ISSN:
1573-2932
Keywords:
lead
;
pollution
;
Ontario
;
Quebec
;
lakes
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
Notes:
Abstract The isotopic composition of lead pollution in the environment provides information as to the source of emission. The 206Pb/207Pb ratio for Canadian industrial emissions (1.153±0.005) is significantly less than U.S. industrial emissions (1.213±0.008) making it possible to determine the relative contributions of emissions from both countries within Eastern North America by means of a simple isotopic mixing model. Profundal sediments in lakes chronicle contaminant inputs and are therefore useful monitors of environmental pollution. Surface sediment from 32 sediment cores across Quebec and Ontario, Canada were analyzed for 206Pb/207Pb to ascertain the relative proportions of Pb emission from Canada and the U.S.A. Data show that U.S. contributions to the total lead burden in surficial sediments across much of southern Quebec and Ontario are often in excess of 50%. Local sources were particularly important in the Eastern Township region of Quebec which lies 200 km south east of the city of Montreal. The results are discussed in relation to the major sources of industrial lead emissions in North America.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00283566
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