Spatial and temporal trends of mercury loadings to Michigan inland lakes

Several studies of chronologies of mercury (Hg) in inland lake sediments have demonstrated that Hg accumulation decreased in recent decades. However, episodic mercury accumulation events were recorded in some of these lakes, but not investigated in detail. Recent decreases had been attributed to the reduction of regional Hg consumption and secondary removal during process waste treatment. In addition to regional sources, local sources, including watershed disturbance, might significantly contribute to Hg loading. Here, mercury chronologies of Hg loadings based on dated sediment cores are presented for 26 inland Michigan lakes. Although spatial trends of anthropogenic inventories suggest a regional pattern dominated by human activities, sub-regional to local scale sources are also found to be significant. Temporal trends show episodic Hg accumulation events superimposed on a more general, long-term trend. Episodic increases common to lakes suggest a common source or processes common to lakes. Episodic increases unique to a lake indicate a more local scale source. Similar Hg profiles from lakes that are geographically proximal provide evidence for sub-regional to regional scale sources. Local sources and pathways for mercury to inland lakes need to be more fully understood to effectively reduce Hg loading to the environment.