Tracing the Pb origin using stable Pb isotope ratios in sediments of Liaodong Bay, China

A comprehensive study was carried out on the source of Pb within Liaodong Bay. Sixty surface sediment samples covering the entire Liaodong Bay were measured for total Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions (207Pb/206Pb and 208Pb/206Pb). Pb in northern (Section I) and southwestern (Section III) Liaodong Bay is impacted by anthropogenic sources, including coal combustion, vehicle emissions, and Pb ores. However, Pb in southern Liaodong Bay (Section II) is predominately from natural sources. While the Pb isotopic composition in some Section I sites suggests there are various anthropogenic sources of Pb, its enrichment factors are low. This indicates that the stable Pb isotopic composition is more sensitive to anthropogenic Pb inputs. Based on total concentration and enrichment factors, Cu and Zn in Liaodong Bay are mainly derived from natural process, except in the Jinzhou Gulf.