OCENA WPŁYWU HUTY CYNKU „MIASTECZKO ŚLĄSKIE” NA JAKOŚĆ WÓD PODZIEMNYCH SERII WĘGLANOWEJ TRIASU GZWP LUBLINIEC–MYSZKÓW

Abstract

ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF ZINC SMELTER “MIASTECZKO ŚLĄSKIE” ON GROUNDWATER QUALITY OF THE TRIASSIC CARBONATE AQUIFER WITHIN LUBLINIEC–MYSZKÓW MAJOR GROUNDWATER BASINAbstract. The paper presents the current state, temporal changes and spatial differentiation of selected contamination indicators in the Triassic carbonate aquifer in the vicinity of Zinc Smelter “Miasteczko Śląskie”. It is based on the results of the groundwater quality monitoring, carried out since 1999. Mathematical modelling for the Major Groundwater Basin Lubliniec–Myszków showed that zinc smelter may pose a potential threat to the groundwater quality exploited by two big intakes located downgradient form the smelter (intake of zinc smelter and big well fields Bibiela exploited by Upper Silesian Water Company). The results of groundwater quality monitoring and geochemical modelling indicate local water pollution of the Triassic carbonate series in the zinc smelter area. However, there is no evidence of adverse effects on the water intakes located downgradient from the smelter. The observed, laterally limited spread of contamination from zinc smelter is most likely due to the block nature of the aquifer and limited permeability of fault zones. This causes relative hydrodynamic isolation of the area in relation to the neighbouring operating water intakes.