Ions are naturally abundant in our everyday lives. Chloride, phosphate, sulfate, and nitrate are all examples of ions present in our water systems in the San Antonio area. Nitrite and nitrate come from animal waste and can lead to eutrophication of water bodies. Chloride often comes from salt storage areas around highways or from brines produced by during gas well drilling. Phosphates are found in water softeners, detergents, and fertilizers which leach into nearby water systems. Sulfates come from natural sulfur deposits in earth, too much of which can cause a laxative effect when drunk. Only about 2.66% of total global water resources are fresh water, and less than 0.6% of that is available drinking water due to the amount trapped in glaciers. Therefore, it is a necessity to treat water reserves carefully and conduct wastewater treatment efficiently. To analyze the effectiveness of wastewater treatment and overall health of water systems in San Antonio, samples were taken from across the city, including around the primary wastewater treatment, and analyzed using ion chromatography. Initial findings indicate San Antonio does great work in keeping waterways clean, and the baseline established can potentially be used to compare water health in dryer months when reclaimed water is used to maintain flow, or even be compared to the municipal water bodies of different metropolitan areas.

Analyzing anion concentrations in San Antonio topwaters with ion chromatography

2019 Fall National Meeting

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