Anthropogenically derived changes in the sedimentary flux of Mg, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, and P in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982 · Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00095a009· OSTI ID:5581189

Rippey, B; Murphy, R J; Kyle, S W

The concentration-depth behavior of Mg, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, and P in three sediment cores from a central site in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland, was examined for changes in the sedimentary flux of these elements. Two main periods of change were found. A change in the catchment erosion-leaching regime in the 17th century, caused by widespread and comprehensive woodland clearance, produced increased sedimentary Mg, Cu, and Pb concentrations. A second and larger change occurred after about 1880 A.D. Cr, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, and P, and , to a lesser extent, Ni concentrations increase toward the sediment surface. Differing P and trace-metal profiles, a comparison of the estimated anthropogenic sedimentary flux with background atmospheric contributions, and a general comparison with other situations all suggest that background atmospheric sources make a substantial contribution to the more recent Cu, Zn, Hg, and Pb sedimentary contamination. The trace-metal contamination of Lough Neagh is part of a global pattern.

• Research Organization: New Univ. of Ulster, Northern Ireland
• OSTI ID: 5581189
• Journal Information: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States) Vol. 16:1; ISSN ESTHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
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AIR POLLUTION
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
CHEMISTRY
CHROMIUM
CONTAMINATION
COPPER
DEPOSITION
DISSOLUTION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
ELEMENTS
EROSION
EUROPE
GEOCHEMISTRY
LAND POLLUTION
LEACHING
LEAD
MAGNESIUM
MERCURY
METALS
NICKEL
NONMETALS
PHOSPHORUS
POLLUTION
QUANTITY RATIO
SEDIMENTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
UNITED KINGDOM
WESTERN EUROPE
ZINC