Composition of the Finnish Arctic aerosol: collection and analysis of historic filter samples

Week-long samples of total suspended particles have been collected between October 1964 and February 1978 from the Finnish Arctic. Neutron activation analysis, ion chromatography, and light-absorption techniques have been used to analyze the concentration of several heavy metals and other elements, major ions, methane sulfonate (MSA), and black carbon. Kevo is located near the Kola Peninsula and the effect of the industrial area can be seen. Compared to previous studies of Arctic aerosols carried out in North American Arctic, the Kevo results show higher concentration of anthropogenic pollutants and the seasonal variability for most constituents is weaker than the typical Arctic haze pattern. MSA, a marker of biogenic activity, has a clear seasonal cycle with a peak from April to August.