Metal Accumulation by the Lichen Flavocetraria nivalis on the Coast of the Southern Part of Vaygach Island

The results of the accumulation of metals by the epigeal lichen Flavocetraria nivalis, which is widespread on Vaygach Island, are presented. Lead–zinc ore deposits are one of the sources of environmental pollution on the island. However, the influence of lead–zinc ore mines on metal concentrations in F. nivalis has not been established, since the metal content in lichen only increased with distance from the mines. Concentrations of chemical elements in lichen differ in different biotopes, and they are higher on the cliff tops than in the tundra on the slopes of the native shores. A comparison of the results of metal accumulation on Vaygach Island with other territories has shown that the concentrations of most metals in F. nivalis are lower than or close to the Maarmorilik area of western Greenland, where lead–zinc ore mines are also located. The excess of zinc and lead at sampling points near the mines in the Maarmorilik area over the concentrations obtained in lichen thallomas on Vaygach Island may be due to the recent closure of mines in Maarmorilik. The mines on Vaygach Island were closed back in the late 1930s, but in the area of Maarmorilik they were closed only 20 years ago. The concentration of metals in lichen on Vaygach Island is much lower than in the industrialized areas of the Kola Peninsula, which is especially typical for nickel.