The presented work is a logical continuation of the study of the chemical composition of the Lovozero district waters (the Kola Peninsula, Russia), an area inhabited by indigenous populations. The problem was posed due to the discovery of rare earth elements in drinking water in the Lovozero district (the Krasnoshchelye village). For monitoring, inductively coupled plasma was used, and the “water–rock” interaction was studied using “Selector” software. The results showed the Western Keivy Massif influence on the chemical composition of natural waters, which are used for drinking purposes for humans and animals. The interaction of water with magmatic rocks such as gabbro and subalkaline granites also leads to the formation of some major cations, anions, and heavy metals. Li, Sr, Y, La, and Ce concentrations are higher than in the Central’niy water intake located within the Khibiny Massif. The results of the modeling demonstrate the high migration capabilities of rare earth elements. The presence of rare elements and REEs in drinking surface and groundwaters, if consumed on a regular basis, can cause diseases of the nervous system and other organs.

This work is a logical continuation of the study of the chemical composition of the waters of the Lovozersky district (Kola Peninsula, Russia), where an indigenous population resides. The problem statement is caused by the discovery of rare and rare earth elements in drinking water and the high rate of illness among the residents of the Lovozersky district. The goal of this work is to assess the quality of natural waters in the village of Krasnoshchelye (Kola Peninsula, Russia) and compare it with the composition of other waters in the Kola Peninsula, taking into account sanitary standards (maximum permissible concentrations) and biologically significant concentrations. As a result, the chemical composition of surface and groundwater was studied, their quality was characterized, and the forms of element migration in the “solution–crystalline substance” system in water and the human body (using the stomach as an example) were examined. The results of studies of drinking water in the village of Krasnoshchelye indicate that the macro-(Ca, Mg, Na, K) and microelement (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Cr) composition has lower concentrations in terms of biological significance for the elemental balance of humans than the recommended levels for them. The exceptions are the elements U, Th, and Y, whose concentrations are several times higher than their lower limits of biologically significant concentrations. In the human body, within the “water–gastric juice” system, the forms of the migration of elements and newly formed phases depend not only on the acidity of the stomach but also on the amount of gastric juice, which are individual characteristics of a person and their age. It has been established that well water contains rare elements and up to 50 µg L−1 of rare earth elements, and changes in their migration forms can lead to accumulation in the human body and become a cause of diseases of the nervous system and other organs.

Abstract. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic substance and accumulates in the biosphere causing negative impacts to the well-being of flora and fauna as well as humans. In this study, we analysed the long-term time-series (2001–2013) of the gaseous elemental mercury measurements at the Arctic station Amderma (Russia). We explored the influence of long-range atmospheric transport of gas-phase mercury into the Arctic from the volcanic eruptions in Iceland in 2010–2011. The change in the dynamics of atmospheric Hg concentration was identified. Contrasting time periods of 2001–2009 and 2010–2012 periods, we quantified a negative trend of -0.66 ng for the earlier period and a positive trend of +0.97 ng for the latter period. Our analysis highlighted that the elevated Hg concentrations at Amderma were associated with active volcanic eruptions in Iceland, namely Eyjafjallajökull and Grímsvötn in 2010 and in 2011, respectively. The observed Hg concentrations were in the range of 1.81÷2.58 ng m−3 in Apr–Jun 2010 and 1.81÷3.31 ng m−3 in May–Jun 2011 compared with the annual average Hg concentrations of 1.51±0.41 ng m−3. This is the first time to detect such an elevated Hg concentration during the active volcanic eruptions measured over 3200 km away from the eruption source. The calculated atmospheric backward trajectories (at altitudes of 500, 1500 and 3000 meters above sea level) underlined the occurrence of the Hg elevated concentrations and confirmed the atmospheric transport from the areas of these two volcanoes. Therefore, it can be assumed that these volcanoes were the main source of the increased Hg concentrations at the Amderma station resulted due to the long-range atmospheric transport of the volcanic emissions.

A comprehensive study (monitoring, thermodynamic modeling) of natural and anthropogenically polluted waters of the Lovozero Massif has been carried out. A thermodynamic study of the weathering of the Lovozero Massif within the “water-rock-atmosphere” system at a temperature of 5 °C showed that the elements contained in the rocks of the studied massif influence the formation of the chemical composition of natural waters. It has been established that an increase in the degree of “water-rock” interaction leads to an increase in the concentrations of F−, Cl−, SO42−, and HCO3− in the solution. This affects the mobility of lanthanum, cerium, and other elements due to the formation of complex compounds with them. The relatively high content of fluorine, phosphorus, and HCO3− (weak and medium acids) in the solution promotes the dissolution of silicates while Si, Al, and P are released into the solution. Monitoring of water from a flooded mine in which there is an increase in the degree of interaction of water with rock showed higher pH values for the concentrations of Na, HCO3−, F−, P, Al, Si, V, U, La, and Ce. The conclusions are relevant in the context of the use of groundwater for drinking water supply purposes. The obtained information is useful to evaluate the health of the population of the region under study.

The chemical composition of surface and ground waters of the village Krasnoshchelye (Murmansk region, the Kola Peninsula) have been studied in this work. The quality of surface and ground waters of the village Krasnoshchelye is characterized taking into account the MPC and biologically significant concentration, the forms of migration of elements in the system "solution - crystalline substance" in natural waters and the human body (using the stomach as an example) have been considered. The results of the studies of drinking water in the village Krasnoshchelye indicate that the macro- (Ca, Mg, Na, K) and microelement (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Cr) composition have lower concentrations from the standpoint of biological significance for the elemental balance of a person than the recommended level of the lower limit of the BSC, except for the elements U, Th, Y. Their concentration is several times higher than their LLBSC. The forms of migration of elements and newly formed phases depend on both the acidity of the stomach and the amount of gastric juice in the human body, in the "water - gastric juice" system. These are individual characteristics of a person and his age. Well waters can contain up to 50 μg/l of REE, and changes in their migration patterns can lead to accumulation in the human body and cause diseases of the nervous system and other organs.

Background. The study is aimed at developing well-known and designing novel models and methods for decision support in the field of security and resilient operation management of critical infrastructures and socioeconomic facilities in the Arctic region of Russian Federation. This urgent problem is especially relevant at the regional level in terms of the need to protectability heightening of critical facilities/infrastructures, cascading effects restricting of the multiple threats of various nature on higher-level systems and favorable conditions providing for mitigation of the negative consequences of influencing factors on the performance of the elements of these systems. Materials and methods. For easy understanding, the work structurally is decomposed in two parts. In the first part, a formal problem statement is given. The substantiation of mathematical apparatus for problem-solving is carried out. The generic framework of the developed method for assessment and analysis of the regional critical infrastructures resilience based on a fuzzy-set approach and expert judgements is proposed. In the second part, the efficiency Q-function computational models of the organizational and technical systems resilience, such as anticipation ability, responsiveness, recoverability and adaptability, which are the central elements of the optimization model of critical infrastructures resilience integral index, are examined. Results and conclusions. An index-based method for the integral estimation and analysis of the regional critical infrastructures resilience, based on fuzzy calculations of the level and ratio of aggregated reliability, security and robustness indices, has been developed. The method allows on basis of incomplete data to quantify systemic risks affecting the critical infrastructure resilience, performances, savings and possible losses under sampling and implementing the anti-crisis measures at all stages of the resilience management life-cycle. A distinctive feature of the method is its universality, i.e., applicability to all types of critical infrastructures. The method can be practically used by operators and analysts of regional situational centers to train and generate design decisions for counteracting the actual threats and local failures in the operation of regional critical infrastructures under uncertainty.

The Arctic has become an area of heightened interest for many nations, with environmental issues in the region remaining a critical subject of discussion. Countries such as China, the EU, and the USA have expressed their interest in shaping the environmental agenda in the Arctic. To prevent environmental conflicts and find mutually acceptable solutions, it is essential to study the distinctive features of the environmental policies adopted by these major global players. This article presents the results of a study aimed at identifying differences in the environmental security policies embedded in the current legislation of Russia, China, the USA, and the European Union. These entities declare their fundamental interests in the Arctic and position themselves as key players in the region, making it necessary for Russia to engage with them in various capacities. The study employs a comparative analysis of the environmental policies of the selected nations. A hierarchical framework was used for comparison, analyzing the content of environmental legislation in terms of concepts, objectives, policy directions, and implementation mechanisms. The novelty of the approach lies in its consideration of the socio-cultural factors underpinning the environmental concepts that shape each nation’s environmental policy. The study uncovered significant differences in the regulatory frameworks for environmental policy across Russia, China, the USA, and the EU, largely stemming from differences in worldviews and values. However, it also revealed substantial alignment in policy directions influenced by the global environmental agenda. A key feature of Russia’s environmental policy is its emphasis on placing the individual at the center of environmental considerations, coupled with strict, scientifically grounded regulation of emissions and pollutant discharges. The findings of this study can inform the development of a negotiation framework for the Russian Federation, incorporating environmental imperatives that reflect the unique characteristics of the Arctic. This framework can support Russia’s efforts in fostering international cooperation in the region.

Link for citation: Mazukhina S.I., Drogobuzhskaya S.V., Sandimirov S.S., Masloboev V.A. Features of changes in chemical composition of drinking water as a result of water treatment (Lovozero, Kola Peninsula). Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Аssets Engineering, 2023, vol. 334, no. 10, рр. 243-253. In Rus. The relevance. Waste water and drinking water treatment is an important and relevant environmental problem faced by the industry. The analysis of scientific literature makes it possible to conclude that it is necessary to apply the methods of water purification and disposal or to develop a scheme for each specific water body, taking into account its physico-chemical characteristics and ionic composition. It is believed that the reagents introduced during water treatment do not change its chemical composition. However, lack of an extended chemical analysis casts doubt on water chemical composition immutability. The main aim of this work is to assess changes in the chemical composition of drinking water supply in Lovozero village (Murmansk region) as a result of water treatment using physico-chemical modeling (PC «Selector»). Objects of the research are samples of the waters of the Virma river and drinking waters of the central water supply (canteen, column) of Lovozero village, selected in November 2021. Methods: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ELAN 9000 DRC-e, Perkin Elmer, USA), potentiometry (Expert-001, Russia) and titrimetry. Thermodynamic calculations were performed using the method of physico-chemical (thermodynamic) modeling implemented in the software package (PC «Selector»). Results. With the help of monitoring and physico-chemical modeling (PC «Selector») of natural waters of the Virma river and the waters of the central water supply (Lovozero village, Murmansk region), the influence of reagents used as a result of water treatment on water chemistry is assessed. The paper shows the change in pH, Eh values, water chemical composition, newly formed phases composition, depending on the amount of reagents (coagulant, liquid chlorine, soda and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). The formation of cations and anions of rare-earth elements at different concentrations of liquid chlorine indicates the possibility of creating a selective method of water purification from rare-earth elements on sorbents of different types or using these properties in ore enrichment. The replacement of reagents with NaOCl solid salt simplifies water treatment, but does not bring water chemical composition closer to that of bottled water and does not make it more useful for macro components.

The result of determining the quantitative relationship between the temperature and humidity of enrichment waste materials based on the analysis of digital photographs of laboratory experiments using RGB and Lab methods is presented. Using standard equipment, a laboratory experiment was performed to determine the temperature and humidity of samples of the tailing dam surface layer. Digital photographs of the samples were taken in natural light. The images were processed on a computer to obtain the components values of two color models � RGB and Lab. As a "zero" approximation, the simplest analytical dependence (linear) of temperature on humidity (and vice versa) was studied. The coefficients of calculated linear dependences are compared with the corresponding coefficients of direct processing of experimental data. Indexes and colors of reference pattern are recommended when processing similar laboratory experiments and field studies directly on the dusting object. It was shown that the minimum deviations for the dependences of temperature on humidity correspond to the redness index in the RGB method and the black reference pattern in the Lab method. The minimum deviations for the dependence of humidity on temperature correspond to the saturation index in the RGB method and the black reference pattern in the Lab method.

Relevance. Tailings beach surface dries and deflates, which intensifies the dusting process, results in ecosystems disruption on the adjacent territories, and adversely impacts health of population. The use of digital photographs, including those obtained with the help of unmanned aerial vehicles, seems to be promising in terms of reagents application simplification and dusting minimization. Research objective is to determine the quantitative relationship between the temperature and humidity of tailings materials by analyzing the digital photographs of laboratory experiments using RGB and Lab methods. Methods of research. Standard equipment was used to perform a laboratory experiment to determine the temperature and humidity of tailing dump surface layer samples. Digital photographs were taken in natural light and UV light. At the first stage, the images were processed to obtain the values of the components of two color models, RGB (redness and saturation indices were calculated) and Lab (the color difference index was calculated, two standards of black and white were used). At the second stage, as a “zero” approximation, the simplest (linear) analytical dependence between temperature and humidity was studied. Results and analysis. The coefficients of calculated linear dependences are compared with the corresponding coefficients of direct experimental data processing. It is shown that in natural light: the smallest deviations for the dependence of temperature on humidity correspond to the redness index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method; the smallest deviations for the dependence of humidity on temperature correspond to the saturation index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method. It is shown that in UV light: the smallest deviations for the dependence of temperature on humidity correspond to the saturation index in the RGB method and the black standard in the Lab method; the smallest deviations of the dependence of humidity on temperature correspond to the redness index in the RGB method and the white standard in the Lab method. Conclusions and scope. The mentioned indices and colors of standards can be recommended when processing similar laboratory experiments and natural studies directly on the dusting site.

Environmental protection and safety are at the forefront of Russia's national policies in the Arctic. This region is becoming increasingly internationalized and turning into a major point of interest for world powers and transnational companies, which makes environmental policy an important aspect of geopolitical competition. Environmental policy design should be based on current scientific approaches. This study aims to identify and compare the most important topics and theoretical concepts that underlie environmental policy in Russia and abroad. The methodological approach used was semi-systematic (narrative) bibliographic analysis, which involved selecting and analyzing one hundred most-cited Russian and international studies on environmental policy issues. The study identified the key issues discussed and theoretical as well as methodological approaches used by domestic and foreign researchers in the study of environmental policy. The results of the analysis and comparison were evaluated in the context of their relevance to the challenges associated with Russia's state policy imperatives in the Arctic.

The article offers a review of the existing methods to remove suspended solids from industrial wastewater. The mechanical and physicochemical techniques which are in use already and to be in service in the short term are discussed. It is shown that each specific mine needs its own selection of a package of wastewater treatment methods.

The work summarizes the results of investigations carried out in three directions (blocks). Block 1. Terrestrial ecosystems in areas of intensive nature management are investigated. Climatic changes and anthropogenic impact result in transformation of landscapes with disturbed or completely destroyed vegetation cover. In freshwater ecosystems cardinal changes in the structural and functional organization from the multifac- torial anthropogenic load against the background of a warming climate were revealed. We obtained unique data on the long-term dynamics of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. Block 2. Enrichment tailings properties were studied, the influence of the dusting season duration and humidity changes on the gross dust emission was assessed; interaction of tailings with soil waters was studied. The potential ecological danger of tailings mineral particles getting into the soil was shown. The losses of non-ferrous metals during the period of waste storage under different climate change scenarios were estimated. Block 3. People’s perceptions of climate change and its social consequences have been studied. The problem of climate change clearly correlates with ecological problems. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Arctic in the context of climate change was studied. The pandemic highlighted the unsustainability of the rotational method of resource development, with rotational camps becoming focal points of epidemiological hazards.

The purpose of this study was to examine the vegetation dynamics of various lawn grass species in the city of Apatity, Murmansk region, when exposed to anthropogenic and atmospheric pollution impacts. The dust concentration in the atmospheric air was recorded, its mineralogical analysis was carried out, and the dynamics of the development of various lawn types under the anthropogenic load was studied. Cases of exceeding the MPC of dust particles in the atmospheric air were recorded. Nepheline grains were found in the dust samples, which is indicative of pollution migration from the nearby tailings storage facility. It was shown that lawns are able to grow intensively in severe climatic conditions and under the influence of mining and processing enterprises.

Представлена комплексная стратегическая оценка воздействия на окружающую среду российской программной территории Kolarctic, выполненная консорциумом, управляемым Кольским научным центром Российской академии наук. Отчет включает рекомендации по предотвращению и снижению неблагоприятного воздействия на окружающую среду и мероприятия, поддерживающие развитие российской программной территории. Настоящий отчет рекомендуется учитывать заявителям и будущим партнерам проектов при формировании заявок на период 2021–2027 гг. Дисклеймер. Стратегическая оценка воздействия на окружающую среду выполнена Консорциумом экспертов для российской программной территории и не покрывает всю географическую территорию Арктики, к которой она относится. Оценка окружающей среды указанной территории проводилась с учетом выбранных Программным комитетом ППС «Коларктик» на период 2021–2027 гг. стратегических целей (policy objectives), специфической цели Интеррег (Interreg specific objective) и соответствующим им специфическим целям (specific objectives). Во время разработки отчета Консорциум принимал во внимание документы, предоставленные Управляющим органом и Программным комитетом ППС «Коларктик» на период 2021–2027 гг. по состоянию на 2021 г., а также материалы и динамическую аналитику территории, которой располагает Консорциум в связи со своей профессиональной деятельностью. Данная версия отчета подлежит регулярному пересмотру и уточнениям по мере реализации Программы до 2027 г. Регулирующим документом отношений между Консорциумом (Исполнитель) и Управляющим органом (Заказчик) является контракт на оказание консалтинговых услуг от 03.06.2021 г. (Consultancy Agreement – Strategic Environmental Assessment).

Настоящее исследование посвящено изучению проблематики загрязнения воздуха микрочастицами в территориальном контексте Арктического региона (на примере Мурманской области). На информационной базе региональной медицинской статистики, данных о взаимосвязи отдельных групп заболеваний с воздействием определенных поллютантов авторами монографии решается задача комплексной оценки состояния и динамики здоровья (заболеваемости) населения территорий Мурманской области, на которых расположены крупные горно-химические и горно-металлургические производства. Проведена адаптация методологических подходов оценки готовности платить за снижение риска жизни и здоровью (WTP) и калькуляции стоимости болезни (COI) для решения задачи определения экономического эквивалента ущерба здоровью населения от воздействия загрязнения воздуха микрочастицами. С использованием данных адаптированных методов осуществлена оценка ущерба здоровью населения от воздействия содержащихся в атмосферном воздухе микрочастиц в городах Мурманской области, являющихся производственными резиденциями крупных горно-металлургических и горно-химических компаний.

Увеличение спроса на редкоземельные металлы и истощение природных ресурсов неизбежно приводит к необходимости поиска альтернативных нетрадиционных источников редкометалльного сырья. В статье представлены результаты исследования состава и свойств хвостов обогащения лопаритовых руд текущего производства. Проведены ситовой, минералогический, химический и радионуклидный анализы. Определено среднее содержание лопарита в хвостах обогащения. Методом сканирующей электронной микроскопии диагностированы минералы-концентраторы редкоземельных элементов в хвостах обогащения лопаритовых руд. Определено распределение ценных компонентов и тория в хвостах в зависимости от класса крупности частиц. Установлен радиево-ториевый характер радиоактивности, рассчитаны значения эффективной удельной активности проб. Сделан вывод о необходимости разработки комплексной технологии переработки хвостов обогащения лопаритовых руд, обусловленной сложным и неоднородным минеральным и химическим составом материала хвостов.

This is the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Environmental Report for the CBC Programme Kolarctic 2021–2027 in the Russian territory. It has been undertaken by a consortium managed by the Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences on behalf of Managing Authority of Kolarctic CBC. The report includes recommendations on the prevention and reduction of negative environmental impact and activities supporting the Russian program territory development. This report is recommended to take into account applicants and future project partners in the applications development for the period 2021–2027. Disclaimer. The Strategic Environmental Assessment was carried out by the Consortium of Experts for the Russian programme area and does not cover the entire geographic area of the Russian Arctic, to which it, in particular, belongs. The environmental assessment of the indicated area was carried out taking into account the policy objectives, Interreg specific objective, and their corresponding specific objectives selected by the Programming Committee for the period 2021–2027. Preparing the report, the Consortium took into account the current draft documents of the Kolarctic CBC Programme 2021–2027 provided by the Managing Authority, as well as analytic materials and other documents related to the studied territory that the Consortium has available in connection with its activities. This version of report is a subject to regular revision and updates as the key Programme documents are under development. The regulating document between the Consortium (Consultant) and the Managing Authority (Client) is the Consultancy agreement dated 03.06.2021 (Consultancy Agreement –– Strategic Environmental Assessment).

The results of numerical simulation of atmospheric pollution in Apatity are presented with variations in the dusting area of discrete spatially spaced areas selected randomly and the wind flow velocity. CFD modeling in the volumetric formulation was performed using the COMSOL program. To calculate the aerodynamic characteristics, an incompressible fluid approximation was used using the standard ( k -ε) turbulence model. The process of fine dust propagation is modeled by numerical solution of the convective-diffusion impurity transfer equation taking into account the deposition rate. Numerical experiments (with a total number of more than 1,400) were carried out with a variation of the wind flow velocity from 5 to 23 m/s and a dusting area from 2 to 10 ha with a random selection of 20 discrete sites. Dynamic velocity distributions for specific areas of dusting, interval and total spatial distributions of dust pollution (dust particles with a diameter from 0 to 70 microns in increments of 10 microns) are obtained. The peculiarities of the influence on the levels of atmospheric pollution of specific areas of Apatity depending on the location of dusty areas on the surface of the beach of the tailings dump are noted. The calculated levels of atmospheric pollution in the center of Apatity averaged by the number of combinations of dusting sites are analyzed and generalized to functional dependencies. The calculated dependences of the dust concentration on the dusting area at a fixed wind speed are described by linear functions. The dependence of the dust concentration on the wind flow velocity at a fixed dusting area can be approximated by a power function. The generalized functional dependence makes it possible to predict the dust concentration in Apatity depending on the dusting area of randomly selected discrete areas on the surface of the tailings dump and the wind flow velocity. The obtained dependence permits to make a forecast of the critical dusting area at which the level of atmospheric pollution reaches the maximum permissible concentrations, depending on the speed of the wind flow.