Impact of mining and refining on the distribution and accumulation of nickel and other heavy metals in sediments of subarctic Lake Kuetsjarvi,Murmansk Region,Russia

摘要

Research on the influence of the activities of Pechenganickel Mining and Metallurgicl company on sediment heavy-metal geochemistry of the subarctic Lake Kuetsjarvi (north-western Russia) are described .It is estimated that during 60 years of mining/refining activity,310 t of Ni, 120 t of Cu, 14 t of Co, 19 t of Zn,0.087 t of Cd,0.78 t of Pb and 0.053 t of Hg have accumulated in the lake sediments.The latter can be a source of secondary pollution and represent a danger ofr the lake ecosystem.The sedimentation rate in the lake is estimated to be within the range of 1.5-3 mm year~-1.The average concentrations of Ni,Cu,Hg and Co in superficial sediments have increased 25,14,11and 5times,respectively in the last century.