Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/S0375-6742(01)00185-6
Title (Primary) Lake Süßer See as a natural sink for heavy metals from copper mining
Author Becker, A.; Klöck, W.; Friese, K.; Schreck, P.; Treutler, H.-C.; Spettel, B.; Duff, M.C.; Eisenächer, W.
Source Titel Journal of Geochemical Exploration
Year 2001
Department SEEFO; ANA; GM
Volume 74
Issue 1-3
Page From 205
Page To 217
Language englisch
Keywords lake sediments; heavy metals; crystal chemistry; speciation; human activity; mining
Abstract Lake Süßer See, west of Halle, Germany, is a natural sink for heavy metals, which are abundant in the streams crossing the Mansfeld copper shale mining and smelting district in Central Germany. The lake and its environment serve as a recreational area for the local residents. We investigated the vertical distribution of key metals such as Cu, Pb and Zn in the lake sediments. To estimate the future stability of the heavy metals in the lake sediments, speciation analysis of the metals was carried out on selected samples using several analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction, synchrotron-based X-ray fluorescence imaging, microprobe X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The lake sediments contain up to 5% Zn, 5000 ppm Pb, 4500 ppm Cu and 2000 ppm As. These maximum values are reached within the upper 60 cm of the sediment. There is a general trend of decreasing metal concentrations with depth. Several potential metal sources of geogenic and anthropogenic pollutants have to be taken into account. Pollutants of geogenic origin are mainly heavy metals from the outcropping copper shale at the periphery of the Mansfeld geosyncline. Man-made pollutants are dominated by seepage from the mine tailings and smelting products of copper shale mining (in particular scrubber dust, ‘Theisen-sludge’). Trace elements and their ratios in the lake sediments can serve as geochemical tracers. These tracers could help to identify the main sources of pollution. The data show that scrubber dust is the main carrier of the heavy metal contamination in the lake sediments.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=6195
Becker, A., Klöck, W., Friese, K., Schreck, P., Treutler, H.-C., Spettel, B., Duff, M.C., Eisenächer, W. (2001):
Lake Süßer See as a natural sink for heavy metals from copper mining
J. Geochem. Explor. 74 (1-3), 205 - 217 10.1016/S0375-6742(01)00185-6