A 500 Year Sediment Lake Record of Anthropogenic and Natural Inputs to Windermere (English Lake District) Using Double-Spike Lead Isotopes, Radiochronology, and Sediment Microanalysis

A 500-year sediment record from Windermere, England's largest lake, reveals significant increases in lead, zinc, and copper concentrations since the 1930s, primarily driven by anthropogenic sources. Using advanced techniques like double-spike lead isotopes, radiochronology ((210)Pb and (137)Cs), and X-ray core scanning, researchers identified three major industrial contributors: gasoline lead, coal combustion from steam ships, and mining activities linked to Carboniferous Pb-Zn mineralization. Despite historical metal workings, heavy metal peaks were not observed due to the trapping efficiency of upstream lakes in the catchment. This study provides novel insights into pollutant deposition history and demonstrates the potential for similar analyses in other lake systems to track anthropogenic impacts over time.

Miller, H., Croudace, I. W., Bull, J. M., Cotterill, C. J., Dix, J. K., & Taylor, R. N. (2014). A 500 Year Sediment Lake Record of Anthropogenic and Natural Inputs to Windermere (English Lake District) Using Double-Spike Lead Isotopes, Radiochronology, and Sediment Microanalysis. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(13), 7254–7263. https://doi.org/10.1021/es5008998