Abstract
The concentrations of organic matter, major elements and trace elements were determined at 14 core locations in Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. The chemical composition of the cores was related to the sediment particle size, Eh, pH, chronology and location of sampling site.
Concentrations of Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ti, K and Na, which represent the major mineral species in the sediments, are generally uniform in each core. Surface enrichments of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Be, V, Org-C, N and P are observed at most locations, with their concentrations, usually much greater above the Ambrosia horizon (≈ 120 yr BP), irrespective of the depth of the horizon. The enrichment of these elements is attributed to anthropogenic inputs in recent years. Concentration profiles for Mn and S are related to the migration of these elements in the pore waters.
Anthropogenic loadings of the trace metals and nutrients parallel the population and degree of industrialization of each lake drainage basin. Natural loadings parallel the sedimentation rates. Although it is not possible to evaluate the contributions of the trace metals from various sources, evidence is presented that atmospheric inputs are important.
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Kemp, A.L.W., Thomas, R.L. Impact of man's activities on the chemical composition in the sediments of Lakes Ontario, Erie and Huron. Water Air Soil Pollut 5, 469–490 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280847
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00280847