Evaluation of the Ecotoxicological State of Selected Soils from Urban Environments of Russian Arctic with the Aim to Substantiate Reclamation and Restoration Strategies

Abstract

In recent decades rates of anthropogenic forcing on natural and urban ecosystems in the Arctic are increasingly growing. This tendency requires the development of more detailed environmental monitoring methods. In this context, study of background trace elements contents should be an urgent task. The purpose of authors study was an assessment of trace elements content in soils of urban environments in Yamal region and Murmansk. Twelve sites in Yamal region and four sites in Murmansk in different functional zones were studied during the investigation. Samples were taken from a depth of 0-5 cm and 5-20 cm. The highest contents for Cu, Zn, Ni were found in soil samples from Kharp, which was caused by existing chrome-processing factory. Soil samples from Aksarka and Labytnangi were characterized by the highest median values for Pb. Soil samples from Kharsaim and Kharp key plots were characterized by the highest median values for Zn. This could be explained by geological origin and high regional background concentration element for this trace element. Soil samples collected in Murmansk were characterized by highest medians in Pb, Ni and Mn in topsoil horizons, Mn and Zn in lower horizons. Evaluation of Saet´s index showed the predominance of non-hazardous Zc in most of the soil samples. Predicted climate change and consequent degradation of permafrost in soils could have the behavior of trace elements. Rates of accumulation, transformation, translocation, leaching and transportation of trace elements and other pollutants within the permafrost-affected landscapes could be affected and changed significantly.