| Summary: | There is an evolving exacerbation of the water quality in Corpus Christi, Aransas, Baffin, and Copano bays. This issue created the need to conduct a chemical characterization of their water quality parameters, major ions, trace metals (Mn, Fe, B, Ni, Zn, Co, Cu, Rb, Ag), and rare earth elements (REEs). Corpus Christi Bay was observed to have the highest conductivity value of 56432 S/cm. Zinc concentrations in the study area exceeded the acceptable limit for the survival of aquatic life (> 76.6 ppb). There are limitations with REE determination in seawater because of interferences with the salt matrix. In this research, an efficient preconcentration method for determining lanthanum, cerium, and europium was developed. Baffin Bay had the highest REE concentrations (19.4 ppb of Ce, 34.2 ppb of La, and 2.0 ppb of La). Filter comparison tests were also conducted to identify a proper analytical method for iron determination in seawater. The use of 2.5 μm filters allowed measurement of iron in seawater with more accuracy. This research was useful in identifying the parameters impacting the water quality in the study area. This is beneficial to regulatory agencies in their reinforcement of practices to ensure the preservation of water quality in the estuaries.
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