Heavy metals and macroelements in the tundra of southern Spitsbergen: the effect of little auk Alle alle (L.) colonies

Abstract

Samples of two species of widely distributed mosses (Sanionia uncinata and Hylocomium splendens) were collected in the Ariekammen-Fuglebergct catchment area (Hornsund. Spitsbergen) within and outside little auk Alle alle (L.) colonies. The concentrations of Cd. Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mn. Fe. N, P, and S in the moss samples were found to be 1.5-2 times higher within than outside the colonics. Significant differences were found for Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe, but not for Ni, Mn, N, P, and S. Sanionia uncinata accumulates up to 8 ug g?1 d. wt Cd, 14-Pb, 8-Ni, 47-Zn, 9-Cu, 90-Mn, and 1920 u, g g?1 d. wt Fe, while Hylocomium splendens accumulates up to 4 ?g g?1 d. wt Cd, 12-Pb, 3-Ni, 31-Zn, 5-Cu, fiO-Mn, and 840 ?g g?1 d. wt Fc. The colonics of seabirds contribute greatly to the supply of elements in the tundra ecosystems of southern Spitsbergen. The effect seems, however, to be limited to rather small areas.