Environmental monitoring at the cryolite mine in Ivittuut, South Greenland, in 2010

• Main Authors: Johansen, Poul, Asmund, Gert, Riget, Frank Farsø, Schledermann, Helene
• Format: Book
• Language: English
• Published: National Environmental Research Institute, Aarhus University 2010
• Subjects: Arsuk; Arsuk Fjord; Greenland; Ivittuut
• Online Access: https://pure.au.dk/portal/da/publications/environmental-monitoring-at-the-cryolite-mine-in-ivittuut-south-greenland-in-2010(0d00a2f8-5902-4a8d-a2a6-de4bd6420b2e).html; http://www2.dmu.dk/Pub/FR812.pdf

This report evaluates the pollution in Arsuk Fjord at Ivittuut in South Greenland based on environmental studies conducted in 2010. The area is polluted by lead and zinc caused by the mining of cryolite that took place from 1854 to 1987. The 2010 study shows that the lead pollution of the fjord continues to fall. Zinc concentrations also generally decrease, but slower. We have found elevated lead concentrations in blue mussels in outer Arsuk Fjord and in areas 3-4 km outside the fjord. On a c. 5 km stretch of coastline around Ivittuut, the lead concentration in blue mussels is so high, that it is recommended not to collect and eat mussels. Lead and zinc concentrations in brown seaweed are also elevated in parts of Arsuk Fjord.