Chemical Element Concentrations in Liepāja Lake (Latvia) Sediments, August 2024
Description
This dataset presents chemical element concentrations in sediments collected from Liepāja Lake (Latvia) during August 2024. Sediment samples were taken from multiple locations (northern, central, and southern lake zones) to assess spatial variation in elemental composition and potential accumulation areas. Samples were analyzed for trace and heavy metals using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ) equipped with a Micro-mist nebulizer and a helium collision/reaction cell. Calibration was performed with certified standards traceable to NIST, and measurement quality was verified through internal standards, procedural blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials (CRMs). Concentrations are reported in micrograms per gram (µg/g) dry weight, with accompanying analytical precision (standard deviation, SD). The dataset provides a spatially detailed overview of metal accumulation in lake sediments, supporting the differentiation between natural geochemical background and anthropogenic inputs from urban, industrial, and diffuse pollution sources.
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Steps to reproduce
To reproduce the dataset results, follow the standardized sampling, preparation, and analysis procedures used in this study. Identify sampling locations across Liepāja Lake (Latvia), recording GPS coordinates in both WGS84 (EPSG:4326) and LKS-92 / TM (EPSG:3059) coordinate systems. Collect sediments (0–20 cm) using a plastic corer or Ekman grab sampler to avoid metal contamination from metallic equipment. Store samples in pre-cleaned polyethylene containers at 4 °C until laboratory preparation to minimize chemical alteration. Air-dry samples at room temperature, then homogenize and sieve through a 2 mm mesh to obtain the fine fraction for analysis. Digest 0.5 g of the sieved sediment using a microwave-assisted acid digestion with concentrated HNO₃–H₂O₂ following ISO 15587-2:2002. Analyze digestates by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS, Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ) operated in helium collision/reaction mode. Calibrate the instrument using multi-element standards traceable to NIST, and validate results with certified reference materials (CRMs), blanks, and duplicates. Report all concentrations in micrograms per gram (µg/g) dry weight, including standard deviation (SD). Researchers can use this dataset to: -Quantify spatial variation of chemical element concentrations and identify metal accumulation zones in Liepāja Lake sediments. -Distinguish natural background geochemistry from anthropogenic enrichment linked to industrial or urban activities. -Support ecotoxicological risk assessments and sediment quality evaluations under the EU Water Framework Directive. -Provide baseline data for long-term monitoring, lake restoration planning, and hydrochemical modeling. -Compare trace and heavy-metal accumulation patterns across Baltic lowland lakes and other European freshwater systems.