title: Arsenic and lead distribution and mobility in lake sediments in the south-central Puget Sound watershed: the long-term impact of a metal smelter in Ruston, Washington, USA.
abstract: The American Smelting and Refining Company (ASARCO) smelter in Ruston, Washington, contaminated the south-central Puget Sound region with heavy metals, including arsenic and lead. Arsenic and lead distribution in surface sediments of 26 lakes is significantly correlated with atmospheric model predictions of contaminant deposition spatially, with concentrations reaching 208 mg/kg As and 1,375 mg/kg Pb. The temporal distribution of these metals in sediment cores is consistent with the years of operation of the ASARCO smelter. In several lakes arsenic and lead levels are highest at the surface, suggesting ongoing inputs or redistribution of contaminants. Moreover, this study finds that arsenic is highly mobile in these urban lakes, with maximum dissolved arsenic concentrations proportional to surface sediment levels and reaching almost 90 μg/L As. With 83% of the lakes in the deposition zone having surface sediments exceeding published "probable effects concentrations" for arsenic and lead, this study provides evidence for possible ongoing environmental health concerns.
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: jimgawel@uw.edu.
authors: James E
authors: JE
authors: Gawel
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: jasplund@uw.edu.
authors: Jessica A
authors: JA
authors: Asplund
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: burdics8012@gmail.com.
authors: Sarah
authors: S
authors: Burdick
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: mdmiller2006@msn.com.
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Miller
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: shawnadonley@gmail.com.
authors: Shawna M
authors: SM
authors: Peterson
authors: Bellarmine Preparatory School, 2300S Washington St., Tacoma, WA 98405-1399, USA. Electronic address: astollefson@gmail.com.
authors: Amanda
authors: A
authors: Tollefson
authors: University of Washington Tacoma, Environmental Science and Studies, Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences Program, 1900 Commerce St., Box 358436, Tacoma, WA 98402, USA. Electronic address: karaziegler@hotmail.com.
authors: Kara
authors: K
authors: Ziegler
mesh_terms: D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D060106:Lakes / Q000737:chemistry; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D008669:Metallurgy; D014861:Washington; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D007854:Lead; D001151:Arsenic
keywords: Arsenic; Lake; Lead; Sediment; Smelter; Washington