A Gradient Study of 34 Elements in the Vicinity of a Copper-Nickel Smelter in the Kola Peninsula

Concentrations of 34 elements determined by ICP mass spectrometry were studied in surface soil and vegetation along a north-south gradient through the 'Pechenganickel' smelter complex in Kola peninsula, northern Russia. Strong influence from the smelter was evident for Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental monitoring and assessment 2000-01, Vol.60 (1), p.71-88
Main Authors: Steinnes, E, Lukina, N, Nikonov, V, Aamlid, D, Roeyset, O
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cadmium
Cation exchange
Cations
Chromium
Copper nickel ore treatment
Copper smelting
Decomposing organic matter
Dry deposition
Environmental monitoring
Heavy metals
Humus
Leaching
Mass spectrometry
Mass spectroscopy
Metal ions
Nickel
Nickel smelting
Pine needles
Pine trees
Pinus sylvestris
Plant species
Plants (botany)
Protons
Root zone
Russia, Kola Peninsula
Smelters
Soil pollution
Soil surfaces
Trace analysis
Trace elements
Vegetation
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Summary:Concentrations of 34 elements determined by ICP mass spectrometry were studied in surface soil and vegetation along a north-south gradient through the 'Pechenganickel' smelter complex in Kola peninsula, northern Russia. Strong influence from the smelter was evident for Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu, mainly associated with dry deposition of large particles. Also for As, Se, Mo, Sb, Te, Bi, and Pb the smelter or associated sources appeared to be distinct contributors of contamination consisting presumably of smaller particles. Significant but less distinct effects leading to enhanced concentration levels were observed for P, S, V, Cr, Zn, and T1. In the case of Mn, Rb, Sr, Cs, and Ba the concentrations in vegetation were generally lower near the source, which may be due to cation exchange with protons or heavy metal cations in the soil and subsequent leaching from the root zone. For Li, Be, B, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Y, Cd, La, Th, and U no particular influence from the smelter complex was observed. Some characteristic differences observed in element concentrations in different plant species and between different years of Pinus sylvestris needles are discussed. The high concentrations observed for many trace elements in the humus horizon indicates that it acts as an active biogeochemical barrier against downward transport of these elements.
ISSN:0167-6369
1573-2959
DOI:10.1023/A:1006165031985