Element Contents of Raw Humus, Forest Moss and Reindeer Lichens Around a Cement Works in Northern Finland

1990

S. 221-230

6 Abb., 3 Tab., 46 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200048376

Nutrient elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na, N, P) and heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) were studied in the surroundings of Kolari cement works, NW Finland. Elevated calcium concentrations were measured as far as 16 km from the works. The other elements clearly emitted by the works were magnesium and iron. The contents of calcium, magnesium and iron correlated well with the calculated depositions. The results show that mosses (Pleurozium schreberi) and lichens (Cladina stellaris) are preferable to raw humus in studies of atmospheric deposition. The element concentrations in Cladina lichens were much lower than in Pleurozium or raw humus. At distances of 0.5 to 1 km from the cement works, reindeer lichens were totally lacking. The distance from the cement works explained 85-90% of the variation in the calcium content of raw humus and Pleurozium, and the calcium concentrations of the studied materials correlated significantly with the simulated particle fall-out of the preceding year.