Hydrocarbons in the surficial sediments of lakes St. Claire, Erie, and Ontario
The present study was undertaken to collect some initial data on the hydrocarbon concentrations in surficial sediments of lakes St. Claire, Erie, and Ontario. The distribution of hydrocarbons in these lakes followed the general patterns found for a number of contaminants, in that the distribution tended to coincide with the outlines of the sedimentary basins. The highest concentrations were found in the Western Basin of Lake Erie and in the inshore zone around the west end of the lake, suggesting major inputs from the Detroit River. Apart from some spots of high concentration around known dumping grounds, the concentrations gradually diminish toward the east. The distribution pattern in Lake Ontario may be more readily ascribed to water circulation patterns than to any specific source around the lake. The hydrocarbon levels were found to be significantly lower than those in Lake Erie. In Lake St. Clair only trace quantities of hydrocarbons were found, suggesting either low inputs or low sedimentation/accumulation rates due to its shallowness. Although the present survey was limited to the top 3 cm of the sediments, the resulting distribution patterns indicate the western end of the Lake Erie as the area with the heaviest hydrocarbon loadings. 14 references, 4 figures, 4 tables.
- Research Organization:
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Burlington, Ontario
- OSTI ID:
- 5324836
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Geol. Wat. Sci.; (United States), Vol. 6:1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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