Mining Institute, Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Mirny, Russia:

A. P. Pesterev, Head of Chair, Candidate of Biological Sciences, pesterev.a@mail.ru
A. I. Vasilieva, Senior Lecturer
S. A. Safroneeva, Senior Lecturer

Mirny Polytechnic Institute (Branch), Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University, Mirny, Russia
E. V. Sleptsova, Head of Laboratory, Candidate of Biological Sciences

In the last decades the Arctic regions in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russian Federation, experience extensive mining activities, which are accompanied by ecological disturbance of fragile northern ecosystems. Especially large-scale destruction and pollution results from the open pit mining, while this method of mineral production is the most profitable. In Northern Yakutia two phytogeographical zones are distinguished: tundra and taiga; there are also several subzones the boundary between which is not always accurately traced and in places has complex configuration owing to superimposition of vertical zonation on width zonality. The complexity of zoning and lack of information obstructs development of a concept of the regional environmental monitoring and objective assessment of transformations in the environment under technogenesis of the northern territories. This article presents the results of research into migration flows of water-soluble heavy metals polluting environment during diamond placer mining by the open pit method in the floodplain of the northern rivers. The natural conditions and soil cover in the permafrost zone being the final depositor of pollution are characterized. Thin suprapermafrost layer favors accumulation and toxic impact of microelements on a live biota. In this regard, this study is an attempt to study dynamics and migration of some microelements belonging to hygienic hazard classes 1–2. Water-soluble forms of metals possess the highest mobility, and, therefore, these forms of toxic elements spreading mainly with stream streams are discussed in this article.

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