Arsenic and uranium are naturally occurring elements in the geologic profile of the southwestern United States. Mining can produce waste with high arsenic and uranium concentrations which can leach into groundwater systems. Groundwater from the western United States often exceeds the EPA limits of 10 parts per billion (ppb) for arsenic and 30 ppb for uranium. Chronic exposure to arsenic and uranium is associated with many health impacts ranging from increased risk of cancers to kidney damage. A previous study in our lab quantified and mapped arsenic present in groundwater on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, many of which are above the EPA safe drinking water standards. This study is an ongoing extension of the previous study. This study focuses on determining a range of transition and trace elements that could be present in water that has already been identified as having high levels of arsenic or uranium. The twelve elements in question (Ag, Ca, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, Se, and Zn) will help identify compounds that may be involved in harmful biological pathways relating to arsenic and uranium exposure. Water samples are analyzed via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The use of ICP-OES also allows simultaneous analysis of several elements. Preliminary results show that calcium, copper, manganese, sulfur, and zinc are present in the water samples at varying levels. This project will aid the Navajo and Hopi communities in developing an action plan to combat further arsenic and uranium exposure.

Quantification of trace elements in unregulated water sources on the Navajo and Hopi reservations

251st National Meeting (2016)

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