GEOCHEMICZNY ZAPIS SKAŻENIA ŚRODOWISKA W REJONIE HISTORYCZNEJ EKSPLOATACJI RUD Zn-Pb W OKOLICACH NOWEJ GÓRY k. KRZESZOWIC

Abstract

GEOCHEMICAL RECORD OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION OF THE ZN-PB ORE HISTORIC MINE SITE AROUND NOWA GÓRA NEAR KRZESZOWICE (SOUTHERN POLAND)Abstract. The surveyed area is located in the northwestern part of Małopolska Voivodship. Detailed, multi-media geochemical research has been conducted due to distinct geochemical anomalies of Pb–Zn–Cd in soils and stream sediments in this region. The report presents some research results of detailed geochemical  mapping at scale 1:25 000 on the Nowa Góra map sheet. Lead and zinc ores were extensively exploited in this area from 1800 to 1912. The topsoil (0.0–0.3 m) was sampled at a sampling density of 16 sites per km2. The distance between watercourse sampling sites was about 250 m. Concentration of Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, S, Sr, Ti, V and Zn was determined by the ICP-AES method, and of Hg – by the CV-AAS method, following a hot aqua regia digestion. In addition, grain size distribution and pH were determined in topsoil samples. Geochemical studies have indicated that the topsoil and stream sediments are extremely contaminated with As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn in the vicinity of historical Zn-Pb mines and processing facilities as well as in areas where the soils are developed on outcrops of Middle Triassic Zn–Pb ore-bearing dolomites.