Distribution of trace elements and radionuclides in the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea

This study presents the distribution of trace elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, As, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, V, Al, Li), organic carbon, δ 13 C org and radionuclides ( 90 Sr, 137 Cs, 239, 240 Pu, 241 Am) in the Lithuanian part of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Particulate matter (PM) and bottom sediment samples were collected during the sampling campaigns in the frame of the State monitoring and during several other investigations over the period of 1997–2011. The study area is characterized by variable loading with particulate matter. Averaged concentrations of the particulate matter in the water of the Curonian Lagoon area tended to be approximately 3 times higher in comparison with those measured in the Baltic Sea. Results showed a strong relation between metals and organic carbon in particulate matter (r=0.69–0.98, p 137 Cs, 239, 240 Pu and 241 Am with total organic carbon in bottom sediments was found to be 0.75–0.98. δ 13 C org in particulate matter, surface bottom sediments and humic substances of the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea ranged from −22.3 ‰ to −31.8 ‰. δ 13 C org values in the bottom sediment samples well correlated with δ 13 C org values in PM and humic acid samples.