Footprints of magnetic particulate matter and black carbon in the Ny-Ålesund area, the Arctic

Abstract

Magnetic particulate matter (MPM) and black carbon are important components of atmospheric particulate matter closely associated with anthropogenic activities, yet their deposition and accumulation in polar soil environments remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed soil samples collected from Ny-Ålesund and London Island in the Arctic between 2011 and 2016 to investigate the concentrations, spatial and temporal distributions, and potential sources (collectively referred to as “footprints”) of Fe-bearing MPM and black carbon. The results, with Fe-bearing MPM concentrations ranging from 3.63 × 10⁻² to 1.68 mg g⁻¹ and black carbon from 2.66 × 10⁻⁴ to 1.52 mg g⁻¹, show elevated levels near research facilities and tourist sites. Morphological and elemental analyses indicated that the detected particles likely originated from anthropogenic combustion and mechanical processes. Additionally, the co-occurrence and correlation of these pollutants underscore their shared sources and transport pathways in the Arctic environment. This study provides new evidence of the environmental footprint of increasing human presence in polar regions and highlights the need for continuous monitoring of particulate pollution in fragile ecosystems like the Arctic.