The paper is based on experience of carrying out ecological and geochemical research in impact areas of the ‘Karelsky Okatysh’ plant and directly in production workshops. Mineral composition of ores is estimated quantitatively. Dynamics of ore delivery to the plant in 2005 is studied. Environmentally hazardous types of ores are revealed. Environmentally hazardous minerals are determined and levels of toxic element accumulation in these minerals are estimated. High concentration of several toxic heavy elements was revealed in dust accumulations of electrostatic cleaners in the pellet production workshop. Comparison of polluting element contents in the second and the third cleaners with the first roasting kiln and all the three kilns is given. Contents of a number of toxic elements exceed the Clarke level of the earth’s crust as well as maximum permissible concentration.
In 1999-2002, Karelsky Okatysh conducted environmental monitoring. The results of chemical sampling of soils, surface water and snow cover were used by the author for statistical analysis. Associations of chemical elements were identified using factor analysis. The average element contents in different soil horizons were compared. A map of S and Pb content in the soil organic layer was drawn up. The migration of chemical compounds in the Kento-Kenti aquatic system was studied. Data from snow gauge surveys for heavy metal content were processed using factor analysis. Factor score maps were constructed, which allowed the identification of areas with the highest deposition of (Cd, Mn, Zn); Fe; (Ni, Fe, Cu). The role of geochemical monitoring as a means of environmental control was shown.
The main trends of heavy metals distribution in bottom sediments of the Neva Bay of the Gulf of Finland are considered. The studies are based on own field and laboratory observations. Average concentrations of elements in different areas of the Neva Bay have been estimated. Factor analysis has been performed. Elemental associations, their spatial distribution have been studied and the main regularities of bottom sediment chemistry have been characterized. The role of geo-ecological monitoring as a way of revealing, studying and forecasting the negative consequences of human economic activity is shown.
