Specifics of the elemental composition of waters in environments with operating mining and ore-processing plants in the Kola North

Abstract

The paper presents data on the specifics of the distributions of chemical elements in natural waters of the Kola North depending on the landscape–geochemical characteristics of the water catchment areas and aerotechnogenic pollution. The territory is subdivided into seven zones with different dominant rock types and typical landscapes. Lakes in the Kola region generally contain elevated concentrations of Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, V, Mo, U, Sb, Bi, Al, Fe, Mn, Sr, Li, Rb, Pb, Zn, Cd, La, and Ce. The waters of lakes in the influence zones of Cu–Ni mines are enriched in La, Ce, Sm, Gd, Pr, and Nd. In waterlogged landscapes, waters are enriched in certain trace elements because of their migration with humic acids. Technogenic acidic precipitation is proved to result in leaching of several elements, first of all Cd, Zn, and As (as well as other elements contained in rocks composing the water catchment areas) and their transfer into the waters.