Assessing past changes in bioavailable zinc from a terrestrial (Zn/Si)opal record

Historical changes in bioavailable Zn concentrations of the surface waters of Lake Geneva were assessed by analyzing the zinc content of fossil diatoms. The measured ratios of Zn to Si in the opal ((Zn/Si)opal) were consistent with both data obtained for cultured freshwater diatoms that were representative of lake Geneva and with field data. Reconstructed variations suggested that increased Zn uptake by phytoplankton occurred in the period from 1960–1980 resulting from an increased loading of Zn to the lake. Nonetheless, observed concentrations were sufficiently low that no adverse effects were expected on the pelagic community. The data presented here suggest that (Zn/Si)opal records may become a valuable tool to assess past changes in bioavailable Zn concentrations in freshwater systems.