Isotopic composition and concentration of Pb in suspended particulate matter of the Irish Sea reveals distribution and sources

Abstract

The isotopic composition and concentration of Pb was measured in suspended particulate matter of the Irish Sea. Aerosol, surficial and pre-industrial sediment was also analysed to provide information on sources terms. Concentrations of Pb in suspended sediments were lower than previously reported which presumably reflects the international effort to reduce Pb inputs to the environment. Lead concentrations were highest in Liverpool Bay and lowest in the western Irish Sea. A significant negative relationship between Pb and salinity suggests that present inputs and the resuspension of relict lead associated with particles in areas significantly affected by freshwater discharges are the predominant sources of Pb to the Irish Sea. The isotopic composition of Pb in the stratified region of the western Irish Sea demonstrates that atmospheric sources are also significant to this region, which is consistent with current knowledge on the hydrography. Pb isotopic ratios show that water entering the Irish Sea through St George’s Channel is significantly influenced by anthropogenic inputs prior to additional contamination by direct inputs to the Irish Sea.