Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution of the Snow Cover of the Severodvinsk Industrial District (Russia, the Arkhangelsk Region).

In the present work, the content of heavy metals in soluble and insoluble forms of snow was investigated, as well as in waters from wells near the Severodvinsk industrial centre (Russia, the Arkhangelsk region). The content of heavy metals (Al, Fe, Ti, Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, V, As, and Cd) in the melt snow filtrate and solid residue was measured using the ICP-MS method. On the territory of the city, there are high concentrations of metals, high values ​​of electrical conductivity and low pH values ​​in objects most susceptible to anthropogenic pollution. It was determined that in urban conditions the share of the solid-phase component increases, which indicates an increase in dust fallout. Statistical analysis showed that most of the metals in the snow cover are linked with each other by a strong correlation (r> 0.9), and also made it possible to identify sources of pollution, namely thermal power plants and shipbuilding enterprises. The calculation of various indices for assessing the snow quality and natural waters determined the level of heavy metal pollution in the Severodvinsk industrial district as extremely high and dangerous for public health. The radiation parameters of water from wells were studied and a satisfactory radioecological characterisation of the research area was established.