Bottom Sediment Cores Research Articles

Distribution of Np, Pu and Am in water, suspended matter, and bottom sediments of Peter the Great Bay

The content of237Np,239,240Pu, and241Am in seawater, suspended matter, and bottom sediment cores of the Ussuri and Amur Bays, sampled in July 2021 and August 2022, was analyzed. The activity concentrations of237Np,239,240Pu, and241Am in the water of Peter the Great Bay were determined for the first time and were found to be equal to (19–105) × 10–3, 2.0–5.3, and 24.1–33.5 mBq/m3, respectively. The activity concentrations as well as the239Pu/240Pu isotope ratio (~0.18) in the bottom sediments definitely indicate that global fallout is the main source of plutonium in the investigated territory. The sedimentation rates were determined for the Amur Bay (in the Razdolnaya River estuary), 0.9 mm/year, and for the Ussuri Bay, 4.1 mm/year. Actinide transfer coefficients were determined for Peter the Great Bay in the system dissolved forms, including colloids–suspended matter–bottom sediment.

Application of Constant Rate of Supply Model for the Determination of Sediment Accumulation Rates and Chronology of Bukit Merah Reservoir Perak, Malaysia

The Constant Rate of Supply (CRS) model is used to measure the continuous influx of unsupported 210Pb into the sediment, allowing for the assessment of changes in the rate of sediment accumulation due to anthropogenic impacts over time. Thus, the CRS model was used to analyze a 25 cm bottom sediment core extracted from Bukit Merah Reservoir. Results revealed a high sedimentation rate in the reservoir, which ranged from 0.14 to 0.37 gcm-2 yr-1, with a mean sedimentation rate of 0.31 cm yr-1. The presence of 137Cs was not observed in the core, while the activity of 241Am was detected in two isolated samples but was insufficient for use as a marker. The constant rate of 210Pb supply (CRS) model dated the oldest sediments (22.5-24.5 cm) to AD 1985 ± 34 years of human influences. Overall, the sedimentation rate in the reservoir experienced a rapid increase from the 1980s to the 2000s and fluctuated to the top of the core indicating continuous anthropogenic impacts on the reservoir. The study identified continuous increases in agricultural activities, expansion in the tourism industry, population growth, and changes in land use, as the main cause of heightened sedimentation and sediment particles delivery into the reservoir. Therefore, urgent measures are needed to address the current siltation state of the reservoir.

Provenance changes of the holocene deposits of Oga and Tsivolki bays (Novaya Zemlya archipelago) according to SR, ND, PB isotope data

The paper is devoted to the Sr-, Nd-, Pb-isotope data obtained for two cores of bottom sediments taken in the Oga and Tsivolki bays of the Severny Island of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago. The studied sequence of sediments from Oga Bay has been accumulated over the last thousand years. The 87Sr/86Sr ratio decreases from top to bottom down the section from 0.72225 to 0.71995, the value of εNd varies from –6.1 to –5.5. The Pb isotopic composition varies within narrow limits: the 206Pb/204Pb ratio from 19.107 to 19.139, the 207Pb/204Pb ratio from 15.632 to 15.635, and the 208Pb/204Pb ratio from 38.568 to 38.635. A rapid decrease in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio at a relatively stable neodymium and lead isotope composition indicates a change in the source of the clastogenic material. This can be explained by the fact that the material of the destruction of Permian clay shales, and then the Devonian-Silurian sedimentary carbonates, first entered the area of glacier abrasion and further, respectively, into the sedimentation zone. The sediment column from the Tsivolki Bay was formed over a little more than 10 thousand years. Based on the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope ratios, these bottom sediments are divided into lower and upper parts: before and after 150 cm (or ~3500 years). In the lower part of the column, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio increases from 0.72055 to 0.72580, the value of εNd remains approximately the same and varies around –8.2. In the upper part, the 87Sr/86Sr ratio drops to 0.72049 in the near-surface layer; at the same time, the value of εNd increases to –6.4. At the boundary of these two units, the 206Pb/204Pb ratio abruptly changes from about 18.0 in the lower part to 19.3 in the upper part and 208Pb/204Pb from about 36.5 in the lower part to 38.7 in the upper part of the section. The change in the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope characteristics is likely a reflection of changes in the composition of the rocks in the area where the basin was removed, which is now being eroded by the glacier. Comparison with modern sources supplying clastic material to the Kara Sea showed that the material inputs the Oga and Tsivolki bays only from Novaya Zemlya.

Baltic Sea shipwrecks as a source of hazardous pollution

Background Shipwrecks on the Baltic Sea seabed pose a serious threat to the marine environment. Fuel, ammunition and chemicals in their holds can enter the ecosystem at any time, causing an ecological disaster. It is known that oil spills from ship accidents can affect life and health of different species of animals, both immediately after catastrophe and for many years thereafter. This article discusses the negative impact of shipwrecks on the ecological status of the Baltic Sea and presents the contamination status of bottom sediment core samples taken in the vicinity of shipwrecks located in the South Baltic, i.e., S/s Stuttgart, t/s Franken, S/T Burgmeister Petersen and m/s Sleipner. It is based on the results of research carried out by the Maritime Institute between 2011 and 2016. Methods Core samples were taken by a VKG-2 vibrating probe and analysed towards content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and total organic carbon (TOC). Seven PAHs and Seven PCBs were determined using solid phase extraction (SPE) technique followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. In order to determine the concentration of TPH, the SPE technique was applied followed by gas chromatography with flame ionisation detector (GC-FID) analysis. TOC content was established by TOC analyser using infrared detection. Results Samples taken in the vicinity of the S/s Stuttgart shipwreck have shown the highest concentrations of all analysed parameters compared to the examined wrecks and significantly differed from the results typical for these areas. This studies have shown that the S/s Stuttgart shipwreck poses a serious threat to the marine environment of Baltic Sea and it is necessary to continue studies in this area and to perform a wider range of analysis.

Reconstructing the Holocene Development of Lake Chaika as an Example of Wetland Formation within the Sand Spit Environment Dynamics: A Case Study from the Curonian Spit, Southeastern Baltic, Russia

The paper provides original data that shed light on the formation dynamics of Lake Chaika, which is situated in the central part of the Curonian Spit and is the only large water body in the sand spits of the southeastern Baltic. Based on the multi-proxy approach, incl. investigation of the lithological structure of the bottom sediment cores, loss-on-ignition analysis, diatom analysis, study of macrofossil remains, and radiocarbon dating, we revealed that Lake Chaika was formed already in historical time, around 200 years ago. Before this period, the lake kettle, presumably, has not submerged during the Littorina transgressions, enabling the terrestrial development of the ecosystems on the moraine protrusion. During the mid-late Holocene (6700–150 cal BP), this depression was occupied by the peat-forming fen and alder carr communities. The peat deposits are separated from the overlying layers of gyttja by the thin sand horizon. We consider it a time marker for the so-called “sand disaster”, which occurred on the territory of the Curonian Spit in the 18th century (≈1700–1800). The change in the hydrological regime of the lake launched the ecosystem shifts during the last two centuries: from the water body to a wetland and vice versa. It is stated eight formation phases of the lake’s ecosystem: the terrestrial development without wet habitats (8900–6700 cal BP), the period of alder carrs (6700–3400 calBP), the sedge fen period (3400–450 cal BP), the period of inundated forest (1500–1700 AD), the “sand disaster” period (1700–1800 AD), the period of eutrophic water body (1800–1900 AD), the period of terrestrialised wetland (1900–1950 AD), and the period of secondary development of eutrophic water body (after 1950 AD).

Polyunsaturated long-chain alkenones in the lake sediments of North-Minusinsk valley (southern Siberia) as a paleo-indicator of climate change

The research of biochemical thermo- and salt-sensitive markers - long-chain alkenones in sediments of lakes of the North Minusinsk valley is an important contribution to the understanding of climatic changes in this region. We found that the total concentration of alkenones in the top layers of bottom sediments of saline lakes increases significantly at a salinity of about 20 g l-1. Also, it was found that the average chain length of alkenones in the surface sediments rises with increasing salinity and thus can be used as an indicator of salinity, and the ratio of alkenones C37/C38 varies widely, suggesting that this index can be used as a paleo-indicator of salinity. The high correlation between ,  and  indices with salinity indicates their potential for paleosalinity reconstruction. The obtained functional dependences were additionally verified in the core of bottom sediments of Lake Utichie-3 and confirmed the possibility of using alkenones as a paleo-indicator of climatically determined salinity changes in endorheic lakes. The taxonomic composition of haptophyte algae and alkenone composition in the studied lakes were comparable to lakes in prairie regions of North America.

New Data on the Mineral and Geochemical Composition of Bottom Sediments in the Tanatar Soda Lakes (Kulunda Plain, Russia)

The lakes of the Kulunda plain have long attracted the attention of researchers. A detailed 10 geochemical testing of a chain of four small soda lakes of the Tanatar group allowed answering a 11 number of questions. We used a complex of modern methods of mineralogy and geochemistry to 12 update and add new data on the main phases of bottom sediments. The studied lakes have a pH ≥ 8 13 and a TDS of 2.1–41.5 g/L and a soda water composition. It has been established that over the 14 past ∼ 100 years there has been no change in the mineral composition of bottom sediments. The 15 main phases of the bottom sediments consist of intermediate and high – Mg calcite and Ca-excess 16 dolomite. Magnesite is presented only as a small impurity. The formation and accumulation of these 17 minerals occur throughout the core of bottom sediments. According to received data, a change in the 18 hydrological regime of the catchment area was established. The feeding regime of the lakes has been 19 changed because of the drying up of the Rublevaya River.

Precious Metals in the Holocene Sediments of the Chukchi Sea

Abstract ––We studied the distribution of gold, silver, and platinum group elements (Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, and Ru) in two bottom sediment cores of the southern Chukchi Sea. It is shown that the Holocene pelite–silty sediments with an age of up to 4.0 ka BP are significantly enriched in these elements, except for Ru and Rh, relative to their clarkes. Native silver minerals were found in all samples by probe microanalysis, whereas gold minerals were revealed only in the surface layer of the sediment core closest to the Chukchi Sea coast. Multicomponent statistical analysis of the chemical composition and grain size of the sediments and the content of organic matter in them has led to the conclusion about the accumulation of clastogenic and chemogenic forms of precious metals. The abnormally high content of gold (0.3 ppm) in the recent sediments near the Chukchi Peninsula coast might be due to its additional removal from the continent as a result of the placer mining there.

What cooling pond sediments can reveal about 14C in nuclear power plant liquid effluents: Case study Lake Drūkšiai, Ignalina nuclear power plant cooling pond.

The vertical distribution of radiocarbon (14C) was examined in two bottom sediment cores, taken from Lake Drūkšiai which had been used as a cooling pond for the Ignalina nuclear power plant (INPP) with two RBMK type reactors. The aim of this work was to reconstruct 14C amounts in the lake ecosystem during an 8-year period after the INPP was closed, as any official monitoring of 14C in liquid releases from the INPP was not performed. The possibility of comparing the variation of the 14C specific activity in the corresponding layers of the same period of 3 different cores (one taken in 2013 and two in 2019) revealed the variability of the determined values of liquid radiocarbon discharges from the INPP into the lake. Cores taken in 2019 showed a permament14C release rate of 0.76±0.06 GBq/y all eight years after the closure of the INPP. The 14C release rate established from radiocarbon measurements in both cores did not differ by more than 0.8 GBq/y. However, including data from the core taken several years ago, the estimated radiocarbon release rate values varied within 1.3 GBq/y.

CLADOCERA COMMUNITIES OF LAKE ARCTO-PIMBERTO (NENETS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT) IN THE MIDDLE AND LATE HOLOCENE<a href="#FN1"><sup>1</sup></a>

The analysis of the subfossil Cladocera community in the bottom sediments from Lake Arcto-Pimberto located in the Pechora River delta (Nenets Autonomous District) was carried out. A 95-cm-long continuous core of bottom sediments was collected in the deepest part of the lake and covers approximately 6400 years of sediment accumulation during Middle and Late Holocene. 17 cladoceran taxa were identified in the studied core. Species with Holarctic and Palearctic distributions prevailed in the lake. Most of the identified subfossil remains belong to pelagic species living in the open part of the lake. Found fragments of chitinized remains of Rhynchotalona falcata and Alonopsis elongata indicate the presence of sandy soils in the water body. The samples were dominated by Bosmina (Eubosmina) longispina and Chydorus cf. sphaericus, which are evenly distributed along the continuous sediment core. We have studied the history of the development and evolution of the lake based on changing of the taxonomic composition of microcrustaceans in the bottom sediment core. The structure of the subfossil Cladocera community stayed relatively constant. The ratio of pelagic and littoral-phytophilic taxa changed slightly. Depending on the changes in the species composition of the cladoceran assemblage, the sediment core was divided into 4 ecological zones. In the early history of sedimentation in the lake, there is a small peak in the abundance of crustaceans, followed by decrease and further gradual increase towards the upper horizons of the column. Between from 5700 cal. years BP to 2100 cal. years BP there is an increase in abundance of pelagic organisms, with a decrease in abundance of littoral taxa. This marks the presence of a well-developed pelagic part of the reservoir at that time. In the upper zones, we observe the taxonomic diversity of littoral organisms and an increase in abundance of their remains. The Shannon-Weaver species diversity Index showed a simple organization of the community of subfossil Cladocera. The Pantle and Buck saprobity Index characterized the lake as oligosaprobic, this status is maintained throughout its evolution of the lake.

MINERAL COMPOSITION AND FORMATION CONDITIONS OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE SMALL LAKES IF THE UKOK PLATEAU (ALTAI)<a href="#FN1"><sup>1</sup></a>

Numerous modern lakes appeared in the intermountain basins and on the high-elevation plateaus of Altai within the immediate distribution of glaciation in the Neo-Pleistocene. There is little known about the geochemical processes of autigenic mineral formation in lake systems under conditions of nival sedimentogenesis. The study of cores of bottom sediments of 8 high-altitude lakes of Altai showed that the waters of the lakes are fresh bicarbonate with variations in the cationic composition of Ca–Na. The bottom sediments of lakes are characterized by different ratios of mineral detrital material, autigenic minerals (calcite, gypsum, pyrite, illite) and mortmass of plant residues. In the bottom sediments of lakes located within the same basin (Bertek or Tarkhatinskaya), the absolute concentrations of elements differ within one standard deviation, with the exception of significant variations in the contents of individual elements (Mo, U, Li, Be). The enrichment of bottom sediments of lakes (Argamdzhi, Teply Klyuch, Krasnoe) with these elements is associated with the presence of ore concentrations (Mo, U, Li, Be) in the local catchment areas of a single lake. The mineral associations of the sediments of the studied lakes differ from each other in the composition of autigenic minerals, and from rocks, soils of catchment areas in the composition of layered silicates. In the composition of fine-scaled, tangled fibrous aggregates of the bottom sediment illite, the amount of iron is 2-4 times greater than in the composition of lamellar aggregates of micas, chlorites from rocks, soils of catchment areas. Cryogenic processes have determined the crystallization of gypsum nodules in the lakes Argamdzhi and Small Tarkhatinskoye; and calcite aggregates in Zerlyukol-Nur and Large Tarkhatinskoye in significant volumes for lakes with fresh water composition.

RELATIVE SEA-LEVEL CHANGE OF THE WHITE SEA IN THE LATE GLACIAL AND HOLOCENE: CASE STUDY OF THE SREDNYAYA TRET’ LAKE, EASTERN COAST OF THE GORLO STRAIT<a href="#FN4"><sup>4</sup></a>

The relative sea-level changes for the time interval of ~12.1–9.1 ka cal BP were reconstructed on the eastern coast of the Gorlo Strait using the results of paleolimnological, GPR and geomorphological analyses conducted in the basin of the Srednyaya Tret’ Lake (7.3 m a.s.l., 66.014009° N, 41.086294° E), as well as UAV surveying of the lake surroundings. Bottom sediments of the lake were studied from the four core sections and correlated with each other according to the results of GPR data interpretation. Lithostratigraphic descriptions of bottom sediment cores, grain-size and diatom analyses, radiocarbon dating (AMS), determination of LOI, Corg content and Corg /Norg ratio were performed. We present the reconstruction of the coastlines at heights of 4–5 and 12–15 m formed by currents and/or wave processes within the lower Ruch’i River valley and Srednyaya Tret’ Lake according to field observations and interpretation of space images. As a result, the position of the relative sea-level and the chronology of the Late Glacial (Younger Dryas) transgression and the early stages of the Holocene (Tapes) transgression were refined. Late glacial transgression finished earlier than ~12.1 ka cal BP, and its relative level was probably no higher than 15 m a.s.l. After a deep regression, the relative sea-level approached the modern again ~9.5 ka cal BP, and at the Tapes transgression maximum (~9.1 ka cal BP) it was near the lake runoff threshold (∼5 m). Though the coastline was near the lake basin, sea waters never entered the lake. Sands, carried by the wind, accumulated in the part of the basin facing the coast. The the Srednyaya Tret’ Lake basin was gradually filled by fresh water according to the results of diatom analysis.

MERCURY BACKGROUND IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF THE EASTERN ARCTIC

On the basis of dated bottom sediment cores, layers accumulated in the pre-industrial period were selected. They determine the mercury concentrations, which are the geochemical background for the selected water areas. The variability of mercury concentrations in the sediments of the inner shelf is small (20–30 μg/kg) and can be used as a basis for environmental assessment in the economic development of the Arctic regions.

Предварительные результаты исследования хронологии осадконакопления в Центральной впадине Баренцева моря

The article represents the results of the study of bottom sediment cores taken from the R/V “Dalnie Zelentsy” in the Central Depression of the Barents Sea during the 2022 expedition. The exposed stratum of bottom sediments is composed of silty-pelitic material, in some layers there is an admixture of uneven-grained sand and grains of well-rounded gravel. The chronology of sedimentation was determined by changing the specific activity of excess 210Pb, the obtained data were verified by 137Cs. The rate of sedimentation in the study area over the past 120 years has varied within 0.05–0.1 cm/year.

Transformation of Malacological Fauna of the Sea of Azov in the Holocene and Its Role in the Formation of Coastal Spits

The study and analysis of malacofauna from cores of bottom sediments and cores of the Azov spits showed the nature of the change during the transition from the Ancient Azovian to the New Azovian layers and the uneven distribution of communities in time and space. Shell material from littoral malacocenosis and shallow-water banks is the main component for the formation of spits. Based on a series of cores up to 25 m thick from the Dolgaya Spit, it is shown that its formation began about 2500 years ago, and carbonate material reflects the history of the development of the benthic fauna of the sea.

Lithological and Geochemical Indicators of Ice Gouging: Evidences from Holocene Sediments in the East Siberian Sea

Abstract —Cores of Holocene bottom sediment collected in the East Siberian Sea revealed layers with mixed textures and layers with breaks in sedimentation corresponding to the two sea levels defined as modern (upper) and Early Holocene (lower). The layers are characterized by distinctly chaotic variability in textural pattern (mottled appearance, multidirectional banding), colorimetric and geochemical parameters (sawtooth-like distribution curves). Such character of changes is associated with the physical action of dragging keels of ice/icebergs exerted on the seafloor and is referred to as ice gauging (scouring). Its analysis can be used for identification of ice scour-affected layers in other sediment cores collected in this region, and for the purpose of creating a representative database, predicting their occurrence and developing adequate measures to minimize the damaging impact from drifting sea ice and icebergs on the seafloor within the bounds of the Arctic shelf.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE MALACOLOGICAL FAUNA OF THE SEA OF AZOV IN THE HOLOCENE AND ITS ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF COASTAL SPITS

The study and analysis of malacofauna from cores of bottom sediments and cores from the Azov spits showed the nature of the change during the transition from the Ancient Azovian to the New Azovian layers, the uneven distribution of communities in time and space. The shell material from littoral malacocenosis and shallow-water banks is the main component for the formation of spits. Based on a series of cores up to 25 m thick from the Dolgaya Spit, it is shown that its formation began about 2500 years ago, and carbonate material reflects the history of the development of the benthic fauna of the sea.

The spatio-temporal distribution of elements in the bottom sediments of Lake Onego and small lakes located on the catchment area of Onego Ice Lake

The work presents the results of a comprehensive mineralogical and geochemical study of Late Pleistocene-Holocene bottom sediments of Lake Onego and small lakes located in the territory belonging to Onego Ice Lake. Methods of ICP-MS, atomic absorption spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence analysis, X-ray phase method (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gamma-spectrometric method were used. The geochemical composition of the terrigenous fraction reflects the mineral composition and is permanent for the all bottom sediments cores of Lake Onego and small lakes during time interval about 12,000 years. For the first time, detailed mineralogical studies of sediments have shown that the composition of mineral associations of the terrigenous fraction is similar in the bottom sediment cores of Lake Onego and small lakes. The association of authigenic minerals in bottom sediments is distinguished by the presence of pyrite framboids in small lakes, and crystalline aggregates of Fe-phosphate, ferruginous illites and chlorites in Lake Onego. Sedimentation rates established by the study of correlations the indicator technogenic radioisotope 137Cs and atmospheric 210Pb. In the bottom sediments of small lakes, sedimentation rates vary from lake to lake, as well as in various areas of Lake Onego in the range from 0.05 cm/year to 0.30 cm/year.

Distribution of sulphur, phosphorous, iron, and trace elements in bottom sediment cores, mussels and fish from the Punat Bay (Island of Krk, Croatia)

Ships and associated anthropogenic activities release a number of contaminant elements into the marine environment which can be particularly concentrated in restricted circulatory environments including Bays and marinas. One such locality is a Punat Bay, situated at the southern coastline of the island of Krk (west Croatia), which is the largest Croatian marina. The aim of this study was to examine depth profiles of sulfur (S), phosporous (P), iron (Fe), and trace elements (As, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sn, Sr, Ti, U, V, Y, and Zn) in six sediment cores (down to 20-30 cm), and from mussels and fish from Punat Bay, by determining their levels with ICP-OES. Data analysis showed that the majority of variables were elevated in a sediment core located closest a port of the marina. Minimum to maximum S, P, and Fe levels in sediments were as follows: 0.4-2.4%, 0.04-320 mg/kg, and 0.2-2.3%, respectively. Correlations among S, P, Fe, and various trace elements were mostly positive (p<0.05). Trace elements were not increased in mussels and fish. This paper shows that the Punat marina has only a limited impact on the environmental status. Several potentially toxic trace elemens (Pb, Cu, etc.) were found to be elevated in a sediment core located closest to the marina.

Plant Pigments in Bottom Sediment Cores as Indicators of the Trophic State in Large Shallow Lakes Vozhe and Lacha (Russia)

The first data on the content of plant pigments is presented for the cores of bottom sediments sampled in large shallow lakes Vozhe and Lacha located in the upper reaches of the Onega River. In the 1-m core of olive silts, the total concentration of chlorophyll a and pheopigments varied within 35–236 (94.2 ± 3.3) in Lake Vozhe and 58–118 (83.8 ± 1.3) μg/g dry sediment in Lake Lacha. The degree of chlorophyll destruction in the cores from Lake Lacha (98.7 ± 0.2%) was higher than in Lake Vozhe (85.2 ± 0.7%). Considering the average long-term sedimentation rate of 0.2 and 0.4 mm/year in Lakes Vozhe and Lacha, respectively, the annual vertical flux of chlorophyll a and pheopigments is 4.0 and 6.2 mg/(m2 · year) for the last 2500 years, respectively. Nowadays, the average annual rate of pigment accumulation is almost the same in the lakes (5.6 and 5.3 mg/(m2 · year)). Over the period under consideration until now, different patterns of long-term dynamics of pigment accumulation in the studied lakes have been revealed; in particular, there is a positive trend in Lake Vozhe and a negative trend in Lake Lacha.