EFFECT OF AEROTECHNOGENIC POLLUTION ON CATCHMENT AREAS OF SUB-ARCTIC LAKES AND ON FISH

The effect of heavy metals and acid oxides on terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems was studied from 1989 to 1993 in lakes located more than 10 0 km away from the nearest source of pollution (copper-nickel works). Complex investigations (chemical composition of snow cover and bottom sediments, the state of populations and fish organisms) showed that in tense fallout of heavy metals and acid oxides takes place in the catch ment area of Lake Kocheyavr. This water body has sufficient natural bu ffering capacity for neutralizing acid depositions. An intense accumul ation of heavy metals is observed in bottom sediments. Metal accumulat ion leads to subtoxic effects on fish inhabiting the lake.