Trace elements in alpine and arctic lake sediments as a record of diffuse atmospheric contamination across Europe
Abstract
We surveyed the distribution of several trace elements in contemporary and pre-industrial sediment s in 275 lakes in alpine and arctic lake districts across Europe including the Pyrenees, Alps, the Rila Mountains, Retezat, Julian Alps, Tatras, Scottish mountains, Central Norway and Greenland. Sediment cores were collected at the deepest part of each lake and analysed at two depths (surface sediment and at 15-17 cm depth) for Ti, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, As, Hg and Se.
The concentrations of trace elements found in the lakes included in the survey are comparable to those reported in aquatic sediments receiving higher contamination loads. With the exception of Greenland, a large percentage of lakes showed enrichment factors for most elements well above 1.5, indicating atmospheric contamination.