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A novel method using sedimentary metals and GIS for measuring anthropogenic change in coastal lake environments

  • Sediment Quality • Research Article
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Abstract

Background, aim and scope

A new method using sedimentary metals and geographic information system as indicators for assessing temporal and spatial anthropogenic change in estuaries has been applied to a large coastal lake (Lake Macquarie) in New South Wales, Australia.

Materials, methods and results

Two vintages of data (1975 and 2003) on surficial sediment metal (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) concentrations combined with 210Pb core profiles were used to determine past changes in sediment quality and to predict possible future relaxation rates for the entire lake area in response to change in anthropogenic pressure. Sediment cores showed distinct vertical profiles; sedimentation rates in the northern part of the lake were consistent (14 mm year−1) over the 55-year period investigated.

Discussion and conclusions

Surficial metal concentrations were highest in the 1975 sediment than in the 2003 samples, with the northern part of Lake Macquarie having much greater metal concentrations than the rest of the lake. Past and future declining sedimentary metal concentrations in the northern part of the lake were expected due to the closure of a nearby Pb–Zn smelter; however, possible increases in Cu in the south of the lake to the year 2020 were surprising. The new method presented in this study can assist estuary managers by providing data on past, present and future conditions, which are essential in making informed decisions for the improvement of estuarine systems.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Lake Macquarie City Council and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO, AINSE grant/ref. no. AINGRA07013) for financial support for this project. Datasets used included 1:100,000 and 1:250,000 topographic maps from Geoscience Australia and the New South Wales Department of Natural Resources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Geology Group, School of Geosciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    Marco Antonio Olmos & Gavin F. Birch

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  1. Marco Antonio Olmos
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  2. Gavin F. Birch
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Correspondence to Marco Antonio Olmos.

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Responsible editor: Zhihong Xu

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Olmos, M.A., Birch, G.F. A novel method using sedimentary metals and GIS for measuring anthropogenic change in coastal lake environments. Environ Sci Pollut Res 17, 270–287 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-009-0250-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-009-0250-1

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