Characterisation of 210Pb dated peat core by various X-ray fluorescence techniques

Ombrotrophic peat bogs form an independent ecosystem fed by atmospheric precipitation. There is a correlation between depth and time, thus sections of peat taken from various depths can indicate the deposition of several elements from both natural and anthropogenic sources. A peat core of 40 cm in length was taken from a peat bog in southern Poland and cut into 2-cm sections. The peat core was dated using the natural radionuclide 210Pb. Additionally, pollen analysis was performed in order to corroborate the 210Pb dating. Eighteen elements and the ash content have been determined in all peat sections. Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence analysis (EDXRF) was applied in this work for simultaneous elemental analysis. The concentration depth profiles for the determined elements and ash content profile were constructed. The results show strong time-dependent variations in the concentrations of the different elements. An interpretation of the data is given and correlation between possible influencing factors is discussed. High concentrations of Pb and Zn indicate their anthropogenic origin.