HUMAN IMPACT ON THE HISTORY OF LAKE NOMMEJARV, NE ESTONIA - A GEOCHEMICAL AND PALEOBOTANICAL STUDY

A comprehensive geochemical and palaeobotanical study of the lacustrin e sediments of Lake Nommejarv, from industrialized NE Estonia establis hes the links between the nature and intensity of human activities and their impacts on the state and structure of the lake ecosystem. In co res of sediment formed during the last century, five zones can be dist inguished, each reflecting a pattern of human activity and characteriz ed by a particular diatom community and sediment composition. Using re liable geochronological data it is possible to compare these zones wit h the known industrial load on the lake and its catchment area. The in formation obtained is of practical value for planning the rehabilitati on of this severely impacted lake.