Protocols lake-sediment

Sampling Methods From the outset of the high density lake sampling program in 1987, the application of a robust and consistent sampling protocol was considered paramount and this is still the case. Lake sediment and water sampling is performed by 2-person teams primarily from float-equipped Bell 206B helicopters. 

The close association of the lake sediment geochemistry with SIC rocks and Ni mineralization indicates that the OGS protocol of sampling a discrete depth interval of deeper sediments is successful in obtaining relatively undisturbed and uncontaminated sediments in the vast majority of cases. 

Phosphorus is not a TE but a major nutrient element. Nevertheless, fractionation of this element is essential for environmental studies, and hence it seems reasonable to highlight here some relevant SEPs. Four different procedures for the fractionation of P in lake sediment samples have been tested in an interlaboratory study in the framework of the SM T program (Ruban et al., 1999). As a result, a novel scheme based on the Williams protocol (Williams et al., 1976) has been developed aimed at the restoration of lake sediments. The scheme comprises three separate assays (1) sequential extraction of NaOH-extractable (Fe- and Al-bound) and HCl-extractable (Ca-bound) fractions, (2) sequential extraction of inorganic and organic phosphorus and (3) single extraction, after calcination, of concentrated HCl-extractable (total P) fraction (see Table 12.3 for further details). Further discrimination of specific compounds is made feasible by the use of chromatographic and capillary separation techniques as reviewed by Spivakov et al. (1999). 

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