Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID NV_2025_UNLV_Perzan

Influence of Aridification on Future Phosphorus Storage and Mobility in the Las Vegas Wash

Institute: Nevada
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $48,000 Total Non-Federal Funds: $48,000

Principal Investigators: Zach Perzan

Project Summary: Phosphorus pollution impacts rivers and lakes in Nevada, such as Lake Mead. When there is too much phosphorus in a lake, it can lead to harmful algal blooms. These algal blooms make the water unsafe for people, pets, and wildlife. The Las Vegas Wash is a main source of phosphorus to Lake Mead. Wetlands and floodplains along the Wash can trap phosphorus before it reaches the lake. Yet, drought in Nevada has led to sediment instability. Storms can wash unstable sediments into the lake through erosion. This erosion may carry phosphorus to the lake and lead to algal blooms. We currently know little about phosphorus in the sediments of the Las Vegas Wash. This project will collect sediment samples in the Wash and test them for phosphorus. Our results will help us understand how this sediment affects the water quality of Lake Mead.