Environmental Effects of the Kola Air Pollution Sources in the Kola Area and in Finnish Lapland

Summary
The mining and metallurgical industry on the Kola Peninsula, north-west Russia, is the most important source of air pollution, next to Norilsk, in the Arctic. The gas- and particle-phase pollutants have a serious impact on the atmosphere and biosphere on the Kola Peninsula and in Finnish Lapland. These pollutants cause acidification, and have ecotoxicological effects and even human health effects.

In this multi-disciplinary project we intend to carry out an integrated analysis of past and present atmospheric emissions from the Kola area, their transport and dispersion patterns in the atmosphere, and their effects on climate and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the Kola area and in Finnish Lapland. Experimental methods, as well as literature surveys and computer modelling, will be employed.

The proposed project will provide a comprehensive picture of the past and present environmental status of the Kola Peninsula and Finnish Lapland. The expected results consist of new experimental techniques, observational data series, improved computer models, extensive model runs, literature surveys, and research training.

The immediate users of the results are the international scientific community and the environmental authorities in Finland, Russia and Norway. Subsequently, national and local political decision-makers, and the local inhabitants and business enterprises based on nature and the environment, will also benefit from the results.

Project leader: Dr. Jussi Paatero, Finnish Meteorological Institute, Sahaajankatu 20E, FIN-00880 Helsinki, Finland, Tel. +358 9 1929 5495, gsm +358 500 441 560, fax +358 9 1929 5403, www.fmi.fi, Jussi.Paatero(at)fmi.fi

Researchers:
Prof. Timo Vesala, Department of Physical Sciences, University of Helsinki, Timo.Vesala(at)helsinki.fi
Dr. Kari Kinnunen, Lapland Regional Environment Centre, Kari.Kinnunen(at)ymparisto.fi
Dr. Jukka Lehto, Laboratory of Radiochemistry, University of Helsinki, Jukka.Lehto(at)helsinki.fi
Dr. John Derome, Rovaniemi Research Station, Finnish Forest Research Institute, John.Derome(at)metla.fi

Project description