See 2022 publication in Anthropocene

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Authors: Sophia M. Wensman, Alyssa E. Shiel, Joe R. McConnell

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Abstract: Emissions from mid-latitude industrial activities (e.g., mining, smelting, coal combustion) result in long-range atmospheric transport of lead (Pb) to the Arctic. While previous measurements of elemental concentrations and Pb isotopic ratios in ice and sediments have been used to suggest potential sources of toxic heavy metal pollution in these regions, high resolution Pb isotope records are largely unavailable due to the low Pb concentrations found in Arctic ice. Here we present and interpret a high-resolution, 1759–2008 record of Pb isotopes measured in a central Greenland ice core; the first high-resolution Pb isotope record for Greenland to include the First Industrial Revolution. Records of past industrial activities coupled with Pb isotopic signatures for regional ores and coals suggest Pb pollution prior to the mid-19th century was dominated by emissions from mining and combustion of coals in England, Scotland, and Wales. Rapid 1860s increases in Pb levels and decreases in 206Pb/207Pb ratios coincided with expansion of coal consumption in Europe and North America. Significant influence of 20th century smelting of Australian Broken Hill Pb ores in Europe resulted in a less radiogenic Pb isotope signature. The phase-out of leaded gasoline and other emissions reductions following passage of air-quality legislation in the United States had a pronounced effect on 206Pb/207Pb ratios, with values falling from 1.187 in 1978 to 1.154 in 1983. Increasing 208Pb/207Pb ratios through the 1990s and 2000s indicate rising influence of long-range transport from Asia countering declines in European emissions. This 250-year high-resolution Pb isotope reconstruction allows attribution of Pb sources to central Greenland with unprecedented detail.

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Related Publications:

• Read the publication

• See Chapter 3 of my dissertation

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Related Conferences:

• GSA 2020 Connects Online – Oral Presentation (2020) 
  Abstract: 250-Year Reconstruction of Lead Pollution in Greenland Ice (Abstract ID: #167-2)

• Goldschmidt Virtual 2020 (June 2020) - Oral Presentation
  Abstract: Application of HR-ICP-MS Techniques to Constrain Modern Lead Pollution Sources in Greenland Ice (Abstract ID: #2020004343)

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Funding:

This work was partially funded by a Geological Society of America's Graduate Student Research Grant.