This article is devoted to the study of the contents of zinc, cadmium, copper, and lead in lichen in the pastures of reindeer studs in the Timan and Bolshezemelskaya tundras. These areas are located in the Arctic part of Russia, to the west of the Polar Urals. These are areas where carbonate and sandstone rocks of the Permian–Mesozoic age dominate under the soil cover, as well as older deposits located in the western part of the research area (dated to the Cambrian–Devonian period). In these rocks, there is mineralization with metals, including copper. Research carried out in 2018 showed that in the surface layer of lichens, the concentration of metals was assessed differently in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the hill. On this basis, it was possible to identify clean and contaminated pastures. The high copper content in some pastures can be explained by the migration of metal ions from the parent rock. Due to the similar ionic radius of copper and the higher electrocativity in relation to zinc, the metal was probably displaced in the lichen. The observed concentrations can cause high levels of metals in the tissues and organs of deer. A high content of metals in lichens was found in samples collected near industrial enterprises, as well as at a considerable distance from them. At the same time, lichens at some locations near boiler houses or oil rigs are quite pure. In this regard, it has been suggested that the source of pollutants can be either natural factors (copper-bearing sands) or the ingress of metals from a remotely located source.

This article explores the state of golden root (Rhodiola rosea L.) coenopopulations (CPs) on the Rybachy and Sredny peninsulas (Murmansk Region, Russia). The authors describe 10 coenopopulations of this domestically and internationally protected rare species, which is found in different locations on the Barents Sea coast. They are characterized by significant differences in the density of individual species (ramets): the maximum values are indicated for the coastal rocky territories in CP 6, with a high proportion of juvenile individuals, and the minimum in CP 8, which is associated with the presence of a strong phytocenosis competitor, Lathyrus aleuticus. The recovery index in most coenopopulations is below one, allowing the authors to classify the species as threatened in the studied area. The authors also assess the vitality index based on studying the morphometric parameters of individual species—it varies significantly depending on the growing conditions and the composition of the accompanying phytocenoses. Analysis of the age structure shows the predominance of young coenopopulations, with two distinct peaks of juvenile and young generative individuals. R. rosea exhibits high ecological plasticity in various biotopes on the Barents Sea coast, and therefore, the coenopopulations of its coastal communities form the basis for this species’ stability in the studied area and need to be protected.

The subject of the study comprises natural coenopopulations of Rhodiola rosea L. at the northern periphery of the species range on the Barents Sea coast (Lodeinaya and Yarnyshnaya inlets, Murmansk Region, Russia). The species is rare and listed in both international and regional Red Data Books of protected species, and is widely known as a source of medicinal raw material. Northern coenopopulations of Rhodiola rosea are characterized by high vulnerability to changes in environmental conditions and to increasing anthropogenic pressure on Arctic ecosystems associated with the development of tourism in coastal areas. The article presents the results of assessing the status of coenopopulations in habitats differing in growth conditions and degree of recreational load. Particular attention is paid to the analysis of demographic parameters of coenopopulations and factors determining their stability under the extreme conditions of the Far North. Methods: Four coenopopulations located in the vicinity of the rural settlement of Teriberka and the settlement of Dalnie Zelentsy were surveyed. The study sites differed in the characteristics of their subarctic coastal habitats and the degree of anthropogenic impact. For each coenopopulation, geobotanical descriptions of the associated plant communities were conducted, the ontogenetic structure was analyzed, population density, vitality and recovery indices were calculated, and the coenopopulation type was determined according to L.A. Zhivotovsky’s «delta–omega» classification. Results: Despite comparable absolute numbers of individuals, the coenopopulations in the vicinity of Dalnie Zelentsy exhibited substantially higher population densities than those near Teriberka, where considerable recreational pressure was recorded. According to the “delta–omega” classification, all studied coenopopulations belonged to the young type. The ontogenetic spectra were characterized by a high proportion of juvenile and young generative individuals, indicating effective self-maintenance; however, coenopulation 3 showed signs of reduced self-maintenance capacity. Vitality index values ranged from 0.54 to 1.21, reflecting heterogeneity in environmental conditions. Novelty: The scientific novelty of the study consists in obtaining detailed information on the current state of Rhodiola rosea coenopopulations on the Barents Sea coast of the Murmansk Region. The practical significance of the research results lies in the possibility of their use in monitoring rare species, assessing the state of their coenopopulations, and substantiating conservation measures for coastal tundra ecosystems of the Teriberka Nature Park and adjacent territories. Conclusions: Rhodiola rosea populations in the coastal tundra communities of the Barents Sea generally conform to the established patterns of spatial and demographic organization of the species but remain vulnerable to increasing tourist pressure even in the absence of direct harvesting for medicinal purposes. Their high sensitivity to anthropogenic disturbance necessitates strict compliance with the conservation regime of Teriberka Nature Park to ensure the long-term preservation of the species.

The article discusses the findings from monitoring sites of accumulated environmental damage (AED) along the East Murman coastline. The area surveyed includes the mouth of the Kharlovka River estuary, which is near the Seven Islands Archipelago within the Kandalaksha State Nature Reserve. During a thorough engineering and environmental assessment of the region, an inventory of AED sites was conducted, along with an evaluation of the amount of accumulated waste and an analysis of pollutant levels in the soil. The survey revealed six unauthorized waste disposal sites, primarily consisting of fuel and lubricant containers and scrap metal. Soil testing at two locations within the Barents Sea’s water protection zone indicated significant contamination with oil products, while the levels of metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu) were found to be acceptable. The analysis of soil conditions revealed that degradation within the Kharlovka River estuary began during the operation of a fuel and lubricants storage facility in the area. At the time of the assessment, over a third of the surveyed area lacked a fertile soil layer, and the remaining soil and vegetation were sparse. The degree of contamination by oil products requires the implementation of highly efficient soil remediation methods.