Nitrogen and Phosphorus Hydrochemistry in Las Vegas Wash

摘要

The sources of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient species, the chemical reactions occurring, and the parameters of nutrient uptake were studied for the Las Vegas Wash hydrologic system. Las Vegas Wash, a natural drainage channel running from Las Vegas Valley to Lake Mead-Colorado River, has been the site of extensive urbanization in the past 20 years. The waste water increases associated with this development resulted in declining surface and groundwater quality and eutrophication of the Lake. Stricter effluent nutrient concentration standards were imposed and the effect of these standards is assessed. Water level measurements were taken in 14 wells in the area using a hand-held tape measure. Changes in water levels from the summer of 1975 to the summer of 1978 were determined.