Trace elements in marine particulate and surface sediments of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard Islands

To investigate the occurrence and possible sources of trace metals in the marine environment of Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic), suspended particulate matter and surface sediments have been collected in July 2014 and analysed for major and trace elements. The sampling stations were chosen to be representative of different glacial runoff, anthropic impact and possible influence of Atlantic waters. It was found that Al, Ca, Co, Fe, K, Mg, Ti and V enter the fjord by the natural input of lithogenic particles from the glaciers, whereas Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni and Zn of anthropogenic origin are mainly introduced through the intrusion of Atlantic waters. The study of metal availability in surface sediments indicated that the labile fraction, leachable in weak acidic conditions, represents only a minor portion (<14 %) of the total element concentration, except for Cd, Cu and Mn.