Composition Of Suspended Matter Research Articles

Registration of Phytoplankton Fluorescence Using an Experimental Sounding Probe

The main optical characteristics of phytoplankton and colored dissolved organic matter are described. The necessity of simultaneous registration of fluorescence of phytoplankton pigments and colored dissolved organic matter in seawater in situ is substantiated. Commercial recording devices, realizing registration of signals of phytoplankton fluorescence intensity in situ, are considered. This paper presents the developed experimental probing autonomous multichannel multichannel meter of fluorescence and light scattering in seawater (FR1). The paper presents the functional scheme of the developed meter, describes its main assemblies and principles of its operation. The developed meter allows quasi-simultaneous registration of a large set of parameters: excitation spectra of phytoplankton fluorescence, fluorescence intensity of phytoplankton pigments (chlorophyll-a, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, β-carotene), as well as fluorescence intensity of colored dissolved organic matter and spectra of light scattering index at an angle of 90°. Registration of all these parameters is carried out from one measuring volume, where the same composition of suspended matter is located in the process of probing at each specific moment of time. The paper presents the results of approbation of the developed meter and suggests the direction of further research using it.

USE OF THE DYNAMIC LIGHT SCATTERING TO ASSESS THE EFFICIENCY OF SEPARATION OF SUSPENDED AND COLLOIDAL PARTICLES IN RIVER WATERS BY FILTRATION AND CENTRIFUGATION

Link for citation: Shulkin V.M. Use of the dynamic light scattering to assess the efficiency of separation of suspended and colloidal particles in river waters by filtration and centrifugation. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 10, рр. 88-97. In Rus. The relevance of the study is stipulated by the need to control the completeness and accuracy of the separation of suspended and colloidal particles using filtration and centrifugation methods during the analysis of the chemical composition of river waters. The main goal: to test and evaluate the possibility of using the method of dynamic light scattering to monitor the effectiveness of separation of suspended and colloidal particles of river waters by filtration and centrifugation. Objects: waters of typical rivers of the south of the Russian Far East with different levels of anthropogenic load and landscape structure of watersheds, which leads to obvious variations in the concentration levels of dissolved, colloidal and suspended forms of chemical elements in rivers, as well as to different content and grain size composition of suspended matter. Methods: measurement of the dynamic light scattering intensity, including its size distribution, using the Photocor COMPACT Z device in unfiltered samples of river waters, as well as in the filtrates through capsule and membrane filters with varying degrees of clogging, and in the supernatants obtained under various conditions. At the same time, the sum content of suspended and coarse-colloidal particles in the initial samples of river waters was determined gravimetrically after filtration through membrane filters with a pore size of 0,45 μm. Results. The dynamic light scattering intensity in unfiltered river waters demonstrates a significant linear dependence on the suspension content in the range of 5–150 mg/l, determined gravimetrically. In filtrates via a membrane or capsule filter of 0,45 μm, the dynamic light scattering intensity does not depend on the suspension content in the unfiltered samples. Analysis of the size distribution of dynamic light scattering intensity in the unfiltered samples, and in the filtrates confirms the removal efficiency of particles larger than 0,45 μm both at the filtration through membrane or capsule filters, and at the centrifugation for 30' at 4500 rpm. Dynamic light scattering allows characterizing the efficiency of separation of suspended and coarse-colloidal particles in river waters from thin colloids and dissolved forms using membrane and capsule filters, as well as centrifugation. Thus, it becomes possible to control the processes of filters clogging and choose the optimal method for separation of suspended and colloidal particles at the chemical analysis of river waters.

Spatial variation of cadmium concentration in the bivalve Beguina semiorbiculata (Linnaeus, 1758) from coastal coral reefs of Vietnam

The spatial distribution of trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Cd, Mn, Pb and Ni) in the soft tissues of Beguina semiorbiculata from coastal reefs of Vietnam was studied. Bivalves were collected in May 2013 from 22 sites along the south-eastern coast from Gulf of Thailand to Ha Long Bay.The most increased concentrations of studied metals (excluding Cd) were shown in the B. semiorbiculata living in Ha Long Bay characterized by terrestrial runoff and anthropogenic effects. In contrast, the maximal Cd concentrations were found in the bivalves from coastal reefs of central Vietnam and Gulf of Thailand.Apparently, Cd concentration depends on seasonal upwellings (central part of Vietnam coast) and composition of suspended matter (Gulf of Thailand). Consequently, Cd distribution in the coastal waters of Vietnam should be strongly controlled in relation with predicted risk of climate change that may further significantly increased Cd bioavailability for habitants of coral reefs.

Satellite estimation of suspended particle types using a backscattering efficiency-based model in the marginal seas.

The particle composition of suspended matter provides crucial information for a deeper understanding of marine biogeochemical processes and environmental changes. Particulate backscattering efficiency (Qbbe(λ)) is critical to understand particle composition, and a Qbbe(λ)-based model for classifying particle types was proposed. In this study, we evaluated the applicability of the Qbbe(λ)-based model to satellite observations in the shallow marginal Bohai and Yellow Seas. Spatiotemporal variations of the particle types and their potential driving factors were studied. The results showed that the Qbbe(λ) products generated from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on the satellite Aqua agreed well with the in situ measured values, with determination coefficient, root mean square error, bias, and mean absolute percentage error of 0.76, 0.007, 16.5%, and 31.0%, respectively. This result verifies the satellite applicability of the Qbbe(λ)-based model. Based on long-term MODIS data, we observed evident spatiotemporal variations of the Qbbe(λ), from which distinct particle types were identified. Coastal waters were often dominated by minerals, with high Qbbe(λ) values, though their temporal changes were also observed. In contrast, waters in the offshore regions showed clear changes in particle types, which shifted from organic-dominated with low Qbbe(λ) levels in summer to mineral-dominated with high Qbbe(λ) values in winter. We also observed long-term increasing and decreasing trends in Qbbe(λ) in some regions, indicating a relative increase in the proportions of mineral and organic particles in the past decades, respectively. These spatiotemporal variations of Qbbe(λ) and particle types were probably attributed to sediment re-suspension related to water mixing driven by wind and tidal forcing, and to sediment load associated with river discharge. Overall, the findings of this study may provide valuable proxies for better studying marine biogeochemical processes, material exchanges, and sediment flux.

Major, Trace and Rare Earth Element Distribution in Water, Suspended Particulate Matter and Stream Sediments of the Ob River Mouth

Ongoing climatic changes are influencing the volume and composition of the river waters that enter the Arctic Basin. This hydrochemical study was conducted within the mouth of the Ob River, which is one of the world’s largest rivers, providing 15% of the Arctic Ocean’s total intake. Concentrations of suspended and dissolved elements were determined using ICP–MS and ICP–AES. As compared to the world average values, the Ob river water had higher concentrations of dissolved P, As, Cu, Zn, Pb and Sb, i.e., the elements that form soluble organo-mineral complexes. The composition of suspended matter was characterized by low concentrations of most trace elements (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Mo, Al, Ni, Pb, V) due to their low contents in peat soils within the river drainage basin. Concentrations of dissolved forms were many times lower than concentrations of suspended forms in Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Co, Ti, Sc, and all rare earth elements. Total concentrations of Ni, Cu, Bi, Pb, W in the river water increased by 2.5 to 4.2 times during the summer. The effects of climate change, which can cause an increase in the discharge of solid particles from thawing permafrost, are likely to lead to an increase in the discharge of certain elements into the Ob River estuary.

Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, and Cr in the sedimentary matter of Lake Onego

The article presents the results of geochemical studies of Lake Onego. The chemical composition of the water was investigated, the uneven distribution of elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Cu, Zn, and Cr) and the forms of their migration along the lake water area were revealed. It is shown that the suspended form of metals prevails in bays exposed to an anthropogenic load. The study of the chemical composition of sediment from sedimentation traps showed its difference from the composition of suspended matter and bottom sediments. The mineralogical composition of suspended matter and sediment from sedimentation traps has been studied. Their comparison with the bottom sediments of the lake is carried out. The close composition of the terrigenous component of sedimentary matter in different areas of Lake Onego has been revealed. The features of detrital matter are studied.

Use of Hydrooptical Characteristics in Monitoring the Status of the Reservoir Ecosystem

Use of hydrooptical characteristics in monitoring the reservoir ecosystem is investigated. Two basic characteristics which are most commonly used for purposes of ecological monitoring having regard to information content and ease of measurements are considered: the beam attenuation coefficient e, the and Secchi disc depth ZSD. Theoretical analysis shows a relationship of e and ZSD with content of suspended matter and chlorophyll in water. It is concluded, however, that correct theoretical calculations of the content of these substances is not possible to correctly calculate these substances in a theoretical way from e and ZSD. In this context, empirical relationships of suspended matter and chlorophyll concentrations with hydrooptical characteristics are used for monitoring purposes. These relationships are regional in character, which is accounted for by the regional composition of suspended matter and by the intracellular concentration of pigments in algae. Examples of empirical relationships of suspended matter and chlorophyll concentrations with the beam attenuation coefficient and the Secchi depth in Lake Baikal, the Black Bea and the tropical waters of the Atlantic waters are given. It is found that in addition to the content of suspended matter and chlorophyll in reservoirs, it is important, for biological purposes, to know the thickness of the euphotic layer for total quantum irradiation Heuph.quant. Examples of the determination of the euphotic layer thickness for total quantum irradiation Heuph.quant. using Secchi depth for different reservoirs are provided.

Geochemistry of suspended matter in the Amazon river waters

The duplicate samples of the Amazon River suspended matter (SM) collected during Cruise 9th of R/V Professor Shtokman were studied using modern analytical techniques. Waters of the Amazon basin are subdivided into three main types differing in SM content and chemical composition: white (turbid yellow waters of the Amazon River and Madeira tributary), clear (transparent waters of the large Xingu, Tapajós, Trombetas, and Tocantins tributaries) and black (waters with strong coffer color, high content of dissolved organics, and elevated acidity, Riu Negro). The specific features of SM from different parts of the river basin have been established. The contents and relationships of major and trace elements in SM vary within wide ranges, but in general the bulk composition of SM is close to the average composition of river SM and clay rocks, except for some samples from clear waters. The SM of the white and clear waters (blackwater samples unfortunately have not been preserved) are variably enriched in Hg. Literature data indicate that artisanal gold mining with the use of Hg (amalgamation method) has been carried out for many years in the Amazon Basin, i.e., SM enrichment in Hg is related to the anthropogenic factor. At the same time, significant (up to two orders of magnitude) enrichment of SM of the clear water Xingu and Tokantins rivers, the Amazon tributaries, in Sn, Zn, Pb, and to lesser extent, in Cu, Cd, Ag, and some other metals give grounds to suggest ore mineralization in these regions.

БАЗОВЫЕ ГЕОХИМИЧЕСКИЕ ПАРАМЕТРЫ ВЕРХНЕГО СЛОЯ ВОД ЮГО-ЗАПАДНОЙ ЧАСТИ КАРСКОГО МОРЯ В ЗИМНИЙ ПЕРИОД

The suspended matter (SM), dissolved (DOC) and particulate organic carbon (POC), chlorophyll «a» and pheophytin distributions in surface water layer of southwest Kara Sea are presented. The concentration values of the above parameters were first obtained for February- March, previously unaffected by the previous studies. It was established that the measured concentrations were significantly lower in the winter period than those observed earlier in the summer and spring seasons. According to the complex data analysis, two separate regions are clearly distinguished: to the west and east of the Belyy Island traverse. The eastern region is under the decisive influence of a river discharge, manifested in relatively high concentrations of suspended matter, DOC and POC and relatively low concentrations of chlorophyll «a». Concentrations of suspended matter, dissolved and suspended organic carbon are reduced relative to the mean values, while the share of chlorophyll «a» in the POC is much higher in the western region. An increased POC concentration in the suspended matter is also recorded. Also, in the samples of the western region, the presence of carbonates, not supplied with the river discharge, was noted. The combination of these factors makes it possible to suggest a significant contribution of the autochthonous material to the suspended matter composition. The high content POC and chlorophyll «a» in the suspended matter could mark the supply of newly formed organic matter to the surface layer of water on the border of broken ice – ice fields.

Environmental and human impacts on sediment transport of the largest Asian rivers of Russia and China

The paper deals with comparative summary of sediment loads and particulate trace metals (V, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) transport in the largest Asian rivers of Russia and China. Environmental conditions and human interventions in the selected catchments (Lena, Ob, Enisey, Selenga, Kolyma, Amur, Yellow, Yangtze, Pearl) are analyzed with respect to the rate and composition of suspended sediment loads. The paper presents calculations of sediment load changes at the downstream sections of the rivers and new database of the chemical composition of suspended matter which involves all recent studies of the last decade for the sediment geochemistry. The results indicate that fluvial system and its human modifications are the most significant drivers of sediment load. Fluvial erosion in the unconfined channels exerts a significant control on the sediment load changes due to observed permafrost melting. We concluded that construction of reservoirs has the most important influence on land–ocean sediment fluxes in the largest rivers of Asia but plays relatively weak role in heavy metal composition in suspended particulate matter (SPM) due to lowest sedimentation rates of the fine clay particles, which are mostly enriched with heavy metals. The paper also presents novel mapping approaches related to cartographic recognition of the fluvial system and its human modification and sediment transfer processes in the largest Asian rivers of Russia and China, linked with a specific legend. Finally, analysis of uncertainties associated with estimating the SPM composition in the rivers was done with respect to spatial and temporal variability. It was shown that the main error occurs due to incorporation of data only from particular hydrological seasons which usually ignore high flood conditions.

Iron in Natural Surface Waters of Ukraine: Content, Peculiarities of Migration and Biological Role

Results of long-term investigations of the content of iron in surface water bodies of various types, including the reservoirs of the Dnieper cascade, the Danube River (the Kiliya delta), the Desna River, rivers of the Pripyat, Southern Bug, Ros, Gorny Tikich, and Seret basins, the reservoirs formed on these rivers, some Shatsk lakes, and water bodies located within the territory of Kiev, are given in the paper. The occurrence of this metal mainly in the composition of suspended matter (61.4-97.3% Fetotal) is typical to river waters. In the branches of the Kiliya delta of the Danube River, iron migrates mainly in suspended form, which is conditioned by a high content of mineral suspended matter. A predominance of iron suspended form is observed in some small water bodies of Kiev, which is conditioned by intensive development of phytoplankton. In the reservoirs of the Dnieper cascade, iron occurs mainly in the dissolved form, which is conditioned by its binding into the complexes with organic matter. The degree of iron complexation in the studied water bodies accounts for 89-97% Fedis. In surface waters with high coloration (rivers of the Pripyat basin and the upper reservoirs of the Dnieper cascade), humic substances are of crucial importance in binding iron. In small water bodies, a significant portion of Fedis was found in the composition of neutral complexes with carbohydrates. Results of the study of molecular-mass distribution of anionic and neutral complex compounds of iron are discussed in the paper.

Effects of current regimes and oxygenation on particulate matter preservation on the Namibian shelf: Insights from amino acid biogeochemistry

Many reconstructions of past biogeochemical states rely on proxies such as δ15N that in turn are affected by the preservation state of organic matter. N-turnover processes in the upwelling system on the Namibian shelf are difficult to reconstruct because lateral particle advection and differential degradation under oxic to anoxic conditions complicate particle tracing in suspended matter and surface sediments as well as the interpretation of sedimentary δ15N records. We analysed the amino acid composition of suspended matter, sinking particles, phytoplankton biomass and surface sediments in order to investigate the degradation pathway of organic matter from the sea surface to the surface sediment. A principal component analysis carried out with the amino acid data set results in a triangular-shaped model. Two branches evolve from phytoplankton biomass on the apex: The suspended matter branch is characterized by relatively enhanced contents of Glu, Ser and Leu, whereas the non-protein amino acids and Lys mark the sinking particle and sediment branch. The results suggest that both pools have taken different diagenetic pathways and that there is only limited exchange between them. The preservation state of organic matter in surface sediments within the oxygen minimum zone is generally better than on the oxic outer shelf, where organic matter preservation depends on water depth.A vertical increase in δ15N ratios from phytoplankton biomass to the surface sediment by ~2.5‰ is attributed to early diagenetic degradation in the water column and at the water/sediment interface. The δ15N ratios of sediments are mainly controlled by the N-isotope signature of nitrate on the outer shelf and upper continental slope. Nutrient-enriched deep water ascends at the shelf breaks due to the influence of internal waves and tides or curl-driven shelf break upwelling. The δ15N of upwelling nitrate at the shelf breaks is ~3‰ lower than that of nitrate from the inner shelf. This difference in nitrate sources is expressed in a band of decreasing δ15N ratios of surface sediments at the shelf breaks. The hydrodynamic upwelling regime at the shelf breaks flushes significant amounts of suspended matter from the mesopelagic ocean across the shelf break as indicated by amino acid monomer patterns of suspended matter.

Distribution and composition of suspended matter in water and snow cover in Kaliningrad Bay

Field data, collected by the authors during winter expedition studies in Kaliningrad Bay, are analyzed. Notwithstanding the presence of ice cover, considerable advective processes are shown to be taking place in the bay. Seawater enters the bay, spreading in the bottom horizon all over the water area. Suspended sediment concentration in under-ice period is on the average three times less than that in the ice-free period. The space and time variations of its quantitative and qualitative composition under ice are mostly governed by two factors—the effect of the sea and river runoff. The values of vertical fluxed of eolian material to the bay surface in winter vary from 0.5 to 2.9 with the average of 1.7 mg m–2 day–1.

Distribution and composition of suspended matter at meridional section in the western Atlantic

The results of the study of suspended particulate matter of the surface waters in the Western Atlantic from the moderate latitudes of the northern hemisphere to the subtropics of the southern hemisphere, its distribution of quantity, and its composition are considered. The dominant influence of climatic zonality, where maximum contents and a biogenic component of suspended matter are confined to the eutrophic and mesotrophic segments of the ocean, as well as the influence of circumcontinental zonality, especially manifest in the distribution of the lithogenic fraction of suspended matter, are recorded.

The Content and Forms of Silicon Occurrence in the Water of the Kanev Reservoir and Their Dependence on Phytoplankton Development

Results of the study of seasonal changes in the content of the dissolved and suspended forms of silicon in the water of the Kanev Reservoir (the upper section, Obolon Bay) and their dependence on the development of diatoms are discussed in the paper. The concentration of the dissolved silicon accounted for 1.0−6.8 mg/L, whereas that of the suspended silicon − 0.05−0.4 mg/L. During the period of investigations, the contribution of diatoms to the total number of species accounted for 33%, whereas their contribution to the total biomass of phytoplankton was 63%. It has been found that the increase in their biomass in May − June was accompanied by a decrease in the concentration of the dissolved silicon, and also in the increase in the content of its suspended form. The distribution of silicon among the abiotic and biotic components of suspended matter of the studied water body was investigated. It has been found that during the period of diatoms vegetation a relative content of biogenic silicon in the composition of suspended matter increased up to 42−45%, whereas its minimal values (1−2%) were observed in wintertime.

Amino acid composition and <i>δ</i><sup>15</sup>N of suspended matter in the Arabian Sea: implications for organic matter sources and degradation

Abstract. Sedimentation in the ocean is fed by large aggregates produced in the surface mixed layer that sink rapidly through the water column. These particles sampled by sediment traps have often been proposed to interact by disaggregation and scavenging with a pool of fine suspended matter with very slow sinking velocities and thus a long residence time. We investigated the amino acid (AA) composition and stable nitrogen isotopic ratios of suspended matter (SPM) sampled during the late SW monsoon season in the Arabian Sea and compared them to those of sinking particles to understand organic matter degradation/modification during passage through the water column. We found that AA composition of mixed layer suspended matter corresponds more to fresh plankton and their aggregates, whereas AA composition of SPM in the sub-thermocline water column deviated progressively from mixed layer composition. We conclude that suspended matter in deep waters and in the mixed layers of oligotrophic stations is dominated by fine material that has a long residence time and organic matter that is resistant to degradation. SPM in areas of high primary productivity is essentially derived from fresh plankton and thus has a strong imprint of the subsurface nitrate source, whereas SPM at oligotrophic stations and at subthermocline depths appears to exchange amino acids and nitrogen isotopes with the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pool influencing also the δ15N values.

Seasonal Transport Characteristics of Suspended Particulate Organic Carbon in the Middle and Lower Yangtze River and the Relationship with Three Georges Reservoir

The suspended matter samples collected about 2 times every month in Datong of Yangtze River from May to November 2010 were used for determination of grain size and particulate organic carbon (POC) component. The results indicated that the size composition and organic carbon concentrations of Datong showed obvious seasonal characteristics. The median grain size of the suspended particulate matter ranged from 5.8 to 7.8Φ, decreased in summer (July to September) and increased in autumn (October to November). The POC% of the suspended particulate matter ranged from 0.87% to 1.18%, and was lower in summer, because high sediment discharge had dilution effect for organic carbon. The increase of the turbidity of water reduced the production capacity, and the organic matter correspondingly decreased. POC% decreased with the reduction of median grain size, which suggested that organic matter into the river in summer is mainly organic debris, but not mainly absorbed by the fine particles of clay. CaCO3 content ranged 3.7% to 7.6% and was higher in summer, which reflected the increased source contribution of the upper stream. It decreased in autumn, which reflected the increased source contribution of the middle and lower stream. Since the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir, POC% in Datong were significantly higher than before, which showed the rise of fine particulate matter component and its stronger adsorption of organic matter. The Three Gorges Dam had significant influence on the grain size and organic composition of suspended matter of theYangtze River into the sea. Its potential environmental impact of bio-geochemical effects deserves more research attention.

Trace metal composition of suspended particulate matter in the water column of the Black Sea

We analyzed the chemical composition of suspended matter from the Black Sea for a complete suite of elements used as tracers for various sources and processes. Samples of suspended matter were collected at four stations from the Bosporus to the center of the western gyre during a R/V Bilim cruise in September 2000. Sample depths were from the oxic surface layer, the suboxic zone and the upper part of the anoxic (sulfidic) layer. All samples were analyzed for Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Ba, Pb, U and P using ICP-MS, AAS, and spectrophotometer. The main objective of this study was to determine the processes that influence the distributions of particulate trace metals in the water column under various redox environments. The composition of the particulate matter was influenced by lithogenic input from surrounding rivers, biological production in the surface layer, biogeochemical (e.g. redox) processes and anthropogenic inputs. Almost all elemental concentrations decreased from the coastal to the offshore stations to the center of the western gyre. Metal/Al ratios were compared with the ratios of average crust and Danube and Turkish rivers. Deviations from these lithogenic sources were used to examine the anomalies due to geochemical, biological and anthropogenic processes. In general, the largest metal enrichments relative to crust were observed inthe surface samples away from coastal sources. Metal/P ratios were used to compare data for some of the elements with previous data from the open ocean. The Me/P ratios for Cu, Zn, Mo and Ni were much higher than open ocean studies, while the ratios for Cd and Co were comparable. The high Me/P (and Me/Al) for several elements suggest anthropogenic input may contribute to these high surface concentrations. The composition of particulate matter from the suboxic zone showed that some elements were strongly enriched. Enrichments of Mn and Fe in the suboxic zone were observed, as expected. Mn and Fe oxides play an important role in scavenging processes. The redox dependent processes in the suboxic - anoxic interface influence the vertical distribution of U, V, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Ba and possibly Mo, Cr. Elements influenced by sulfide formation in the anoxic layer were Fe, Cr, Ni, Co, Mo, and Ag.

Spatiotemporal variability of the organic carbon isotopic composition of suspended matter at the lower stream and estuary of the Amur River

The information about the sources of organic mat� ter (OM) in suspended matter (SM) of the boundary river–sea geosystems, conditions of its mobilization, and water migration, peculiarities of transformation, and scales of spatiotemporal variability are needed for solution of applied and fundamental problems of bio� geochemistry, sedimentology, ecology, and others. The system of the Amur River and the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan (further on—the system, which is specific due to many causes, has remained unstudied from this standpoint. Landscapes of plains and moun� tains as well as rocks of different geological formations are drained in the watershed of the river, while prepa� ration of the sedimentary material to water migration occurs in the conditions of the continental and mon�

On the elemental composition of suspended matter of the Severnaya Dvina River (White Sea region)

New data on the elemental composition of the Severnaya Dvina River, the largest one in the White Sea region, are presented. The elemental composition of the river water in May, the period of the snowmelt flood, is similar to the upper layer of the Earth’s continental crust due to the active erosion of the earth material in the catchment area. In August, the period of the summer low water, the impact of biogenic components increases and elevated concentrations of Cd, Sb, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Cu are observed. At other times, no significant pollution by heavy and rare-earth elements is registered.