Sink and Source Functions for Metal(loid)s in Sediments and Soils of Two Water Reservoirs of the Ore Mountains, Saxony, Germany

Since reservoirs can act as sinks for potential contaminants, such metal(loid)s, sediment management is a challenge reservoir operators. To exemplify the variability of concentrations arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V) and zinc (Zn), sediments two differently constituted located in Ore Mountains (Saxony, Germany) were comparatively investigated. In Einsiedel Reservoir, which has catchment area dominated by forestry, median values showed an enrichment Cd (6.7 mg/kg), Co (31.4 Hg (0.57 Ni (39.0 mg/kg) Zn (283 mainly due to elevated geogenic background preferential input these elements from soils area. Sediments Berthelsdorf Smelter Pond, predominantly agricultural catchment, had relatively high As (62.9 (10.3 Cr (43.1 Cu (50.2 (0.51 Pb (204 V (57.0 (626 was heavy anthropogenic metal(loid) inputs over past. Statistical analyses indicated that site-specific differences (e.g., content organic matter or physicochemical properties sediments) may influence sink source functions metal(loid)s. this context, strong specific characteristics on composition concluded. Based German Federal Soil Protection Ordinance, status quo contamination evaluated recommendations further investigations derived.