The Svalbard western coast: site of baseline geochemistry and incipient contamination |
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| Authors: | F R Siegel J L Galasso J H Kravitz W D Basinger |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Geology, George Washington Univ, Washington DC 20052, USA, US;(2) Naval Research Lab, Washington DC 20375, USA, US;(3) Office of Naval Research, Arlington, VA 22217, USA, US |
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| Abstract: | Potentially toxic metals tracked by the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program were analysed in sediments from the Svalbard
western coastal zone. These include As and Hg found as contaminants in other Arctic seas as well as other elements (e.g. Pb,
V, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni). Svalbard shelf sediments contain average values of 12 ppm As, 12 ppm Pb, 56 ppb Hg and 114 ppm V. These
values increase in Isfjorden sediments to 15 ppm As, 28 ppm Pb, 99 ppb Hg and 210 ppm V. Cluster analysis yields a major cluster
that is likely related to clay minerals (Al, K, Ti, Mg) and sorption onto them of transition (Cu, V, Cr, Sc) and other elements
(Pb, Rb). A second significant cluster includes Ca, Sr and plagioclase. The Svalbard western shelf is a natural geochemical
environment. The possible incipient contamination of fjord sediments by As, Pb, Hg and V should be evaluated for possible
links to anthropogenic sources. If links are found, remediation must be used to stop the input and preserve a pristine Svalbard
fjord environment.
Received: 21 December 1998 · Accepted: 15 March 1999 |
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| Keywords: | Heavy metals Arctic Isfjorden Sediment Pollution |
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