Elemental content in baseflow water samples as an indicator for surface contamination with toxic and other elements

Surface water samples were collected during baseflow at the mouth of six creeks contributing to Town Lake and from one site on the lake itself in Austin, Texas, USA. The concentration of 24 elements was measured by instrumental neutron activation analysis on the total solid separated, by below-boiling point evaporation, from composite baseflow water samples at each site. These elements are As, Ba, Br, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, K, La, Na, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Sm, Th, U and Zn. The measured concentrations were compared to the reported level in tap water from a water treatment plant that utilizes water from Town Lake as a source of raw water. The concentrations of the measured elements were also compared to those given in the Texas Drinking Water Standards, and to the literature values for fresh water.