Dissolved and particulate trace elements’ configuration: Case study from a shallow lake

Trace element distribution was monitored for Uluabat lake water polluted with point and non-point sources in Bursa. An examination of Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, As, B concentrations during the study period indicated that the particulate phase at the bottom of the water column were high in regard to dissolved phase. The source of trace elements in the deeper parts of the water column was derived from the higher concentrations of suspended solids present. Storm conditions and resuspension process in the lake was targeted as the source of trace elements’ configuration in the dissolved and particulate phases. Significant correlations were found among temperature, pH, organic matter percentage, suspended solids, chlorophyll-a and particulate trace elements parameters. Factorial Anova Analysis was performed to help to understand the effects of parameters on adsorption of trace elements. Decrease in water level, increase of pH, organic matter percentage and suspended matter were appeared responsible for the increase of dissolved and particulate trace elements concentrations in summer season. Especially Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd concentrations were detected higher than the standards of EPA and WHO. The concentrations of trace elements in water column have to be monitored and the external loading with heavy metals coming from point and non-point sources has to be reduced for the conservation of ecological values.