Anthropogenic signatures of lead in the Northeast Atlantic

D. Rusiecka*, M. Gledhill, A. Milne, E. P. Achterberg, A. L. Annett, S. Atkinson, A. Birchill, J. Karstensen, M. Lohan, C. Mariez, R. Middag, J. M. Rolison, T. Tanhua, S. Ussher, D. Connelly

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    26 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    Anthropogenic activities have resulted in enhanced lead (Pb) emissions to the environment over the past century, mainly through the combustion of leaded gasoline. Here we present the first combined dissolved (DPb), labile (LpPb), and particulate (PPb) Pb data set from the Northeast Atlantic (Celtic Sea) since the phasing out of leaded gasoline in Europe. Concentrations of DPb in surface waters have decreased by fourfold over the last four decades. We demonstrate that anthropogenic Pb is transported from the Mediterranean Sea over long distances (>2,500 km). Benthic DPb fluxes exceeded the atmospheric Pb flux in the region, indicating the importance of sediments as a contemporary Pb source. A strong positive correlation between DPb, PPb, and LpPb indicates a dynamic equilibrium between the phases and the potential for particles to “buffer” the DPb pool. This study provides insights into Pb biogeochemical cycling and demonstrates the potential of Pb in constraining ocean circulation patterns.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2734-2743
    Number of pages10
    JournalGeophysical Research Letters
    Volume45
    Issue number6
    Early online date23 Mar 2018
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2018

    Keywords

    • Celtic Sea
    • lead
    • MOW
    • particles
    • sediments
    • trace metals
    • UKRI
    • NERC
    • NE/K001973/1
    • NE/K001779/1
    • NE/K002023/1
    • NE/L501840/1

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Anthropogenic signatures of lead in the Northeast Atlantic'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this