A multivariate statistical analysis of selected western Nevada reservoirs: implications for ecology of Stillwater Lakes, Nevada

Abstract

Stillwater Lakes, located in western Nevada, has been experiencing a large number of fish and waterfowl deaths over the last few years. Since 1986, more than seven million fish and sixteen thousand birds have died at Stillwater Lakes, Nevada. Correspondence analysis of water quality data collected in June and September, 1986, from Stillwater Lakes and four control lakes\reservoirs (not associated with fauna death) attempts to investigate the correlation among sites associated with fauna deaths. This analysis identifies high correlation of Stillwater Lakes sites with boron and arsenic. A high correlation between boron, specific conductance, and dissolved solids is also identified. Anomalously high levels of boron, arsenic, specific conductance, and dissolved solids occur at TJ drain (located at Stillwater Lakes) which flows over a large geothermal anomaly. A possible geothermal source of contamination is indicated.