ISSN 1239-6095 (print),   ISSN 1797-2469 (online)
© Boreal Environment Research 2009

Contents of Volume 14 Number 2

Frey, A. K., Tissari, J., Saarnio, K. M., Timonen, H. J., Tolonen-Kivimäki, O., Aurela, M. A., Saarikoski, S. K., Makkonen, U., Hytönen, K., Jokiniemi, J., Salonen, R. O. & Hillamo, R. E. J. 2009: Chemical composition and mass size distribution of fine particulate matter emitted by a small masonry heater. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 255–271.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Holthe, E., Lund, E., Finstad, B., Thorstad, E. B. & McKinley, R. S. 2009: Swimming performance of the European minnow. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 272–278.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Myking, T., Aarrestad, P. A., Derome, J., Bakkestuen, V., Bjerke, J. W., Gytarsky, M., Isaeva, L., Karaban, R., Korotkov, V., Lindgren, M., Lindroos, A.-J., Røsberg, I., Salemaa, M., Tømmervik, H. & Vassilieva, N. 2009: Effects of air pollution from a nickel–copper industrial complex on boreal forest vegetation in the joint Russian–Norwegian–Finnish border area. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 279–296.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Uiboupin, R. & Laanemets, J. 2009: Upwelling characteristics derived from satellite sea surface temperature data in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 297–304.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Kutser, T., Hiire, M., Metsamaa, L., Vahtmäe, E., Paavel, B. & Aps, R. 2009: Field measurements of spectral backscattering coefficient of the Baltic Sea and boreal lakes. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 305–312.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Majaneva, M., Autio, R., Huttunen, M., Kuosa, H. & Kuparinen, J. 2009: Phytoplankton monitoring: the effect of sampling methods used during different stratification and bloom conditions in the Baltic Sea. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 313–322.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Winkler, G., Leclerc, V., Sirois, P., Archambault, P. & Bérubé, P. 2009: Short-term impact of forest harvesting on water quality and zooplankton communities in oligotrophic headwater lakes of the eastern Canadian Boreal Shield. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 323–337.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)

Tang, L., Miao, J.-F. & Chen, D. 2009: Performance of TAPM against MM5 at urban scale during GÖTE2001 campaign. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 338–350.
Abstract
Full text (pdf format)


Frey, A. K., Tissari, J., Saarnio, K. M., Timonen, H. J., Tolonen-Kivimäki, O., Aurela, M. A., Saarikoski, S. K., Makkonen, U., Hytönen, K., Jokiniemi, J., Salonen, R. O. & Hillamo, R. E. J. 2009: Chemical composition and mass size distribution of fine particulate matter emitted by a small masonry heater. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 255–271.

Residential wood combustion is a significant particulate emission source in many European countries. Especially for fine particle emissions in wood combustions, the lacking knowledge of emission factors (FE) makes assessment of their contribution to ambient concentrations difficult. One reason for the discrepancy between modeled and measured contributions is many variables involved in combustion process. In this study, the fine particulate matter (PM) emissions coming from batch combustion of birch wood in a small masonry heater were investigated. The experiments were carried out in the specified conditions (normal and smouldering combustion, NC and SC, respectively). To enable various chemical analytical techniques, two sampling combinations for PM2.5 (particle diameter < 2.5 um), and size-segregated sampling were used. The samples were analyzed for gravimetric mass, major ions, monosaccharide anhydrides (MA, including levoglucosan, galactosan and mannosan), trace elements, elemental carbon (EC) and water-insoluble and -soluble particulate organic matter (WISPOM and WSPOM, respectively). FE of PM2.5 based on gravimetric mass was three times higher for SC than for NC. Particulate organic matter (POM = 1.6 x OC) accounted for approximately 30% and 70% of FE of PM2.5 in NC and SC, respectively. The corresponding values for EC were 32% and 25%. About 30% of the OC was water-soluble. Ions constituted about 20% of the FE of PM2.5 in NC but only a few percents in SC. Potassium comprised around 60% of the analyzed ions. The fraction of trace elements consisting 94% of Zn was only about 1% of the total PM2.5 emissions. This study showed strong influence of combustion practice on emissions of the major chemical components from the small-scale wood combustion.
Back to the top

Holthe, E., Lund, E., Finstad, B., Thorstad, E. B. & McKinley, R. S. 2009: Swimming performance of the European minnow. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 272–278.

Maximum sustained swimming speeds of the European minnow were examined using increased velocity tests in a swim-speed chamber. Maximum sustained swimming speed for the size class 50–64 mm was 10.4 ? 4.0 cm s–1 (mean ? SD), for the size class 65–79 mm 14.2 ? 4.8 cm s–1, and for the size class 80–105 mm 16.0 ? 5.6 cm s–1. Similarly sized minnows were able to maintain considerably higher speeds in a raceway. For instance, individuals of the largest size class could maintain a swimming speed of 34 cm s–1 for at least 25 min. Hence, the maximum swimming capacity of the fish was highly underestimated using the increased velocity test in the swim-speed chamber. The unintentional distribution of minnows by man to new watersheds is considered a critical environmental problem in Norway, because of their potential to develop high densities in communities with low diversity. Recorded high swimming speeds indicated minnows' capability to spread further upstream when introduced to new water systems, and that their swimming and jumping abilities must be taken into account when constructing migration barriers to prevent further spreading. High swimming speeds could also indicate minnows' potential for competing with salmonids not only in lakes but also in riverine environments.
Back to the top

Myking, T., Aarrestad, P. A., Derome, J., Bakkestuen, V., Bjerke, J. W., Gytarsky, M., Isaeva, L., Karaban, R., Korotkov, V., Lindgren, M., Lindroos, A.-J., Røsberg, I., Salemaa, M., Tømmervik, H. & Vassilieva, N. 2009: Effects of air pollution from a nickel–copper industrial complex on boreal forest vegetation in the joint Russian–Norwegian–Finnish border area. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 279–296.

The effect of air pollution from the Petchenganickel industrial complex, northwestern part of the Kola Peninsula, on forest vegetation was studied by combining three dormant monitoring networks in Finland, Russia and Norway, comprising a total of 21 plots that were revisited in 2004. Chemical composition of precipitation was monitored during 2004–2005, and indicated continuing high deposition of heavy metals and SO2 in the border area. The cover of epiphytic lichens on the trunks of downy birch (Betula pubescens) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) was severely affected by pollution, and there was also a consistent negative effect on the abundance and richness of lichens and bryophytes on the forest floor in a more limited area. The effects of pollution on crown condition and stand growth were weak or absent. This study is an important reference for evaluating the effects of the planned renovation of the smelter in Nikel.
Back to the top

Uiboupin, R. & Laanemets, J. 2009: Upwelling characteristics derived from satellite sea surface temperature data in the Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 297–304.

The seven-year (2000–2006) satellite sea surface temperature (SST) data were examined to determine characteristics of coastal upwellings during the warm period of the year (June–September) in the Gulf of Finland. A total of 20 sufficiently cloud-free SST images depicting well-expressed coastal upwelling were found. The area covered by upwelling water, the temperature difference between the upwelling and surrounding waters, and the location and area of filaments were estimated. The average area covered by the upwelling water was 4820 km2 and for the largest upwelling event 12140 km2, i.e. 38% of the Gulf surface area. The average upwelling area along the Finnish coast (6120 km2) was larger than the upwelling area along the Estonian coast (4070 km2) which likely results from a larger cumulative wind stress (the product of wind stress and its duration) of westerly winds during the observed upwellings. The detected upwelling filaments were predominantly related to an upwelling along the Finnish coast. The area of a single filament usually varied from 80 to 680 km2 while the total area of filaments reached the maximal value of 1420 km2 during the strongest upwelling event.
Back to the top

Kutser, T., Hiire, M., Metsamaa, L., Vahtmäe, E., Paavel, B. & Aps, R. 2009: Field measurements of spectral backscattering coefficient of the Baltic Sea and boreal lakes. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 305–312.

The spectral backscattering coefficient is a very important characteristic of waterbodies from the remote sensing point of view as the light backscattered from particles and water molecules makes it possible to get information about the properties of the water under investigation. Before this study very little was known about the backscattering coefficient in different parts of the Baltic Sea and in boreal lakes. We carried out backscattering coefficient measurements in the open parts of the Baltic Sea, in several relatively turbid estuaries, bays and in some lakes in southern Finland using HydroScat-6 backscattering sensor. The results show that spectral backscattering coefficient values vary by two orders of magnitude in the Baltic Sea and lakes under investigation. This has serious implications on interpretation of the remote sensing signal collected above these areas.
Back to the top

Majaneva, M., Autio, R., Huttunen, M., Kuosa, H. & Kuparinen, J. 2009: Phytoplankton monitoring: the effect of sampling methods used during different stratification and bloom conditions in the Baltic Sea. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 313–322.

Investigation of the phytoplankton community is an important part of the overall water quality monitoring. Different countries and research institutes have different methods and traditions in sampling methods. In this study, the applicability of five different types of samplers — a hose, rosette, small and large bottle sampler and ship-of-opportunity-like pump sampling — were investigated in phytoplankton monitoring. Also, the effect of arithmetic integration of samples was studied. Sampling took place at three stations at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland and in the northern Baltic Proper during weak stratification and phytoplankton minimum, and strong stratification and a cyanobacterial bloom in the summer of 2005. Chlorophyll a and the number of selected species were analysed. There were some significant differences between the applied samplers but they were not consistent and — although there was a weak indication of the largest bottle sampler being the most reliable — the differences between the samplers were not large if they were operated correctly. However, ship-of-opportunity samples may underestimate the biomass of phytoplankton during cyanobacterial blooms. Chlorophyll a concentration estimated from arithmetically-integrated samples did not differ from that estimated from pooled samples.
Back to the top

Winkler, G., Leclerc, V., Sirois, P., Archambault, P. & Bérubé, P. 2009: Short-term impact of forest harvesting on water quality and zooplankton communities in oligotrophic headwater lakes of the eastern Canadian Boreal Shield. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 323–337.

The objective of this study was to investigate the short-term impact of forest harvesting within the first year after perturbation on water quality and zooplankton in oligotrophic lakes of the eastern Canadian Boreal Shield. To achieve this objective a balanced multiple before/after-control-impact (MBACI) experimental design was used including four headwater lakes sampled twice before (July and September 2003) and twice after harvesting (July and September 2004) and four undisturbed control lakes sampled at the same dates. Significant increases in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations were detected after the perturbation but did not result in a bottom-up effect. Differences in pelagic phytoplankton biomass and zooplankton community structure were not related to harvesting activities. Spatial and temporal variability was observed among lakes in logged as well as in control lakes. Therefore natural variability seemed to be more important in determining ecological patterns within the lakes than the short-term impacts of forest harvesting. We hypothesise that novel logging strategies such as careful logging around advanced growth in combination with 20-m buffer strips fringing streams and lakes might be an efficient protection to mitigate short-term effects of additional allochthonous matter input in lake pelagic zones after forestry activities on watersheds.
Back to the top

Tang, L., Miao, J.-F. & Chen, D. 2009: Performance of TAPM against MM5 at urban scale during GÖTE2001 campaign. Boreal Env. Res. 14: 338–350.

In this study, the performances of two widely-used models in air quality community, The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) and the PSU/NCAR fifth-generation Mesoscale Model (MM5), were evaluated and compared at an urban scale (a few kilometres) in the greater Gothenburg (Sweden) using the GÖTE2001 campaign data. Evaluation focused on simulated meteorological variables important to air quality applications: the near-surface air temperature and wind, vertical temperature gradient, low wind speed situation, diurnal cycle and diurnal heating. The results showed that (1) TAPM performs better than MM5 in simulating near-surface air temperature and wind in urban area, (2) both models are able to reproduce nighttime vertical temperature gradient reasonably well, but underestimate daytime temperature gradient, and (3) the two models significantly underestimate the occurrences of low wind speed situation at night. These results indicate that the performance of TAPM in simulating meteorological features over the urban area is generally comparable to that of MM5. TAPM can be used with some confidence to describe the local-scale meteorology needed for air quality applications.
Back to the top