Evaluation of atmospheric dry deposition as a source of nutrients and trace metals to Lake Tahoe

Atmospheric deposition can be an important source of nutrients and trace metals to oligotrophic alpine lakes, affecting their biogeochemistry. We measured trace metal concentrations and lead (Pb) isotope ratios in lake water, river water, ground water, and aerosol total suspended particles (TSP), as well as nutrient (NO ₃ ⁻ , NH ₄ ⁺ , PO ₄ ³⁻ ) concentrations in TSP in the Tahoe Basin. The contribution of TSP deposition to the lake trace metal budget was assessed. Our results show seasonality in TSP and associated trace metal concentrations with higher concentrations during Oct – April. However, trace metal solubilities are higher during May – Sept, resulting in a higher contribution of soluble trace metals to the lake water. The source of most of the trace metals in TSP in the Lake Tahoe Basin is mineral dust; however, Zn, Cu, and Cd also have an anthropogenic origin. Among major nutrients, NO ₃ ⁻ concentrations are slightly higher during Oct – April, while NH ₄ ⁺ and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) are higher during May – Sept. The distributions of trace metal concentrations and Pb isotopic ratios are homogenous throughout the lake water column, suggesting that the residence time of the trace metals in the lake is longer than the lake water mixing time. The contribution of atmospheric TSP deposition to the upper 20 m of lake water trace metal inventory is low, ranging from 0.03% for V to 5.7% for Mn. A triple-isotopes plot of Pb indicates that riverine and groundwater inputs are the major Pb sources, but aerosols still contribute some Pb to the lake. This article is part of a special issue entitled: “Cycles of trace elements and isotopes in the ocean – GEOTRACES and beyond” - edited by Tim M. Conway, Tristan Horner, Yves Plancherel, and Aridane G. González.