Solid atmospheric precipitation in Murmansk and its environs

Abstract

In the period from January 2, 2018 to December 30, 2022, a comprehensive study of solid atmospheric precipitation was carried out in Murmansk and its environs. Data were obtained on the concentration in freshly fallen snow of solid insoluble particles (9.19±0.51 mg/l) and their components: heavy metals (zinc – 60.1±9.8 ng/g, copper – 11.0±2.6 ng/g, lead – 3.28±0.18 ng/g, cadmium – 0.859±0.096 ng/g), nutrients (nitrates – 79±11 µg-at/l, nitrites – 1.02±0.14 µg-at/l, phosphates – 4.64±0.67 µg-at/l, silicates – 25±5 µg-at/l) and organic matter (21.2±2.2 mg/l), as well as the amount of polymer particles (fragments – 7766±1401 particles per liter, micro-fibers – 638±134 threads per liter, macro-fibers – 29±4 threads per liter). The relationship between the number of insoluble particles and the direction of air masses inflow was revealed. Air masses coming from the Barents Sea brought solid precipitation with less insoluble aerosols (including heavy metals, polymer particles and organic matter) than air masses coming from the continent. The amount of biogenic elements in solid atmospheric precipitation does not depend on the direction of inflow of air masses.