Anthropogenic and natural sources of particulate trace elements in the coastal marine environment of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard

• Sources of particulate trace elements in Kongsfjorden have been assessed.
• Natural input from the glaciers is the major source for Al, Co, Fe, K, Ti and V.
• Inlet of Atlantic waters is a major pathway for Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn.
• Anthropogenic lead derives from suspended particulate transported by Atlantic waters.

Suspended particulate matter collected from the coastal marine environment of Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic) has been investigated in order to determine its elemental composition and to assess the natural and anthropogenic sources of particulate trace elements. For this purpose, two surveys were carried out in June and September 2012, measuring hydrographic, biological and chemical parameters along the water column at representative sites. The sources of trace elements were evaluated by measuring 208Pb/207Pb and 206Pb/207Pb isotope ratios and comparing them with the isotopic signature of the atmospheric particulate and marine sediments collected in the same area.It was found that natural input from the glaciers is the major source for Al, Co, Fe, K, Ti and V, whereas Ba, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn of anthropogenic origin are mainly introduced into the fjord through the intrusion of Atlantic waters. The influence of the glacial runoff decreased with the distance from the front and it was higher at the end of the summer season than in late spring. On the other hand, the effect of the Atlantic waters was more relevant in the bottom layer at the entrance of the fjord, especially during the summer season.