LEAD, ARSENIC, CADMIUM AND COPPER IN LAKE ASOSOSCA, NICARAGUA

The present study of lead, arsenic, cadmium and copper was carried out between July 1991 and April 1992 in the water and sediment of Lake Asososca. The concentrations of lead in water were within normal limits for drinking water, but significant differences from month to month were found. No significant difference was found either between the concentrations at each sample station or between the concentrations at each sample depth. Arsenic concentrations were within a relatively normal range, but the concentrations in Jury was significantly lower than in the rest of the year. Cadmium and copper concentration levels were normal. In the superficial sediment of the lake, the cadmium and copper concentration levels were similar in the whole lake. The lead and arsenic contents in sediment were significantly higher at the pumping station than at the rest of the sampling points.