Metal accumulation by the lichen Flavocetraria nivalis on the coast of the southern part of Vaygach island
D. S. Moseev1, E. I. Kotova1,2, Yu. A. Suetin2
1Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
2Lomonosov Northern (Arctic) Federal University, Arkhangelsk, Russia
Keywords: lichens, Flavocetraria nivalis, metals, Vaigach Island, environmental pollution, metal accumulation
Abstract
The article presents the results of the accumulation of metals by the epigeal lichen Flavocetraria nivalis, which is widespread on the island of Vaigach. Lead-zinc ore deposits are one of the sources of environmental pollution on the island. However, the influence of lead-zinc ore mines on metal concentrations in F. nivalis has not been established, since the metal content in lichen only increased with distance from the mines. Concentrations of chemical elements in lichen differ in different biotopes, and they are higher on the cliff tops than in the tundra on the slopes of the native shores. A comparison of the results of metal accumulation on Vaigach Island with other territories has shown that the concentrations of most metals in F. nivalis are lower or close to the Marmorilik area of western Greenland, where lead-zinc ore mines are also located. The excess of zinc and lead at sampling points near the mines in the Maarmorilik area over the concentrations obtained in lichen thallomas on Vaigach Island may be due to the recent closure of mines in Maarmorilik. So, if the mines on Vaigach Island were closed back in the late 30s of the last century, then in the area of Maarmorilik only 20 years ago. The concentration of metals in lichen on Vaigach Island is much lower than in the industrialized areas of the Kola Peninsula, which is especially typical for nickel.
|
