The pilot project (1992-1993) was undertaken to harmonise field and analytical methods and to map a 12,000 km2 area around the Nikel smelter complex in Russia and extending into Finland and Norway, based on 45 sampling sites. Fifteen sampling localities were selected in each of the three countries (see map). At each locality, snow, organic soil, C-horizon (deep soil), terrestrial moss, stream water, stream sediment, and overbank sediment (top and bottom) were collected and analysed. In addition, topsoil (0-5 cm) was collected for radionuclide analysis.
The following map shows the distribution of copper (Cu) in organic soil around the Nikel smelter. Cu is one of the elements emitted in generous quantities from the smelter and, accordingly, a halo of high values is found in the immediate vicinity of the industrial sites. As the anthropogenic contribution tapers off away from the smelter complex, natural concentration levels and their inherent variability emerges.
Results of the pilot project are summarised in the report by Chekushin et al. (1993), details of which can be found in the publication list.