Rusiecka, Dagmara, Gledhill, Martha , Milne, A., Achterberg, Eric P. , Annett, A. L., Atkinson, S., Birchill, A., Karstensen, Johannes , Lohan, M., Mariez, C., Middag, R., Rolison, J. M., Tanhua, Toste , Ussher, S. and Connelly, D. (2018) Anthropogenic signatures of lead in the Northeast Atlantic. Geophysical Research Letters, 45 (6). pp. 2734-2743. DOI 10.1002/2017GL076825.

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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 dataset from the
Northeast Atlantic (Celtic Sea) since the phasing out of leaded gasoline in Europe.
Concentrations of DPb in surface waters have decreased by 4-fold over the last four decades.
We demonstrate that anthropogenic Pb is transported from the Mediterranean Sea over long
distances (>2500 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.

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