Mountain lakes, pristine or polluted?

Abstract

This paper presents conclusions from a number of collaborative research projects on remote mountain lakes across Europe funded by the European Union. In particular it describes how the sediment records of key research sites can be used to identify the timing, extent and impact of air pollution on lakes by acid deposition, trace metals and trace organic compounds. It also describes recent work that aims to assess the impact of 20th century climate change on these takes and whether the changes observed are the result of natural climate variability or the enhanced greenhouse effect. © Asociación Española de Limnología.