Lead Fixation in Sediments of Protected Wetlands in Lithuania

Kateryna Fastovetska (), Olgirda Belova and Alvyra Slepetiene
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Kateryna Fastovetska: Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, LT-58344 Akademija, Lithuania
Olgirda Belova: Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, LT-58344 Akademija, Lithuania
Alvyra Slepetiene: Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, LT-58344 Akademija, Lithuania

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 4, 1-20

Abstract: Lead (Pb) is a persistent and toxic heavy metal that threatens aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands act as natural filters, while beaver dams influence sediment deposition and metal retention. This study investigates Pb fixation in wetland sediments by analyzing its spatial and temporal variations, considering organic matter content and sediment composition. Pb concentrations were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and fixation processes were assessed using concentration coefficients relative to background values (15 µg g −1 , Lithuanian Hygiene Standard HN 60:2004). A total of 165 sediment samples were collected during the spring and the autumn of 2022 and 2023 across three study sites. The results indicate that Pb fixation strongly correlates with organic carbon content, while sediment texture influences its mobility. A key finding is that beaver dams contribute to Pb retention by altering hydrodynamic conditions and sedimentation patterns. Despite sediment stability, new Pb inputs continue to enter water bodies, depending on pollution sources. However, Pb concentrations remain within background levels and do not exceed the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC). These findings are essential for wetland conservation and contribute to sustainable strategies for mitigating heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords: wetland; beaver dam; lead (Pb); sediments; organic carbon (OC) (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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