Geovisualization of Mercury Sediment Contamination in Lake Ontario / Geovisualisierung von Quecksilber-Kontamination in den Sedimenten des Ontariosees

Abstract

Geovisualization of 1968 and 1998 mercury surficial sediment concentrations was enhanced through the use of three-dimensional “3D” bathymetry data. Kriging was performed on the concentration values to create two-dimensional “2D” representations of the lake-bottom sediment surfaces. These were then integrated with the bathymetry data. The 3D representations provide much more insight to the actual range of concentration values and the location of heavily contaminated areas. Deep lake basins and proximity to current and former industrial areas, along with water inflow zones were identified as problem localities. The results can be useful in the planning of future sediment surveys and can also provide information for the prioritization of sediment quality assessment programs.