Survey of metabolically essential trace metals in inland lakes and reservoirs across Canada: What constitutes a low metal system?

Dissolved iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu) and vanadium (V) were surveyed in 39 lakes and reservoirs across Canada representing different geology, dominant land uses, lake depth, trophic status and climatic zones.

Concentrations varied considerably and cross-Canada patterns were not uniform among the eight metals, but PCA analysis revealed two major patterns: Co, Cu, Ni and V in one group and Fe and Mn in a second group. Sub-nanomolar concentrations of Co and Mo were common while sub-nanomolar concentrations of Zn, V and Ni were less common. Fe and Mn accumulated in the hypolimnion of the six lakes and reservoirs deep enough to thermally stratify with Co and Zn accumulation less common.