Evidence of deposition of anthropogenic pollutants in remote rocky mountain lakes

Abstract

Thirteen trace elements, the PAH fluoranthene and PCBs were measured in the sediments of four remote high altitude lakes in Rocky Mountain National Park. PCBs were found in the sediments of all four lakes providing substantial evidence of anthropogenic inputs, most likely through atmospheric transport. The results were less certain, but still suggestive as to the anthropogenic origins for the elements As, Cd, Pb, and Sb and the PAH fluoranthene. Several of these elements, as well as fluoranthene and the PCBs, were found to be elevated in surface sediments compared to samples taken at greater depths, inferring that loadings of these substances into Rocky Mountain National Park region have increased with time.