Description
Sediments obtained from two reservoirs, Lake Whitney and Lake Saltonstall in New Haven, Connecticut, were dated radiometrically and analyzed for heavy metals. The anthropogenic fluxes were calculated and compared with possible sources in the area. Lead isotopic ratios indicate that the automotive exhaust emissions were the primary lead source in Lake Whitney. High copper levels in the sediments resulted from CuSO4 additions to the waters to control diatom and algae growth. Other metals were probably introduced atmospherically to the reservoir by several different point sources which include fossil fuel burning and industry. Aside from copper and lead, Lake Saltonstall's trace metal patterns exhibit increases parallel with East Haven's population growth. Differences in the mineralogy of the reservoir sediments were attributed to drainage and variations in the local geology.
