DOI: 10.20348/storedb/1136/1203
title: Element composition of biota, water and sediment in the Forsmark area, Baltic Sea (Sweden)
title: Elemental composition

description: The elemental composition of biota, water and sediment from a shallow bay in the Forsmark region were determined. The report presents data for 48 different elements (Al, As, Ba, Br, C, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, F, Fe, Gd, Hg, Ho, I, K, Li, Lu, Mg, Mn, N, Na, Nd, Ni, P, Pb, Pr, Ra, Rb, S, Se, Si, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, V, Yb, Zn, Zr) in all major functional groups of the coastal ecosystem (phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic microalgae, macroalgae, macrophytes, benthic herbivores, benthic filter feeders, benthic detrivores, planktivorous fish, benthic omnivorous fish, carnivorous fish, dissolved and particulate matter in the water and the sediment) during spring 2005. The overall aim of the study were to contribute to a better understanding of ecological properties and processes that govern uptake and transfer of trace elements, heavy-metals, radionuclides and other non-essential elements/contaminants in coastal environments of the Baltic Sea. In addition, the data was collected to provide site-specific Bioconcentration Factors (BCF), Biomagnification Factors (BMF), partitioning coefficients (Kd) and element ratios (relative to carbon) for use in ongoing SKB safety assessments.
Samples were collected near Tixlan island (60° 23.550' N, 18° 14.740' E) near Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant in April 2005, with the exception of the zooplankton and sediment Si samples that were collected in June 2005 and April 2008, respectively. The samples were collected using plastic or Teflon equipment, either from a small boat or by snorkelers and divers, and stored in acid-washed or factory-new plastic containers and frozen whole as soon as possible after collection. C and N were analysed in dried samples with a Leco-CHN analyzer (CHNS-932, EDTA and acetanilide as standards) and P with a segmented flow system (ALPKEM Flow Solution IV), at the accredited laboratory at the Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University. Other elements were analysed by the accredited laboratories at ALS Scandinavia, using ICP-AES, AFS and ICP-SFMS.
Dissolved and particulate matter in water and sediment, phytoplankton, zooplankton, benthic microalgae, macroalgae, macrophytes, benthic herbivores, benthic filter feeders, benthic detrivores, planktivorous fish, benthic omnivorous fish and carnivorous fish.
description: Samples were collected near Tixlan island (60° 23.550' N, 18° 14.740' E) near Forsmark Nuclear Power Plant in April 2005, with the exception of the zooplankton and sediment Si samples that were collected in June 2005 and April 2008, respectively. The samples were collected using plastic or Teflon equipment, either from a small boat or by snorkelers and divers, and stored in acid-washed or factory-new plastic containers and frozen whole as soon as possible after collection. C and N were analysed in dried samples with a Leco-CHN analyzer (CHNS-932, EDTA and acetanilide as standards) and P with a segmented flow system (ALPKEM Flow Solution IV), at the accredited laboratory at the Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University. Other elements were analysed by the accredited laboratories at ALS Scandinavia, using ICP-AES, AFS and ICP-SFMS.

Kumblad K and Bradshaw C (2008) Element composition of biota, water and sediment in the Forsmark area, Baltic Sea: Concentrations, bioconcentration factors and partitioning coefficients (Kd) of 48 elements. SKB report TR-08-09 (available at www.skb.se) http://www.skb.se/upload/publications/pdf/TR-08-09.pdf