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A case study: assessing heavy metal concentrations in surface water systems of Nevada with instrumental neutron activation analysis.

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Title: A case study: assessing heavy metal concentrations in surface water systems of Nevada with instrumental neutron activation analysis.
Authors: Nangeelil, K.1,2 (AUTHOR), Hunter, D.1 (AUTHOR), Tran, T.1 (AUTHOR), Yang, Y.3 (AUTHOR), Kelly, C.4 (AUTHOR), Sun, Z. J.1 (AUTHOR) zaijing.sun@unlv.edu
Source: Journal of Radioanalytical & Nuclear Chemistry. Dec2025, Vol. 334 Issue 12, p9167-9176. 10p.
Subjects: Heavy metals, Water quality, Watersheds, Lakes, Nuclear activation analysis, River channels
Geographic Terms: Lake Mead (Ariz. & Nev.), Nevada
Abstract: Water resource management is vital for Nevada, where population growth and climate change stress water supplies. Increased runoff from precipitation and higher evaporation rates due to rising temperatures can degrade water quality. This study employed Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) to investigate samples from Lake Mead, Las Vegas Wash, and Lake Tahoe. Las Vegas Wash samples showed elevated concentrations of Se (44 ± 25 μg/L), Na (863 ± 102 mg/L), and Mn (0.5 ± 0.2 mg/L), while Lake Mead samples exhibited slightly higher Mg (153 ± 50 mg/L) and Ba (1.25 ± 0.9 mg/L) and Lake Tahoe samples were marked by elevated Te (43 ± 42 μg/L). Preliminary analysis of Lake Mead data using principal component analysis identified Al, Mg, Mn, and Zn as key contributors, explaining 85% of variation, though more focused investigation into source attributes is necessary. These findings might be critical for assessing health risks, as these water systems support domestic and agricultural needs for downstream communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Water resource management is vital for Nevada, where population growth and climate change stress water supplies. Increased runoff from precipitation and higher evaporation rates due to rising temperatures can degrade water quality. This study employed Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) to investigate samples from Lake Mead, Las Vegas Wash, and Lake Tahoe. Las Vegas Wash samples showed elevated concentrations of Se (44 ± 25 μg/L), Na (863 ± 102 mg/L), and Mn (0.5 ± 0.2 mg/L), while Lake Mead samples exhibited slightly higher Mg (153 ± 50 mg/L) and Ba (1.25 ± 0.9 mg/L) and Lake Tahoe samples were marked by elevated Te (43 ± 42 μg/L). Preliminary analysis of Lake Mead data using principal component analysis identified Al, Mg, Mn, and Zn as key contributors, explaining 85% of variation, though more focused investigation into source attributes is necessary. These findings might be critical for assessing health risks, as these water systems support domestic and agricultural needs for downstream communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:02365731
DOI:10.1007/s10967-025-10524-1