Relationship between concentrations of aluminum, cadmium, lead, and zinc in water, sediments, and aquatic macrophytes in six acidic lakes

Abstract

Assessment of trace element behavior in a series of six clear-water acidic lakes in northwestern New Jersey indicated that, while there was considerable variation over time, in general, the most acidic lakes exhibited the highest water column concentrations of aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Concentrations of Cd and Zn in the upper 2.5 cm of sediment from two of the most acidic sites were markedly lower than those from other lakes. Submerged species of aquatic macrophytes generally contained higher trace element levels than did floating-leafed species. Concentrations of Al and Pb were highest in specimens growing in the most acidic lakes. Pb:Zn ratios varied dramatically, with Pb levels greatly exceeding those of Zn in several species of macrophytes in highly acidic Long Pine Pond and Crater Lake.