Continued environmental studies in the Qaumarujuk and Agfardlikavsâ fjords, Mârmorilik, Umanak district, central West Greenland

Abstract

The results of studies of the heavy metal background level in the natural environment ofthe Qaumarujuk and Agfardlikavså fjords, adjacent to the lead-zinc mine Sorte Engel (= Black Angel) near Mârmorilik (71°07'N, 51°16'W), have been briefly communicated by Bondam & Asmund (1974), Asmund (1975), Bohn (1975) and BoIlingberg (1975). FuHdetails of the analyticaI results of these surveys have been reported in Danish elsewhere. (Vandkvalitetsinstituttet 1972; Grønlands Fiskeriundersøgelser et al., 1974; GGU et al., 1975). Since then, renewed sampling has been carried out, both in February and August 1974, and in April and September 1975, in order to follw closely the environmental dissemination of some heavy metals in the fjord region, due to disposal of tailings from the flotation plant adjacent to Agfardlikavsåfjord (fig. 18). This short communication deals with the content of certain heavy metals of bottom sediments, biological tissues and samples of sea water in the fjord regime after full production started in October 1973.

Recent bottom sediments in Agf ardlikavsa and Qaumarujuk fiords near Marmorilik, West Greenland

“…Results of the environmental studies and follow-up inspection, with particular reference to the possible effects of tailings disposal in Agfardlikavsa, have been briefly summarized by Bondam and Asmund (1974), Asmund (1975), Bollingberg (1975) and by Asmund, Bollingberg and Bondam (1976). Additionally comprehensive annual reports on the environmental impact of minin5 are published in Danish.…”