Modelling atmospheric bulk deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd near a former Pb–Zn mine in West Greenland using transplanted Flavocetraria nivalis lichens

► Dust deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd was investigated 20years after mine closure. ► Lichens were transplanted to 21 sites and collected after 1year. ► Elevated metal concentrations were observed at sites within 20km from the mine. ► Linear correlations were found between lichen uptake and Bergerhoff dust samplers. ► Bulk dust deposition near the mine was quantified based on lichen transplants. Atmospheric deposition of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) was investigated near the former Black Angel Pb–Zn mine in Maarmorilik, West Greenland during 2010–2011. Thalli of the lichen Flavocetraria nivalis were transplanted from an uncontaminated site into sites near the mine and collected the following year. At 20 of the total 21 sites, concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd were significantly elevated in lichens after 1 year of transplantation compared to initial concentrations. Elevated concentrations were observed within a distance of approx. 20km from the mining area. Concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the mine and the relation was well described using a power function with a negative exponent (r2=0.90; 0.83 and 0.83 for Pb; Zn and Cd). To examine the relation between metal concentrations/uptake in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk deposition, 10 Bergerhoff dust samplers were placed near lichen transplants and samplers and lichens were collected after a 7-weeks exposure period. A significant linear correlation was observed between metal concentrations in lichen transplants and atmospheric bulk metal deposition (r2=0.94; 0.88 and 0.89 for Pb; Zn and Cd). Combining the results and including an area distribution within a defined metal deposition area, the “annual” deposition of Pb, Zn and Cd as dust was estimated during the 2010–2011 snow-free period (∼5months). The results reveal that 20years after mine closure, 770kg Pb, 3700kg Zn and 24kg Cd were still being deposited as dust per year (snow-free period only) within a distance of 20km from the mine.