Evaluation of Metals and Organic Compounds in Water Samples From Seven Locations Across the Upper Main Stem of the Susquehanna River Near Sunbury, PA

Elaine Langone Center, Terrace Room

River water samples from seven locations across the upper main stem of the Susquehanna River near Sunbury, PA were analyzed for the presence of metals and organic compounds. A Perkin Elmer Analyst 800 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used to analyze the water for presence of the following metals in suspension using external standard methods: manganese, iron, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, mercury, tin, chromium, lead, nickel, cadmium, selenium, molybdenum, copper, strontium, calcium, magnesium and zinc. Control spike samples were also analyzed to determine if the metals may absorb onto the sediment found in several of the sample locations. The concentrations of metals varied from non-detectable using flame atomization to concentrations over 100 ug/mL. Those metals which could not be detected will be re-evaluated using the more sensitive graphite furnace methods for lower concentrations. The results are considered preliminary because digestion of the samples before analysis was not performed, but if the spiked samples suggest that metals may absorb onto the sediment particles, this will be pursued as part of the sample preparation. Samples are also being analyzed using a Thermo Trace 1300 Gas Chromatograph with an ISQ Single Quadrapole Mass Spectrometer for the presence of organic compounds.