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

Research on the influence of the activities of Pechenganickel Mining and Metallurgical Company oil sediment hem-metal geochemistry of the subarctic Lake Kuetsjarvi (north-western Russia) are described. It is estimated that during 60 years of minima/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 hake accumulated in the lake sediments. The latter can be a Source of secondary pollution, and represent a danger for the lake ecosystem. The sedimentation rate in the take 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 ha c increased 2, 14, 11 and times, respectively in the last century.