Effects of Liming on the Distribution of Cadmium in Water, Sediment, and Organisms in a Swedish Lake

We studied the cadmium concentrations in water, sediment, suspended particles, a free-swimming insect larva (Chaoborus), a sediment-bound insect larva (Chironomus), and liver of northern pike (Esox lucius) before and after liming operations in Lake Långsjön, Sweden. In accordance with the higher pH levels obtained in the lake water after the limings, cadmium concentration decreased in the water but increased in the sediment. Cadmium concentration in fish liver and Chironomus decreased after the limings whereas the concentration in Chaoborus larvae increased after the first liming. Possible mechanisms are discussed.