Baseline levels of chemical elements in the water of Lake Baikal

摘要

Evidence for levels of five major elements (Na, Mg, Si, Ca, and K) and 53 trace elements (Li, Be, B,..., Pb, Th, and U) in the water mass of Lake Baikal is provided. The baseline levels of the elements were obtained from analyzing and summarizing the most reliable data published during the last 15 years, including these authors' data. Most of the article focuses on an overview of the methodologies as used in the investigations involved (sampling techniques, and sample storage, processing and analysis methods). The summary table provides the most reliable concentration ranges for 58 elements which are recommended by these authors as background (baseline) levels.