Heavy metal contamination in bottom sediments of saline endorheic lakes of Kulunda and Barabinsk steppes (Western Siberia, Russia)

Abstract

The article presents the results of assessment of heavy metals contamination in bottom sediments of saline lakes located on the territory of Kulunda and Barabinsk steppes of Western Siberia, Russia. The territory is characterized by large amount of lakes (more than 5000), including the Chany lake, which is the biggest lake of south of Western Siberia. By calculation the geochemical parameters, such as Enrichment factor, Contamination factor, Geoaccumulation index, Pollution load index, the common level of bottom sediments was classified as unpolluted. However, in comparison with average level of bottom sediment on that territory the lake sediments are enriched with the following elements: Sr> Rb> Zn> V> Cr> Ni> Cu> As> Pb> Th> U> Mn> Fe> K> Ti.