Total Hg concentrations in stream and lake sediments: Discerning geospatial patterns and controls across Canada

This article presents an analysis of Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) open-file data for total Hg concentrations (THg) in stream and lake sediments at 142,028 sampling locations. This analysis was done for select survey zones across Canada, with emphasis on discerning THg-relevant geographic, geological, atmospheric and topographic controls. THg was generally highest in areas affected by mining and smelting, followed by areas with high metallogenic source locations. Background levels for THg were elevated in the more populated areas along the south, but dropped toward the remote and coldest locations in the east, north and west. This trend was correlated (R2 = 0.74; P < 0.0001) with the 2005 GRAHM projections (Global/Regional Atmospheric Heavy Metals Model) for atmospheric Hg deposition (zones and locations with major geogenic sources and mining activities removed). Mean THg was higher for upland lakes (100.9 ± 0.5 SE, ppb) and streams (71.7 ± 0.6 SE, ppb) than for lowland lakes (94.4 ± 0.86 SE, ppb) and streams (64.2 ± 1.26 SE, ppb). The east-central portion of the Yukon Territory (Selwyn Basin) was analyzed in further detail. Here, THg within the sediments increased with increasing loss-on-ignition and increasing trace-element concentrations, and decreased with an increasing wet-area component per catchment above the sediment sampling locations. The characterization and quantification of these Hg trends is important for modeling and mapping health risks to ecosystems and communities across Canada and elsewhere.

► This article presents an analysis of 142,028 open-file data for total Hg concentrations (THg) in stream and lake sediments across Canada. ► THg was generally highest in areas affected by mining and smelting, followed by areas with high metallogenic source locations. ► Background THg dropped in sediments toward remote and cold locations, in accordance with the modelled atmospheric deposition rates for Hg. ► Mean THg was higher for upland than for lowland lakes and stream sediments, with THg(lake sediments) > THg(stream sediments). ► THg increased with sediment loss-on-ignition & trace-element content, and with increased basin drainage above the sampling locations.