Reconstruction of sedimentation rates based on the chronological framework of Lake Pykara, Tamil Nadu, India

Environ Monit Assess. 2021 Jun 18;193(7):428. doi: 10.1007/s10661-021-09200-0.

Abstract

This work presents a piece of initial information about the estimation of the sedimentation rate for Lake Pykara. In this investigation, a chronological sequence of sediment core was set up dependent on 137Cs and 210Pbex analysis to study sediment accumulation rates in Lake Pykara. Caesium-137 (Cs) is an artificial radionuclide and is regularly utilized in building up the chronology of lake sediments in the Anthropocene period. The unsupported 210Pb profile shows a non-exponential decline of 210Pb activity with sediment depth. Sedimentation rates dependent on global atmospheric nuclear weapon maximum fallout of 137Cs (1963) bolster the utilization of the consistent rate of 210Pb supply (CRS) model in core sediments. The geochronology studies of the core were performed using the 137Cs method, to evaluate the model of time changes in the sediment. The 137Cs radioactivity was resolved directly by gamma spectrometry and fluctuated from 13.11 ± 1.3 Bq kg-1 for top layers to 1.21 ± 0.1 Bq kg-1 for the bottom of the core. Two trademark peaks of 137Cs radioactivity identified with the global fallouts after atomic weapons testing and the Chernobyl mishap were observed and used to affirm the 210Pb dating method. Radioactivity of 210Pbex ranged from 8.00 ± 1.0 to 1.40 ± 0.1 Bq kg-1. The mean sedimentation rate evaluated from both models was 0.71 ± 0.06 cm year-1, while the estimated age of Lake Pykara was 514.08 years (137Cs) and 521.43 years (210Pbex), respectively.

Keywords: 210Pb and 137Cs isotopes; Computation of lake life; Lake Sediments; Radiometric dating; Sedimentation rate.

MeSH terms

  • Cesium Radioisotopes / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Geologic Sediments
  • India
  • Lakes*
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive* / analysis

Substances

  • Cesium Radioisotopes
  • Water Pollutants, Radioactive