Influence of the service water system at the Kola nuclear power plant on the heavy metals content in Lake Imandra

Abstract

Introduction. A powerful multi-sector complex including mining and iron-and-steel enterprises, industrial and power facilities is located in the Murmansk region, in the catchment area of Lake Imandra, which is one of the largest lakes in the North-West of Russia. The long-term use of water resources for industrial and drinking needs took a heavy toll on the lake ecosystem. The purpose of the study is to analyze the state of natural waters in the Kola NPP area. Methods. The paper presents the measured hydrochemical data characterizing the Babinskaya Imandra reach, as well as the dynamics of changes in these indicators in the Yokostrovskaya Imandra reach. Results. The anthropogenic influence of the service water system at the Kola NPP on the quality of Lake Imandra reach (Babinskaya Imandra) waters is revealed. The study results are compared with the data on the pollution content for previous years. The role of natural factors affecting the surface water quality — i. e. precipitation and groundwater — is shown. Conclusion. Among the trace elements polluting the ecosystem of the southern reach of Lake Imandra, the concentration of which depends directly on the existing service water system, specific heavy metals — copper and nickel — have been identified.