Distribution of mercury in unconsolidated sediments from southern Lake Michigan

Journal Article · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1971 · Environ. Geol. Notes, Ill. State Geol. Surv.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6308168

Kennedy, E J; Ruch, R R; Shimp, N F

The mercury content of 132 unconsolidated sediment samples from 31 sampling stations in southern Lake Michigan was determined by a radiochemical separation technique. In the deep central portion of the southern part of the lake and in areas west of Benton Harbor, Michigan, and southwest of Grand Haven, Michigan, mercury has accumulated (0.1 to 0.4 part per million) in the uppermost sediment layers. A base level of 0.03 to 0.06 ppm mercury is found at depth in the cores. In sandy areas along the southern and southwestern shores no accumulation of mercury is apparent near the surface of the sediments; an accumulation at a lower interval in these areas is believed to be associated with the presence of metal sulfides. Mercury concentrations in the sediment-water interface samples evidently vary with the organic carbon and total sulfur concentrations of the samples.

• OSTI ID: 6308168
• Journal Information: Environ. Geol. Notes, Ill. State Geol. Surv.; (United States), Journal Name: Environ. Geol. Notes, Ill. State Geol. Surv.; (United States) Vol. 44; ISSN IEGNA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200* -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
BUILDUP
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GREAT LAKES
LAKE MICHIGAN
LAKES
MASS TRANSFER
MERCURY
METALS
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
SEDIMENTS
SURFACE WATERS
VARIATIONS