MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

The Impact of a Nickel-Copper Smelter on Concentrations of Toxic Elements in Local Wild Food from the Norwegian, Finnish, and Russian Border Regions

Summary

This research examined how pollution from a large nickel-copper smelter affects wild food (berries, mushrooms, fish and game) that local people collect and eat in the border regions between Norway, Finland and Russia. While most wild food was found to be safe for consumption, some mushrooms contained elevated levels of toxic metals, especially when collected close to the smelter. Impacts on everyday life: • People gathering wild mushrooms should avoid collecting them very close to the smelter • Most wild berries, fish and game from the region are safe to eat in moderate amounts • Local residents should be aware that different types of wild food accumulate different levels of toxic elements • Regular monitoring of wild food safety helps protect public health in industrial regions • Understanding contamination patterns helps people make informed choices about where to gather wild food

Background

Point-source pollution from toxic elements remains an environmental challenge, particularly from industrial facilities like the Pechenganickel complex on the Russian Kola Peninsula near the Norway-Finland-Russia border. This complex is one of the world’s largest nickel-copper smelters and has been emitting large amounts of toxic elements into the atmosphere and local waters since the 1930s.

Objective

To assess the impact of emissions from the Ni-Cu smelter in the Pechenganickel complex on concentrations of nickel, copper, cobalt, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury in commonly used local wild foods in the border regions between Norway, Finland and Russia.

Results

Mushrooms had the highest concentrations of all toxic elements except mercury, which was highest in fish. Concentrations of nickel, cobalt, and arsenic were highest at sites closest to the smelter and generally decreased with increasing distance, particularly in berries and mushrooms. The impact was most pronounced in the Russian and Norwegian border regions. Some mushroom samples exceeded EU maximum levels for cadmium, some perch samples exceeded limits for mercury, and one moose sample exceeded limits for lead.

Conclusion

The study confirmed that toxic elements emitted from the smelter are present in local wild food, with concentrations varying by area, food type, and specific element. The impact was most evident in nickel, cobalt and arsenic concentrations, particularly in berries and mushrooms. While most samples had concentrations below EU safety limits, elevated nickel and copper in some mushrooms could pose risks to frequent consumers. The majority of wild food from the study area can be considered safe for moderate consumption.
  • Published in:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
  • Study Type:Environmental Monitoring Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijerph14070694
Scroll to Top