Naslov
The Influence of Past Metallurgical Activity on the Concentration of Heavy Metals in the Soil/Grass System in Šibenik (Croatia)

Autori
Oreščanin, Višnja ; Lovrenčić Mikelić, Ivanka ; Mikelić, Luka ; Rubčić, Mirta ; Lulić, Stjepan

Izvornik
International journal of environment and pollution (0957-4352) 37 (2009), 4; 437-449

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
ferromanganese smelter ; aluminum plant ; heavy metals ; EDXRF ; enrichment factors

Sažetak
The aim of this study was to investigate the degree of heavy metals pollution in soil caused by the ex-ferromanganese smelter and ex-aluminium factory and estimate the potential of metal mobility and bioavailability. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used for the determination of elemental concentrations in soil, vegetation and soil extracts while mineralogical composition of soil samples was determined by XRD analysis. Results of chemical and statistical analyses together with calculated enrichment factors indicate that ferromanganese smelter caused the severe heavy metal pollution of its surroundings which is still visible thirteen years after the production was ceased. Iron was the main component of metallurgical slag deposited near the smelter. Slag material was highly enriched in Zn, Cr, Cu, Co and Pb. Dust emitted from the smelter over the past 91 years significantly affected elemental concentrations in the surrounding soil. In the nearest vicinity of the factory Mn soil concentrations ranging from 12700 to 342000 ppm, Zn from 200 to 1090, Cu from 50 to 440, Ni from 60 to 330, V from 60 to 410 and Pb from 24 to 320. Significantly higher concentrations of the elements V, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb compared to control samples were also found in the soil samples taken in the vicinity of aluminum plant with maximum enrichment ranging from 1.5 time for V to 4 times in the case of Pb. Fortunately, elements from the contaminated soil are strongly bound to the soil mineral components resulting in low degree of leaching and low heavy metals uptake by vegetation growing on that soil.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geologija, Kemija

POVEZANOST RADA