Environmental montoring of metals in blue mussels and passive samplers of the marine environment close to Elkem Solar AS in the Kristiansand fjord in 2014

Summary

The company Elkem Solar AS conducts a monitoring in the waters close to the company in the Kristiansandsfjord. The survey in 2014 has been a continuation of the long-term monitoring which started in 2010. In 2014 the investigations have focused on PAH in water illustrated with analyzes of mussels and passive samplers. Concentrations of metals in mussels are still low. However, it is observed a trend with increasing silicon content in the shells since 2010 and also a higher calcium content in the shells from Fiskåtangen in 2014. The observed trend for silicon and concentration distribution of calcium in 2014 may be a signal of influence from Elkem Solar AS. However, silicon can also be supplied by natural drainage of clay particles.