Search

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of bottom sediment samples taken in 2020 during the Roshydromet marine scientific research in Stepovoi and Litke bays of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and in the coastal zone of the Kara Sea near Amderma village. All sediment samples were analyzed for the concentration of radionuclides 137Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239 + 240Pu, and some samples were analyzed for the content of toxic chemicals: heavy metals, persistent organochlorine compounds, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The analysis of the results showed that the levels of radionuclides and toxic chemicals in bottom sediments of Stepovoi Bay are generally consistent with the data of similar surveys in previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents experimental data on concentrations of a wide range of pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, toxaphenes), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals, in soil and adjacent environments in the impact area of the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill (BPPM) and neighboring areas (including the city of Baikal'sk). The features of toxicants levels formation depending on a type and properties of soil, potential sources of inflow, and location of sampling points are analyzed. The data are of practical interest for assessing the levels of the natural environment pollution prior to starting measures for the disposal of waste from the BPPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experimental results of evaluating levels of air pollution with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) listed in the Stockholm Convention at Amderma and Tiksi stations in 2015–2017 are presented. The list of POPs includes polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. The ranges of the POP concentration are revealed and the statistical characteristics (mean, median) over the observation period are calculated. Based on the analysis of diagnostic ratios and temperature dependences, the features of global transport sources are considered. A wide range of variations in the concentration of POPs is shown that depends on environmental factors and the source type (local sources or global transport). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]