Elemental analysis of soils and Salix polaris in the town of Pyramiden and its surroundings (Svalbard)

• Published in: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
• Main Authors: Krajcarová, L., Novotný, K., Chattová, B., Elster, J. (Josef)
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: Svalbard; Pyramiden; soil; Svalbard Archipelago; Salix polaris
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-016-6213-4; http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0264239

The contents of elements in the top soil (upper 5 cm) and deeper soil (5 to 10 cm) layers and in Salix polaris (leaves and stem) from the former Soviet mining town of Pyramiden and its close vicinity on the Svalbard archipelago were determined. The analyses covered major and trace elements, including heavy metals, in order to describe anthropogenic impacts related to the management of the mining town. Soil samples and plant tissues were analysed from 13 localities across and close to town vicinity. The plant ground cover of all sampling points was determined, and plant tissues (leaves and stem) were collected. The principal contribution of this study consists in the assessment of the contamination of soils and plants by toxic heavy metals in an otherwise pristine environment of the Svalbard archipelago related to urban/industrial activities.