Identifying the key sources of metal (loid) deposition to remote Tasmanian lakes: is legacy mining a problem?

A comprehensive analysis of metal concentrations and enrichment factors in remote Tasmanian lakes reveals that while these systems remain below Australian sediment quality guidelines, they have experienced a slow increase in metal levels since the early 20th century. This rise is primarily attributed to increasing organic matter content, likely stimulated by damming activities rather than direct anthropogenic metal input. The study found no strong evidence linking distant mining activities to elevated metal concentrations in Central Highland lakes, despite concerns about legacy mining impacts in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Minor contributions from historical lead sources, such as lead shot and petrol, were noted but were overshadowed by the broader impact of organic matter accumulation.

Stevens, H., Barmuta, L. A., Chase, Z., Saunders, K. M., Zawadzki, A., Gadd, P., & Proemse, B. C. (2024). Identifying the key sources of metal (loid) deposition to remote Tasmanian lakes: is legacy mining a problem? Journal of Paleolimnology, 71(3-4), 219–235. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10933-024-00315-1