A HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN TRI AN LAKE

Abstract

  Total concentration of three elements (Cu, Pb, Zn) in thirty-four sediment samples collected at TriAn lake was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Sediment dating wasconducted by applying the radioactive 210Pb analysis method on the sediment cores to evaluateaccumulation rate of heavy metals before and after the construction of the Tri An hydropowerplant. The accuracy evaluated by comparing total trace metal concentration with standardmaterial reference (MESS-3) proved to be satisfactory. Based on the results determined, it seemsthat Tri An lake had been polluted. Total concentration of metals correlate well with sediment ageand was inversely correlated. The younger age of sediment was, the higher metal content. Theseresults showed increasing of the accumulation of metals in sediments follow time.