Heavy metals in the main streams of the James River Basin, Missouri

Demand for water in the James River basin has greatly increased. Larger numbers of industrial plants and the presence of lead-zinc prospects in the basin are potential sources of heavy metal additions to the waters of the area. This study determines selected heavy metal content and distribution in the streams of the basin and establishes some heavy metal bench mark values for this time period. Approximately 50 water samples were collected in each of three seasons. These samples were analyzed by atomic absorption techniques. Temperature, specific conductance, pH, and effective alkalinity were made in the field. Ranges of heavy metal content were: (1) mercury - [less than] 0.1 to 0.3 ppb (summer only); (2) zinc - [less than] 1 to 80 ppb; (3) copper - [less than] 1 to 18 ppb; (4) lead - [less than] 1 to 41 ppb; (5) cadmium- [less than] 1 to 7 ppb; and (6) iron [less than] 50 to 277 ppb. The urban areas of Springfield contribute dissolved heavy metals to the surface streams. The Southwest Springfield Sewage Treatment Plant is not a significant source. Seasonal and geographic variations are also apparent. Heavy metal contributions appear to be related to mineralized and faulted areas in the basin. Variation of heavy metals at individual sample sites is not considered of great significance. Filtered water samples meet PHS heavy metal standards for public drinking water.Project # A-066-MO Agreement # 14-31-0001-382