High-resolution reconstruction of atmospheric deposition of trace metals and metalloids since AD 1400 recorded by ombrotrophic peat cores in Hautes-Fagnes, Belgium

The objective of our study was to determine the trace metal accumulation rates in the Misten bog, Hautes-Fagnes, Belgium, and assess these in relation to established histories of atmospheric emissions from anthropogenic sources. To address these aims we analyzed trace metals and metalloids (Pb, Cu, Ni, As, Sb, Cr, Co, V, Cd and Zn), as well as Pb isotopes, using XRF, Q-ICP-MS and MC-ICP-MS, respectively in two 40-cm peat sections, spanning the last 600 yr. The temporal increase of metal fluxes from the inception of the Industrial Revolution to the present varies by a factor of 5–50, with peak values found between AD 1930 and 1990. A cluster analysis combined with Pb isotopic composition allows the identification of the main sources of Pb and by inference of the other metals, which indicates that coal consumption and metallurgical activities were the predominant sources of pollution during the last 600 years. •Study of trace metals and metalloids in two cores from Belgian peat bog.•Reconstruction of trace metals and metalloids deposition over last 600 years.•Maximum trace metals accumulation rates are recorded between 1930 and 1990 AD.•A cluster analysis combined with Pb isotopic composition used to identify the main sources of Pb and by inference the other metals.•The predominant anthropogenic trace metals sources were consumption and metallurgical activities. In this study we used trace metals concentrations and fluxes from two cores sampled in a Belgium bog to document with high resolution the history of trace metals deposition over the last 600 years.