Mercury pollution in the lake sediments and catchment soils of anthropogenically-disturbed sites across England. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Handong; Turner, Simon; Rose, Neil L.
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 219(2016)
• Page Start: 1092
• Page End: 1101
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Urban and suburban lakes -- Mercury -- Catchment inputs -- Lake restoration; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: Sediment cores and soil samples were taken from nine lakes and their catchments across England with varying degrees of direct human disturbance. Mercury (Hg) analysis demonstrated a range of impacts, many from local sources, resulting from differing historical and contemporary site usage and management. Lakes located in industrially important areas showed clear evidence for early Hg pollution with concentrations in sediments reaching 400–1600 ng g −1 prior to the mid-19th century. Control of inputs resulting from local management practices and a greater than 90% reduction in UK Hg emissions since 1970 were reflected by reduced Hg pollution in some lakes. However, having been a sink for Hg deposition for centuries, polluted catchment soils are now the major Hg source for most lakes and consequently recovery from reduced Hg deposition is being delayed. Graphical abstract: Highlights: The sediment record in urban and suburban lakes across England can provide a reliable Hg pollution history for individual lakes. These sediments may not reflect atmospheric deposition trends. Comparison of multiple urban lakes reveals Hg pollution by the industrial revolution, or local industry and urbanisation in England. Catchment inputs have become the major Hg source for most lakes for over the last hundred years. Abstract : Urban and suburban lake sediments across England reveal mercury pollution by local industry and urbanisation, while catchment inputs have become the major source of Hg for most lakes.