Natural and Anthropogenic Origin of Metals in Lacustrine Sediments; Assessment and Consequences—A Case Study of Wigry Lake (Poland)

The contamination of aquatic sediments by metals is a worldwide phenomenon and its assessment fairly complex issue, as numerous factors affect the distribution particular contaminants in environment, well their bioavailability. Wigry Lake, object this study, almost perfect water body for such considerations. It has been investigated densely sampled (up to 459 sediment samples). quantities seven were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-MS methods, following previous extraction microwave oven. levels concentration examined elements follows (min–max (mg·kg−1)): Cd—0.003–3.060; Cr—0.20–22.61; Cu—0.02–59.70; Fe—80–32,857; Mn—18–1698; Pb—7.0–107.5; Zn—3.1–632.1. Significant differences also registered terms metal concentrations different types found at lake bottom. Five geochemical backgrounds quality guidelines implemented study enabled very scrupulous sediments’ condition, evaluation natural anthropogenic contribution enrichment metals. Although Lake situated pristine region, it still subject anthropopressure, which seems be lowest respect Cr Mn, while highest case Pb. chemoecological state was ultimately assessed good. highlighted necessity an integrated approach pollution course environmental research.