HEAVY METAL DISTRIBUTION IN SANBORN LAKE, OK

Freshwater lakes in Oklahoma are often used for recreation, however, smaller lakes are not monitored as often as larger bodies of water are and their overall environmental condition, including the heavy metal contents and oxygenation, often remains unknown. Here we present data from Sanborn Lake, Stillwater Oklahoma, a local lake that is often used for recreation. Water Samples were collected over several months and tested for heavy metals. We also monitored the sediment phase to see if anything was precipitating out of the water column and to reconstruct potential changes in the bottom water redox conditions. We found concentrations of heavy metals well within the EPA guidelines except for one sight, which had slightly elevated concentrations than the rest of the body of water. With the levels within EPA guidelines, the lake has generally good health but contributing bodies may not be as healthy as the main lake. This is important because Sanborn Lake continues to be used as a recreational area by the community and has housing nearby. Any changes in the environmental conditions of the lake should be monitored to identify and address any potential effects on the wildlife and community.