Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of Lake Kenon (The Trans-Baikal Territory, Russia).

Abstract

Concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediments of Lake Kenon in descending order are distributed as follows: Mn > Zn > Pb > Mo > Cd. Spatial distribution of metals in bottom sediments of Lake Kenon depends on composition of bottom deposits (sands in shallow water and sapropel silt in the deep part), location of contamination sources (thermal power station, residential area), as well as density and duration of growth of aquatic plants. The greatest pollution of bottom sediments was observed in the area of TPP-1. Due to the intense and all-year-round process of aquatic vegetation growth in the area of TPP-1 contaminants are being accumulated in the bottom sediments of this part of the lake. However, plants that absorb metals in excess amounts and are passively moved by currents through of the system become a source of contamination of bottom sediments in relatively clean parts of the water reservoirs.