We report on the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, and Pb) in the water and sediment of Lake Greenwood, Lake Murray, and Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina. Our results compare the current concentrations of heavy metals compared to the values reported prior to the 2015 flooding event. Prior to the flooding event the level of heavy metals measured at the three lakes was on the same order as the established background levels. After the flooding event, the concentration of heavy metals in the water and sediment samples analyzed was significantly lower than the natural background levels that were reported prior to the flooding event. This reduction in heavy metal concentration was due to the introduction of massive amounts of unweathered sediment during the flood. These results highlight the need to re-establish the natural background levels of heavy metals following significant flooding events.

Comparission of heavy metal concentrations in water sediment of Lake Greenwood, Lake Murray, and Clarks Hill Lake in South Carolina

ACS Fall 2021

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