Uranium in Groundwater

Customer: Mew Mexico – Espanola Valley Water Clinic

Application: Metals analysis in ground water

Description: Groundwater samples were submitted by well owners from different regions of New Mexico (around Espanola region) at a water clinic sponsored by the Good Water Company (Testing Service).

Problem/Task: The groundwater in this region is contaminated with natural uranium, often above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 30 ppb uranium.

ANDalyze Solution: These samples were tested on-site with the ANDalyze Uranium100 sensor and compared to ICP data obtained at the University of Illinois. Note that all these samples were preserved in acid and neutralized before testing with the ANDalyze sensor. Dilution was performed when sample concentration exceeded detection range of the sensor.

• Correlation with ICP laboratory results was within acceptable range for field testing.
• ŸThe solution enabled technicians to take readings on-site and give feedback immediately.
• ŸLower cost than one-off lab metals analysis

Advantages at New Mexico Ground Water Clinic:

• Ÿ Fast and easy testing avoided time consuming sample preservation, handling, labeling, storage and shipping
• Ÿ Speed of result allows instant decision on whether uranium problem existed at ground water sites
• Ÿ It was an advantage to test many samples on site.

Testing Results – New Mexico Ground Water Uranium Levels