Stable lead isotopes as a tracer in coastal waters.

The natural abundances of the stable isotopes of lead are used to identify natural and industrial sources of lead in the coastal waters of British Columbia, Canada. The (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios, used to characterize the lead source, had values of approximately 1.24 for coastal oceanic water, approximately 1.22 for fjord waters receiving lead from mine tailings, and approximately 1.163 for waters near urban centers. The lead concentration data are in agreement with presently accepted seawater values.