Water analysis using IBA

The ion beam analysis (IBA) technique of proton induced x-ray emission (PIXE) has been used to measure the trace elements in water samples collected from the Waiwhetu Stream, Lower Hutt, New Zealand. Almost all elements detected were present in the level of 10-100 ppm in the samples collected during three different tidal conditions at 15 locations along the course of the stream. Heavy metals such as Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb were found at high level of concentrations at the locations where most of the industries were present at Gracefield. This indicates that these heavy metals are being washed out from the sediments slowly to surface waters. This report contains details about PIXE, water sample collection and preparation. The results are discussed in detail. (author). 7 refs., 26 figs., 6 tabs