Chemical Element Concentrations in Liepāja Lake (Latvia) Water Samples, August 2024
Description
This dataset contains chemical element concentrations measured in water samples collected from Liepāja Lake (south-western Latvia) during August 2024. The dataset represents part of a temporal monitoring program focused on assessing the spatial variability and geochemical characteristics of the lake during the summer stratification period. Water samples were collected from multiple monitoring stations distributed across the lake area, including northern, central, and southern sections. Sampling depth were 0-20cm and coordinates were recorded for each location. Samples were filtered in the field (0.45 µm) and preserved with ultrapure nitric acid (HNO₃) to pH < 2 for trace element analysis. Concentrations of major and trace elements (Li, B, Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo) are reported in micrograms per liter (µg/L), accompanied by analytical standard deviations (SD). Analytical quality control included blanks, certified reference materials, and duplicate analyses. Measurements were performed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) (Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ) equipped with a Micro-mist nebulizer and a helium collision/reaction cell according to ISO 17294-2:2016. The dataset provides both wide (one row per sample) and long (one row per analyte per sample) formats to facilitate reuse for statistical or modelling purposes.
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Steps to reproduce
Water samples were collected from multiple stations across Liepāja Lake (Latvia) in August 2024 following ISO 5667-4 and ISO 5667-6 sampling protocols. Samples were taken from the surface layer (0.3–0.5 m depth) using pre-cleaned polyethylene bottles, filtered in the field through 0.45 µm membrane filters, and acidified to pH < 2 with ultrapure nitric acid (HNO₃, trace-metal grade). Coordinates were recorded in both WGS84 (EPSG:4326) and LKS-92 / TM (EPSG:3059) coordinate systems. 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 using certified multi-element standards traceable to NIST, and measurement quality was verified with internal standards, procedural blanks, duplicates, and certified reference materials (CRMs). All concentrations are reported in µg/L, and analytical precision is provided as standard deviation (SD). The dataset provides a spatially detailed overview of chemical element concentrations in Liepāja Lake during a single summer sampling campaign. It includes both central and peripheral sampling stations, enabling comparison between open-water and shoreline conditions. Researchers can use this dataset to: -Assess spatial variation and geochemical gradients of major and trace elements within Liepāja Lake. -Identify potential sources of metal inputs, distinguishing between natural background and anthropogenic influences such as stormwater inflows, sediments, or industrial discharge. -Support hydrochemical and ecological assessments of the lake under climate-driven and land-use pressures. -Calibrate or validate hydrological, water-quality, or transport models using field-verified elemental data. -Compare metal concentration profiles between freshwater bodies in the Baltic region. -Serve as a baseline reference for long-term monitoring, restoration efforts, and EU Water Framework Directive reporting.