Correlation Between Magnetic Parameters and Chemical Composition of Lake Sediments from Northern Bohemia Preliminary Study

Abstract Recently, magnetic measurements have been used to outline areas with increased loading of toxic metals due to industrial activity. It is supposed that magnetic minerals, which are easily detectable, can carry toxic metals of anthropic origin. However, physical background of this relationship is not comprehended yet. In this study, we present our first results on statistical correlation of various magnetic parameters on one side and chemical composition on the other, obtained on sediments from the bottom of lake Nechranice, located in northern Bohemia; the captive area being typical for intensive industrial and mining activity (brown-coal basins, uranium mines, coal-burning power plants). Our results suggest, that magnetic susceptibility, which has been used in other studies as indicator of increase pollution levels due to local sources, does not actually link to any of the toxic elements in concern. This finding can be explained in terms of complex inlet due to different types of pollution sources.