Scientific Publications
FROST research is advancing knowledge on how Arctic lakes and their ecosystems respond to changing winter conditions. In this section, you will find scientific articles published by FROST researchers and collaborators. These publications share the data, analyses, and insights that support our understanding of climate impacts on lakes, food webs, fish health, and community well-being.
November 2025
Patterns in mercury biomagnification in boreal and subarctic lake food webs.
Piro, A., Kozak, N., Keva, O., Eerola, E.S., Kulo, K., Ruokonen, T.J., Weckström, J., Malinen, T., Kiljunen, M., Taipale, S.J., & Kahilainen, K.K. 2025. Patterns in mercury biomagnification in boreal and subarctic lake food webs. Environmental Research 285: 122352. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2025.122352
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Mercury builds up in fish through the food web in all subarctic and boreal lakes, but the strength of this buildup varies by region.
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Warmer, nutrient-rich northern lakes show less mercury buildup, while boreal lakes are more strongly influenced by environmental changes and human activity.
August 2025
Impacts of Changing Winter Conditions on Lake Ecosystems Will Increase With Latitude
Ozersky T, Poste A, Rautio M, Leu E. 2025. Impacts of Changing Winter Conditions on Lake Ecosystems Will Increase With Latitude. Ecology Letters. doi.org/10.1111/ele.70200
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Northern lakes are especially vulnerable to climate change, because winter ice and light conditions shift more dramatically at high latitudes.
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Losing ice could strongly affect fish and food webs in the Arctic, as changes in light and temperature reduce the balance needed for healthy lake productivity.
August 2025
Terrestrial carbon inputs drive methylmercury accumulation in zooplankton of boreal and subarctic lakes
Graves, S.D., Kidd, K.A., Arts, M.T., Veiteberg Braaten, H.F., de Wit, H.A., Borgå, K., Åkerblom, S. and Poste, A.E. 2025. Terrestrial carbon inputs drive methylmercury accumulation in zooplankton of boreal and subarctic lakes. Limnology and Oceanography. https://doi.org/10.1002/lno.70185
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Lake browning raises risk: Higher DOC means more mercury in water and zooplankton.
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Food webs matter: Zooplankton diet shifts help drive mercury build-up, impacting fish and wildlife.
May 2025
Biomagnification of mercury in brown-water boreal lake – year-round assessment using bulk and compound specific nitrogen stable isotope of amino-acids
Piro, A.J., Taipale, S.J., Eerola, E.S., Megyeri, E., & Kahilainen, K.K. 2025: Biomagnification of mercury in brown-water boreal lake – year-round assessment using bulk and compound specific nitrogen stable isotope of amino-acids. Environmental Pollution 372: 125933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2025.125933
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Mercury builds up in fish and other animals in northern lakes all year round, even under the ice.
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Different scientific methods give slightly different baseline values, showing the need to refine how we measure mercury in food webs.