Pole Station Research Articles

REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF POTATO ACCESSIONS FROM THE VIR COLLECTION IN MURMANSK PROVINCE

Background. Knowledge of the reproductive potential in plants is of vital importance for potato cultivation in the Arctic environments.Materials and methods. From 2008 through 2017, 1594 potato cultivars with diverse maturation schedules from VIR’s collection were studied at the Polar Experiment Station of VIR. The material was evaluated according to the timing of their phenological phases (germination, budding, and flowering) and the possibility of their reproductive organs’ development.Results: With the same agricultural practice applied, cultivars of different maturation groups began to germinate and produce shoots at about the same time within the growing season, with a slight difference from 0.2 days (2010) to 3.3 days (2015). Further passing of phenological phases under the conditions of the Arctic depended on the mean daily air temperature and precipitation. The duration of the period from germination to flowering was largely affected by the temperature regime. The emergence of mass shoots was observed on average 18.5 ± 2.9 days after planting. The budding phase started 31.9 ± 4.7 to 43.0 ± 6.9 days after planting. The beginning of flowering occurred at the beginning of the third decade of July or 46.8 ± 4.9 to 57.5 ± 7.5 days after planting. The duration of the mass flowering of potato plants on average covered the time frame from the end of July to the middle of the third ten-day period of August. To move a potato plant from the budding phase to the flowering/mass flowering phase, a sum of effective July temperatures of 300°C is required. During the growing season, for all the years of the study, 97% of the varieties, as related to the total number of accessions, were able to set up buds; 85.7% entered the flowering stage; 63.3% moved to the stage of mass flowering; and 22.2% were able to set berries from self-pollination. According to the data of the long-term analysis of perennial agrometeorological data, the most favorable conditions for setting berries after potato self-pollination recurred every five years in the north. These conditions were formed under the sum of active air temperatures from 1170 to 1300°С (for June, July, and August), combined with insufficient provision of precipitation. Under the natural conditions in the north, the lack of moisture stimulates plants to enter the stages of flowering and fruit setting quicker and more intensively.Conclusion: The study made it possible to identify the optimal conditions for the fruit to be set by a potato plant in the north and also to acquire more data on the reproduction characteristics of potato cultivars.

Microbial communities in regions of arctic settlements

The composition and the structure of microbial communities in areas of Arctic settlements were studied. The main attention has been given to microscopic fungi. As result of observation of 5 Arctic regions 117 species of microscopic fungi are revealed in soils and anthropogenic substrates. The identification was carried out with the use ofmycological and molecular genetic methods. Most ofspecies belong to the Ascomycotina. Genus Penicillium is characterized by the most species diversity (24 species). Most offungi are destructors of various materials and potential human pathogens. Dominant species are revealed. The distribution of microorganisms in the living and working areas of polar stations, as well as the adjacent areas are described. Black-colored fungi adapted to unfavorable environment are often the dominated group of microorganisms on soils and anthropogenic substrates. The shaping of soil microbiota was shown to be related to the anthropogenic impact. Considerable similarity of microbial communities composition in the soil and man-made substrates is fixed. As result of mycological analysis of contaminated soils 76 species of microscopic fungi were observed, but 41 species of them (53.9%) were identified in the areas of Arctic polar stations on the man-made materials. These species include the representatives of the genera Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Chaetomium, Cladosporium, Exophiala, Geomyces, Humicola, Penicillium, Mucor, Phoma, Rhodotorula, Trichoderma and Ulocladium. The obtained data show a significant similarity in species composition of contaminated soils and anthropogenic substrates. Human activity contributes to the distribution of cosmopolitan species, including opportunistic fungi, in the Arctic region. The high numbers of organotrophic bacteria were revealed in soil samples. Some species of microorganisms produce the organic acids in an external environment that promotes the erosion of materials.

BUILDING UP THE COLLECTION HOLDINGS OF PERENNIAL ORNAMENTAL PLANTS FROM THE FAMILY ROSACEAE AT THE POLAR EXPERIMENT STATION OF VIR

The article discusses the prospects of building up a collection of ornamental plants belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae Juss.) from local cultivated and wild plant forms in order to expand the zonal assortment of ornamentals for urban landscape gardening in Murmansk Province. Since 2017, the Polar Experiment Station of the Vavilov Institute (VIR) has been engaged in systematic research activities aimed at introduction of ornamental perennial ornamental herbs and shrubs. A promising collection stock has been formed of ornamental plants, currently totaling 198 accessions (160 species) from 40 plant families, including 132 accessions of perennial herbaceous plants (77 genera), 58 of ornamental shrubs (10 genera), and 8 of woody plants (4 genera). Representatives of the family Rosaceae make up 25% of the total number of accessions. The Polar Experiment Station maintains wild and cultivated perennial plants of the genera Geum L., Filipendula L., Potentilla L., Sanguisorba L., Alchimilla L., Dryas L., Spiraea L., Rosa L., Sorbus L., Dasifora Rafin., etc., having ornamental qualities, characterized by high winter hardiness, and not requiring high expenditures for their maintenance. Further expansion of the Rosaceae collection is going to be based on the introduction of ornamentals from the rose family identified in the local vegetation of the Kola Peninsula as well as through the acquisition of accessions from botanical gardens and nurseries located in the areas with climate conditions close to those of the Polar Experiment Station of VIR.

Tidal and storm surges levels variation at the Cape Kamenny (Gulf of the Ob)

Sea level observations obtained in various expeditions since 1936, as well as those made at the polar station on Cape Kamenny (the Ob Bay) from 1952 to 1994 were subjected to treatment and harmonic analysis using the least squares method (AARI version).The aim of the work was to assess the quality of hourly and 6-hourly intervals series of sea level data and to bring these data to uniform rows for the subsequent study of tidal and surge waves. As a result of this analysis, 6-hourly interval observations of 1952–1961 were considered of low quality and not suitable for further consideration in the work. Bringing 6-hourly interval observations for 1977–1994 to uniform rows was carried out first with the control of the height basis and binding to the Baltic system of heights, and then with the help of the tide calibration method the final cast was made. In the area of tidal fluctuations of the level, erroneous information about the tide, obtained during the treatment of observations for 1936, which were placed in the tide tables for 1941, was revealed. New average estimates of harmonic constants for the summer period were proposed. The study of surges of level is based on uniform series, as well as residual ones (observations minus predictions). At the same time, the tide calculation (prediction) was made according to the program developed at AARI for the average monthly values of harmonic constants (12 sets of tides lists in the annual cycle) with the inclusion of long-period tides. Statistical quantitative characteristics of non-periodic level fluctuations were obtained for the total and residual series of observations. They are calculated on a unique hourly series for the years 1947–1948. And 6-hourly interval data for 1977–1994. For the estimation of surges, the level above 5 % of estimation was used, and the drifts were distinguished by the level below 95 % of estimation. Relationships are obtained between the duration and rate of growth of the level during surges, as well as the decline and rise of the level during drifts.

Hybrid Stand-alone Power Supply Systems for the Arctic Polar Stations

Hybrid power supply systems based on the renewable energy sources, electrochemical rechargeable batteries, and fuel cells are considered. Such systems provide stable power supply and offer some advantages both over the traditional hydrocarbon-fueled diesel generators and over the radioisotope thermoelectric generators. The innovative technology of group connection to the Russian Satellite Communications Company resources is considered as a tool for the remote control of operation modes of various power generation sources under changing environmental parameters and payload. It is proposed to use such hybrid power systems to provide power supply for autonomous observation stations in the Russian Arctic.

CHANGES IN MICROBIAL COMMUNITIES IN PRIMARY SOIL AND GROUND UNDER THE ANTHROPOGENIC INFLUENCE ON THE TERRITORY AROUND ANTARCTIC STATION “MIRNY”

Antarctic station “Mirny” was the first Russian (Soviet) polar station in Antarctica. The anthropogenic impact on the primary ground and soil in the area around of this polar station took place more than 60 years. This is reflected in both the chemical composition of the soil and microbial communities. The article shows multiple increasing of the number of bacteria and microscopic fungi in anthropogenic contaminated soils. Contamination of soil leads to changes of the structure of the microbial community. An increasing proportion of mesophilic bacteria isolates (90%) was shown. The increasing share spores and reduced the proportion of microscopic fungi mycelia were observed. Statistical analysis showed that we have identified almost all of the expected species that live in anthropogenic substrates (42 species), as well as in the control soils (17 species). But we identified only a part of fungal diversity in contaminated soils (32 species). The increase in the number of fungal species in the area of the polar station “Mirny” was proved to be connected with the human activity and introduction of new species. Native species of microscopic fungi were found to be able to colonize new materials previously unavailable to them. They also can be agents of active biodegradation of anthropogenic materials. Among fungal species isolated from anthropogenic contaminated soil and anthropogenic substrates more than 80% can be attributed to opportunistic organisms. Therefore the total number of microorganisms (CFU), the structure of the microbial complexes, the species composition of communities, indicator species, morphology and volume of biomass can be considered as an index of changes in soil microbial complexes and primary soils

Analysis of sub-GLE and GLE events using NM data: space weather applications

Detailed study of solar energetic particle events is important to understand their acceleration and propagation in the interplanetary space and allows one to model various processes related to space weather and space climate e.g. radiation environment at flight altitudes and atmospheric ionization. A special class of events, called ground level enhancements, registered by ground based detectors, can dramatically change the radiation environment in the Earth’s atmosphere. New recently installed high-altitude polar neutron monitors NMs, namely DOMC/B and historically installed South Pole, have made the worldwide neutron monitor network more sensitive to strong solar energetic particle events, registered at ground level. The two high-altitude polar stations are able to detect lower energy events, which most likely would not be registered by the other (near sea level) neutron monitor stations. Here, using the worldwide neutron monitor database (NMDB) records and an optimization procedure combined with simulations, we assess the spectral and angular characteristics of a new class of events sub-GLEs. With the estimated spectral characteristics as an input, we evaluate the effective dose rate in polar and sub-polar regions at typical commercial flight altitude during such events as well as during GLEs.

Diagnosis of the hydrology of a small Arctic permafrost catchment using HBV conceptual rainfall-runoff model

Abstract Changes in active layer thickness (ALT) over Arctic and permafrost regions have an important impact on rainfall-runoff transformation. General warming is observed across Svalbard Archipelago and corresponds to increases in ground temperatures. Permafrost thaw and changes in ALT due to climate warming alter how water is routed and stored in catchments, and thus impact both surface and subsurface processes. The overall aim of the present study is to examine the relationships between temporal changes of active layer depth and hydrological model parameters, together with variation in the catchment response. The analysis was carried out for the small unglaciated catchment Fuglebekken, located in the vicinity of the Polish Polar Station Hornsund on Spitsbergen. For hydrological modelling, the conceptual rainfall-runoff HBV (Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning) model was used. The model was calibrated and validated on runoff within subperiods. A moving window approach (3 weeks long) was applied to derive temporal variation of parameters. Model calibration, together with an estimation of parametric uncertainty, was carried out using the Shuffled Complex Evolution Metropolis algorithm. This allowed the dependence of HBV model parameters on ALT to be analysed. Also, we tested the influence of model simplification, correction of precipitation, and initial conditions on the modelling results.

По Великому Шёлковому пути — Ледовому Шёлковому пути — дороге мира и экономического сотрудничества

The project on the organization of trade relations between China and other countries arose in the second half of the II century BC. The caravan road connecting East Asia with the Mediterranean in the ancient time and to the Middle Ages was used, first of all, for export of silk from China. Therefore in 1877 the German geographer F.F. von Richtgofen called this route giving the chance for establishment of business contacts, cultural dialogue, promoting to mutual enrichment of large civilizations,—“A Silk Road”. By XV century the overland Silk Road fell into decay, sea trade and navigation began to develop. At the present stage of its development the mankind realized need of restitution of the interstate and international interaction inherent in the period of existence of the Great Silk Road. At the XXIV session of the UNESCO General conference in 1987 the project on complex studying of the Great Silk Road was developed. This international project worked according to two large programs of UNESCO: “The environment surrounding the person, resources of the ground and sea” and “The culture and the future”. In the next years development of the idea of reconstruction and expansion of the opportunities put in the ancient times in the Great Silk Road continued. In 2013 the Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the concept of “A New Silk Road” under the slogan “One Belt – One Road” including the “Economic Belt of the Silk Road” and “Sea Silk Road of the XXI Century” projects. The strategy of “A New Silk Road” included the project of development of the Northern Sea Route. The Northern Sea Route—the major navigable main passing across the seas of Arctic Ocean, connecting the European and Far East ports and also mouths of the navigable Siberian rivers into the unified transport system of the Arctic. The history of the Northern Sea Route began with the first voyages of the Pomors. Development, studying and the description of sea routes of the Russian Arctic continued further. Development of the Arctic navigation promoted the beginning of the industrial development of natural resources of the region. The large-scale industrial development of the Arctic territories began in the 1930s. During the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945 ice breakers played a large role in conducting of northern convoys. The existing ports were specially converted, new polar stations are built and also additional airfields are developed. In post-war years the Arctic navigation gained further development thanks to the commissioning of icebreaking vessels of new classes. The map of the Northern Sea Route on which the objects built in the 1930–1940s are shown is presented in the article. In July, 2017 during the visit to Russia the chairman Xi Jinping with the president V.V. Putin reached the important agreement on development and use of the Arctic Sea Route and creation of the Ice Silk Road, the sea way uniting North America, East Asia and Western Europe. Within the project of “The Ice Silk Road” tankers with production of Yamal LNG for the first time in the history went the Arctic Sea Route without icebreaking maintenance in the summer of 2018 and arrived from the Arctic port Sabbeta to the Chinese port Jiangsu Zhudong. By these flights the beginning of the regular supply of LNG across the Northern Sea Route is opened.

Internal structure and photosynthetic performance of Nostoc sp. colonies in the high Arctic

The physiological performance of <em>Nostoc</em> sp. colonies in the high Arctic was investigated based on their structure and function. To investigate the internal colony structure, a method based on vertical stacking of individual light microscopy images was tested under the conditions at a polar field station. The physiological state of sun-exposed and shaded surfaces of the colonies was assessed using variable chlorophyll fluorescence imaging under two distinct low- and high-light conditions. The 3D image of the internal structure of the colonies revealed a high number of cells in the central part of the colony. Two peaks of maximum cell density were observed, probably caused by two overlapping colony lobes or subcolonies. Light was the driving factor of photosynthetic activity, and the colony structure played a role in the rate of response to incoming light. Fluorescence imaging revealed heterogeneity of the photosynthetic activity in the colonies, with the maximum photosynthetic activity at the colony edge due to better access to nutrients. The differences between exposed and shaded surfaces were not as pronounced as was expected, either due to good photoacclimation to a broad range of light conditions, light distribution through translucent extracellular matrixes, or integration of fluorescence signals throughout the colonies. The slightly better photosynthetic performance under high light conditions may indicate photoacclimation of <em>Nostoc</em> sp. to a broad range of light conditions encountered in the field.

Quantifying snow drift on Arctic structures: A case study at Summit, Greenland, using UAV-based structure-from-motion photogrammetry

Designing a building for polar stations involves countless cost-benefit trade-offs. One critical decision for planners is whether to elevate structures or place them on the snow surface. For planners wishing to minimize the impact of drifting, elevated structures are generally more desirable, with the tradeoff of added construction cost. Surface-based structures are less expensive to construct, but accumulate drift more rapidly than their elevated counterparts, thus incurring an added recurring expense of snow removal. To estimate this added cost, we quantified the volume of snow drifted on several structures at Summit, Greenland, using structure-from-motion photogrammetry from a small UAV. We find that while the elevated “Bighouse” accumulated negligible drift, the surface-based “Greenhouse” accumulated 4862 ±444 m 3 of snow. We then use estimates of equipment efficiency at snow removal coupled with equipment operating cost to determine the time and cost of snow removal (69 ± 6 h for the Greenhouse). Finally, we analyze a 10-year record of winds from Summit, and estimate the total amount of snow drifted on the structures in any given year. We estimate that the Greenhouse at Summit accumulates an average of 11,702 m 3 of snow per year, and that clearing that snow costs an average of $41,000 per year. The expense of snow removal for surface-based structures should be factored into the total lifetime cost of the building, making elevated structures much more cost-competitive than they may initially appear.

Results and prospects of the climatestudies and climate service in the Arctic

Climatic studies in AARI include monitoring changes in the Arctic climate system, ascertaining their causes and predictability. The beginning was laid in the 1920s by the works of V. Yu. Wiese, who investigated the causes of the warming of the Arctic in the 1920–1930s. Monitoring continues with the organization in 1932–1934 of a network of polar stations, and the first climatic assessments were created in the 1960s. At present, climate change monitoring in the Arctic is carried out on the basis of observations on the network of hydrometeorological stations, satellite observations of sea ice, ship-based expedition observations and measurements on autonomous buoy installations in the Arctic seas and the Arctic basin. The results are presented in regular reviews of climatic and ice conditions. Recent studies have evaluated the contribution of atmospheric heat transfers in the formation of temperature changes in winter and radiation inflows in summer.A scheme for the development and enhancement of warming in the Arctic has been proposed. The tasks of climate services in the Arctic are considered on the basis of the WMO initiative on the development of climate services in the form of the Arctic Regional Climate Center – network (ArcRCC-N).

Assessment of Anthropogenic Influence on Antarctic Mycobiota in Areas of Russian Polar Stations

This article presents the results of microscopic fungi complexes in the areas of five Russian polar stations in East Antarctica and the Subantarctic. A total of 104 microfungal species have been identified. Seventyseven fungal species have been detected in samples of soils and anthropogenic materials from polar stations of East Antarctica (Progress, Mirny, Molodezhnaya, and Druzhnaya 4) using mycological methods while, in the Bellingshausen station (Subantarctic), we have isolated 87 micromycete species. The number of fungi in soils varies from individual propagules in control soils to 94000 per 1 g of soil in contaminated areas. The largest number of species is represented by the genus Penicillium (26 species). Fungal species that form the core of mycobiota in most of the studied habitats have been identified. For soils of East Antarctica, it is formed by species of the genera Aureobasidium, Cadophora, Pseudogymnoascus (Geomyces), Thelebolus, and Phoma. Significant differences are established between the mycobiota of East Antarctica and that of the Subantarctic. At the same time, a general trend towards an increase in fungal species diversity and number in the areas of polar stations compared to the control (clean) sites for all studied areas is recorded. These data indicate that a significant part of micromycetes is introduced into the Antarctic by humans (anthropogenic invasion).

THE INVESTIGATION OF THE OBJECTS OF THE PAST ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE ON THE VILKITSKY ISLAND (KARA SEA)

The research of the objects of the the past environmental damage on the Vilkitsky Island located in the Kara Sea. The central part of northern coast where the abandoned objects of the air defense point and the polar station are located is subject to technogenic influence. Around them and on the bank of the Kara sea there are dumps for solid household and industrial waste. Water bodies on the affected part of the island s are polluted with oil and heavy metals. Water quality corresponds to 4, 5 and 6 classes (polluted, dirty and very dirty). Concentrations of oil and heavy metals in the bottom sediments of reservoirs exceeding levels of pollution in the background sites accordingly in 17 and 3, 7 times are found out. In soils of the island’s background sites oil are not found out, and the concentration of heavy metals are extremely low - in 1,6–5 times lower than in a the continental tundra zone and at 2–12 time lower than in the midland of Russia. The background concentration of heavy metals established on the basis of a representative sample in sandy tundra soils can be of interest for the subsequent researches of other Arctic territories combined by young marine sediments. At the polluted sites admissible level of the maintenance of oil is exceeded by 1,3–6,7 times. The content of heavy metals is dominated by soils polluted to an admissible and moderately dangerous level, and in some cases — dangerous and extremely dangerous level. The polluted sites are restricted; the passports of the objects of the past environmental damage were compiled for them. Recommendations about carrying out of actions about liquidation of the past environmental damage are made.

PL612 LOFAR station sensitivity measurements in the context of its application for pulsar observations

The Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) is relatively new interferometric radio telescope. LOFAR operates in poorly explored part of the spectrum (10–240 MHz). In this frequency range pulsars are bright, and LOFAR observations of pulsars are import for probing fundamental physics and the interstellar medium. In this work we present the description of the international LOFAR station frontend and backend parameters related to pulsar observations with a single LOFAR station, based on observations with the Polish station, located in Bałdy near Olsztyn. We present new results from observations aimed at better characterizing the telescope sensitivity. These measurements are important for efficient planning of pulsar observating campaigns. Observations show good sensitivity for pulsar measurements above 25° elevation and show the noise level rises significantly for elevations below 25°.

Soil Microbial Communities of Eastern Antarctica

Investigation of microbial communities of Antarctica soils is a very important field of research that expands our knowledge of microbial participation in primary soil formation and specific features of their communities in extreme habitats, and it is of considerable interest in directed search of for microorganisms as potential biotechnological objects. The results of long-term (2012–2017) complex studies on soil microbial communities of the Russian East Antarctica polar stations at Shirmakher oasis (Novolazarevskaya station), the Larsemann Hills (Progress station), and the Tala Hills (Molodezhnaya station) are presented in this review. The assessment of biomass of soil microorganisms by the methods of direct microscopy has been carried out for the first time for this region. The general amount of microbial biomass is small; the fungi dominate (77–99%). The unique features of Antarctic soils are the high content and morphological diversity of small forms of microorganisms: fungi are presented by mainly single-celled structures (small spores and yeasts), while bacteria by ultrafine (filtering) forms. At the same time, microorganisms can significantly contribute to such important ecological functions of soil as the emission of greenhouse gases, especially during the warm season with the stable positive temperatures of the soil. This should be considered during creation of models and forecasts of global warming. The use of various isolation techniques for the analysis of the soil microbial population, together with the succession approach, significantly expand the information about taxonomic diversity of cultivated fungi and bacteria in Antarctica soils.

A full-mission data set of H<sub>2</sub>O and HDO columns from SCIAMACHY 2.3 µm reflectance measurements

Abstract. A new data set of vertical column densities of the water vapour isotopologues H2O and HDO from the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) instrument for the whole of the mission period from January 2003 to April 2012 is presented. The data are retrieved from reflectance measurements in the spectral range 2339 to 2383 nm with the Shortwave Infrared CO Retrieval (SICOR) algorithm, ignoring atmospheric light scattering in the measurement simulation. The retrievals are validated with ground-based Fourier transform infrared measurements obtained within the Multi-platform remote Sensing of Isotopologues for investigating the Cycle of Atmospheric water (MUSICA) project. A good agreement for low-altitude stations is found with an average bias of −3.6×1021 for H2O and −1.0×1018 molec cm−2 for HDO. The a posteriori computed δD shows an average bias of −8 ‰, even though polar stations have a larger negative bias. The latter is due to the large amount of sensor noise in SCIAMACHY in combination with low albedo and high solar zenith angles. To demonstrate the benefit of accounting for light scattering in the retrieval, the quality of the data product fitting effective cloud parameters simultaneously with trace gas columns is evaluated in a dedicated case study for measurements round high-altitude stations. Due to a large altitude difference between the satellite ground pixel and the mountain station, clear-sky scenes yield a large bias, resulting in a δD bias of 125 ‰. When selecting scenes with optically thick clouds within 1000 m above or below the station altitude, the bias in a posteriori δD is reduced from 125 to 44 ‰. The insights from the present study will also benefit the analysis of the data from the new Sentinel-5 Precursor mission.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AIRBORNE FUNGI AT ARCTIC STATIONS NEAR WATER AREA OF THE NORTHERN SEA ROUTE

Аim. Main goal is the study of the microscopic fungi composition in the air of Arctic stations located along the Northern Sea Route. Methods. The study of aeromycota was carried out at 30 Arctic polar stations. The state of the Arctic territories was assessed in accordance with the methodology approved by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Russian Federation. Air sampling in living and working zones was carried out with a PU-1B aspirator. Microorganisms were precipitated from air (volume of 250-1 000 l) on agar medium. The identification of micromycetes was carried out on the basis of cultural and morphological features as well as using molecular methods. The isolates of the dominant species were tested for their ability to grow at a temperature of 37 °C (potential virulence). Results. In total, 40 species of micromycetes were found in the air environment of the Arctic stations. Most of them belonged to anamorphic fungi of ascomycete affinity. A significant part of the identified fungi (65%) are the human pathogens (group IV pathogenicity in SP 1.3.2322-08). The highest diversity of fungi (20 species) was noted in the aeromycota of Tiksi. The number of microscopic fungi in the air of all the investigated Arctic stations was moderate and varied from several colony forming units (CFU) to 254 CFU per 1 m3 of air. The largest number of micromycetes in the air of living spaces (more than 200 CFU per 1 m3 of air) was recorded on the islands of Vize and Troynoy (the archipelago of Izvestia CIK). The minimum number of micromycetes was in the air of small (both island and continental) polar stations, regardless of their location. Conclusion. The composition of the aeromycota of Arctic polar stations was characterized by the dominance of fungi associated with anthropogenic habitats. The obtained data indicate the need to control the number of potential human pathogens and allergenic fungi found in the areas of Arctic settlements.

Metals in Racomitrium lanuginosum from Arctic (SW Spitsbergen, Svalbard archipelago) and alpine (Karkonosze, SW Poland) tundra.

Arctic-alpine tundra habitats are very vulnerable to the input of relatively small amounts of xenobiotics, and thus their level in such areas must be carefully controlled. Therefore, we collected the terrestrial widespread moss Racomitrium lanuginosum (Hedw.) Brid. in Spitsbergen in the Arctic moss lichen tundra and, for comparison, in the Arctic-alpine tundra in the Karkonosze (SW Poland). Concentrations of the elements Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in this species and in the parent rock material were measured. We tested the following hypothesis: R. lanuginosum from Spitsbergen contains lower metal levels than the species from the Karkonosze collected at altitudes influenced by long-range transport from former Black Triangle industry. Principal component and classification analysis (PCCA) ordination revealed that mosses of Spitsbergen were distinguished by a significantly higher Na concentration of marine spray origin and mosses of Karkonosze were distinguished by significantly higher concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Pb, V, and Zn probably from long-range atmospheric transport. The influence of the polar station with a waste incinerator resulted in significantly higher Co, Li, and Ni concentrations in neighbouring mosses in comparison with this species from other sites. This investigation contributes to the use of R. lanuginosum as a bioindicator for metal contamination in Arctic and alpine tundra regions characterised by severe climate habitats with a restricted number of species. This moss enables the control of pollution usually brought solely by long-range atmospheric transport in high mountains as well as in Arctic areas.

Assessment of topsoil contamination near the Stanisław Siedlecki Polish Polar Station in Hornsund, Svalbard, using magnetic methods

Topsoil contamination near the Stanisław Siedlecki Polish Polar Station (PPS), Hornsund, Svalbard, has been assessed using magnetic methods supplemented by chemical analyses and microscopic observations. Analysis of magnetic parameters has enabled to evaluate the concentration, magnetic mineralogy, and grain-size distribution of anthropogenic magnetic particles.Heavy-metal contamination near the PPS originates primarily from local sources. Anthropogenic spherical, magnetite-like particles were found near the station, whereas uncontaminated topsoil is devoid of such particles. Magnetic studies indicate that magnetite and goethite are the primary magnetic phases, with magnetite levels being higher in polluted area. Magnetic fraction of contaminated topsoil includes a mixture of single-domain and multi-domain grains, while uncontaminated topsoil contains smaller grains. Results show a clear correspondence between Pollution Load Index and magnetic susceptibility anomalies, and that the areal extent of PPS impact on the environment has not expanded significantly since 2004 (although a new contamination source, the scrap yard, is now present). A comparison of magnetic susceptibility measurements with metal analyses indicates that magnetic methods can be used as a rapid, inexpensive, non-invasive, and sensitive tool for the evaluation of topsoil contamination.