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Geochemistry of sediments in the back bay and Yellowknife Bay of the Great Slave Lake

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Environmental Geology and Water Sciences

Abstract

Gold mining activities generated wastes with high concentrations of arsenic and zinc in the vicinity of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Some of the waste material has been discharged into Yellowknife Bay of Great Slave Lake. Concentrations of arsenic and zinc were determined in sediment cores collected at the depositional areas of Yellowknife Bay. Sedimentation rates were estimated using two different radiometric approaches: the depth profiles of Cs-137 and Pb-210. Geochemical composition of the sediment cores indicated input of similar material into sampling areas over the past 50 years. Age profiles of the sediment constructed from the radionuclides measurements were used to determine historical trends of arsenic and zinc inputs into Yellowknife Bay. The historical record was in good agreement with implemented remedial actions and usage patterns of both elements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Water Research Institute, Burlington, Ontario, Canada

    A. Mudroch & S. R. Joshi

  2. Environmental Protection Service, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

    D. Sutherland & P. Mudroch

  3. Canadian Wildlife Service, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada

    K. M. Dickson

Authors
  1. A. Mudroch
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  2. S. R. Joshi
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  3. D. Sutherland
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  4. P. Mudroch
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  5. K. M. Dickson
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Mudroch, A., Joshi, S.R., Sutherland, D. et al. Geochemistry of sediments in the back bay and Yellowknife Bay of the Great Slave Lake. Environ. Geol. Water Sci 14, 35–42 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01740583

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01740583

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