Effects of the Atlantic water and glacial run-off on the spatial distribution of particulate trace elements in the Kongsfjorden

Trace elements associated to suspended particulate matter have been investigated in the marine environment of Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic), in order to provide detailed information on their spatial variability and a quantitative assessment of the natural and anthropogenic sources. During a survey in July 2014, hydrographic and biogeochemical parameters were measured in addition to trace metals along the water column at eight representative sites and the contribution of the natural and anthropogenic sources was quantified by measuring (208)pb/(207)pb and (206)pb/(207)pb isotope ratios. Al, Co, Fe, K, and V were strongly affected by glacial run-off and their content decreased moving from the inner to the outer basin. Conversely, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were significantly enriched compared to crustal values and their concentration was higher in the outer part of the fjord. Maximum contribution for anthropogenic particulate Pb (>85%) was recorded in the upper 100 m of the water column in the outer part of the fjord. On the other hand, the contribution for terrigenous particulate Pb to surface waters was highest in the innermost station (similar to 60%), close to the glacier front, and decreased linearly (R-2 = 0.952, p-value < 0.0001) with distance from Kongsvegen terminus. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.