Stankevica, K., Pujate, A., Kalnina, L., Klavins, M., Cerina, A., Drucka, A.
Records of the anthropogenic influence on different origin
small lake sediments of Latvia.
Abstract. Sediments in lakes have been formed under the
conditions of sensitive ecosystem functions as historical records of micro- and
macrocomponents. Besides others, lake sediments preserve macroremain and
chemical evidence reflecting environmental changes and human impact. During the
last centuries, sediment composition has been influenced by inconsistent urban
and industrial developments. This article presents the multi-proxy data
obtained from studies of lake sediment composition, chemical analysis and
macroremain signatures in the upper sediment layer from tree small lakes of
different origin: Lake Lilaste (lagoonal), Lake Velnezers (glaciokarstic), and
Lake Veveri (glacial). The studies of lake sediments revealed that human impact
is recognisable in the upper sediment layer of all investigated lakes, but at
different depth from the sediment surface. The most recognisable traces of
anthropogenic influence can be attributed to the increase of lead (Pb), cadmium
(Cd) concentration, number of plant macroremains and charcoal particles in all
investigated lake sediments.