Point- and nonpoint-source trace elements in a wild and scenic river of northern New Mexico.

Variations in water quality of the upper Rio Grande and Red River are presented. A downstream increase in concentrations of various constituents, at times approaching or exceeding water quality standards, occurred due to leaching of natural ore bodies and permitted discharges from molybdenum mill tailings ponds. Nonpoint sources are a major cause of elevated trace element concentrations.-from Author