Boron isotopes in the Seine River, France: A probe of anthropogenic contamination

Boron concentrations and isotopic compositions have been measured in the dissolved load of the Seine Basin rivers, France. Hydrology and chemistry of the Seine River and its tributaries are strongly influenced by human activities, as the anthropogenic pressure on the Seine catchment is one of the highest in Europe. The samples were collected between 1994 and 1996 during various stages of flow, complemented by a time-series of the Seine River in Paris for 1 yr. In particular, the decennial flood event of winter 1994 was sampled. Boron appears to be conservative in rivers and not influenced by adsorption onto suspended matter and/or consumption by microorganisms. Despite the complexity of the Seine River system, dissolved boron and its isotopes are found to be suitable tracers of contamination. The total dissolved boron of the Seine River at Paris is explained by the contribution from three distinct components: Urban effluents constitute 65% of the boron discharge measured in the Seine River whereas agriculture-affected waters contribute less than 10% with a more marked influence during high water discharges. Rainwater contribution is important (25% mean), reaching 30% of dissolved boron during high flood events.