Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea)

Trace element pollution levels in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea) are significantly lower than in other European regions, with spatial variability influenced by proximity to the sea and peatland type. The study found that cadmium (Cd) concentrations were highest near coastal areas, likely due to its mobility in seawater, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) were more prevalent inland, suggesting atmospheric pollution as their primary source. Raised bogs exhibited higher Cr and Pb levels compared to transitional mires, with Ni showing the most consistent values across peat types, making it a reliable indicator for pollution monitoring even in transitional settings. The research used ombrotrophic and mesotrophic peat samples from different microtopographical settings (hummock/hollow) to calculate pollution indices, including geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), and degree of contamination (Cdeg).

Kozioł, K., Korzeniowska, J., Okupny, D., Bezak-Mazur, E., Żurek, S.,. (2020). Trace elements content of surface peat deposits in the Solovetsky Islands (White Sea). Mires and Peat, 26, 5. https://doi.org/10.19189/map.2018.omb.384