Ecogeochemical investigation, Kola peninsula : sulphur and trace element content in snow

The Central Kola Expedition and the Geological Surveys of Norway and Finland have undertaken a multi-media investigation of eight catchments situated in Russia (Zapoljarniy, Monchegorsk, Kirovsk, Kurka), Norway (Skjellbekken) and Finland (Kirakka, Naruska, Pallas) to determine the environmental impact of local industrial pollution. Results of analysis of snow samples collected in March/April 1994 are presented for both filtered meltwater and filter residues. Many heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn), as well as S, Al and Fe, are unusually enriched in both phases in the Russian catchments, primarily in Monchegorsk and/or Zapoljarniy. Typically, some elements are found mostly in the meltwater phase (e.g. Na, S, Sr, Zn), others in the filter residues (e.g. Cr, Fe, Mo, Ni). Cu and Ni are well correlated, both in meltwater and in filter residue, and the ratio of Cu to Ni can be useful in identifying pollution sources. Snow is a well-suited medium for fingerprinting environmental pollution sources. Estimates of deposition from snow meltwater only, will be seriously underestimated for many elements.