Analysis of trace elements in river and spring waters

Methods for the analysis of trace elements in natural fresh waters were investigated. Preconcentration of the water samples by reducing the volume and by using cation adsorption resins was studied. It was concluded that cation absorption was the more promising procedure. The methods used for analysis were absorption spectrophotometry, neutron activation analysis, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was considered the most suitable method for the analysis of trace elements in waters. Calcium, copper, lead, zinc, and cadmium were determined in a number of Missouri springs and stream water samples --Abstract, page ii