- or 0.1-μm membranes. Barium and ferrous iron 

both slightly decreased in the filtrate from the 0.45-μm filter. 

Introduction 

The Red River drains 190 square miles of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and empties into the Rio Grande 

River north of Taos, New Mexico (fig. 1). Waste from abandoned and operational mines, runoff from hydrothermal 

scars, and urban runoff and waste potentially affect the water quality in the Red River (Plazak, 1996). The U.S. 

Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), is currently 

investigating the baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality in the Red River Basin (Nordstrom and others, 

2002). 

As part of the Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation, analyses of surface and 

ground waters are reported in several reports with common QA/QC methods and data (Naus and others, 2004; D.K. 

Nordstrom, USGS, written commun., 2004; P.L. Verplanck, USGS, written commun., 2004). This report combines 

QA/QC data relevant to all three reports rather than repeating the same information in each report. These reports 

include ground-water analyses from Straight Creek, Hansen, Hottentot, La Bobita, and Capulin Canyon drainages, 

and from Questa Ranger Station, and surface-water analyses from Straight Creek and the Red River (fig. 1). 

The purpose of this report is to provide QA/QC methods and results for surface-water and ground-water 

samples collected as part of the Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation. The QA/QC for 

water analyses include analyses of standard reference water samples, calculation of charge imbalance, collection of 

field and equipment blanks, analyses of spiked samples, analyses by multiple methods, analyses by different 

laboratories, and sequential duplicates. Filtration studies were performed to study the effects of filtration 

apparatuses, pore sizes, and timing on dissolved metal concentrations. 

Molycorp Inc. kindly provided data for the interlaboratory comparison. Sample collection was made 

possible by the additional efforts of Lisa Donahoe, James Ball, Sara LoVetere, and Bob Moquino. 
3

Figure 1. Location of Red River, New Mexico 
4

Methods 

Sample Collection 

Phase I and phase II ground-water samples were routinely collected by filtering the water through a 

disposable capsule filter having a nominal pore size of 0.45 μm (Naus and others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, 

written commun., 2004). Because use of the 0.45-μm filter membrane is accepted filtration practice for dissolved 

metals, the data are expected to be comparable to historical samples collected with 0.45-μm filter membranes. For 

comparison purposes, four samples also were processed with a 142-mm diameter all-plastic filter holder (Kennedy 

and others, 1976) containing a 0.1-μm pore size mixed cellulose ester filter membrane. Surface waters were 

processed by either filtering samples through a 142-mm diameter all-plastic filter holder containing a 0.1-μm pore 

size mixed cellulose ester filter membrane, filtering samples though disposable capsule filters having a nominal pore 

size of 0.45 μm, or filtering samples through syringe filters having a pore size of either 0.2 or 0.45 μm (Naus and 

others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, written commun., 2004; P.L. Verplanck, USGS, written commun., 2004). 

Several sample splits were collected for analyses of inorganic constituents, redox species, and dissolved 

organic carbon (DOC). Container preparation and stabilization of filtered samples are summarized in table 1. 

Samples for the determination of major cations and trace metals (As, Al, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, 

Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, Ho, K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, SiO2, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, 

Te, Th, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, Yb, Zr, and Zn), major anions (Br, Cl, F, NO3, and SO4

), alkalinity, and DOC were 

filtered and then stabilizing reagents, if needed, were added. Sample bottles were pre-rinsed with filtered water prior 

to sample collection. Samples for the determination of DOC were filtered through the same filter used to collect the 

inorganic constituents. At least 1 L of sample was passed through the filter assembly before a DOC sample was 

collected. Several techniques were used to assure the quality of the samples collected. These techniques include the 

collection of blanks, duplicate samples, and several filtration studies. 
5

Table 1. Container preparation and stabilization methods for filtered samples

[HCl, hydrochloric acid; HDPE, high-density polyethylene; HNO3, nitric acid; H2SO4, sulfuric acid; K2Cr2O7, potassium dichromate; mL, 

milliliters; N, normal; v/v, volume per volume] 

Sample type(s) Storage container and preparation 

Stabilization treatment in addition to 

refrigeration 

Major cations and trace metals 

(Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, 

Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, Ho, 

K, La, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, 

Ni, Pb, Pr, Rb, Re, Sb, Se, SiO2

, Sm, 

Sr, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Tl, Tm, U, V, W, Y, 

Yb, Zn, and Zr) 

Polyethylene bottles, soaked in 5% HCl 

and rinsed 3 times with distilled water 

1% (v/v) concentrated redistilled or 

Ultrex 7.7 N HNO3

 added 

Major anions, alkalinity, and density 

(Br, Cl, F, HCO3

, NO3, and SO4) 

Polyethylene bottles filled with 

distilled water and allowed to stand for 

24 hours, then rinsed 3 times with 

distilled water 

None 

Mercury (Hg) Borosilicate glass bottles, soaked with 

5% HNO3

 and rinsed 3 times with 

deionized water 

5 mL of concentrated redistilled HNO3

(added in the field) + 0.04 % w/v 

K2

Cr2O7 per 125 mL of sample (added 

in the laboratory) 

Iron and arsenic redox species 

(Fe(T), Fe(II), As(T), and As(III)) 

Opaque polyethylene bottles, soaked in 

5% HCl and rinsed 3 times with 

distilled water 

1% (v/v) redistilled 6 N or Omni 1:1 

trace-metal grade HCl added 

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) Baked glass bottle None 
6

Blanks 

Double-distilled water was used for most blanks. Deionized water was used for one set of blanks for 

comparative purposes. Sample collection methods for each blank type are discussed in the following paragraphs. 

The types and sizes of bottles used and cleaning, filtration, and preservation methods for each analysis type are the 

same as those for samples (table 1). 

Equipment blanks were collected to determine the extent of contamination of water samples from 

equipment used to pump and filter surface- and ground-water samples, from air-borne contaminants, and from 

handling and processing samples. The three types of equipment blanks collected for this study were portable pump, 

capsule filter, and plate filter. Equipment blanks were analyzed for dissolved major cations and trace metals, major 

anions, mercury, and dissolved organic carbon. Portable-pump blanks were collected only when the portable pump 

was used to collect samples from more than one well during a sampling trip. The portable-pump blanks were 

collected in the field following pump decontamination by pumping double-distilled or deionized water from a 

dedicated blank-water standpipe into sample containers. Capsule-filter and plate-filter blanks were collected in the 

laboratory using a peristaltic pump and dedicated blank-water tubing. Capsule-filter blanks were collected each trip 

for the first 3 months and at least quarterly thereafter. A plate-filter blank was collected when the plate filter was 

used. Because all equipment blanks were filtered, capsule-filter blanks also were collected along with other types of 

equipment blanks. 

Field blanks were collected to determine whether the water samples were contaminated by exposure to the 

field environment. Field blanks were collected once per sample-collection trip and were analyzed for total major 

cations and trace metals. Field blanks were collected at the time of sample collection by pouring double-distilled or 

deionized water into a sample container at the sampling location and leaving the container open for approximately 

the same amount of time required to collect a sample. 

Trip blanks were collected to determine if field handling and field travel caused contamination of water 

samples. Trip blanks were collected once per sample-collection trip and were analyzed for total major cations and 

trace metals. Trip blanks were prepared either in the laboratory prior to the trip or in a contaminant-free area (such 

as a mobile laboratory) at the field site. Trip blanks were not filtered and were not opened at a sample site, but were 

otherwise handled the same as water samples. 

Sequential Duplicates 

Sequential duplicates, samples that are collected consecutively, were used to assess variability among 

samples resulting from collection, processing, shipping, and laboratory procedures conducted at different sampling 

times (Wilde and others, 1999). For the ground-water studies, sequential duplicates were collected at a rate of one 

set per trip. A different well was selected for duplicate sample collection for each sampling event. Duplicate surfacewater samples were collected nearly every trip. Samples were collected by first filling all bottles needed for the 

analyses of sample and then all bottles for the duplicate sample. 

Filtration Studies 

Fine colloidal material may pass through a 0.45-μm filter membrane (Kennedy and others, 1974; Kennedy 

and others, 1976; Laxen and Chandler, 1982). Therefore, filtration studies were performed on water samples from 

the Red River and Straight Creek to evaluate the effects of filtration artifacts on dissolved trace metals using 

different filter assemblies and pore sizes (table 2). The surface-water samples were collected by filling a 20-L 

carboy with water and then placing it in a black plastic bag to minimize exposure to sunlight. Samples were 

transported to a mobile laboratory where they were processed for analyses of inorganic constituents. The groundwater samples were processed sequentially at the well head. The samples were processed by filtering the water 

through a 0.1-μm, 0.45-μm, 0.2-μm, or a 10,000 nominal molecular weight limit (NMWL), or Daltons, filter. The 

10,000-Dalton membranes retain particles in the range of 0.0035 μm to 0.0055 μm (Millipore Corporation, 1993). 

Ultrafiltrates produced by tangential-flow ultrafiltration with 10,000 NMWL membranes are the best available 

approximation to truly dissolved concentrations (Alpers and others, 1999). 
7

The effects of filtration timing also were studied by filling a 20-L carboy with water and then processing 

the sample as quickly as possible after collection and then collecting additional filtration aliquots, using the same 

type and size of filters, 1 to 3 hours later. Quantifying the amount of iron and aluminum precipitation and 

subsequent loss of other dissolved metals by absorption or coprecipitation may be useful for interpreting results of 

samples that were not processed immediately after sample collection (McCleskey and others, 2003; P.L. Verplanck, 

USGS, written commun., 2004). 

A sequential filtration study was performed at the USGS streamflow-gaging station (08265000) along the 

Red River. Sequential aliquots were collected by simultaneously pumping water directly from the center of the river 

through 142-mm plate filters with membranes having a pore size of 0.1 μm and 0.45 μm. The tubing was rinsed 

prior to being attached to the filter assemblies and the first drops of filtrate were collected. Ten 125-mL aliquots 

were collected from each assembly and subsequently analyzed for major cations, trace metals, and iron redox 

species. 

Table 2. Filtration assemblies, membrane pore size, material, and type 

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer] 

Assembly Pore Size Filter Membrane Type 

142-mm plate filter 0.45 μm or 

0.1 μm 

mixed cellulose esters membrane 

Minitan filter 0.1 μm or 

10,000 Daltons 

polyvinylidene fluoride filter cassettes tangential flow 

25-mm syringe filter 0.2 μm mixed cellulose esters membrane 

Capsule filter 0.45 μm polyethersulfone tortuous path capsule 

Analytical 

Analytical techniques, detection limits, equipment used, pertinent references, and comments are briefly 

described in table 3. Estimates of method detection limits are assumed equal to 3 times the standard deviation of 

several dozen measurements of the constituent in a blank solution treated as a sample. Typical analytical precision, 

or percent relative standard deviation, is based on several analytical runs and calculated using standard reference 

water samples. Precision for any single analytical run is better than multiple analytical runs, but using multiple 

analytical runs to calculate precision provides a more realistic estimate of error when comparing samples analyzed at 

different times. The typical relative standard deviations, or precision estimates, are for analyte concentrations greater 

than 10 times the detection limit and less than the high standard. Samples with analytes greater than the high 

standard were diluted and additional errors introduced. Techniques, general conditions, and variants of standard 

procedures are discussed in the following sections. 

All reagents were of purity at least equal to the reagent-grade standards of the American Chemical Society. 

Double-distilled or deionized water and re-distilled or trace metal grade acids were used in all preparations. Samples 

were diluted as necessary to bring the analyte concentration within the optimal range of the method. Each sample 

was analyzed in at least duplicate for each dilution for all constituents. Reagent blanks also were analyzed as a 

means to detect contamination from reagents used to prepare standards and dilutions. 

Several techniques were used to check accuracy of the analytical data. These techniques include use of 

standard reference water samples (SRWS), charge imbalance (C.I.), spike recoveries, determination by different 

methods, and determination by different laboratories. The QA/QC checks for dissolved organic carbon include 

analyses of laboratory reagent blanks and synthetic samples made from potassium biphthalate, sodium bicarbonate, 

and sodium benzoate. 
8

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

Calcium (Ca) ICP-OES 0.4 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 315.887 nm, 

view: radial 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES 0.04 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 280.270 nm, 

view: axial 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES 0.05 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 589.592 nm, 

view: radial 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES 0.02 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 766.490 nm, 

view: axial 

Sulfate (SO4

) IC 0.3 mg/L / 3% Dionex model 2010i ion 

chromatograph with 

AG4A guard and AS4A 

separator columns and 

Anion Self-Regenerating 

Suppressor-II 

1.8 mM NaHCO3 + 1.7 mM Na2CO3

eluent (Brinton and others, 1995) 

Alkalinity (as 

HCO3

) 

Titration 1.0 mg/L / 2% Orion Research model 

960/940 autotitrator, 

potentiometric detection, 

end-point determined by 

the first derivative 

technique 

(Barringer and Johnsson, 1989) 

Fluoride (F) F-ISE 0.05 mg/L / 4% Orion Research model 96-

09 combination Felectrode 

sample mixed 1:1 with TISAB 

(Barnard and Nordstrom, 1980) 

Chloride (Cl) IC 0.09 mg/L / 4% Dionex model 2010i ion 

chromatograph with 

AG4A guard and AS4A 

separator columns 

1.8 mM NaHCO3

 + 1.7 mM Na2CO3

eluent (Brinton and others, 1995) 

Silica (SiO2

) ICP-OES 0.06 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

sample diluted 1:10 in field, 

analytical wavelength: 251.611 nm, 

view: axial 

ICP-OES 0.07 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 308.215 nm, 

view: axial 

ICP-MS5

 0.00003 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

27Al (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Aluminum (Al) 

GFAAS3

 0.001 mg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 309.3 nm, 

modifier: 15 μg Mg(NO3

)2, 

atomization temperature: 2,300°C 
9

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision 2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

ICP-OES 0.007 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 238.204 nm, 

view: axial 

Total iron (Fe(T)) 

Colorimetry 0.001 mg/L / 3% Hewlett-Packard model 

8452A diode array 

spectrometer with 1 and 5 

cm cells 

FerroZine method (Stookey, 1970; 

To and others, 1999) 

Ferrous iron 

(Fe(II)) 

Colorimetry 0.002 mg/L / 3% Hewlett-Packard model 

8452A diode array 

spectrometer with 1 and 5 

cm cells 

FerroZine method (Stookey, 1970; 

To and others, 1999) 

ICP-OES 0.010 mg/L / 7% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 249.678 nm, 

view: axial 

Boron (B) 

ICP-MS5

 0.002 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

11B (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.001 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 670.784 nm, 

view: axial 

 ICP-MS5

 0.00001 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

7

Li (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.0003 mg/L / 4% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 421.552 nm, 

view: axial 

 ICP-MS5

 0.00001 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

86Sr (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.0008 mg/L / 4% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 455.403 nm, 

view: axial 

 ICP-MS5

 0.00004 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

137Ba (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 0.002 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 257.610 nm, 

view: axial 

 ICP-MS5

 0.00002 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

55Mn (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 0.005 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 206.200 nm, 

view: radial 

 ICP-MS5

 0.00008 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

64Zn (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 
10

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision 2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

ICP-OES 0.008 mg/L / 6% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 220.353 nm, 

view: axial 

Lead (Pb) 

GFAAS3

 0.0003 mg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 283.3 nm, 

view: axial; modifier: 50 μg PO4

 + 

3 μg Mg(NO3

)2, atomization 

temperature: 1,600°C 

 ICP-MS4

0.00001 mg/L / 2% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

a weighted average of the 206Pb, 207Pb, and 208Pb was used (Garbarino 

and Taylor, 1995; Taylor and 

Garbarino, 1991) 

ICP-OES 0.002 mg/L / 7% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 324.754 nm, 

view: axial 

Copper (Cu) 

GFAAS3

 0.0005 mg/L / 6% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 324.8 nm, 

modifier: 5 μg Pd + 3 μg Mg(NO3)2, 

atomization temperature: 2,000°C 

 ICP-MS4 0.00007 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

63Cu (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.002 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 214.428 nm, 

view: axial 

Cadmium (Cd) 

GFAAS3

 0.0002 mg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 228.8 nm, 

modifier: 50 μg PO4

 + 3 μg 

Mg(NO3

)2, atomization 

temperature: 1,500°C 

 ICP-MS4

 0.000002 mg/L / 

5% 

Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

114Cd (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.002 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 206.149 nm, 

view: axial 

Chromium (Cr) 

GFAAS3

 0.0005 mg/L / 6% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 357.9 nm, 

modifier: 15 μg Mg(NO3

)2, 

atomization temperature: 2,300°C 

 ICP-MS4

 0.0001 mg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

52Cr (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 
11

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision 2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

ICP-OES 0.007 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle or 

analytical wavelength: 228.616 nm, 

view: axial 

Cobalt (Co) 

GFAAS3

 0.0008 mg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 242.5 nm, 

modifier: 15 μg Mg(NO3)2, 

atomization temperature: 2400°C 

 ICP-MS4

 0.000004 mg/L / 

7% 

Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

59Co (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.001 mg/L / 4% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 313.042 nm, 

view: axial 

 ICP-MS4 0.000005 mg/L / 

7% 

Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

9

Be (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.007 mg/L / 7% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 277.540 nm, 

view: axial 

Molybdenum 

(Mo) 

ICP-MS4

 0.0005 mg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

95Mo (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.002 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 292.401 nm, 

view: axial 

Vanadium (V) 

ICP-MS4

 0.0003 mg/L / 2% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

51V (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.04 mg/L / 7% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 188.977 nm, 

view: axial 

Arsenic (As) 

HGAAS 0.0001mg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer AAnalyst 300 

atomic absorption 

spectrometer 

pre-reduction of As(V) using KI + 

ascorbic acid + HCl (McCleskey 

and others, 2003) 

 ICP-MS4

 0.00002 mg/L / 2% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

75As (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 

ICP-OES 0.04 mg/L / 5% Leeman Labs Direct 

Reading Echelle 

analytical wavelength: 196.026 nm, 

view: axial 

GFAAS3

 0.001 mg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer model 

4110ZL 

analytical wavelength: 196.0 nm, 

modifier: 5 μg Pd + 3 μg 

Mg(NO3

)2, atomization 

temperature: 1,300°C 

Selenium (Se) 

ICP-MS4

 0.0002 mg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

77Se (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995) 
12

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision 2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

Dissolved organic 

carbon (DOC) 

TOC 0.1 mg/L / 4% Oceanography International 

Model 700 TOC Analyzer 

wet oxidation method (Aiken, 

1992) 

Mercury (Hg) CVAFS 0.4 ng/L / 4% PS Analytical, model 

Galahad, direct cold-vapor 

atomic fluorescence 

spectrometry 

Taylor and others (1997), Roth and 

others (2001) 

Bismuth (Bi) ICP-MS4

0.001 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

209Bi 

Cerium (Ce) ICP-MS4

0.0004 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

140Ce (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Cesium (Cs) ICP-MS4

0.002 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

133Cs 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS4

0.0004 μg/L / 7% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

163Dy (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS4

0.0004 μg/L / 6% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

167Er (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS4

0.001 μg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

151Eu, problems with Ba interference 

(Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Gadolinium (Gd) ICP-MS4

0.0006 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

158Gd (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Hafnium (Hf) ICP-MS4

0.0005 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

178Hf 

Holmium (Ho) ICP-MS4

0.0002 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

165Ho (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Lanthanum (La) ICP-MS4

0.0004 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

139La (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Lutetium (Lu) ICP-MS4

0.0002 μg/L / 5% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

175Lu (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Neodymium (Nd) ICP-MS4

0.0008 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

146Nd (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Praseodymium 

(Pr) 

ICP-MS4

0.0002 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

141Pr (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Rubidium (Rb) ICP-MS4

0.001 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

85Rb 
13

Table 3. Analytical techniques, detection limits, typical precision, equipment used, and analytical method references—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation 

atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively 

coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion-selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; mM, millimolar; MS, mass spectrometry; 

ng/L, nanograms per liter; μg/L, micrograms per liter; nm, nanometer; RSD, relative standard deviation; SC, specific conductance; TOC, total 

organic carbon; %, percent; ---, not measured or calculated] 

Constituent Analytical 

Technique 

Detection limit1

 / 

Typical precision 2 Equipment Used Reference(s) and comments 

Rhenium (Re) ICP-MS4

0.0007 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

187Re 

Antimony (Sb) ICP-MS4

0.004 μg/L / 2% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

121Sb (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Samarium (Sm) ICP-MS4

0.0008 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

147Sm (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Tantalum (Ta) ICP-MS4

0.002 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

181Ta 

Terbium (Tb) ICP-MS4

0.0002 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

159Tb (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Tellurium (Te) ICP-MS4

0.008 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

126Te 

Thorium (Th) ICP-MS4

0.001 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

232Th 

Thallium (Tl) ICP-MS4

0.004 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

205Tl (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Thulium (Tm) ICP-MS4

0.0002 μg/L / 4% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

169Tm (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Uranium (U ) ICP-MS4

0.0005 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

238U (Garbarino and Taylor, 1995; 

Taylor and Garbarino, 1991) 

Tungsten (W ) ICP-MS4

0.006 μg/L / 6% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

182W 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS4

0.0003 μg/L / 3% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

89Y 

Ytterbium (Yb) ICP-MS4

0.0005 μg/L / 4% Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

174Yb (Verplanck and others, 2001) 

Zirconium (Zr) ICP-MS4

0.001 μg/L / --- Perkin-Elmer SCIEX 

ELAN 6000 

90Zr 

1

Some samples were diluted for ICP-MS analysis; reported detection limits must be multiplied by the dilution factor for these samples (for 

example, the detection limit for a sample diluted to 1:10 is ten times the undiluted detection limit reported in this table. 

2

Percent relative standard deviations, or precision, are for analyte concentrations greater than 10 times the detection limit and less than the highest 

concentration standard. Percent relative standard deviations are based on several analytical runs. The precision would be better for any single 

analytical run. 

 3GFAAS was used when the concentration of the constituent was below or near the ICP-OES detection limit 

4

ICP-MS was used for a selected subset of sample 
14

Quality Assurance and Quality Control Results for Water Analyses

Standard Reference Water Samples 

Standard reference water samples were used as independent well-characterized solutions to check 

analytical accuracy (Farrar, 2000; Connor and others, 2001; Verplanck and others, 2001). The following USGS 

SRWS were used: T107, T135, T153, T157, T159, T163, T173, M134, M136, M140, M150, M156, M166, AMW4, 

Hg15, Hg22, and Hg26. Additional information about the USGS SRWS program can be obtained at 

http://bqs.usgs.gov/srs. Two SRWS for rare earth element determinations were used, PPREE and SCREE 

(Verplanck and others, 2001). The PPREE and SCREE samples were always analyzed at a dilution of 1 to 100. One 

or more SRWS was analyzed several times during each analytical run by CVAFS, FIAS, FerroZine, GFAAS, 

HGAAS, IC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, and titration. The results for the SRWS have been combined and the number of 

analyses (n), mean concentrations, standard deviations, percent relative standard deviations, reported most probable 

values (MPV), F-pseudosigma (deviation), and the percent differences are reported in table 4. The percent difference 

was calculated using equation 1: 

Percent difference = (measured mean concentration – most probable value)

most probable value ×100

 (1) 

The percent difference for 213 analyte analyses by CVAFS, FerroZine, GFAAS, HGAAS, IC, ICP-OES, 

ICP-MS, and titration are plotted in relation to the measured mean concentration divided by the method detection 

limit in figure 2A. The percent difference typically increases as the measured concentration approaches the method 

detection limit, or the value of 1. For measured concentrations greater than 10 times the method detection limit, 95 

percent of the samples have a percent difference less than 8.5 (2 standard deviations). The percent difference ranged 

from –61 to 43 for samples within 10 percent of the method detection limit. The decrease in accuracy as the method 

detection limit is approached is the result of decreasing signal to noise ratio (fig. 2B). For samples within ten percent 

of the detection limit, the accuracy is expected to be better for the SWRS than for the samples reported in Naus and 

others (2004), D.K. Nordstrom (USGS, written commun., 2004), and P.L Verplanck (USGS, written commun., 

2004), because the SRWSs were analyzed a greater number of times (up to 53 replicate analyses), whereas the 

samples were typically analyzed in duplicate. 
15

Figure 2. (A) The percent difference between the measured mean concentration and the MPV for SRWSs using equation 1 plotted in 

relation to the measured concentration divided by the method detection limit. (B) The measured relative standard deviation for 

determinations of SRWSs plotted in relation to the measured mean concentration divided by the method detection limit. 
16

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) Titration M134 14 75.7 1.0 1 76.7 -1.2 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) Titration M156 4 75.6 0.2 0 75.4 3.1 0.3 

 

Aluminum (Al) GFAAS T107 7 0.232 0.024 10 0.22 5.4 

Aluminum (Al) GFAAS T159 10 0.034 0.003 8 0.0319 0.0037 7.6 

Aluminum (Al) GFAAS T173 8 0.065 0.008 12 0.071 0.005 -8.3 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-MS PPREE 8 11.6 0.5 4 11.5 0.8 1.3 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-MS SCREE 8 12.7 0.7 6 11.2 1.2 13.0 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-MS T135 12 0.009 0.001 7 0.0105 0.0068 -11.9 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-MS T153 12 0.037 0.002 7 0.035 0.0051 6.4 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-MS T157 12 0.057 0.002 3 0.0555 0.0087 2.2 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES T159 40 <0.07 --- --- 0.0319 0.0037 --- 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES T163 49 <0.07 --- --- 0.0168 0.0017 --- 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.07 --- --- 0.071 0.005 --- 

 

Antimony (Sb) ICP-MS T135 12 0.076 0.001 2 0.0763 0.0087 -0.3 

Antimony (Sb) ICP-MS T153 12 0.026 0.000 2 0.0257 0.0025 2.0 

Antimony (Sb) ICP-MS T157 12 0.011 0.000 1 0.0108 0.0009 -1.0 

 

Arsenic (As) ICP-MS T135 12 0.010 0.000 2 0.01 0.0011 -0.1 

Arsenic (As) ICP-MS T153 12 0.0003 0.000 13 0.0005 0.00024 -39.8 

Arsenic (As) ICP-MS T157 12 0.025 0.000 2 0.0254 0.0023 0.2 

Arsenic (As) ICP-OES T159 40 <0.04 --- --- 0.0284 0.0016 --- 

Arsenic (As) ICP-OES T163 49 <0.04 --- --- 0.0253 0.0018 --- 

Arsenic (As) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.04 --- --- 0.00267 0.0003 --- 

 

Barium (Ba) ICP-MS T135 12 0.068 0.002 3 0.0678 0.0043 0.1 

Barium (Ba) ICP-MS T153 12 0.183 0.004 2 0.184 0.008 -0.4 

Barium (Ba) ICP-MS T157 12 0.119 0.003 2 0.118 0.005 0.5 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES T159 40 0.038 0.002 4 0.0381 0.0019 0.3 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES T163 49 0.008 0.000 6 0.0074 0.0005 1.6 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES T173 9 0.043 0.002 6 0.0422 0.0020 1.3 

 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-MS T135 12 0.059 0.001 2 0.059 0.0026 0.3 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000004 0.000003 81 --- --- --- 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-MS T157 12 0.013 0.000 3 0.013 0.001 1.5 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES T159 40 0.011 0.000 5 0.0108 0.0004 2.3 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES T163 49 0.023 0.001 6 0.022 0.001 2.5 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES T173 9 0.002 0.000 11 0.002 0.0001 5.7 

 

Bismuth (Bi) ICP-MS T135 12 0.00000002 0.00000063 3953 --- --- --- 

Bismuth (Bi) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000003 0.000002 88 --- --- --- 

Bismuth (Bi) ICP-MS T157 12 <0.0000002 --- --- --- --- --- 

 
17

 

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Boron (B) ICP-OES T159 40 0.025 0.004 15 0.0264 0.0030 -4.1 

Boron (B) ICP-OES T163 49 0.010 0.003 31 0.0106 0.0024 -10.1 

Boron (B) ICP-OES M156 10 0.088 0.002 2 0.0786 0.0051 11.3 

Boron (B) ICP-OES T173 9 0.161 0.021 13 0.158 0.012 2.0 

Boron (B) ICP-OES M166 9 0.155 0.010 7 0.150 0.007 3.2 

Boron (B) ICP-MS T135 12 0.011 0.001 10 0.0131 0.0111 -12.3 

Boron (B) ICP-MS T153 12 0.099 0.006 6 0.0994 0.0074 -0.5 

Boron (B) ICP-MS T157 12 0.071 0.003 4 0.0704 0.0039 0.9 

 

Calcium (Ca) ICP-OES M156 10 32.4 0.9 3 30.2 1.1 7.2 

Calcium (Ca) ICP-OES T173 9 35.7 3.3 9 34.8 0.96 2.5 

Calcium (Ca) ICP-OES M166 9 32.4 1.8 6 31.3 1.3 3.7 

 

Cadmium (Cd) GFAAS T163 33 0.0068 0.0007 10 0.00659 0.0004 3.4 

Cadmium (Cd) GFAAS T173 10 0.0013 0.0001 12 0.00126 0.0001 -0.8 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-MS T135 12 0.051 0.001 1 0.0505 0.0032 0.4 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-MS T153 12 0.016 0.000 1 0.016 0.0011 0.5 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-MS T157 12 0.006 0.000 2 0.0058 0.00043 0.2 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES T159 40 0.025 0.001 6 0.024 0.003 5.1 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES T163 49 0.007 0.001 8 0.00659 0.0004 8.5 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.002 --- --- 0.00126 0.0001 --- 

 

Cerium (Ce) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.162 0.005 3 0.163 0.01 -0.7 

Cerium (Ce) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.024 0.001 3 0.02460 0.00220 -0.6 

Cesium (Cs) ICP-MS T135 12 <0.00017 --- --- --- --- --- 

Cesium (Cs) ICP-MS T153 12 <0.00017 --- --- --- --- --- 

Cesium (Cs) ICP-MS T157 12 <0.00018 --- --- --- --- --- 

 

Chloride (Cl) IC M136 4 93.7 4.8 5 92 2.5 1.8 

Chloride (Cl) IC M140 3 26.7 1.4 5 25.8 1.4 3.5 

Chloride (Cl) IC M150 16 19.4 0.4 2 17.0 1.5 14.3 

Chloride (Cl) IC m156 6 66.3 2.7 4 64.7 1.9 2.4 

Chloride (Cl) IC M166 23 38.1 2.0 5 36.4 1.3 4.7 

Chromium (Cr) GFAAS T159 9 0.027 0.004 14 0.0268 0.0018 0.2 

Chromium (Cr) GFAAS T163 49 0.040 0.003 7 0.0401 0.0022 -0.1 

Chromium (Cr) GFAAS T173 13 0.0052 0.0004 8 0.00488 0.0003 5.6 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-MS T135 12 0.076 0.002 2 0.079 0.0055 -3.3 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-MS T153 12 0.015 0.000 3 0.0149 0.0011 1.1 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-MS T157 12 0.032 0.001 2 0.0313 0.0021 1.8 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES T159 40 0.028 0.002 6 0.0268 0.0018 4.4 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES T163 49 0.041 0.002 5 0.0401 0.0022 3.1 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES T173 9 0.007 0.001 17 0.00488 0.0003 43.2 

 
18

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Cobalt (Co) GFAAS T159 26 0.014 0.001 8 0.0133 0.0009 5.1 

Cobalt (Co) GFAAS T163 2 0.014 0.001 8 0.012 0.0004 17.8 

Cobalt (Co) GFAAS T173 2 0.001 0.000 18 0.00126 0.0001 -12.3 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-MS T135 12 0.039 0.000 1 0.04 0.0026 -3.3 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000053 0.000006 12 --- --- --- 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-MS T157 12 0.004 0.000 2 0.00403 0.00061 -1.9 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T159 40 0.014 0.001 7 0.0133 0.0009 3.8 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T163 49 0.013 0.001 8 0.012 0.0004 9.9 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.007 --- --- 0.00126 0.0001 --- 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T159 40 0.014 0.001 7 0.0133 0.0009 3.8 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T163 49 0.013 0.001 8 0.012 0.0004 9.9 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.007 --- --- 0.00126 0.0001 --- 

 

Copper (Cu) GFAAS T159 20 0.035 0.004 11 0.0334 0.0025 4.6 

Copper (Cu) GFAAS T163 11 0.034 0.004 12 0.0358 0.0017 -6.2 

Copper (Cu) GFAAS T173 18 0.008 0.001 11 0.0075 0.0006 12.7 

Copper (Cu) ICP-MS T135 12 0.062 0.001 2 0.062 0.0042 -0.6 

Copper (Cu) ICP-MS T153 12 0.024 0.001 2 0.024 0.0015 0.6 

Copper (Cu) ICP-MS T157 12 0.025 0.001 3 0.0248 0.0018 0.2 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES T159 40 0.034 0.002 6 0.0334 0.0025 3.2 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES T163 49 0.037 0.004 11 0.0358 0.0017 3.6 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES T173 9 0.008 0.003 35 0.0075 0.0006 9.6 

 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.022 0.001 3 0.022 0.0007 -0.5 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.0083 0.0003 4 0.00814 0.00034 2.1 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS T135 12 0.0000046 0.0000006 14 --- --- --- 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS T153 12 0.0000045 0.0000005 12 --- --- --- 

Dysprosium (Dy) ICP-MS T157 12 0.0000051 0.0000004 8 --- --- --- 

 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.012 0.000 3 0.012 0.00 -0.9 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.004 0.000 6 0.00437 0.00021 1.8 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS T135 12 0.000006 0.000001 10 --- --- --- 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS T153 12 0.0000031 0.0000005 17 --- --- --- 

Erbium (Er) ICP-MS T157 12 0.0000032 0.0000006 19 --- --- --- 

 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.006 0.000 5 0.006 0.000 1.4 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.002 0.000 6 0.00148 0.00007 3.6 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS T135 12 0.0000009 0.0000023 255 --- --- --- 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS T153 12 <0.0000006 --- --- --- --- --- 

Europium (Eu) ICP-MS T157 12 0.0000012 0.0000033 271 --- --- --- 

 
19

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Fluoride (F) ISE M150 16 1.00 0.04 4 1.00 0.07 -0.1 

Fluoride (F) ISE M166 1 0.72 --- --- 0.690 0.060 4.1 

 

Gadolinium (Gd) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.024 0.001 3 0.024 0.00 -0.5 

Gadolinium (Gd) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.009 0.000 3 0.00829 0.00065 3.3 

Holmium (Ho) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.004 0.000 3 0.004 0.000 -0.5 

Holmium (Ho) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.002 0.000 3 0.00162 0.00006 3.4 

Total iron (Fe(T)) FerroZine AMW4 9 192 3.19 2 188 12 2.1 

Total iron (Fe(T)) FerroZine T163 6 0.06 0.00 4 0.060 0.006 4.3 

Total iron (Fe(T)) ICP-OES T159 40 0.049 0.004 8 0.0489 0.0062 0.5 

Total iron (Fe(T)) ICP-OES T163 49 0.059 0.005 9 0.060 0.006 -1.2 

Total iron (Fe(T)) ICP-OES T173 7 0.022 0.003 16 0.0214 0.0034 4.0 

 

Lanthanum (La) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.080 0.002 3 0.080 0.01 -0.1 

Lanthanum (La) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.010 0.000 2 0.00990 0.00073 2.8 

Lead (Pb) GFAAS T159 38 0.0168 0.0018 10 0.0166 0.0012 1.3 

Lead (Pb) GFAAS T173 53 0.0049 0.0005 9 0.00459 0.0004 6.2 

Lead (Pb) ICP-MS T135 12 0.102 0.002 2 0.103 0.007 -1.1 

Lead (Pb) ICP-MS T153 12 0.047 0.001 2 0.0462 0.003 0.9 

Lead (Pb) ICP-MS T157 12 0.007 0.000 2 0.0069 0.00071 0.3 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES T159 40 0.018 0.002 11 0.0166 0.0012 6.4 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES T163 49 0.035 0.003 8 0.032 0.0022 9.9 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.008 --- --- 0.00459 0.0004 --- 

 

Lithium (Li) ICP-MS T135 12 0.072 0.002 3 0.0737 0.0052 -2.2 

Lithium (Li) ICP-MS T153 12 0.054 0.002 4 0.0534 0.0036 1.6 

Lithium (Li) ICP-MS T157 12 0.033 0.001 4 0.0324 0.0026 3.3 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES T159 40 0.010 0.001 6 0.00857 0.0019 12.9 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES T163 49 0.001 0.000 16 0.0016 0.0010 -30.3 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES T173 9 0.020 0.018 86 0.0171 0.0016 18.8 

 

Lutetium (Lu) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.001 0.000 5 0.001 0.00003 -1.8 

Lutetium (Lu) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.00047 0.00003 6 0.00045 0.00001 2.9 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES T159 40 5.64 0.20 4 5.60 0.21 0.6 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES T163 49 1.24 0.08 6 1.23 0.07 1.2 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES M156 10 7.25 0.21 3 6.92 0.32 4.8 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES T173 7 9.63 0.66 7 9.38 0.30 2.6 

Magnesium (Mg) ICP-OES M166 9 19.5 0.9 5 18.5 0.67 5.5 

 
20

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-MS T135 12 0.429 0.007 2 0.423 0.02 1.5 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-MS T153 12 0.082 0.002 3 0.0745 0.0033 9.5 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-MS T157 12 0.139 0.004 3 0.143 0.014 -2.7 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES T159 40 0.022 0.001 4 0.022 0.0016 1.9 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES T163 48 0.016 0.001 9 0.0158 0.0011 1.1 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES T173 8 0.482 0.061 13 0.495 0.025 -2.6 

 

Mercury (Hg) CVAFS Hg15 8 4103

 133 3 4103 2003 0.0 

Mercury (Hg) CVAFS Hg22 8 11003

 323 3 12403 1303 -11.3 

Mercury (Hg) CVAFS Hg26 8 7173

 523 7 7003 903 2.4 

 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-MS T135 12 0.063 0.001 1 0.063 0.0051 -0.5 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-MS T153 12 0.154 0.002 1 0.154 0.008 0.3 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-MS T157 12 0.012 0.000 3 0.013 0.001 -5.6 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES T159 40 0.037 0.003 8 0.0414 0.0026 -11.0 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES T163 49 0.012 0.002 18 0.0126 0.0009 -7.7 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.007 --- --- 0.00722 0.0004 --- 

 

Neodymium (Nd) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.093 0.002 2 0.093 0.0057 -0.5 

Neodymium (Nd) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.023 0.001 3 0.02220 0.00090 4.3 

Nickel (Ni) GFAAS T159 10 0.024 0.002 6 0.0222 0.0016 8.3 

Nickel (Ni) GFAAS T163 19 0.016 0.002 12 0.0154 0.0013 7.0 

Nickel (Ni) GFAAS T173 6 0.0048 0.0013 27 0.00538 0.0004 -10.7 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-MS T135 12 0.064 0.002 2 0.0656 0.005 -2.7 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-MS T153 12 0.033 0.001 2 0.0322 0.0021 1.2 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-MS T157 12 0.030 0.001 3 0.03 0.003 1.1 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES T159 40 0.023 0.001 5 0.0222 0.0016 5.3 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES T163 49 0.017 0.001 7 0.0154 0.0013 7.8 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES T173 9 0.006 0.004 61 0.00538 0.0004 18.6 

 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES T159 40 1.83 0.09 5 1.52 0.13 20.3 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES T163 49 1.02 0.07 7 1.02 0.14 0.4 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES M156 10 2.55 0.09 3 2.13 0.16 19.6 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES T173 9 3.86 0.91 24 3.85 0.13 0.2 

Potassium (K) ICP-OES M166 8 4.53 0.13 3 4.37 0.19 3.7 

 

Praseodymium (Pr) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.021 0.001 3 0.021 0.00 -1.1 

Praseodymium (Pr) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.004 0.000 3 0.00431 0.00028 2.6 

Selenium (Se) GFAAS T159 2 0.0048 0.0000 0 0.00549 0.0008 -11.7 

Selenium (Se) GFAAS T163 14 0.0085 0.0007 8 0.00888 0.0011 -3.8 
21

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Selenium (Se) ICP-MS T153 12 0.009 0.000 3 0.009 0.00133 -0.9 

Selenium (Se) ICP-MS T157 12 0.002 0.003 160 0.0046 0.00066 -61.0 

Selenium (Se) ICP-OES T159 40 <0.04 --- --- 0.00549 0.0008 --- 

Selenium (Se) ICP-OES T163 49 <0.04 --- --- 0.00888 0.0011 --- 

Selenium (Se) ICP-OES T173 9 <0.04 --- --- 0.00247 0.0005 --- 

 

Silica (SiO2

) ICP-OES T159 40 11.5 0.5 4 11.5 0.7 0.3 

Silica (SiO2

) ICP-OES T163 49 4.57 0.26 6 4.56 0.19 0.2 

Silica (SiO2

) ICP-OES M156 10 5.18 0.16 3 4.73 0.31 9.4 

Silica (SiO2

) ICP-OES T173 8 11.0 1.4 13 11.1 0.4 -0.7 

Silica (SiO2) ICP-OES M166 9 12.2 0.7 5 11.7 0.5 4.5 

 

Samarium (Sm) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.020 0.001 3 0.020 0.002 -0.2 

Samarium (Sm) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.007 0.000 4 0.00674 0.00031 6.9 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES T159 40 97.2 4.0 4 100 4 -2.8 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES T163 49 39.3 2.7 7 39.6 1.9 -0.7 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES M156 10 47.9 2.1 4 44.6 2.3 7.4 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES T173 8 38.3 2.2 6 36.5 1.0 4.9 

Sodium (Na) ICP-OES M166 9 26.4 1.5 6 25.1 1.0 5.1 

 

Sulfate (SO4

) IC M136 7 155 2.4 2 150 6 3.5 

Sulfate (SO4) IC M140 5 153 1.6 1 150 7 1.9 

Sulfate (SO4

) IC M150 17 5.3 0.3 6 5.50 0.54 -3.4 

Sulfate (SO4

) IC M156 28 42.0 1.8 4 43.0 1.8 -2.4 

Sulfate (SO4

) IC M166 25 55.7 2.5 4 56.2 2.1 -0.9 

 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-MS T135 12 0.048 0.001 1 0.046 0.0023 3.8 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-MS T153 12 0.309 0.005 2 0.311 0.013 -0.7 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-MS T157 12 0.061 0.001 2 0.0596 0.0024 1.7 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES T159 40 0.188 0.005 3 0.19 0.007 -0.9 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES T163 49 0.036 0.002 6 0.0355 0.0018 0.9 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES M156 10 0.258 0.007 3 0.239 0.01 7.8 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES T173 8 0.274 0.018 7 0.279 0.008 -1.9 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES M166 9 0.261 0.010 4 0.249 0.007 5.0 

 

Terbium (Tb) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.004 0.000 2 0.004 0.000 -0.4 

Terbium (Tb) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.001 0.000 4 0.00134 0.00007 -0.3 

Tellurium (Te) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.00014 0.00027 194 <0.00001 --- --- 

Tellurium (Te) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.00005 0.00040 857 0.000022 --- 110 
22

Table 4. Measurement of standard reference water samples—Continued 

[CVAFS, cold-vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry; Fs, F-pseudosigma (deviation); GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption 

spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; IC, ion chromatography; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass 

spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; ISE, ion selective electrode; mg/L, milligrams per liter; 

MPV, most probable value; n, number of analyses; s, standard deviation; SRWS, standard reference water sample; %RSD, percent relative 

standard deviation; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Constituent Method SRWS n mean, mg/L s %RSD MPV Fs 

Percent 

error 

Thorium (Th) ICP-MS T135 12 0.000009 0.000001 17 --- --- --- 

Thorium (Th) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000009 0.000003 32 --- --- --- 

Thorium (Th) ICP-MS T157 12 0.0000052 0.0000027 51 --- --- --- 

 

Thallium (Tl) ICP-MS T153 12 0.020 0.000 2 0.0204 0.0019 -0.8 

Thallium (Tl) ICP-MS T157 12 0.009 0.000 3 0.00875 0.0007 3.4 

Thulium (Tm) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.001 0.000 4 0.001 0.000 -1.4 

Thulium (Tm) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.001 0.000 4 0.00059 0.00002 3.3 

Uranium (U ) ICP-MS T153 12 0.007 0.000 3 0.0069 0.0004 2.7 

Uranium (U ) ICP-MS T157 12 0.003 0.000 3 0.00319 0.00019 -2.0 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES T159 40 0.014 0.001 6 0.0144 0.0017 -1.4 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES T163 49 0.035 0.002 6 0.035 0.002 0.9 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES M156 10 0.010 0.000 4 0.0095 0.0017 5.2 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES T173 9 0.004 0.001 15 0.00431 0.0002 -3.7 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES M166 9 0.017 0.002 10 0.0172 0.0010 -0.7 

Vanadium (V) ICP-MS T135 12 0.053 0.001 2 0.0528 0.0036 -0.3 

Vanadium (V) ICP-MS T153 12 0.019 0.000 2 0.019 0.001 0.3 

Vanadium (V) ICP-MS T157 12 0.016 0.000 2 0.0157 0.001 1.5 

 

Tungsten (W ) ICP-MS T135 12 0.000020 0.000004 20 --- --- --- 

Tungsten (W ) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000040 0.000005 13 --- --- --- 

Tungsten (W ) ICP-MS T157 12 0.000087 0.000005 6 --- --- --- 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.134 0.003 2 0.134 0.006 0 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.048 0.001 1 0.047 0.0041 1 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS T135 12 0.000028 0.000001 3 --- --- --- 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS T153 12 0.000031 0.000001 3 --- --- --- 

Yttrium (Y ) ICP-MS T157 12 0.000031 0.000001 4 --- --- --- 

 

Ytterbium (Yb) ICP-MS PPREE 8 0.008 0.000 4 0.0082 0.0001 -1 

Ytterbium (Yb) ICP-MS SCREE 8 0.003 0.000 5 0.00340 0.00017 -2 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-MS T135 12 0.049 0.002 4 0.0482 0.0047 2.5 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-MS T153 12 0.072 0.002 3 0.0726 0.0051 -0.6 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-MS T157 12 0.024 0.001 5 0.0235 0.0031 1.0 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES T159 40 0.020 0.002 8 0.0192 0.0019 2.0 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES T163 49 0.020 0.002 10 0.0185 0.0013 6.8 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES T173 9 0.359 0.024 7 0.348 0.019 3.3 
23

Charge Balance Calculations 

Filtered sample data were checked for charge imbalance (C.I.) using the program WATEQ4F (Ball and 

Nordstrom, 1991). WATEQ4F uses equation 2 to calculate C.I.: 

100

(sum cations sum anions)/2

(sum cations sum anions) . .( ) ×

+

− C I percent = (2) 

where sum cations is the sum of the cations in milliequivalents per liter (meq/L) and sum anions is the sum of the 

anions in meq/L. This calculation is twice the value that is typically reported by an analytical laboratory, because 

equation 2 divides the difference between the sum cations and sum anions by the average of the two rather than by 

the sum of the ions. The calculation is performed twice by WATEQ4F, once for analytical C.I. and once after 

speciation for speciated C.I. More information on WATEQ4F can be found at: 

http://wwwbrr.cr.usgs.gov/projects/GWC_chemtherm/software.htm. 

Acid waters can have a greater difference between analytical and speciated C.I. At low pH, speciated C.I. is 

a more accurate measure of C.I. and it is reported along with the sum cations (meq/L), sum anions (meq/L), and 

chemical data in each report (Naus and others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, written commun., 2004; P.L. 

Verplanck, USGS, written commun., 2004). 

The distribution of the charge imbalances are shown in figure 3 along with the normal (or Gaussian) 

distribution fit for 257 samples and the limits for two standard deviations. Two hundred fifty-one of the values fall 

within ± 11.8 percent charge imbalance (two standard deviations) and are considered to be of high quality. 

Figure 3. Frequency distribution of charge imbalance in percent using equation 2. 

-20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20

0

5

10

15

20

FREQUENCY

CHARGE IMBALANCE, IN PERCENT

Normal Fit

n = 257

mean = 0.2

standard deviation = 5.9

two standard 

deviations
24

Analyses of Blanks 

Water analyses are reported for 72 blanks in table 5. Several blanks were analyzed by multiple methods for 

aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, iron, lead, nickel, and selenium. The results 

generated by the analytical method with the lowest detection limit are reported. Blanks collected using water 

deionized with anion and cation exchange resins contained elevated concentrations of boron (0.17 mg/L) and silica 

(3.90 mg/L). Boron and silica were not completely retained by the resins probably because they can exist as 

uncharged species in water. Chloride was detected in ten blanks, the highest being 3.9 mg/L, because of washing 

bottles, filter apparatuses, and tubing with hydrochloric acid. Sulfate was detected in seven blanks, the highest being 

3.0 mg/L. Sulfate is frequently above 1,000 mg/L in several of the water samples collected for the investigation and 

the measured sulfate in the blanks is often less than the error of the measured concentration for the samples. With a 

few exceptions, the remaining analyses were near or below method detection limits. 
25

Table 5. Measurement of blanks 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank Trip Blank Equipment Blank Trip Blank 

Collection Date 9/14/01 9/14/01 3/21/02 3/21/02 

Filtration 0.1 μm - plate RA 0.45 μm - capsule RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) 1.6 --- <0.3 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- <1 --- 

Fluoride (F) 0.3 --- <0.1 --- 

Chloride (Cl) 2.0 --- <0.09 --- 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.07 <0.07 <0.07 <0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.002 <0.007 0.005 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) <0.002 --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.0010 0.0010 <0.007 <0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.04 <0.0001 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
26

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, 

surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID GW Field Blank Trip Blank Equipment Blank Equipment Blank 

Collection Date 3/26/02 3/26/02 3/26/02 3/27/02 

Filtration RA RA 0.1 μm - plate 0.1 μm - plate 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- <0.3 <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- --- <1 

Fluoride (F) --- --- <0.1 <0.1 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- <0.09 2.7 

Bromide (Br) --- --- <0.1 <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.07 <0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.002 <0.002 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- <0.002 <0.002 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) 0.0030 0.0030 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) 0.0009 0.0009 <0.002 <0.002 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.007 <0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0003 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
27

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfilteredunacidified; SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Trip Blank Trip Blank GW Field Blank Equipment Blank 

Collection Date 3/31/02 4/1/02 4/25/02 5/1/02 

Filtration RA RA RA 0.45 μm - capsule 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- --- <0.1 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- --- <0.09 

Bromide (Br) --- --- --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) 0.021 0.017 <0.001 <0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.002 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- <0.002 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) 0.0007 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.0013 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.0001 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
28

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, 

surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Trip Blank Trip Blank GW Field Blank Trip Blank 

Collection Date 5/1/02 5/23/02 5/23/02 6/19/02 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- --- --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- --- --- 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- --- --- 

Bromide (Br) --- --- --- --- 

Silica (SiO2

) 0.24 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.07 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 0.0010 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.002 <0.0005 0.0008 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.007 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
29

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID GW Field Blank Trip Blank GW Field Blank Trip Blank 

Collection Date 6/19/02 6/26/02 6/26/02 7/24/02 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 0.07 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.08 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- --- --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- --- --- 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- --- --- 

Bromide (Br) --- --- --- --- 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 0.043 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0009 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 0.003 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0010 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0010 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0016 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
30

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID GW Field Blank Trip Blank Equipment Blank Trip Blank 

Collection Date 7/24/02 8/17/02 8/17/02 8/17/02 

Filtration RA RA 0.45 μm - capsule RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) 0.07 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- <0.3 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- 2 --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- <0.05 --- 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- 0.7 --- 

Bromide (Br) --- --- <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 0.20 0.32 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) 0.0008 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0070 0.0010 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) 0.0015 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0009 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0007 0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.04 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
31

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank -

DIW 

Trip Blank - DIW Trip Blank - DIW SW Field Blank 

Collection Date 8/17/02 8/17/02 8/17/02 8/20/02 

Filtration 0.45 μm - capsule RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) 0.05 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) <0.3 --- --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) 2 --- --- 2 

Fluoride (F) <0.05 --- --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) 0.8 --- --- 1.9 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) 0.79 0.82 3.90 0.56 

Aluminum (Al) 0.003 <0.001 0.008 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 0.17 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) 0.0010 0.0010 0.0010 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) 0.0010 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) 0.0011 0.0014 0.0019 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 0.0004 0.0002 0.0006 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
32

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; 

SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID GW Field Blank GW Field Blank - DIW Equipment Blank Equipment Blank 

Collection Date 8/21/02 8/21/02 9/6/02 9/6/02 

Filtration RA RA 0.45 μm - capsule 0.45 μm - capsule 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- <0.3 <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- <0.1 <0.1 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- 0.6 0.5 

Bromide (Br) --- --- <0.1 <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 3.90 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) 0.001 <0.001 <0.07 <0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.002 <0.002 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- <0.002 <0.002 

Boron (B) <0.01 0.17 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) 0.0004 <0.0003 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 0.0010 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 0.0009 <0.002 <0.002 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.0008 <0.0002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.007 <0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
33

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfilteredunacidified; SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank Equipment Blank Trip Blank GW Field 

Blank 

Collection Date 9/6/02 9/6/02 9/15/02 9/17/02 

Filtration 0.45 μm - capsule 0.45 μm - capsule RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) <0.3 <0.3 --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) <0.1 <0.1 --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) 0.6 0.6 --- 3.9 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 <0.1 --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.07 <0.07 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.002 <0.002 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) <0.002 <0.002 --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 0.0010 0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.007 <0.007 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
34

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Trip Blank GW Field Blank SW Field Blank Equipment Blank 

(Peristaltic Pump) 

Collection Date 10/8/02 10/16/02 10/15/02 10/18/02 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- <0.3 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- <0.05 --- 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- 0.5 --- 

Bromide (Br) --- --- <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 0.85 0.34 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0010 0.0010 

Nickel (Ni) 0.0010 <0.0005 <0.002 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 0.0011 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 0.0021 0.0007 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
35

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; 

SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

(Peristaltic Pump) 

Equipment Blank Trip Blank SW Field Blank 

Collection Date 11/26/02 11/26/02 11/26/02 12/11/02 

Filtration RA 0.45 μm - capsule RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) 0.03 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- 1.3 --- 1.5 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- <1 

Fluoride (F) --- <0.05 --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) --- 0.5 --- 0.5 

Bromide (Br) --- <0.1 --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) 0.15 0.08 <0.06 0.12 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.07 <0.07 <0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.002 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.0001 <0.0001 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- --- 
36

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank (GW 

Pump Blank) 

GW Field Blank Equipment Blank (GW 

Pump Blank) 

Equipment Blank (GW 

Pump Blank) 

Collection Date 12/11/02 12/12/02 2/4/03 2/4/03 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) 1.3 --- 2.0 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) <1 --- 2 --- 

Fluoride (F) 0.1 --- <0.05 --- 

Chloride (Cl) 0.5 --- 1.4 --- 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.07 <0.07 0.002 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 0.004 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 0.007 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) 0.0010 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.0002 0.0007 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0006 

Cobalt (Co) <0.007 <0.007 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.0001 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) 0.5 --- 1.5 --- 
37

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Trip Blank Equipment Blank Trip Blank Equipment Blank 

Collection Date 2/5/03 4/16/03 4/16/03 5/6/03 

Filtration RA 0.1 μm - plate RA 0.45 μm - capsule 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- <0.3 --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- <0.1 --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) --- 0.5 --- 0.8 

Bromide (Br) --- <0.1 --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.07 <0.07 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 0.003 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 0.006 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.008 <0.008 0.0024 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.002 <0.002 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.007 <0.007 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- 1.3 --- 0.6 
38

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

(Peristaltic Pump) 

Trip Blank GW Field Blank Equipment Blank (GW Pump 

Blank) 

Collection Date 5/6/03 5/6/03 5/12/03 5/12/03 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- --- --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- --- --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) --- --- --- <0.09 

Bromide (Br) --- --- --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.0003 0.0003 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) 0.0016 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- --- --- 0.7 
39

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, 

surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

 (GW Pump Blank) 

Trip Blank GW Field Blank SW Field Blank 

Collection Date 5/13/03 6/2/03 6/2/03 6/5/03 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) 3.0 --- --- <0.3 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- --- --- 2 

Fluoride (F) <0.05 --- --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) <0.09 --- --- 0.5 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) 0.001 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0003 0.0004 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) 0.0010 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) 0.7 --- --- --- 
40

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface 

water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

(Peristaltic Pump) 

Equipment Blank Equipment Blank Trip Blank 

Collection Date 8/5/03 8/5/03 8/13/03 8/13/03 

Filtration RA 0.45 μm - capsule 0.45 μm - capsule RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) --- <0.3 <0.3 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) --- 2 --- --- 

Fluoride (F) --- <0.05 <0.05 --- 

Chloride (Cl) --- 0.5 0.5 --- 

Bromide (Br) --- <0.1 <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2

) 0.07 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 0.034 0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 0.008 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 0.007 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) <0.0005 <0.0005 0.0057 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.0006 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) <0.0008 <0.0008 0.0014 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) --- 2.0 0.9 --- 
41

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfilteredunacidified; SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

(GW Pump Blank) 

GW Field Blank SW Field Blank Trip Blank

Collection Date 8/20/03 8/21/03 8/21/03 10/16/03 

Filtration RA RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) 1.19 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) 2.5 --- <0.3 --- 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) <1 --- 2 --- 

Fluoride (F) <0.05 --- <0.05 --- 

Chloride (Cl) 0.7 --- 0.6 --- 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- <0.1 --- 

Silica (SiO2) <0.06 <0.06 0.16 0.10 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.022 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) 0.007 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) 0.006 <0.005 0.018 <0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) 0.0104 <0.002 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) 0.0016 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.0002 0.0003 0.0002 0.0004 

Chromium (Cr) 0.0039 <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cobalt (Co) 0.0010 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- --- --- 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) 0.8 --- --- --- 
42

Table 5. Measurement of blanks—Continued 

[DIW, deionized water; ID, identification; GW, ground water; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, 

unfiltered-unacidified; SW, surface water; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID Equipment Blank 

(GW Pump Blank) 

GW Field Blank Equipment Blank 

(GW Pump Blank) 

Collection Date 10/16/03 10/21/03 10/23/03 

Filtration RA RA RA 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) <0.4 <0.4 <0.4 

Magnesium (Mg) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Sodium (Na) <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 

Potassium (K) <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 

Sulfate (SO4

) <0.3 --- 1.4 

Alkalinity (as HCO3

) 2 --- <1 

Fluoride (F) <0.05 --- <0.05 

Chloride (Cl) 0.9 --- 0.8 

Bromide (Br) <0.1 --- <0.1 

Silica (SiO2

) <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 

Aluminum (Al) <0.001 0.015 <0.001 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) --- --- --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Strontium (Sr) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Barium (Ba) <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Manganese (Mn) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Zinc (Zn) <0.005 <0.005 0.005 

Lead (Pb) <0.0003 <0.0003 <0.0003 

Nickel (Ni) 0.0035 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Copper (Cu) <0.0005 <0.0005 <0.0005 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Chromium (Cr) 0.0016 <0.0005 0.0007 

Cobalt (Co) 0.0013 <0.0008 <0.0008 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Mercury (Hg) --- --- 0.5 (ng/L) 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) 1.1 --- 0.3 
43

Spike Recoveries 

Spike recovery, the method of adding a known quantity of analyte to a sample and then analyzing the 

sample to determine the analyte concentration, is a technique used to identify analytical interferences. Spike 

recoveries were performed by spiking ground water samples from SC2B, SC3A, SC3B, CC2A, and Hottentot with a 

mixed-element standard and then analyzing them by ICP-OES along with the other samples (table 6). A mixed 

element standard was used to spike the samples; therefore, some constituent concentrations did not increase by an 

amount greater than the error of the two determinations. Only constituents with concentrations that increased by 

more than 12 percent were included in table 6. The spiked samples were analyzed undiluted by ICP-OES; therefore, 

not all of the constituents were in the calibration range and may be beyond the range of linearity. Only constituents 

with concentrations that were in the calibration range for the spike sample are reported. The sample matrix is 

simplified when the sample is diluted and interferences are minimized; therefore, spikes were not performed on 

diluted samples. When constituent concentrations were below the method detection limits for unspiked samples, the 

concentrations were set equal to zero for calculating percent recoveries. The mean recovery for all the constituents 

by ICP-OES was 103 percent with a standard deviation of 16 percent. The highest recoveries were for arsenic, 147 

and 138 percent; however, the unspiked concentrations were below the detection limits and the spiked 

concentrations were about 10 times the detection limit. Lead in sample SC3A had the lowest recovery of 74 percent. 

Sample SC3B was spiked with a known quantity of iron and when analyzed for total iron using the FerroZine 

method, its recovery was 99.2 percent. 

Table 6. Sample spike recoveries, analyses by ICP-OES 

[see Naus and others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, written commun., 2004; P.L. Verplanck, USGS, written commun., 2004, for sample 

locations; ---, not reported because the concentration is out of range or the spike did not increase the concentration by more than 12%] 

 SC2B SC3A SC3B CC2A HOTTENTOT 

 Percent Recovery Percent Recovery Percent Recovery Percent Recovery Percent Recovery 

Arsenic (As) 124 112 138 147 102 

Aluminum (Al) 103 ---1, 2 86 ---1 ---1, 2

Boron (B) 111 107 115 109 87 

Barium (Ba) 93 90 97 98 90 

Beryllium (Be) 106 89 116 111 83 

Calcium (Ca) ---2

 ---1, 2 ---2 ---1, 2 115 

Cadmium (Cd) 121 109 80 122 86 

Cobalt (Co) 102 95 ---1 118 109 

Chromium (Cr) 116 90 82 127 86 

Copper (Cu) 105 ---1, 2 91 105 83 

Total iron (Fe(T)) ---2 94 ---1, 2 ---1, 2 ---1, 2

Potassium (K) ---2

 127 ---2 ---1, 2 97 

Lithium (Li) 110 117 137 135 97 

Magnesium (Mg) ---2

 ---1, 2 ---2 ---2 ---1, 2

Manganese (Mn) ---2

 ---1, 2 ---2 ---2 ---1, 2

Molybdenum (Mo) 110 83 102 105 87 

Sodium (Na) 118 116 129 118 99 

Nickel (Ni) ---2

 ---2 100 87 91 

Lead (Pb) 104 74 78 104 88 

Silica (SiO2

) 101 ---2 ---2 ---2 ---1, 2

Selenium (Se) 123 106 81 123 83 

Strontium (Sr) ---1, 2

 ---1 ---2 ---1, 2 84 

Vanadium (V) 108 94 110 103 86 

Zinc (Zn) ---2 ---1, 2 ---2 ---2 ---2

1

 spike did not increase the concentration by more than 12% 

2

 the concentration was above the calibration range 
44

Dissolved Organic Carbon Analyses 

The QA/QC checks for DOC include analyses of laboratory reagent blanks and synthetic samples made 

from potassium biphthalate, sodium bicarbonate, and sodium benzoate. Reagent water was used to check for 

interferences in the system and its reagents. A laboratory reagent blank was analyzed before every set of 10 

environmental samples. A total of 145 laboratory reagent blanks were analyzed during the investigation and the 

mean concentration was 0.15 mg/L with a standard deviation of 0.06 mg/L. The highest value measured in the 

blanks was 0.3 mg/L. 

Potassium biphthalate was used to calibrate the instrument, and sodium benzoate was used as a different 

organic carbon source to check the calibration. A total of 88 determinations of a synthetic standard, sodium 

benzoate, were made along side the samples. The mean recovery was 98 percent with a standard deviation of 3 

percent. 

Analyses of an inorganic carbon, sodium bicarbonate, provided a daily verification that the acid valve was 

functioning properly. A total of 18 analyses of sodium bicarbonate were performed and the mean concentration was 

0.26 mg/L with a standard deviation of 0.1 mg/L. The low value indicates that inorganic carbon did not significantly 

contribute to or interfere with the organic carbon measurement. 

 

Analyses by Different Methods 

Several constituents were analyzed by more than one method. Although results from a single method are 

reported, comparing analytical results from alternate methods serves as an accuracy check. Results from different 

methods that are within about 10 percent of each other are considered to be within the error of the measurements. A 

subset of 60 samples that were analyzed for aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, 

cobalt, copper, lead, lithium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, strontium, vanadium, and zinc determined by ICPOES, GFAAS, and/or ICP-MS are shown in table 7 in the appendix. Determinations of aluminum, barium, 

beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lithium, manganese, nickel, strontium, and zinc by more than 

one method are shown graphically in figures 4–7. Total dissolved iron analyzed by ICP-OES and by the FerroZine 

colorimetric method for all of the data collected for the investigation, not just the subset of 60, reported in Naus and 

others (2004), D.K. Nordstrom (USGS, written commun., 2004), and P.L. Verplanck (USGS, written commun., 

2004) are generally within 10 percent of each other (fig. 4A). Aluminum analyses by ICP-OES produced several 

results that are higher by more than 10 percent than the analyses by ICP-MS (fig. 4B). Aluminum determinations 

greater than about 5 mg/L by ICP-OES are expected to be more accurate than the values generated by ICP-MS 

because less dilution was required. With only a few exceptions, results from either ICP-OES or GFAAS were 

similar to ICP-MS for manganese, beryllium, lithium, strontium, barium, zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium, and cobalt 

(figs. 4C, 4D, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D, respectively). For chromium concentrations greater than 0.03 

mg/L, results generated by ICP-OES are typically within 10 percent of the concentration determined by ICP-MS 

(fig. 7A). Low level chromium (<0.03 mg/L) determinations by the methods routinely used to report data, either 

ICP-OES or GFAAS depending on the sample, are elevated compared to the values generated by ICP-MS (fig. 7A). 

However, the chromium concentrations measured by ICP-OES and GFAAS for all of the data reported in Naus and 

others (2004), D.K. Nordstrom (USGS, written commun., 2004), and P.L. Verplanck (USGS, written commun., 

2004, data not shown) are generally within 10 percent of each other (fig. 7B). 
45

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 20 40 60 80 100

0

20

40

60

80

100

0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.3 0.4

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.3

0.4

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

C.

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES OR GFAAS

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

B.

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

D.

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY THE FERROZINE COLORIMETRIC METHOD

A.

Figure 4. (A) Iron concentration determined by ICP-OES and by the FerroZine colorimetric method. (B) Aluminum concentration 

determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (C) Manganese concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (D) Beryllium 

concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent 

from the equal concentration line. 
46

 

Figure 5. (A) Lithium concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (B) Strontium concentration determined by ICP-OES and 

ICP-MS. (C) Barium concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICP-MS. (D) Zinc concentration determined by ICP-OES and ICPMS. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line. 

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0 5 10 15 20

0

5

10

15

20

0 2 4 6 8 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

LITHIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

LITHIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

A.

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

C.

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

B.

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

D.
47

 

Figure 6. (A) Nickel concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (B) Copper concentration determined by ICPOES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (C) Cadmium concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (D) Cobalt concentration 

determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from 

the equal concentration line. 

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.5 0.6

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.5

0.6

0.00 0.25 0.50 0.75 1.00 3 4 5

0.00

0.25

0.50

0.75

1.00

3

4

5

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 8 10

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

8

10

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES OR GFAAS

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

C.

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES OR GFAAS

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

D.

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

A.

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

B.
48

 

Figure 7. (A) Chromium concentration determined by ICP-OES or GFAAS and ICP-MS. (B) Chromium concentration determined by 

GFAAS and ICP-OES. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration 

line. 

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.4 0.5

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.4

0.5

0.00 0.05 0.10 0.15

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES OR GFAAS

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-MS

 ICP-OES

 GFAAS

A.

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY GFAAS

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY ICP-OES

B.
49

Analyses by Different Laboratories 

Duplicate samples were collected from wells SC1A, SC1B, SC2A, SC3A, SC4A, SC5A, and SC5B during 

the March 2002 sampling trip and analyzed by both the USGS and laboratories contracted by Molycorp Inc. The 

analyses from both laboratories are shown in table 8 in the appendix. Determinations by contract laboratories and 

the USGS of alkalinity, aluminum, barium, beryllium, cadmium, calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, 

fluoride, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, sodium, sulfate, and zinc concentrations, that are 

above the method detection limit, are plotted in relation to each other in figures 8–12. Alkalinity, aluminum, barium, 

beryllium, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and sulfate determinations by the two laboratories were 

generally within 10 percent of each other and there does not appear to be a bias between the laboratories. 

Determinations of manganese, zinc, and copper by the contract laboratories and the USGS are typically within 10 

percent of each other, but the USGS values are consistently higher (figs. 10C, 11B, and 12A, respectively). Two 

contract laboratories analyzed for fluoride. Fluoride analyses by one Molycorp Inc. contracted laboratory were very 

scattered with the samples containing high aluminum concentrations having low levels of measured fluoride (fig. 

9C). Aluminum forms a strong complex with fluoride likely causing a low fluoride determination by ion-selective 

electrode because free fluoride is measured. Fluoride analyses by a second Molycorp Inc. contracted laboratory were 

consistently higher than the USGS determinations (fig. 9C). Chloride concentrations are in agreement for the 

samples above contract laboratories reporting limit (fig. 9D). A few nickel determinations by the contract 

laboratories were low (approximately 10 percent) compared to the USGS determinations, but otherwise agree well 

(fig. 11D). Cadmium and cobalt determinations by the contract laboratory were consistently lower by 10 to 20 

percent (fig. 12B and 12D). Only two lead determinations were detectable by both the USGS and the contract 

laboratory and the contract laboratory’s determinations were lower in both cases (fig. 11C). Chromium 

determinations by the USGS are consistently higher by about 40 percent than the contract laboratories (fig. 12C). 
50

 

Figure 8. (A) Calcium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Magnesium 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Sodium concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Potassium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. 

Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line.

0 50 100 150 200 250

0

50

100

150

200

250

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0 20 40 60 80 100

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 3 6 9 12 15

0

3

6

9

12

15

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (ICP-OES)

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY (ICP-OES)

B.

 CALCIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (ICP-OES)

CALCIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY (ICP-OES)

A.

SODIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (ICP-OES)

SODIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY (ICP-OES)

SC1B FA

SC1B RA

C.

POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (ICP-OES)

POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY (ICP-OES)

D.
51

 

Figure 9. (A) Sulfate concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Alkalinity determined 

by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Fluoride concentration determined by two contract laboratories and 

the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Chloride concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The 

solid line is an equal concentration line.

0 3 6 9 12 15

0

3

6

9

12

15

0 3 6 9 12 15

0

3

6

9

12

15

500 1000 1500 2000 2500

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

SC3A, 81 mg Al / L

SC1A, 98 mg Al / L

FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

contract laboratory 1

contract laboratory 2

SC4A, 56 mg Al / L

C.

CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

D.

 SULFATE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

SULFATE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

SC1A A.

ALKALINITY AS BICARBONATE, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

ALKALINITY AS BICARBONATE, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

B.
52

Figure 10. (A) Aluminum concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Iron 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Manganese concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Beryllium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. 

Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration 

line.

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 25 50 75 100 125

0

25

50

75

100

125

 FA - FerroZine

 RA - ICP-OES

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY (ICP-OES ONLY)

B.

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

D.

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

± 10%

C.

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

A.
53

 

Figure 11. (A) Barium concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Zinc concentration 

determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Lead concentration determined by a contract laboratory 

and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Nickel concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. The 

solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration line.

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0 2 4 6 8 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

A.

± 10%

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

D.

± 10%

LEAD CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

LEAD CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

C.

± 10%

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

B.
54

Figure 12. (A) Copper concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (B) Cadmium 

concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (C) Chromium concentration determined by a 

contract laboratory and the U.S. Geological Survey. (D) Cobalt concentration determined by a contract laboratory and the U.S. 

Geological Survey. The solid line is an equal concentration line and the dotted line is ±10 percent from the equal concentration 

line.

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

± 10%

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

A.

± 10%

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

D.

± 10%

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

C.

± 10%

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: CONTRACT LABORATORY

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ANALYSES BY: U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

B.
55

Duplicate Sampling 

Fifteen surface- and ground-water duplicate samples, collected consecutively, were collected from Straight 

Creek, Hottentot, and the Red River from 2002 to 2003 (Naus and others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, written 

commun. 2004; P.L. Verplanck, written commun., 2004). Sequential duplicates were collected to assess variability 

among samples resulting from collection, processing, shipping, and laboratory procedures conducted at different 

sampling times (Wilde and others, 1999). Concentrations from the replicates are plotted in relation to each other for 

alkalinity, aluminum, barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, calcium, chloride, chromium, cobalt, copper, fluoride, 

total dissolved iron, ferrous iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, nickel, potassium, sodium, strontium, sulfate, and 

zinc (figs. 13-17). With the exception of chloride and low concentrations of iron and aluminum, results for 

sequential duplicates are in agreement with each other. Chloride concentrations in duplicate samples from well 

SC5B were 18 mg/L and 9.3 mg/L; this may be the result of contamination by hydrochloric acid used in washing 

procedures or analytical uncertainty resulting from a distorted chromatogram caused by the complex sample matrix 

(fig. 14B). Aluminum concentrations less than 0.01 mg/L in duplicate samples do not agree because of analytical 

uncertainty near the 0.001 mg/L detection limit or because of colloids passing through the filter (fig. 14E). Total 

dissolved iron concentrations in duplicate samples from the Red River at the gage (USGS streamflow-gaging station 

08265000) were determined to be 0.008 mg/L and 0.040 mg/L (fig. 15B); however, ferrous iron concentrations were 

identical (fig. 15D). Colloidal iron may have passed through the filter causing an apparent increase in total dissolved 

iron concentrations. 
56

Figure 13. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) calcium; (B) magnesium; (C) sodium; (D) potassium; (E) sulfate; and (F) alkalinity. The solid 

line is an equal concentration line.

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

0 50 100 150 200 250 300

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0 20 40 60 80 100

0

20

40

60

80

100

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

SULFATE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

SULFATE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

E.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

CALCIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

CALCIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

A.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

B.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

D.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

SODIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

SODIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

C.

 SC1B

 SC2B

 SC3B

 SC5B

 SC8A

 AWWT2

ALKALINITY AS BICARBONATE, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

ALKALINITY AS BICARBONATE, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

F.
57

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0.001 0.01 0.1 1 0.001

0.01

0.1

1

0.000 0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025 0.030 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

FLUORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

A.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

CHLORIDE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

B.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

SILICA CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

SILICA CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

C.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

D.

 SC1B

 SC2B

 SC5B

 SC8A

 AWWT2

 Red River at Gage

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

E.

 Straight Creek

 SC1A

 SC1B

 SC4A

 SC5B

 AWWT2

BORON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

BORON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

F.

Figure 14. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) fluoride; (B) chloride; (C) silica; (D) aluminum; (E) aluminum less than 1 mg/L; and (F) boron. 

The solid line is an equal concentration line.
58

0 20 40 60 80 100

0

20

40

60

80

100

0.001 0.01 0.1 1 0.001

0.01

0.1

1

0 20 40 60 80 100

0

20

40

60

80

100

0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10 0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.1 1 10 0.1

1

10

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

A.

 SC3A

 SC5A

 SC5B

 SC8A

 AWWT2

 Red River at Gage

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

B.

 SC1A SC5B

 SC1B SC6A

 SC2B AWWT1

 SC3A AWWT2

 SC3B Hottentot

 SC4A Red River at Gage

 SC5A

FERROUS IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

FERROUS IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

C.

 SC3A

 SC5A

 SC5B

 AWWT2

 Red River at Gage

FERROUS IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

FERROUS IRON CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

D.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

LITHIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

LITHIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

E.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

F.

Figure 15. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) total dissolved iron; (B) total dissolved iron less than 1 mg/L; (C) ferrous iron; (D) ferrous iron 

less than 0.1 mg/L; (E) lithium; and (F) strontium. The solid line is an equal concentration line. 
59

 

 

 

Figure 16. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) barium; (B) manganese; (C) zinc; (D) nickel; (E) copper; and (F) cadmium. The solid line is an 

equal concentration line. 

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 2 4 6 8 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 0.0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2.0

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

 SC1A SC5B

 SC1B SC6A

 SC2B SC8A

 SC3A AWWT1

 SC3B AWWT2

 SC4A Red River at Gage

 SC5A

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

A.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

B.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B AWWT2

 SC3A Hottentot

 SC3B Red River at Gage

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

ZINC CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

C.

 Straight Creek SC6A

 SC1A SC8A

 SC1B AWWT1

 SC2B Hottentot

 AWWT2 Red River at Gage

 SC3A

 SC3B

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC5B

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

D.

 Straight Creek

 SC1A

 SC3A

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC6A

 AWWT1

 Red River at Gage

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

COPPER CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

E. Straight Creek

 SC1A

 SC3A

 SC3B

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC6A

 SC8A

 AWWT1

 Hottentot

 Red River at Gage

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

CADMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

F.
60

0.00 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.10

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

 StraightCreek

 SC1A

 SC2B

 SC3A

 SC3B

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC6A

 AWWT1

 Hottentot

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

CHROMIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

A.

 Straight Creek AWWT1

 SC1A AWWT2

 SC2B Hottentot

 SC3A Red River at Gage

 SC3B

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC6A

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

COBALT CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

B.

 Straight Creek

 SC1A

 SC2B

 SC3A

 SC3B

 SC4A

 SC5A

 SC6A

 AWWT1

 AWWT2

 Hottentot

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

DUPLICATE SAMPLE

BERYLLIUM CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

C.

Figure 17. Comparison of sequential duplicates for surface- and ground-water samples collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, 

and the Red River, 2002-2003, for: (A) chromium; (B) cobalt; and (C) beryllium. The solid line is an equal concentration line. 
61

Filtration Studies 

Filtration Pore Size and Apparatus 

The effects of filter pore size and apparatus were studied. On April 16, 2003, a water sample from Straight 

Creek was filtered through a capsule filter having a nominal pore size of 0.45 μm, a plate filter containing a 0.1-μm 

membrane, and a Minitan filter with a 10,000-Dalton membrane (table 9 and fig. 18). Concentrations of calcium, 

total dissolved iron, aluminum, magnesium, silica, manganese, zinc, sodium, copper, nickel, ferrous iron, strontium, 

cobalt, lithium, chromium, cadmium, beryllium, and lead were measured in filtrates passing through each of the 

filters tested. The dashed line is the mean value for each constituent and the dotted line is the first standard 

deviation. Concentrations of total dissolved iron and aluminum were lowest in the filtrate from the Minitan with the 

10,000-Dalton filter membrane. The concentrations for the remaining constituents were very comparable in the 

filtrates from the three filters. 

On April 15, 2003, a water sample from the Red River below Fawn Lakes was filtered through a plate filter 

containing a 0.45-μm membrane, a capsule filter having a nominal pore size of 0.45 μm, a plate filter with a 0.1-μm 

membrane, and a Minitan filter with a 10,000-Dalton membrane (table 9, fig. 19). Concentrations of calcium, silica, 

magnesium, potassium, strontium, aluminum, barium, total dissolved iron, manganese, zinc, copper, ferrous iron, 

and nickel were determined in filtrates passing through each of the filters tested. The dashed line is the mean value 

for each constituent and the dotted line is the first standard deviation. Concentrations of total dissolved iron, ferrous 

iron, and aluminum were lowest in the filtrate from the Minitan with the 10,000-Dalton filter membrane and the 

capsule filter typically produced the next lowest concentration. The relative standard deviation is larger for 

aluminum and iron in the Red River sample than it is in the Straight Creek sample because the dissolved 

concentrations are much lower in the Red River sample and any colloidal material passing through the filter greatly 

increases, on a percentage basis, the apparent dissolved concentration. The total dissolved iron, zinc, copper, ferrous 

iron, and nickel filtrates from the plate filter containing a 0.45-μm filter membrane were elevated compared to the 

other filters. The remaining constituents were very comparable in the filtrates from the four filters. 

On March 25 and 27, 2002, sequential duplicates using plate filters containing 0.1-μm membranes and 

capsule filters having a 0.45-μm pore size were collected from wells SC2B, SC3A, SC3B, and SC5A (Naus and 

others, 2004; D.K. Nordstrom, USGS, written commun., 2004). With only a couple of exceptions, the filtrate 

concentrations are very similar for all constituents analyzed from all four wells (figs. 20, 21, 22, and 23). Aluminum 

in well SC2B was about twice as high in the 0.1-μm filtered sample (fig. 20), ferrous iron in well SC5B was about 

twice as high in the 0.45-μm filtered sample (fig. 23), and several of trace constituents were slightly lower in the 

0.1-μm filtered samples. 

Except for iron and aluminum, constituents with concentrations greater than about 0.05 mg/L were 

generally not affected by the filtration apparatus or membrane pore-size. Iron and aluminum form colloids, which 

may pass through some filters. Trace metals can sorb onto iron and aluminum colloids, and because their 

concentrations are low their dissolved concentrations are affected by the type of apparatus and membrane pore size. 
62

 

 

Figure 18. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for Straight Creek surface water collected on April 16, 2003. (A) 

Comparison of calcium, total dissolved iron, aluminum, magnesium, and silica. (B) Comparison of manganese, zinc, sodium, and 

copper. (C) Comparison of nickel, ferrous iron, strontium, cobalt, and lithium. (D) Comparison of chromium, cadmium, beryllium, 

and lead. Solid line is the mean concentration and the dotted line is ± the first standard deviation. 

0.45 μm - cartridge 0.1 μm - 142 mm plate 10K Dalton - minitan 40

50

60

70

80

90

100

240

250

0.45 μm - cartridge 0.1 μm - 142 mm plate 10K Dalton - minitan

2

4

6

16

18

20

0.45 μm - cartridge 0.1 μm - 142 mm plate 10K Dalton - minitan 0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.45 μm - cartridge 0.1 μm - 142 mm plate 10K Dalton - minitan 0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

Ca

Fe(T)

Al

Mg

SiO2

A.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

Mn

Zn

Na

Cu

B.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

Ni

Fe(II)

Sr

Co

Li

C.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

Cr

Cd

Be

Pb

D.
63

 

Figure 19. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from the Red River below Fawn Lake collected on April 15, 

2003. (A) Comparison of calcium, silica, magnesium, and potassium. (B) Comparison of strontium, aluminum, barium, and total 

dissolved iron. (C) Comparison of manganese, zinc, copper, and ferrous iron. (D) Comparison of nickel. Solid line is the mean 

concentration and the dotted line is ± the first standard deviation. 

0.45 μm - 142 mm plate

0.45 μm - cartridge

0.1 μm - 142 mm plate

10K Dalton - minitan

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

28

30

32

0.45 μm - 142 mm plate

0.45 μm - cartridge

0.1 μm - 142 mm plate

10K Dalton - minitan

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.45 μm - 142 mm plate

0.45 μm - cartridge

0.1 μm - 142 mm plate

10K Dalton - minitan

0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.070

0.075

0.080

0.45 μm - 142 mm plate

0.45 μm - cartridge

0.1 μm - 142 mm plate

10K Dalton - minitan

0.000

0.002

0.004

0.006

0.008

0.010

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

A.

Ca

SiO2

Mg

K

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

B. Sr

Fe(T)

Ba

Al

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

C.

Mn

Zn

Cu

Fe(II)

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION APPARATUS

D.

Ni
64

0 200 400 600 1600 1800 2000

0

200

400

600

1600

1800

2000

0 5 10 15 20 25

0

5

10

15

20

25

0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

0.000 0.005 0.010 0.015 0.020 0.025

0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

 Fe(T)

 Fe(II)

 Alk

 Mg

 Ca

 SO

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

4

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Sr

 Cl

 K

 F

 SiO2

 Mn

 Na

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Co

 Li

 Ni

 Zn

 Al

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Ba

 B

 Be

Figure 20. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC2B collected on March 25, 2002. (A) Comparison of total 

dissolved iron, ferrous iron, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. (B) Comparison of strontium, chloride, potassium, fluoride, 

silica, manganese, and sodium. (C) Comparison of cobalt, lithium, nickel, zinc, and aluminum. (D) Comparison of barium, boron, and 

beryllium. Dashed line is the equal concentration line.
65

Figure 21. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC3A collected on March 27, 2002. (A) Comparison of 

magnesium, calcium, sulfate, aluminum, and silica. (B) Comparison of chloride, potassium, fluoride, manganese, and zinc. (C) 

Comparison of lithium, cobalt, nickel, total dissolved iron, and strontium, (D) Comparison of barium, boron, chromium, beryllium, 

ferrous iron, and cadmium. Dashed line is the equal concentration line. 

0 200 400 1500 1600 1700

0

100

200

300

400

1500

1600

1700

0 5 10 15 20

0

5

10

15

20

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

 Mg

 Ca

 SO4

 Na

 Al

 SiO2

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Cl

 K

 F

 Mn

 Zn

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Li

 Co

 Cu

 Ni

 Fe

 Sr

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Ba

 B

 Cr

 Be

 Fe(II)

 Cd

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER
66

Figure 22. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC3B collected on March 25, 2002. (A) Comparison of total 

dissolved iron, ferrous iron, alkalinity, magnesium, calcium, and sulfate. (B) Comparison of strontium, chloride, potassium, fluoride, 

silica, manganese, sodium, zinc, and aluminum. (C) Comparison of cobalt, lithium, and nickel. (D) Comparison of cadmium, 

chromium, lead, barium, molybdenum, boron, and beryllium. Solid line is the equal concentration line. 

0 500 2000 2200

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

2000

2200

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

0.07

 Fe(T)

 Fe(II)

 Alk

 Mg

 Ca

 SO

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

4

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Sr

 Cl

 K

 F

 SiO2

 Mn

 Na

 Zn

 Al

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Co

 Li

 Ni

 Cd

 Cr

 Pb

 Ba

 Mo

 B

 Be

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER
67

Figure 23. Filtration apparatus and pore size comparison for water from SC5A collected on March 27, 2002. (A) Comparison of 

magnesium, calcium, sulfate, aluminum, and silica. (B) Comparison of chloride, potassium, fluoride, manganese, and zinc. (C) 

Comparison of lithium, cobalt, nickel, total dissolved iron, and strontium. (D) Comparison of barium, boron, chromium, beryllium, 

ferrous iron, and cadmium. Solid line is the equal concentration line. 

0 50 100 150 200 900 950 1000

0

50

100

150

200

900

950

1000

0 2 4 6 8 10

0

2

4

6

8

10

0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

 Mg

 Ca

 SO4

 Na

 Al

 SiO2

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Cl

 K

 F

 Mn

 Zn

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Li

 Co

 Cu

 Ni

 Fe(T)

 Sr

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER

 Ba

 B

 Cr

 Be

 Fe(II)

 Cd

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.45μm CARTRIDGE FILTER

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

FILTRATION: 0.1μm PLATE FILTER
68

Filtration Timing 

There was a time delay between collection and filtration for samples collected along the Red River during 

low-flow (2001) and snowmelt (2002) tracer studies and during diel studies (2003) (McCleskey and others, 2003; 

P.L. Verplanck, USGS, written commun., 2004). The effect of time on dissolved metal concentrations and pH was 

investigated from the samples collected along the Red River below the mill and just below Fawn Lakes on April 15, 

2003 (table 9). For the sample collected below the mill, the sample was filtered through a plate filter containing a 

0.1-μm membrane and a Minitan filter containing a 10,000-Dalton membrane. For the sample collected below Fawn 

Lakes, the sample was filtered through plate filters containing 0.45- and 0.1-μm membranes and a Minitan filter 

containing a 10,000-Dalton membrane. Both samples were processed immediately after collection and then again 

after 75 to 145 minutes. Calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, strontium, barium, silica, and manganese 

minimally changed during the filtration delay (figs. 24, 25, and 26). Except for total dissolved iron and aluminum, 

constituents having a concentration greater than about 0.05 mg/L minimally changed during the delay. Aluminum 

filtrates collected from the 10,000-Dalton filter remained unchanged, but after the time delay, filtrate passing 

through the 0.1-μm filter approached the aluminum concentration produced by the Minitan, indicating that 

aluminum colloids formed during the delay (fig. 25A). However, aluminum filtrates passing through the 0.45-μm 

membrane did not change very much, signifying that the newly formed aluminum precipitate was between 0.1 μm 

and 0.45 μm in size. Total dissolved iron decreased in the sample collected from below the mill during the filtration 

delay; however, it remained constant in the sample collected from below Fawn Lakes (fig. 25C). Both samples 

contained predominantly ferric iron. However, the matrices of the two samples are likely different because of 

inflows into the Red River, causing the sample from below the mill to precipitate iron more quickly. Ferrous iron 

concentrations were very low and except for the 0.45-μm filter, filtrate concentrations were either at the detection 

limit initially or approached it after the filtration delay (fig. 25D). Copper concentrations decreased in the samples 

collected from Fawn Lakes during the delay and slightly increased in the samples from below the mill, although the 

copper concentrations are only about 3 times the detection limit for samples, collected below the mill (fig. 25E). 

During the delay, copper may have sorbed onto the pre-existing iron colloids in the Fawn Lakes sample, because the 

dissolved iron concentration minimally changed. The increased copper sorption was likely the result of either copper 

not being at equilibrium with the pre-existing colloidal iron or a change in the sample temperature during the delay. 

Dissolved nickel concentrations decreased in both samples during the filtration delay, except in the 0.1-μm filtrate 

from Fawn Lakes (fig. 26B). The pH decreased in both samples during the delay, probably because of an increase in 

sample temperature, iron oxidation, or in-gassing (fig. 26C). 
69

Figure 24. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River on April 15, 

2003 for: (A) calcium; (B) magnesium; (C) sodium; (D) potassium; (E) strontium; and (F) barium. 

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.045

0.050

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 25

30

35

40

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

1.4

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 5

6

7

8

9

10

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0

2

4

6

8

10

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

0.22

0.24

0.26

0.28

0.30

BARIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

F.

CALCIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill,10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

A.

POTASSIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

D.

MAGNESIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

B.

SODIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

C.

STRONTIUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSE TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

E.
70

Figure 25. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River on April 15, 

2003 for: (A) aluminum; (B) silica; (C) total dissolved iron; (D) ferrous iron; (E) copper; and (F) zinc. 

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

ALUMINUM CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

A.

COPPER CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

E.

Detection Limit

IRON CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

C.

FERROUS IRON CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

Detection Limit

D.

SILICA CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

B.

ZINC CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

F.
71

Figure 26. The effects of time on filtrate concentration for water samples collected from two sites along the Red River on April 15, 

2003 for: (A) manganese and (B) nickel. (C) The affect of time on pH for water samples collected from two sites along the Red 

River on April 15, 2003. 

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.05

0.06

0.07

0.08

0.09

0.10

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 0.000

0.002

0.004

0.006

0.008

0.010

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 7.0

7.5

8.0

8.5

9.0

MANGANESE CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

A.

NICKEL CONCENTRATION, 

IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill, 0.1μm

 below mill, 10K daltons

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.45μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 0.1μm

 below Fawn Lakes, 10K daltons

B.

pH, IN STANDARD UNITS

ELAPSED TIME, IN MINUTES

Red River

 below mill,

 below Fawn Lakes

C.
72

Sequential Filtration 

A sequential filtration study was performed at the Red River USGS streamflow-gaging station on March 

20, 2002. Sequential aliquots were collected by simultaneously pumping water directly from the center of the river 

through 142-mm plate filters with membranes containing 0.1-μm and 0.45-μm pore size (table 10). Ten 125-mL 

aliquots were collected from each apparatus beginning with the first drops of water that passed through the filters. 

Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, potassium, manganese, strontium, zinc, total dissolved iron, 

ferrous iron, barium, nickel, cobalt, and copper from each aliquot are shown in figure 27. Filtrate concentrations 

remained fairly constant and were within the error of the measurements for all aliquots, except for ferrous iron and 

barium from the 0.45-μm filter. With increasing sample volume passing through the filter, barium and ferrous iron 

concentrations generally decreased in the filtrate from the 0.45-μm filter and both barium and ferrous iron 

approached the concentrations in the 0.1-μm filtrate. The effective pore size likely decreased in the 0.45-μm filter as 

colloids accumulated on the filter. 
73

 

 

Figure 27. The effects of sample volume passing through filters for water samples collected from the Red River at the gage on 

March 20, 2002. (A) Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, and potassium concentrations after filtration through a 0.45-μm filter. 

(B) Calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, and potassium concentrations after filtration through a 0.1-μm filter. (C) Manganese, 

strontium, zinc, total dissolved iron, and ferrous iron concentrations after filtration through a 0.45-μm filter. (D) Manganese, 

strontium, zinc, total dissolved iron, and ferrous iron concentrations after filtration through a 0.1-μm filter. (E) Barium, nickel, 

cobalt, and copper concentrations after filtration through a 0.45-μm filter. (F) Barium, nickel, cobalt, and copper concentrations 

after filtration through a 0.1-μm filter. 

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4

0

5

10

15

50

55

60

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4

0

5

10

15

50

55

60

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 0.000

0.005

0.010

0.015

0.020

0.025

0.030

0.035

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.45μm MEMBRANE

Ca

Mg

SiO2

Na

K

A.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.45μm MEMBRANE

Sr

Zn

Fe(T)

Fe(II)

Mn

C.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.45μm MEMBRANE

Ba

Ni

Co

Cu

E.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.1μm MEMBRANE

Ca

Mg

SiO2

Na

K

B.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.1μm MEMBRANE

Sr

Zn

Fe(T)

Fe(II)

Mn

D.

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER LITER

LITERS OF WATER THROUGH FILTER WITH 0.1μm MEMBRANE

Ba

Ni

Co

Cu

F.
74

Summary 

As part of the Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation, water analyses are 

tabulated in several reports for surface and ground waters collected from the Red River Basin, New Mexico. The 

same quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) methods and data apply for three reports. These reports include 

ground-water analyses from Straight Creek, Hansen, Hottentot, La Bobita, Capulin Canyon, and Questa Ranger 

Station, and surface water analyses from Straight Creek and the Red River. This report combines QA/QC data 

relevant to all three reports rather than repeating the same information in each report. The QA/QC includes analyses 

of standard reference water samples, calculation of charge imbalance, collection and analyses of field and equipment 

blanks, analyses of spiked samples, analyses by multiple methods, analyses by different laboratories, sequential 

duplicates, and investigation of filtration effects. 

Analyses of seventy-two blanks demonstrated that contamination from processing, handling, and analyses 

was minimal and had no substantial effect on results. Blanks collected using water deionized with anion and cation 

exchange resins contained elevated concentrations of boron (0.17 mg/L) and silica (3.90 mg/L), whereas doubledistilled water did not. Boron and silica were not completely retained by the resins because they can exist as 

uncharged species in water. Chloride, as much as 3.9 mg/L, and sulfate, as much as 3.0 mg/L were detected in 

blanks. With only a few exceptions, the remaining blank analyses were near or below method detection limits. 

Analyses of standard reference water samples provided accuracy checks. For constituents greater than 10 times the 

detection limit, 95 percent of the standard reference water samples had a percent error of less than 8.5. For 

constituents within 10 percent of the detection limit, the percent error often increased because the signal to noise 

ratio decreased. Charge imbalance was calculated using WATEQ4F and 251 out of 257 samples had a charge 

imbalance less than 11.8 percent. Spike recoveries for metals were performed by spiking ground-water samples and 

then analyzing them by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The mean recovery for all 

constituents was 103 percent with a standard deviation of 16 percent. Fifteen surface- and ground-water sequential 

duplicates were collected from Straight Creek, Hottentot, and the Red River from 2002 to 2003. With the exception 

of chloride from well SC5B and low concentrations of iron (<0.05 mg/L) and aluminum (<0.01 mg/L), constituents 

from sequential duplicates are usually within 10 percent of each other. Analytical results from different methods and 

different laboratories, with rare exceptions, were within 10 percent. Chromium analyses were in poor agreement 

(greater than 50 percent) when comparing laboratories, but USGS analyses by ICP-OES and ICP-MS were usually 

within 10 percent at concentrations above 0.03 mg/L and analyses by ICP-OES and GFAAS were usually within 15 

percent for concentrations as much as 0.1 mg/L. 

References Cited 

Aiken, G.R., 1992, Chloride interference in the analysis of dissolved organic carbon by the wet oxidation method: Environmental

Science and Technology, v. 26, p. 2435-2439. 

Alpers, C.N., Taylor, H.E., Roth, D.A., Cain, D.J., Ball, J.W., Unruh, D.M., and Dileanis, P.D., 1999, Study design—field and laboratory 

methods, in Alpers, C.N., Taylor, H.E., and Domagalski, J.L., eds., Metals transport in the Sacramento River, California, 

1996-1997: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 99-4286, p. 19-38. 

Ball, J.W., and Nordstrom, D.K., 1991, User’s manual for WATEQ4F, with revised thermodynamic data base and test cases for 

calculating speciation of major, trace, and redox elements in natural waters: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 

91-183, 189 p. 

Barnard, W.R. and Nordstrom, D.K., 1980, Fluoride in precipitation – I. Methodology with the fluoride-selective electrode: 

Atmospheric Environment v. 16, p. 99-103. 

Barringer, J.L. and Johnsson, P.A., 1989, Theoretical considerations and a simple method for measuring alkalinity and acidity in 

low pH waters by Gran titration: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 89-4029, 35 p. 

Brinton, T.I., Antweiler, R.C., and Taylor, H.E., 1995, Method for the determination of dissolved chloride, nitrate, and sulfate in 

natural water using ion chromatography: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-426A, 16 p. 

Connor, B.F., Currier, J.P., and Woodworth, M.T., 2001, Results of the U.S. Geological Survey’s analytical evaluation program for 

standard reference samples distributed in October 2000: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 01-137, 116 p. 
75

Farrar, J.W., 2000, Results of the U.S. Geological Survey’s analytical evaluation program for standard reference samples 

distributed in October 1999: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 00-227, 143 p. 

Garbarino, J.R. and Taylor, H.E., 1995, Inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method for the determination of dissolved

trace elements in natural water: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 94-358, 88 p. 

Kennedy, V.C., Jones, B.F., and Zellweger, G.W., 1974, Filter pore-size effects on the analysis of Al, Fe, Mn, and Ti in water: Water 

Resources Research, v. 15, p. 687-702. 

Kennedy, V.C., Jenne, E.A., and Burchard, J.M., 1976, Backflushing filters for field processing of water samples prior to traceelement analyses: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 76-126, 12 p. 

Laxen, D.P.H., and Chandler, I.M., 1982. Comparison of filtration techniques for size distribution in freshwaters. Analytical 

Chemistry: v. 54, p. 1350-1355. 

McCleskey, R.B., Nordstrom, D.K., and Ball, J.W., 2003, Metal interferences and their removal prior to the determination of As(T) 

and As(III) in acid mine waters by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry: U.S. Geological Survey WaterResources Investigations Report 03-4117, 13 p. 

McCleskey, R.B., Nordstrom, D.K., Steiger, J.I., Kimball, B.A., Verplanck, P.L., 2003, Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-waterquality investigation. 2. Low-flow (2001) and snowmelt (2002) synoptic/tracer water chemistry for the Red River, New 

Mexico: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 03-148, 166 p. 

Millipore Corporation, 1993, Selecting a membrane for concentration, desalting, and buffer exchange of macromolecules 

(ultrafiltration): Bedford, Mass., Millipore Corporation. 

Nordstrom, D.K., Verplanck, P.L., Naus, C.A., McCleskey, R.B., 2002, The Questa baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality 

investigation—preliminary data. [abs.]: Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs, v. 34, no. 6, p. 51. 

Naus, C.A., McCleskey, R.B., Nordstrom, D.K., Donohoe, L.C., Hunt, A.G., Paillet, F., Morin, R.H., and Verplanck, P.L., 2004, Questa 

baseline and pre-mining ground-water quality investigation. 5. Well installation, water-level data, and surface- and 

ground-water geochemistry in the Straight Creek drainage basin, New Mexico, 2001-2003: Scientific-Investigations 

Report 2004-1356. 

Plazak, D.J., 1996, Effect of mining on water quality in the Red River, Taos County, New Mexico, in Thompson, R.A., Hudson, M.R., 

and Pillmore, C.L., eds., Geologic excursions to the Rocky Mountains and beyond: Colorado Geological Survey, p. 4. 

Roth, D.A., Taylor, H.E., Domagalski, J., Dileanis, P., Peart, D.B., Antweiler, R.C., and Alpers, C.N., 2001 Distribution of inorganic 

mercury in Sacramento River water and sediments: Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, v. 40, p. 

161-172. 

Stookey, L.L., 1970, FerroZine - a new spectrophotometric reagent for iron: Analytical Chemistry, v. 42, p. 779-781. 

Taylor, H.E. and Garbarino, J.R., 1991, The measurement of trace metals in water resources—Monitoring samples by inductively 

coupled plasma-mass spectrometry: Spectrochimica Acta Reviews, v.14, no. 1-2, p. 33-43. 

Taylor, H.E., Berghoff, K., Andrews, E.D., Antweiler, R.C., Brinton, T.I., Miller, C., Peart, D.B., and Roth, D.A., 1997, Water quality of 

spring and seeps in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: National Park Service Technical Report 

NPS/NRWRD/NRTR-97/128, 26 p. 

To, T.B., Nordstrom, D.K., Cunningham, K.M., Ball, J.W., and McCleskey, R.B., 1999, New method for the direct determination of 

dissolved Fe(III) concentration in acid mine waters: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 33, p. 807-813. 

Verplanck, P.L., Antweiler, R.C., Nordstrom, D.K., and Taylor, H.E., 2001, Standard reference water samples for rare earth element 

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76

Appendix 

 
77

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location Hansen 

(SW-high) 

Hansen 

(SW-low) 

Little Hansen 

(SW) 

Straight Creek 

(SW-low) 

 Collection Date 9/11/01 9/11/01 9/11/01 9/12/01 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0020 0.0004 

 ICP-MS 0.0028 0.0029 0.0071 0.0054 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 76.0 103 172 107 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 741

 891 1701 991

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.007 0.007 0.010 0.006 

 ICP-MS 0.008 0.006 <0.008 <0.008 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.007 0.005 0.002 0.002 

 ICP-MS 0.008 0.006 0.003 0.003 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.015 0.015 0.033 0.027 

 ICP-MS 0.016 0.015 0.034 0.027 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.008 0.006 0.021 0.037 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0087 0.0045 0.019 0.039 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.215 0.147 0.515 0.283 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.210 0.150 0.680 0.330 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES <0.002 0.004 0.047 0.041 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.003 0.0043 0.0516 0.0409 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.190 0.087 0.554 1.75 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.190 0.090 0.560 1.80 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.081 0.068 0.285 0.194 

 ICP-MS 0.064 0.064 0.250 0.170 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 14.3 7.69 25.1 23.6 

 ICP-MS 131

 6.81 231 221

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0011 <0.0006 0.0025 0.0058 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.551 0.374 1.50 0.753 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.540 0.360 1.60 0.760 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.00094 0.0030 0.00066 0.0017 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 2.64 1.31 3.12 0.454 

 ICP-MS 2.50 1.30 3.30 0.480 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 2.90 2.88 4.18 7.82 

 ICP-MS 2.80 2.80 4.30 7.70 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
78

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location Straight Creek 

(SW-high) 

Hottentot 

(SW-low) 

Hottentot 

(SW-high) 

Goat Hill 

(SW) 

 Collection Date 9/12/01 9/13/01 9/13/01 9/14/01 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0050 0.0040 0.0470 0.0350 

 ICP-MS 0.0140 0.0058 0.0508 0.110 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 139 80.2 141 1,290 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 1301

 701 1301 1,3001

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.008 0.005 0.006 0.016 

 ICP-MS <0.008 <0.005 <0.008 <0.02 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.001 0.003 0.001 <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.002 0.004 0.002 0.004 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.044 0.011 0.023 0.347 

 ICP-MS 0.043 0.010 0.022 0.330 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.041 0.019 0.058 0.502 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.036 0.012 0.047 0.530 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.329 0.175 0.362 3.53 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.320 0.170 0.330 3.70 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.045 0.032 0.090 0.478 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0379 0.0312 0.0875 0.490 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 1.72 0.541 2.34 10.2 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 1.70 0.530 2.20 11.0 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.206 0.074 0.095 1.11 

 ICP-MS 0.200 0.071 0.088 1.00 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 31.9 5.85 16.0 500 

 ICP-MS 291

 5.61 141 5101

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0093 0.0022 0.0275 0.0191 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.784 0.403 0.796 8.56 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.760 0.390 0.760 8.50 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES 0.037 <0.008 0.018 0.063 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0273 0.00080 0.00069 0.0020 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.340 0.081 0.093 1.21 

 ICP-MS 0.300 0.082 0.092 1.20 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES 0.004 0.004 0.014 0.010 

 ICP-MS 0.002 0.002 0.011 0.022 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 12.8 3.7 6.42 113 

 ICP-MS 121

 3.51 6.10 1101

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
79

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location Junebug 

(SW-west) 

Junebug 

 (SW-east) 

West of Little 

Hansen (SW) 

Waldo 

(SW) 

 Collection Date 9/14/01 9/14/01 9/15/01 9/15/01 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0002 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0014 0.0058 0.0002 0.0003 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 13.7 83.7 <0.07 2.90 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 14.0 801

 --- 3.00 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.003 0.004 0.007 0.005 

 ICP-MS <0.008 <0.008 0.011 0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.004 0.002 0.019 0.011 

 ICP-MS 0.005 0.002 0.020 0.010 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.005 0.034 <0.001 0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.034 <0.00008 0.0011 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.016 0.051 <0.002 0.001 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.018 0.054 <0.00004 0.0012 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.152 0.554 <0.007 0.018 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.170 0.530 0.00008 0.0156 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES <0.002 0.009 <0.002 <0.002 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.006 0.0077 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 2.39 3.51 <0.002 0.007 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 2.30 3.50 0.006 0.013 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.188 0.330 0.024 0.010 

 ICP-MS 0.190 0.300 0.023 0.010 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 6.76 19.9 <0.002 0.99 

 ICP-MS 6.41 181

 0.0065 1.00 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 0.0012 <0.0005 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.449 1.24 <0.002 0.063 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.450 1.30 0.001 0.066 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0037 0.0025 0.00010 0.00019 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 8.31 5.42 2.03 1.20 

 ICP-MS 7.60 5.30 1.80 1.00 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 <0.0009 <0.0009 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 2.24 6.59 <0.005 0.330 

 ICP-MS 2.20 6.70 0.019 0.350 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
80

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location UndergroundS. Haulage 

(GW) 

UndergroundRainforest East 

(SW) 

UndergroundRainforest West 

(SW) 

Straight Creek 

(SW) 

 Collection Date 2/25/02 2/25/02 2/25/02 3/20/02 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0004 0.0007 0.0005 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0005 0.0007 0.0005 0.0005 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES <0.07 <0.07 <0.07 14.9 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS --- --- --- 151

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.018 0.015 0.014 <0.01 

 ICP-MS 0.010 0.014 0.009 <0.005 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.017 0.020 0.008 0.003 

 ICP-MS 0.017 0.018 0.007 0.001 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES <0.001 0.002 0.001 0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.0017 0.00098 0.0052 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.001 <0.002 <0.002 0.013 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.00004 0.0010 0.0017 0.0072 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 0.098 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.00004 0.00035 0.00043 0.0722 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.014 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.002 <0.006 <0.006 0.0074 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.012 0.004 0.008 0.386 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.007 0.006 0.410 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.063 0.161 0.138 0.028 

 ICP-MS 0.074 0.180 0.170 0.027 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 0.008 1.55 1.59 4.17 

 ICP-MS 0.0053 1.50 1.60 4.41

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES 0.047 8.88 8.92 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0410 8.30 8.50 0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.213 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.001 0.014 0.015 0.160 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.00008 0.00035 0.00014 0.00027 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 6.13 17.3 19.1 0.107 

 ICP-MS 5.90 15.0 17.0 0.096 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.0009 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0009 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 0.113 0.008 0.014 1.49 

 ICP-MS 0.073 0.013 0.014 1.50 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
81

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location Straight Creek 

(SW) 

AWWT1 AWWT1 AWWT1 

 Collection Date 4/24/02 4/25/02 2/4/03 5/12/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0003 

 ICP-MS 0.0039 0.0006 0.0004 0.0004 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 83.1 35.0 36.0 35.5 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 831

 331 32.2 32.4 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.011 0.011 <0.01 <0.01 

 ICP-MS 0.005 <0.005 <0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES <0.0008 0.005 0.004 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.002 0.005 0.005 0.005 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.024 0.006 0.004 0.006 

 ICP-MS 0.023 0.0051 0.006 0.006 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.038 0.006 0.005 0.006 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.036 0.0045 0.0047 0.0043 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.301 0.114 0.080 0.112 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.300 0.100 0.0991 0.0970 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.038 0.099 0.063 0.082 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0257 0.0923 0.0742 0.0709 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 1.55 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0005 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 1.50 0.006 <0.001 <0.001 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.145 0.052 0.048 0.059 

 ICP-MS 0.150 0.054 0.058 0.055 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 20.0 5.73 5.90 5.95 

 ICP-MS 191

 6.11 5.87 5.89 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0015 <0.0005 <0.0006 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.706 0.289 0.202 0.288 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.670 0.280 0.264 0.253 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 <0.008 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.0003 0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0015 0.00011 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.612 0.739 0.744 0.758 

 ICP-MS 0.600 0.730 0.746 0.767 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0009 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 7.3 1.97 2.03 2.14 

 ICP-MS 6.61

 1.80 2.09 2.05 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
82

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location AWWT1 AWWT2 CC2A CC1B 

 Collection Date 8/21/03 12/13/02 5/14/03 2/5/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0005 <0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 38.2 <0.07 2.07 <0.07 

 GFAAS --- 0.012 --- 0.008 

 ICP-MS 31.1 0.023 2.01 <0.005 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 0.013 0.018 0.013 

 ICP-MS <0.007 0.009 0.024 0.013 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.004 0.007 0.004 0.036 

 ICP-MS 0.005 0.006 0.004 0.039 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.004 0.005 0.021 <0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.0046 0.020 0.00019 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.005 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.0032 <0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0047 0.0001 0.0032 0.0002 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.101 0.113 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.0018 <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.0980 0.111 0.0042 0.00036 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.099 --- --- --- 

 GFAAS --- <0.0005 0.002 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.110 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.0036 <0.0005 0.0011 0.0013 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.002 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.062 0.199 0.038 0.022 

 ICP-MS 0.056 0.136 0.030 0.020 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 6.41 5.74 10.0 0.441 

 ICP-MS 5.76 5.71 8.93 0.437 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 0.012 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 0.0009 0.0099 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.273 0.211 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.002 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.271 0.216 0.008 0.005 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- <0.008 --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.0001 --- <0.0003 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 <0.00008 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.815 7.37 0.625 1.37 

 ICP-MS 0.766 6.92 0.591 1.30 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 2.30 0.517 0.907 0.026 

 ICP-MS 2.06 0.496 0.891 0.017 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
83

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location CC2B HANSEN HANSEN HOTTENTOT 

 Collection Date 2/5/03 2/7/03 5/13/03 2/5/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0001 

 ICP-MS <0.0002 0.0024 0.0021 0.0007 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES <0.07 81.3 76.7 60.3 

 GFAAS 0.009 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS --- 75.4 72.8 56.2 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 0.011 <0.01 0.011 

 ICP-MS 0.013 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.012 0.003 0.003 0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.018 0.004 0.003 0.002 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES <0.001 0.016 0.019 0.011 

 ICP-MS 0.00016 0.020 0.019 0.011 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0002 0.0059 0.0062 0.0019 

 ICP-MS 0.0001 0.0068 0.0068 0.0041 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES --- 0.179 0.211 0.136 

 GFAAS <0.0008 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.00088 0.207 0.203 0.113 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0005 0.003 0.015 0.012 

 ICP-MS <0.002 <0.002 0.0108 0.0083 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- 0.117 0.121 0.118 

 GFAAS <0.0005 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.001 0.133 0.129 0.114 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.061 0.071 0.090 0.074 

 ICP-MS 0.067 0.074 0.074 0.066 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 4.92 11.6 12.2 8.51 

 ICP-MS 4.74 11.6 11.4 7.35 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0026 <0.0006 <0.0006 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES --- 0.562 0.613 0.352 

 GFAAS 0.003 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.004 0.533 0.543 0.288 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.0009 <0.0003 0.0009 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.00011 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 4.79 2.79 2.85 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS 4.70 2.81 2.72 0.007 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 0.011 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.009 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 0.082 2.59 2.83 3.63 

 ICP-MS 0.101 2.78 2.68 3.60 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
84

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location HOTTENTOT LA BOBITA LA BOBITA RANGER 

STATION WELL 

 Collection Date 5/12/03 2/5/03 5/15/03 2/7/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0004 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0008 0.0006 0.0005 0.0001 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 70.4 12.8 12.7 0.087 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 52.9 11.9 11.2 --- 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.012 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

 ICP-MS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 0.006 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.001 0.023 0.021 0.048 

 ICP-MS 0.001 0.025 0.020 0.033 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.011 0.006 0.005 <0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.011 0.006 0.0054 0.00010 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.0040 0.0041 0.0036 0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0044 0.0044 0.0038 0.0001 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.134 --- --- --- 

 GFAAS --- 0.0177 0.0194 <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.115 0.0185 0.0187 0.00007 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.011 0.001 0.010 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.0091 <0.002 0.0088 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.118 --- --- --- 

 GFAAS --- 0.033 0.025 0.0010 

 ICP-MS 0.121 0.027 0.021 0.001 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.063 0.033 0.027 0.004 

 ICP-MS 0.066 0.030 0.024 0.004 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 7.99 2.62 2.71 0.014 

 ICP-MS 7.34 2.42 2.72 0.018 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 0.008 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 0.0006 0.0128 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.345 0.143 0.131 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.296 0.129 0.125 0.004 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 0.0009 0.0009 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS 0.00028 0.00058 0.00035 0.00004 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.015 0.806 0.821 0.376 

 ICP-MS 0.012 0.776 0.771 0.383 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES 0.010 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS 0.010 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 3.91 1.00 0.929 0.035 

 ICP-MS 3.55 1.06 0.923 0.025 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
85

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC1A SC1A SC1B SC1B 

 Collection Date 4/25/02 5/13/03 4/25/02 5/13/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0004 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0031 0.0039 0.0003 0.0004 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 90.7 95.8 <0.07 <0.07 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.047 0.011 

 ICP-MS 911

 74.7 --- 0.019 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.009 0.010 0.027 0.025 

 ICP-MS 0.007 <0.007 0.016 0.022 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.003 0.002 0.013 0.008 

 ICP-MS 0.003 0.002 0.011 0.009 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.028 0.026 0.001 0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.023 0.024 0.00062 0.0012 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.045 0.039 <0.002 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.034 0.034 <0.00005 0.0002 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.345 0.304 <0.007 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.310 0.287 0.0048 0.00083 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.038 0.032 <0.002 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.0209 0.0210 <0.006 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.871 0.867 <0.002 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.950 0.896 0.006 <0.001 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.195 0.220 0.161 0.175 

 ICP-MS 0.180 0.175 0.130 0.128 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 19.6 18.1 6.29 6.10 

 ICP-MS 191

 19.4 5.80 5.96 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 0.017 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0018 <0.0006 0.0114 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.720 0.692 <0.002 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- 0.003 

 ICP-MS 0.710 0.665 0.012 0.001 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 --- <0.008 --- 

 GFAAS --- <0.0003 --- 0.0014 

 ICP-MS 0.0013 0.0013 0.00034 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.890 0.882 11.2 11.3 

 ICP-MS 0.860 0.881 11.0 10.6 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS 0.002 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 7.39 7.72 0.313 0.02 

 ICP-MS 6.71

 6.85 0.240 <0.005 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
86

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC1B_R SC2B SC2B SC2B 

 Collection Date 4/25/02 4/25/02 5/23/02 2/8/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0004 0.0001 <0.0001 0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0003 <0.0002 0.0004 0.0005 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES <0.07 6.05 1.94 1.23 

 GFAAS 0.052 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS --- 5.40 1.50 1.14 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.024 0.012 0.015 <0.01 

 ICP-MS 0.018 0.012 <0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.011 0.008 0.009 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.012 0.008 0.008 0.005 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES <0.001 0.017 0.023 0.041 

 ICP-MS 0.00056 0.013 0.016 0.042 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES <0.002 0.005 0.003 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0002 0.0017 0.0003 <0.00004 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES <0.007 0.227 0.245 0.186 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0049 0.180 0.159 0.182 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES <0.002 --- --- --- 

 GFAAS --- 0.008 0.008 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS <0.006 <0.003 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- 0.0020 0.0042 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.004 0.003 <0.001 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.146 0.248 0.374 0.301 

 ICP-MS 0.130 0.230 0.247 0.232 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 6.35 17.1 18.6 19.0 

 ICP-MS 5.80 161

 16.6 18.4 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 0.010 

 ICP-MS 0.0102 0.0014 0.0010 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES <0.002 0.480 0.478 0.580 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.016 0.480 0.424 0.507 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 <0.008 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0003 0.0010 

 ICP-MS 0.00026 0.00019 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 11.4 2.01 2.51 2.51 

 ICP-MS 11.0 2.10 2.27 2.33 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 0.235 1.99 1.43 1.97 

 ICP-MS 0.230 1.80 1.33 2.00 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
87

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC3A SC3A SC3A SC3B 

 Collection Date 4/24/02 2/8/03 5/14/03 4/25/02 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 0.0007 

 ICP-MS 0.0028 0.0020 0.0030 0.0025 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 79.3 78.7 76.5 5.39 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 761

 79.2 65.1 5.40 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.021 <0.01 <0.01 0.015 

 ICP-MS 0.009 <0.007 <0.007 0.005 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.004 0.001 0.002 0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.007 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.019 0.017 0.020 0.023 

 ICP-MS 0.016 0.020 0.018 0.019 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.028 0.027 0.031 <0.002 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.025 0.025 0.025 <0.00002 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.246 0.233 0.280 0.269 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.230 0.226 0.222 0.250 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.024 0.020 0.025 0.008 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0138 0.0131 0.0129 <0.003 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.848 0.815 0.818 <0.002 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.840 0.819 0.840 0.004 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.148 0.182 0.157 0.181 

 ICP-MS 0.140 0.148 0.145 0.160 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 15.1 16.1 15.2 26.3 

 ICP-MS 141

 15.5 15.4 241

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0016 <0.0006 <0.0006 0.0033 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.584 0.597 0.541 0.459 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.520 0.506 0.501 0.470 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES <0.008 --- --- 0.030 

 GFAAS --- <0.0003 <0.0003 --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0022 0.00012 <0.00008 0.0191 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.339 0.328 0.313 3.98 

 ICP-MS 0.340 0.322 0.307 3.80 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0006 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 5.93 5.63 5.42 4.43 

 ICP-MS 5.11

 5.34 5.39 4.21

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
88

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC3B SC3B SC4A SC4A 

 Collection Date 2/8/03 5/14/03 4/24/02 2/8/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0002 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0026 0.0030 0.0017 0.0022 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 5.56 7.59 65.7 63.6 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 5.26 5.18 591

 55.6 

Boron (B) ICP-OES 0.010 0.020 0.015 0.013 

 ICP-MS 0.008 <0.007 0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.003 

 ICP-MS 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.003 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.027 0.035 0.018 0.017 

 ICP-MS 0.029 0.031 0.016 0.017 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.002 0.001 0.022 0.019 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0001 0.0001 0.017 0.017 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.235 0.291 0.284 0.234 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.246 0.247 0.240 0.235 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.008 0.007 0.017 0.010 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.002 <0.002 0.0041 0.0035 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- --- 0.300 0.219 

 GFAAS <0.0005 0.0022 --- --- 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 0.280 0.215 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.212 0.201 0.171 0.210 

 ICP-MS 0.162 0.162 0.160 0.166 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 27.8 28.8 18.6 19.2 

 ICP-MS 27.9 26.1 171

 17.1 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES 0.020 0.024 <0.007 0.008 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 0.0010 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.511 0.466 0.549 0.613 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.452 0.453 0.540 0.529 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- <0.008 --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 0.0003 --- <0.0003 

 ICP-MS 0.0018 0.00049 0.00014 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 3.43 3.39 0.722 0.724 

 ICP-MS 3.45 3.37 0.740 0.744 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 4.85 4.75 5.28 5.30 

 ICP-MS 4.82 4.64 5.01

 5.04 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
89

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC4A SC5A SC5A SC5A 

 Collection Date 5/14/03 4/25/02 2/8/03 5/13/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0022 0.0011 0.0009 0.0003 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 79.4 52.0 62.9 67.8 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 72.1 491

 66.9 68.2 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

 ICP-MS <0.007 <0.005 <0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.002 <0.0008 <0.0008 <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.002 0.001 0.0004 0.0004 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.017 0.010 0.010 0.010 

 ICP-MS 0.019 0.008 0.011 0.010 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.027 0.017 0.016 0.017 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.025 0.012 0.014 0.015 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.240 0.176 0.171 0.183 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.214 0.150 0.156 0.165 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.022 0.011 0.009 0.013 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.0124 0.0041 0.0040 0.0049 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.788 0.238 0.264 0.277 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.797 0.240 0.269 0.292 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.145 0.074 0.109 0.108 

 ICP-MS 0.146 0.079 0.098 0.099 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 14.7 7.86 10.5 10.3 

 ICP-MS 15.0 8.31

 9.3 9.8 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES 0.013 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0005 <0.0006 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.523 0.337 0.447 0.422 

 GFAAS --- --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.507 0.340 0.368 0.390 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- <0.008 --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 --- <0.0003 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.00009 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.302 0.497 0.625 0.594 

 ICP-MS 0.303 0.520 0.588 0.608 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.0009 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 5.11 2.88 3.34 3.59 

 ICP-MS 5.09 2.91

 3.28 3.40 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
90

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC5A SC5B SC5B SC5B 

 Collection Date 8/20/03 4/25/02 2/8/03 5/13/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 0.0001 0.0017 0.0003 

 ICP-MS 0.0009 0.0030 0.0006 0.0004 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 40.0 <0.07 <0.07 <0.07 

 GFAAS --- 0.066 0.009 0.004 

 ICP-MS 33.4 --- 0.020 0.006 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 <0.01 0.014 0.011 

 ICP-MS <0.007 0.010 0.010 0.008 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES <0.0008 0.034 0.025 0.019 

 ICP-MS 0.0004 0.032 0.029 0.022 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.00007 0.00003 0.00021 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES 0.006 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0002 <0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0056 <0.00002 <0.00004 <0.00004 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.077 <0.007 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0008 <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.0781 0.0035 0.00014 0.00011 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES 0.007 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0005 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.0035 <0.003 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES 0.108 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0005 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.128 0.004 <0.001 <0.001 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.055 0.045 0.073 0.040 

 ICP-MS 0.044 0.042 0.060 0.040 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 4.53 2.96 1.68 2.58 

 ICP-MS 4.27 2.80 1.64 2.69 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 0.0058 <0.0006 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.186 <0.002 --- --- 

 GFAAS --- --- <0.0005 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.188 0.011 0.006 0.006 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- <0.008 --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 --- <0.0003 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.00015 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.334 8.49 8.33 8.68 

 ICP-MS 0.311 7.70 8.81 8.24 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.0006 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 1.75 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

 ICP-MS 1.78 0.002 <0.005 <0.005 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
91

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams 

per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC5B SC6A SC6A SC7A_1 

 Collection Date 8/20/03 2/7/03 5/14/03 2/4/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS 0.0003 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0003 0.0027 0.0026 0.0005 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES <0.07 83.3 82.4 35.7 

 GFAAS 0.006 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.006 74.3 65.4 29.9 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 <0.01 0.012 <0.01 

 ICP-MS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.016 0.002 0.002 0.004 

 ICP-MS 0.023 0.002 0.002 0.005 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES <0.001 0.019 0.018 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.00018 0.021 0.019 0.006 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES --- 0.030 0.031 --- 

 GFAAS <0.0002 --- --- 0.0070 

 ICP-MS <0.00004 0.029 0.029 0.0077 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES --- 0.323 0.264 0.103 

 GFAAS <0.0008 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.00014 0.252 0.247 0.100 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0005 0.027 0.021 0.005 

 ICP-MS <0.002 0.0141 0.0103 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- 0.767 0.627 --- 

 GFAAS <0.0005 --- --- 0.068 

 ICP-MS <0.001 0.698 0.643 0.056 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.048 0.212 0.188 0.070 

 ICP-MS 0.041 0.175 0.157 0.059 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 2.84 19.0 18.4 6.45 

 ICP-MS 2.77 18.3 18.6 6.06 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 0.016 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 <0.0006 <0.0006 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES --- 0.716 0.632 0.249 

 GFAAS <0.0005 --- --- --- 

 ICP-MS 0.004 0.583 0.569 0.240 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0013 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.00013 <0.00008 <0.00008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 8.42 0.429 0.430 1.01 

 ICP-MS 8.35 0.425 0.454 0.98 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES <0.005 6.51 6.22 2.04 

 ICP-MS <0.005 6.18 6.14 2.04 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
92

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, 

inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; <, less than; SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC7A_1 SC7A_4 SC7A_4 SC8A 

 Collection Date 5/12/03 2/4/03 5/12/03 2/5/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0006 0.0003 0.0004 0.0001 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES 37.1 31.8 32.7 <0.07 

 GFAAS --- --- --- 0.010 

 ICP-MS 32.0 27.9 30.0 0.001 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 0.010 <0.01 <0.01 

 ICP-MS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 0.005 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.005 0.005 0.006 0.020 

 ICP-MS 0.004 0.006 0.006 0.020 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES 0.006 0.005 0.005 <0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.006 0.0054 0.0055 0.00001 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.0067 0.0094 0.0059 <0.0002 

 ICP-MS 0.0076 0.011 0.0067 0.0003 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES 0.115 0.086 0.095 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- <0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.104 0.0836 0.0873 0.00004 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.005 0.004 0.004 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.062 0.122 0.075 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.056 0.105 0.061 0.0004 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.067 0.053 0.055 0.004 

 ICP-MS 0.062 0.050 0.053 0.003 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES 6.68 5.07 5.36 0.002 

 ICP-MS 6.31 5.02 5.11 0.0034 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS <0.0006 <0.0006 <0.0006 0.0015 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES 0.263 0.196 0.226 --- 

 GFAAS --- --- --- 0.004 

 ICP-MS 0.250 0.199 0.211 0.005 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 <0.0003 0.0008 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS <0.00008 0.00011 <0.00008 0.00002 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 1.02 0.791 0.793 0.263 

 ICP-MS 1.00 0.752 0.792 0.294 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.0001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 2.17 1.85 1.88 0.019 

 ICP-MS 2.30 1.83 1.80 0.031 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
93

Table 7. Analyses by multiple methods—Continued 

[GFAAS, graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; HGAAS, hydride generation atomic 

absorption spectrometry; ICP-MS, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry; ICP-OES, 

inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; 

SW, surface water; ---, no data]

 Sample Location SC8A SC8A 

 Collection Date 5/12/03 8/18/03 

Constituent, mg/L Technique 

Arsenic (As) HGAAS <0.0001 <0.0001 

 ICP-MS 0.0001 0.0001 

Aluminum (Al) ICP-OES <0.07 <0.07 

 GFAAS 0.007 0.003 

 ICP-MS 0.001 0.001 

Boron (B) ICP-OES <0.01 <0.01 

 ICP-MS 0.005 0.004 

Barium (Ba) ICP-OES 0.025 0.025 

 ICP-MS 0.019 0.019 

Beryllium (Be) ICP-OES <0.001 <0.001 

 ICP-MS 0.00001 0.00001 

Cadmium (Cd) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0002 0.0005 

 ICP-MS 0.0003 0.0003 

Cobalt (Co) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0008 0.0072 

 ICP-MS 0.00001 0.00002 

Chromium (Cr) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.001 <0.0005 

 ICP-MS <0.002 <0.002 

Copper (Cu) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0005 0.0008 

 ICP-MS 0.0004 0.0004 

Lithium (Li) ICP-OES 0.004 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.004 0.003 

Manganese (Mn) ICP-OES <0.002 0.002 

 ICP-MS 0.0007 0.0003 

Molybdenum (Mo) ICP-OES <0.007 <0.007 

 ICP-MS 0.0014 0.0013 

Nickel (Ni) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS 0.004 0.005 

 ICP-MS 0.005 0.005 

Lead (Pb) ICP-OES --- --- 

 GFAAS <0.0003 <0.0003 

 ICP-MS 0.00002 <0.000008 

Strontium (Sr) ICP-OES 0.340 0.388 

 ICP-MS 0.310 0.302 

Vanadium (V) ICP-OES <0.002 <0.002 

 ICP-MS <0.0001 <0.0001 

Zinc (Zn) ICP-OES 0.035 0.039 

 ICP-MS 0.033 0.031 

1

sample measured at a concentration higher than the calibration range 
94

Table 8. Analyses by different laboratories

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID SC1A SC1A SC1B SC1B 

Collection Date 3/26/02 3/26/02 3/26/02 3/26/02 

Treatment 0.45 μm Unfiltered 0.45 μm Unfiltered 

Constituent, mg/L Laboratory 

Calcium (Ca) USGS 386 381 535 520 

 URS 380 371 518 496 

Magnesium (Mg) USGS 126 124 232 225 

 URS 123 119 227 215 

Sodium (Na) USGS 17.2 17.2 73.0 70.6 

 URS 13.9 13.9 61.7 56.7 

Potassium (K) USGS 1.14 1.18 13.6 13.6 

 URS 0.70 1.00 13.7 13.0 

Sulfate (SO4

) USGS 2140 --- 1930 --- 

 URS --- 2400 --- 2020 

Alkalinity (as 

HCO3

) 

USGS --- --- 493 --- 

 URS --- 12 --- 494 

Fluoride (F) USGS 9.64 --- 0.575 --- 

 URS (ACZ 

laboratory) 

--- 2.20 --- 1.70 

 URS (PAR 

laboratory) 

--- 12.00 --- 1.20 

Chloride (Cl) USGS 2.9 --- 14 --- 

 URS --- 3 --- 14 

Aluminum (Al) USGS 94.1 95.7 0.033 0.116 

 URS 99.5 94.8 --- 0.07 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) USGS 29.6 32.5 2.66 3.85 

 URS 31.0 30.6 3.00 3.48 

Boron (B) USGS 0.010 <0.01 0.021 0.033 

 URS 0.10 0.05 0.02 0.02 

Barium (Ba) USGS 0.003 0.004 0.012 0.012 

 URS --- --- 0.014 0.016 

Manganese (Mn) USGS 20.5 20.4 6.84 6.82 

 URS 18.7 18.5 6.08 5.85 

Zinc (Zn) USGS 7.60 7.79 0.653 0.740 

 URS 6.93 6.76 0.690 0.690 

Lead (Pb) USGS <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 URS 0.001 --- 0.001 0.001 

Nickel (Ni) USGS 0.798 0.838 0.013 0.016 

 URS 0.680 0.660 --- --- 

Copper (Cu) USGS 1.03 1.02 <0.0005 <0.0005 

 URS 0.891 0.912 0.004 0.009 

Cadmium (Cd) USGS 0.039 0.039 0.0002 0.0003 

 URS 0.0319 0.0330 0.0002 --- 

Chromium (Cr) USGS 0.033 0.035 <0.0005 0.0009 

 URS 0.0180 0.0180 0.0015 0.0026 

Cobalt (Co) USGS 0.340 0.374 0.015 0.014 

 URS 0.268 0.275 0.0069 0.0068 

Beryllium (Be) USGS 0.025 0.025 <0.001 <0.001 

 URS 0.023 0.026 --- 0.003 

Molybdenum (Mo) USGS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 URS 0.0005 0.0010 0.0040 0.0043 

Dissolved Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

USGS 1.1 --- 19 --- 

Total Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

URS --- 2 --- 28 
95

Table 8. Analyses by different laboratories—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID SC2B SC2B SC3A SC3A 

Collection Date 3/25/02 3/25/02 3/25/02 3/25/02 

Treatment 0.45 μm Unfiltered 0.45 μm Unfiltered 

Constituent, mg/L Laboratory 

Calcium (Ca) USGS 475 484 315 314 

 URS 477 466 306 293 

Magnesium (Mg) USGS 118 114 86.3 90.0 

 URS 117 115 90.9 86.9 

Sodium (Na) USGS 24.3 24.9 17.3 17.0 

 URS 21.2 20.8 15.5 14.8 

Potassium (K) USGS 3.36 3.38 1.04 1.04 

 URS 3.80 4.00 1.10 1.00 

Sulfate (SO4

) USGS 1640 --- 1600 --- 

 URS --- 1620 --- 1770 

Alkalinity (as 

HCO3

) 

USGS 117 --- --- --- 

 URS --- 157 --- 12 

Fluoride (F) USGS 5.64 --- 6.78 --- 

 URS (ACZ 

laboratory) 

--- 6.80 --- 1.10 

 URS (PAR 

laboratory) 

--- 6.30 --- 9.40 

Chloride (Cl) USGS 2.8 --- 2.7 --- 

 URS --- 5 --- 10 

Aluminum (Al) USGS 0.864 1.08 80.6 81.0 

 URS 1.02 1.68 85.00 80.50 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) USGS 39.5 39.9 0.610 0.109 

 URS 34.7 34.6 0.53 0.81 

Boron (B) USGS 0.015 0.011 <0.01 <0.01 

 URS 0.10 0.05 0.10 0.05 

Barium (Ba) USGS 0.008 0.011 0.002 0.003 

 URS 0.007 0.011 --- --- 

Manganese (Mn) USGS 18.4 18.5 16.0 15.8 

 URS 16.8 16.6 14.9 14.4 

Zinc (Zn) USGS 1.47 1.52 5.59 5.61 

 URS 1.37 1.36 5.29 5.04 

Lead (Pb) USGS <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 URS 0.000 0.005 0.001 0.001 

Nickel (Ni) USGS 0.495 0..497 0.496 0.591 

 URS 0.460 0.440 0.520 0.490 

Copper (Cu) USGS <0.0005 0.011 0.884 0.907 

 URS 0.007 0.028 0.799 0.799 

Cadmium (Cd) USGS <0.001 <0.001 0.033 0.030 

 URS 0.0002 --- 0.023 0.025 

Chromium (Cr) USGS <0.0005 <0.0005 0.027 0.025 

 URS 0.0006 --- 0.0120 0.0140 

Cobalt (Co) USGS 0.173 0.184 0.269 0.260 

 URS 0.156 0.164 0.205 0.207 

Beryllium (Be) USGS 0.019 0.019 0.018 0.018 

 URS 0.016 0.019 0.016 0.018 

Molybdenum (Mo) USGS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 URS 0.0006 0.0009 0.0004 0.001 

Dissolved Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

USGS 1.4 --- 1.9 --- 

Total Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

URS --- 3 --- 3 
96

Table 8. Analyses by different laboratories—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID SC3B SC3B SC4A SC4A 

Collection Date 3/26/02 3/26/02 3/25/02 3/25/02 

Treatment 0.45 μm Unfiltered 0.45 μm Unfiltered 

Constituent, mg/L Laboratory 

Calcium (Ca) USGS 499 510 294 288 

 URS 494 485 292 289 

Magnesium (Mg) USGS 156 155 138 136 

 URS 152 147 138 136 

Sodium (Na) USGS 36.3 37.1 27.8 27.6 

 URS 31.6 30.1 25.6 25.5 

Potassium (K) USGS 3.27 2.88 3.18 3.25 

 URS 2.50 2.50 2.90 2.90 

Sulfate (SO4

) USGS 2060 --- 1760 --- 

 URS --- 1970 --- 1790 

Alkalinity (as 

HCO3

) 

USGS 77.0 --- --- --- 

 URS --- 101 --- 12 

Fluoride (F) USGS 6.12 --- 6.72 --- 

 URS (ACZ 

laboratory) 

--- 6.80 --- 4.20 

 URS (PAR 

laboratory) 

--- 7.10 --- 9.70 

Chloride (Cl) USGS 8.0 --- 4.5 --- 

 URS --- 5 --- 4 

Aluminum (Al) USGS 4.48 4.78 55.6 55.1 

 URS 4.85 4.64 57.5 55.7 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) USGS 53.5 59.9 53.6 49.8 

 URS 54.1 52.2 50.9 50.1 

Boron (B) USGS 0.014 0.010 0.013 0.012 

 URS 0.10 0.01 0.10 0.05 

Barium (Ba) USGS 0.007 0.006 0.004 0.004 

 URS 0.006 0.008 --- --- 

Manganese (Mn) USGS 25.0 25.4 20.0 19.6 

 URS 23.0 22.6 18.7 18.6 

Zinc (Zn) USGS 4.42 4.53 5.20 5.19 

 URS 4.16 4.12 5.22 5.14 

Lead (Pb) USGS 0.054 0.066 <0.008 0.010 

 URS 0.042 0.045 --- --- 

Nickel (Ni) USGS 0.477 0.483 0.563 0.556 

 URS 0.430 0.420 0.540 0.520 

Copper (Cu) USGS <0.0005 <0.0005 0.070 0.072 

 URS 0.002 0.007 0.072 0.068 

Cadmium (Cd) USGS 0.001 0.001 0.017 0.017 

 URS 0.0005 --- 0.0129 0.0133 

Chromium (Cr) USGS 0.008 0.008 0.012 0.012 

 URS --- 0.005 --- 0.005 

Cobalt (Co) USGS 0.243 0.236 0.270 0.251 

 URS 0.204 0.220 0.216 0.227 

Beryllium (Be) USGS 0.020 0.019 0.016 0.016 

 URS 0.019 0.022 0.015 0.016 

Molybdenum (Mo) USGS 0.023 0.024 0.013 0.007 

 URS 0.0001 0.001 0.0005 0.001 

Dissolved Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

USGS 2.7 --- 2.0 --- 

Total Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

URS --- 6 --- 2 
97

Table 8. Analyses by different laboratories—Continued

[USGS, U.S. Geological Survey; μm, micrometer; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Sample ID SC5A SC5A SC5B SC5B 

Collection Date 3/27/02 3/27/02 3/27/02 3/27/02 

Treatment 0.45 μm Unfiltered 0.45 μm Unfiltered 

Constituent, mg/L Laboratory 

Calcium (Ca) USGS 146 147 567 563 

 URS 130 127 524 527 

Magnesium (Mg) USGS 52.3 52.3 40.7 40.9 

 URS 50.8 48.1 38.0 35.9 

Sodium (Na) USGS 15.8 15.5 45.1 45.4 

 URS 14.0 13.4 42.7 42.9 

Potassium (K) USGS 1.96 1.95 4.30 4.47 

 URS 1.80 1.70 4.70 4.40 

Sulfate (SO4

) USGS 957 --- 1420 --- 

 URS --- 930 --- 1410 

Alkalinity (as 

HCO3

) 

USGS --- --- 154 --- 

 URS --- 12 --- 159 

Fluoride (F) USGS 2.60 --- 1.04 --- 

 URS (ACZ 

laboratory) 

--- 2.40 --- 1.80 

 URS (PAR 

laboratory) 

--- 4.80 --- 1.40 

Chloride (Cl) USGS 5.3 --- 6.8 --- 

 URS --- 5 --- 8 

Aluminum (Al) USGS 51.0 50.8 0.004 0.166 

 URS 50.10 46.60 --- 0.26 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) USGS 0.362 0.40 3.99 7.10 

 URS 0.41 0.44 4.30 6.08 

Boron (B) USGS <0.01 <0.01 0.025 0.020 

 URS 0.05 0.05 0.10 0.05 

Barium (Ba) USGS 0.002 0.002 0.028 0.037 

 URS --- --- 0.029 0.041 

Manganese (Mn) USGS 6.72 6.74 3.07 3.18 

 URS 5.66 5.58 2.66 2.71 

Zinc (Zn) USGS 2.43 2.48 <0.005 <0.005 

 URS 2.23 2.14 --- 0.030 

Lead (Pb) USGS <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

 URS --- --- --- --- 

Nickel (Ni) USGS 0.298 0.293 0.011 0.013 

 URS 0.250 0.240 --- --- 

Copper (Cu) USGS 0.180 0.181 0.0048 0.0007 

 URS 0.162 0.171 0.003 0.007 

Cadmium (Cd) USGS 0.012 0.011 <0.0002 <0.0002 

 URS 0.0081 0.0086 --- --- 

Chromium (Cr) USGS 0.009 0.009 <0.0005 0.0011 

 URS 0.0042 0.0058 --- --- 

Cobalt (Co) USGS 0.131 0.126 <0.002 0.004 

 URS 0.0971 0.0982 0.0072 0.0072 

Beryllium (Be) USGS 0.007 0.007 <0.001 <0.001 

 URS 0.006 0.007 --- --- 

Molybdenum (Mo) USGS <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

 URS 0.0005 0.0030 0.0050 0.0060 

Dissolved Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

USGS 0.7 --- 10 --- 

Total Organic 

Carbon (DOC) 

URS --- 2 --- 39 
98

Table 9. Measurement of samples from Straight Creek and Red River 

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Description Straight Cr. Straight Cr. Straight Cr. Straight Cr. 

 at pipe at pipe at pipe at pipe 

Date 4/16/03 4/16/03 4/16/03 4/16/03 

Collection Time 12:40 12:40 12:40 12:40 

Filtration Time 13:40 13:40 13:40 --- 

pH 2.89 2.89 2.89 2.89 

Temperature (°C) 7.9 7.9 7.9 7.9 

SC (μS/cm) 2220 2220 2220 2220 

pore size 0.45μm 0.1μm 10,000 Dalton RA 

apparatus capsule 142-mm plate Minitan --- 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 243 244 246 240 

Magnesium (Mg) 73.0 72.0 73.0 74 

Sodium (Na) 4.02 3.88 3.92 3.86 

Potassium (K) 0.81 0.81 0.85 0.97 

Silica (SiO2

) 51.2 51.6 51.8 54 

Aluminum (Al) 89.9 89.9 87.3 87.3 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 97.2 96.2 95.1 110 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.495 0.504 0.509 --- 

Boron (B) 0.011 0.013 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.14 

Strontium (Sr) 0.373 0.372 0.373 0.37 

Barium (Ba) 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.01 

Manganese (Mn) 17.9 17.8 17.9 18.0 

Zinc (Zn) 6.45 6.45 6.53 6.60 

Lead (Pb) 0.018 0.019 0.018 0.024 

Nickel (Ni) 0.621 0.625 0.623 0.61 

Copper (Cu) 2.05 1.98 2.00 2.09 

Cadmium (Cd) 0.032 0.032 0.033 0.032 

Chromium (Cr) 0.039 0.038 0.04 0.04 

Cobalt (Co) 0.244 0.244 0.257 0.250 

Beryllium (Be) 0.022 0.023 0.024 0.024 

Molybdenum (Mo) 0.010 0.014 0.021 0.020 

Vanadium (V) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Arsenic (As) 0.090 0.080 0.088 0.094 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

 
99

Table 9. Measurement of samples from Straight Creek and Red River—Continued 

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Description Red River Red River Red River Red River 

 below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake 

Date 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 

Collection Time 10:22 10:22 10:22 10:22 

Filtration Time 10:40 10:45 11:08 10:51 

pH 8.14 8.14 8.14 8.14 

Temperature (°C) 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 

SC (μS/cm) 223 223 223 223 

pore size 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 

apparatus 142-mm plate capsule 142-mm plate Minitan 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 30.5 30.4 30.3 30.0 

Magnesium (Mg) 6.80 6.57 6.86 6.82 

Sodium (Na) 5.16 5.2 5.24 5.2 

Potassium (K) 1.01 0.998 1.02 0.973 

Silica (SiO2

) 12.2 11.5 12.4 12.0 

Aluminum (Al) 0.133 0.083 0.142 0.071 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.044 0.018 0.017 0.011 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.008 0.006 <0.001 0.006 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 

Strontium (Sr) 0.199 0.189 0.197 0.189 

Barium (Ba) 0.036 0.034 0.035 0.034 

Manganese (Mn) 0.077 0.074 0.077 0.076 

Zinc (Zn) 0.022 0.018 0.018 0.019 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.007 0.005 0.004 0.005 

Copper (Cu) 0.017 0.012 0.012 0.013 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

 
100

Table 9. Measurement of samples from Straight Creek and Red River—Continued 

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Description Red River Red River Red River Red River 

 below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake below Fawn Lake 

Date 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 

Collection Time 10:22 10:22 10:22 10:22 

Filtration Time 12:23 12:23 12:42 --- 

pH 8.14 8.14 8.14 8.14 

Temperature (°C) 7.1 7.1 7.1 7.1 

SC (μS/cm) 223 223 223 223 

pore size 0.45μm 0.1μm 0.1μm RA 

apparatus 142-mm plate 142-mm plate Minitan --- 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 31 31 30 30 

Magnesium (Mg) 7.0 6.8 6.8 6.8 

Sodium (Na) 5.0 4.9 4.9 5.0 

Potassium (K) 0.98 0.96 0.99 1.0 

Silica (SiO2

) 12 12 11 13 

Aluminum (Al) 0.18 0.077 0.069 0.54 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.056 0.014 0.009 0.62 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.010 0.001 0.002 --- 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 

Strontium (Sr) 0.20 0.20 0.19 0.19 

Barium (Ba) 0.036 0.035 0.033 0.043 

Manganese (Mn) 0.077 0.077 0.075 0.10 

Zinc (Zn) 0.019 0.018 0.018 0.037 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.006 

Copper (Cu) 0.009 0.007 0.007 0.032 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 
101

Table 9. Measurement of samples from Straight Creek and Red River—Continued 

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Description Red River Red River Red River Red River 

 below Mill below Mill below Mill below Mill 

Date 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 4/15/03 

Collection Time 14:58 14:58 14:58 14:58 

Filtration Time 15:27 17:50 15:40 17:55 

pH 7.72 7.72 7.72 7.72 

Temperature (°C) 6.8 6.8 6.8 6.8 

SC (μS/cm) 242 242 242 242 

pore size 0.1μm 0.1μm 10,000 Dalton 10,000 Dalton 

apparatus 142-mm plate 142-mm plate Minitan Minitan 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 30 32 31 30 

Magnesium (Mg) 7 7.3 7 7 

Sodium (Na) 5.3 5.2 5.4 5.2 

Potassium (K) 0.93 0.99 1 0.97 

Silica (SiO2

) 12 12 12 11 

Aluminum (Al) 0.27 0.16 0.14 0.13 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.048 0.010 0.002 0.002 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Boron (B) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 

Lithium (Li) 0.003 0.003 0.003 0.003 

Strontium (Sr) 0.2 0.21 0.2 0.2 

Barium (Ba) 0.025 0.029 0.025 0.025 

Manganese (Mn) 0.094 0.092 0.091 0.089 

Zinc (Zn) 0.013 0.014 0.014 0.008 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.009 0.005 0.005 0.004 

Copper (Cu) 0.004 0.007 0.005 0.007 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 
102

Table 10. Measurement of sequential aliquots for a sample from the Red River at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging 

station 082655000

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Date 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 

pH 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 

SC (μS/cm) 419 419 419 419 419 

Temperature (°C) 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 

Filter pore size 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 

Filtrate volume (Liters) 0.13 0.25 0.38 0.50 0.63 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 57.2 58.1 57.3 54.2 54.5 

Magnesium (Mg) 12.2 12.1 12.9 12.6 13.1 

Sodium (Na) 7.4 6.8 6.8 6.7 7.0 

Potassium (K) 1.15 1.17 1.13 1.12 1.15 

Silica (SiO2

) 11.3 11.7 11.2 11.7 11.9 

Aluminum (Al) 0.154 0.122 0.111 <0.08 <0.08 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.134 0.133 0.177 0.133 0.133 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.099 0.111 0.141 0.082 0.051 

Boron (B) 0.002 0.000 0.001 0.015 0.011 

Lithium (Li) 0.007 0.007 0.006 0.006 0.006 

Strontium (Sr) 0.311 0.318 0.311 0.291 0.292 

Barium (Ba) 0.032 0.032 0.031 0.029 0.029 

Manganese (Mn) 0.559 0.564 0.561 0.516 0.522 

Zinc (Zn) 0.159 0.149 0.148 0.130 0.126 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.025 0.024 0.025 0.022 0.022 

Copper (Cu) 0.004 0.002 0.004 0.003 0.003 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.008 0.008 0.008 0.007 0.006 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 
103

Table 10. Measurement of sequential aliquots for a sample from the Red River at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging 

station 082655000—Continued

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Date 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 

pH 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 

SC (μS/cm) 419 419 419 419 419 

Temperature 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 

Filter pore size 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 0.45μm 

Filtrate volume (Liters) 0.75 0.88 1.00 1.13 1.25 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 54.6 54.8 56.8 54.8 53.4 

Magnesium (Mg) 12.6 12.6 12.5 12.5 12.6 

Sodium (Na) 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.7 6.7 

Potassium (K) 1.06 1.08 1.09 1.03 1.04 

Silica (SiO2

) 11.4 11.6 11.6 11.4 11.6 

Aluminum (Al) <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.132 0.136 0.135 0.132 0.132 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.096 0.062 0.081 0.085 0.046 

Boron (B) 0.012 0.011 0.011 0.010 0.011 

Lithium (Li) 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.005 0.006 

Strontium (Sr) 0.292 0.288 0.285 0.277 0.282 

Barium (Ba) 0.028 0.029 0.028 0.027 0.028 

Manganese (Mn) 0.525 0.527 0.526 0.539 0.542 

Zinc (Zn) 0.135 0.132 0.131 0.137 0.134 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.022 0.023 0.022 0.024 0.023 

Copper (Cu) 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.005 0.005 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.007 0.006 0.006 0.007 0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 
104

Table 10. Measurement of sequential aliquots for a sample from the Red River at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging 

station 082655000—Continued

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Date 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 

pH 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 

SC (μS/cm) 419 419 419 419 419 

Temperature 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 

Filter pore size 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 

Filtrate volume (Liters) 0.13 0.25 0.38 0.50 0.63 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 53.9 53.4 54.4 55.7 55.9 

Magnesium (Mg) 12.5 12.5 13.9 13.8 13.6 

Sodium (Na) 6.9 7.0 6.7 6.7 7.0 

Potassium (K) 1.12 1.06 1.05 1.08 1.08 

Silica (SiO2

) 10.9 10.8 10.7 10.8 10.9 

Aluminum (Al) <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.126 0.120 0.118 0.126 0.118 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.070 0.043 0.068 0.059 0.051 

Boron (B) 0.013 0.012 0.011 0.010 0.012 

Lithium (Li) 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 

Strontium (Sr) 0.285 0.284 0.279 0.285 0.293 

Barium (Ba) 0.028 0.028 0.028 0.028 0.029 

Manganese (Mn) 0.521 0.516 0.522 0.522 0.522 

Zinc (Zn) 0.152 0.134 0.133 0.133 0.133 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.023 0.023 0.023 0.024 0.023 

Copper (Cu) 0.005 0.005 0.004 0.003 0.004 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.006 0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 
105

Table 10. Measurement of sequential aliquots for a sample from the Red River at U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging 

station 082655000—Continued

[mm, millimeter; μm, micrometer; μS/cm, microsemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; RA, unfiltered-unacidified; SC, specific 

conductance; <, less than; ---, no data] 

Date 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 3/20/02 

pH 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 7.54 

SC (μS/cm) 419 419 419 419 419 

Temperature 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 

Filter pore size 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 0.1μm 

Filtrate volume (Liters) 0.75 0.88 1.00 1.13 1.25 

Constituent, mg/L 

Calcium (Ca) 54.9 56.1 55.6 54.3 54.5 

Magnesium (Mg) 13.9 13.3 13.6 13.6 13.7 

Sodium (Na) 6.9 6.4 7.1 7.0 6.9 

Potassium (K) 1.07 1.03 1.11 1.06 1.10 

Silica (SiO2

) 11.0 10.4 10.7 10.6 11.0 

Aluminum (Al) <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 <0.08 

Iron Total (Fe(T)) 0.122 0.119 0.123 0.121 0.122 

Ferrous Iron (Fe(II)) 0.050 0.046 0.040 0.052 0.051 

Boron (B) 0.014 0.014 0.013 0.011 0.012 

Lithium (Li) 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 0.006 

Strontium (Sr) 0.291 0.275 0.281 0.281 0.282 

Barium (Ba) 0.028 0.027 0.028 0.027 0.028 

Manganese (Mn) 0.524 0.520 0.525 0.517 0.518 

Zinc (Zn) 0.134 0.129 0.140 0.142 0.136 

Lead (Pb) <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 <0.008 

Nickel (Ni) 0.023 0.023 0.023 0.023 0.023 

Copper (Cu) 0.007 0.004 0.005 0.005 0.006 

Cadmium (Cd) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Chromium (Cr) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Cobalt (Co) 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 0.007 

Beryllium (Be) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 

Molybdenum (Mo) <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 <0.007 

Vanadium (V) <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 <0.002 

Arsenic (As) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 

Selenium (Se) <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04