The behaviour of oxyanion-forming contaminants in freshwater lakes

Increasing anthropogenic activities and industrial developments increase the risk of environmental contamination. Activities like mineral mining and ore processing, coal combustion, and municipal waste contribute towards the release of oxyanion-forming contaminants like arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), and vanadium (V) into freshwater environments. These contaminants are redox sensitive, with different mobility and toxicity depending on their oxidation states. Laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate the behaviour of oxyanion-forming contaminants in lacustrine environments, using sediment and water samples taken from Loch Leven, Loch Fitty, and Kinghorn Loch (Scotland, UK). The overall findings show that pH, the presence of phosphate and carbonate, and redox conditions govern the mobility of oxyanion-forming contaminants in lake environments.