Abstract
To investigate the occurrence and possible sources of trace metals in the marine environment of Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic), suspended particulate matter and surface sediments have been collected in July 2014 and analysed for major and trace elements. The sampling stations were chosen to be representative of different glacial runoff, anthropic impact and possible influence of Atlantic waters. It was found that Al, Ca, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Ti and V enter the fjord by the natural input of lithogenic particles from the glaciers, whereas Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni and Zn of anthropogenic origin are mainly introduced through the intrusion of Atlantic waters. The study of metal availability in surface sediments indicated that the labile fraction, leachable in weak acidic conditions, represents only a minor portion (<14 %) of the total element concentration, except for Cd, Cu and Mn.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aliani S et al (2004) Multidisciplinary investigations in the marine environment of the inner Kongsfjord, Svalbard islands (September 2000 and 2001). Chem Ecol 20:S19–S28. doi:10.1080/02757540410001655396
AMAP (2005) AMAP Assessment 2002: heavy metals in the arctic. Arctic monitoring and assessment programme (AMAP), Oslo
Bard SM (1999) Global transport of anthropogenic contaminants and the consequences for the Arctic marine ecosystem. Mar Pollut Bull 38:356–379. doi:10.1016/S0025-326X(99)00041-7
Bazzano A, Rivaro P, Soggia F, Ardini F, Grotti M (2014) Anthropogenic and natural sources of particulate trace elements in the coastal marine environment of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Mar Chem 163:28–35. doi:10.1016/j.marchem.2014.04.001
Beszczyńska-Möller A, Wesławski JM, Walczowski W, Zajaczkowski M (1997) Estimation of glacial meltwater discharge into Svalbard coastal waters. Oceanologia 39:289–298
Cottier F, Tverberg V, Inall M, Svendsen H, Nilsen F, Griffiths C (2005) Water mass modification in an Arctic fjord through cross-shelf exchange: The seasonal hydrography of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. J Geophys Res-Oceans 110:1–18. doi:10.1029/2004JC002757
Dehn L-A, Follmann EH, Thomas DL, Sheffield GG, Rosa C, Duffy LK, O’Hara TM (2006) Trophic relationships in an Arctic food web and implications for trace metal transfer. Sci Total Environ 362:103–123. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2005.11.012
Fant ML, Nyman M, Helle E, Rudbäck E (2001) Mercury, cadmium, lead and selenium in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from the Baltic Sea and from Svalbard. Environ Pollut 111:493–501. doi:10.1016/S0269-7491(00)00078-6
Grotti M, Soggia F, Abelmoschi ML, Rivaro P, Magi E, Frache R (2001) Temporal distribution of trace metals in Antarctic coastal waters. Mar Chem 76:189–209. doi:10.1016/S0304-4203(01)00063-9
Grotti M, Soggia F, Ianni C, Magi E, Udisti R (2013) Bioavailability of trace elements in surface sediments from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Mar Pollut Bull 77:367–374
Jæger I, Hop H, Gabrielsen GW (2009) Biomagnification of mercury in selected species from an Arctic marine food web in Svalbard. Sci Total Environ 407:4744–4751. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.04.004
Kot A, Namiesńik J (2000) The role of speciation in analytical chemistry TrAC-Trend. Anal Chem 19:69–79. doi:10.1016/S0165-9936(99)00195-8
Macdonald RW et al (2000) Contaminants in the Canadian Arctic: 5 years of progress in understanding sources, occurrence and pathways. Sci Total Environ 254:93–234. doi:10.1016/S0048-9697(00)00434-4
Muir DCG, Wagemann R, Hargrave BT, Thomas DJ, Peakall DB, Norstrom RJ (1992) Arctic marine ecosystem contamination. Sci Total Environ 122:75–134. doi:10.1016/0048-9697(92)90246-O
Muir D et al (1999) Spatial and temporal trends and effects of contaminants in the Canadian Arctic marine ecosystem: a review. Sci Total Environ 230:83–144. doi:10.1016/S0048-9697(99)00037-6
Pueyo M, Rauret G, Luck D, Yli-Halla M, Muntau H, Quevauviller P, Lopez-Sanchez JF (2001) Certification of the extractable contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in a freshwater sediment following a collaboratively tested and optimised three-step sequential extraction procedure. J Environ Monitor 3:243–250. doi:10.1039/B010235K
Svendsen H et al (2002) The physical environment of Kongsfjorden-Krossfjorden, and Arctic fjord system in Svalbard. Polar Res 21:133–166
Wagemann R, Innes S, Richard PR (1996) Overview and regional and temporal differences of heavy metals in Arctic whales and ringed seals in the Canadian Arctic. Sci Total Environ 186:41–66. doi:10.1016/0048-9697(96)05085-1
Wedepohl KH (1995) The composition of the continental crust. Geochim Cosmochim Ac 59:1217–1232
Acknowledgments
This study was funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research. The logistic assistance of the Polar Support Unit of the National Research Council (Department of Earth and Environment) and of the Marine Lab (Kings Bay AS) is gratefully acknowledged.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
This peer-reviewed article is a result of the multi and interdisciplinary research activities based at the Arctic Station “Dirigibile Italia”, coordinated by the “Dipartimento Scienze del Sistema Terra e Tecnologie per l’Ambiente” of the National Council of Research.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ardini, F., Bazzano, A., Rivaro, P. et al. Trace elements in marine particulate and surface sediments of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Islands. Rend. Fis. Acc. Lincei 27 (Suppl 1), 183–190 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-016-0524-8
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-016-0524-8