Depth distribution of sup(137)cesium, sup(90)strontium and sup(210)lead in sediments of Lake Mondsee, Austria

Sup(137)Cs, sup(90)Sr and sup(210)Pb were determined in sediment cores from Lake Mondsee, Austria. The depth profiles show that sup(137)Cs remains undisturbed, i.e. its distribution corresponds to the fallout deposition pattern. Sup(90)Sr, however, has been transported into the upper sediment layers. In this upper zone nearly constant levels of sup(90)Sr and also of sup(210)Pb(sup(210)Po) were found. Comparison of the sup(90)Sr and sup(137)Cs profiles indicates that chemical processes must be responsible for the translocation of sup(90)Sr as well as sup(210)Pb, rather than bioturbation, i.e. mixing of upper sediment layers by benthic organisms. (author)