Present day state of background pollution of the natural environment in the Russian Arctic in the region of the Ust-Lena Reserve

Within a radius of 1000 km of the Lower Lena River, one can find no significant sources of anthropogenic pollution. The settlements of Tixi and Kyusyur represent the most intensive sources. During investigations of the Lower Lena River region in August–September 1992, the level of background pollution of the atmosphere, soil, vegetation, and animals was studied. Various aspects of the environment were analyzed for 3,4-benz[a]pyrene, 1,12-benz[a]perylene organochlorine pesticides, PCB, heavy metals, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, radionuclides, and some other pollutants. Possible emission sources to the environment were also analyzed. The studies carried out make it possible to characterize pollution levels in the natural environment of the Lower Lena River under study as low, and typical of all other arctic regions of the globe. Individual episodes of higher pollution concentrations are, as a rule, attributable either to local natural sources or to pollutants from long-range atmospheric transport.