Abstract
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.
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