Assessment of air pollution originating from copper smelter in Bor (Serbia)

Air quality monitoring was performed at the measuring sites in the urban-industrial and suburban zone during the period 2005–2007 in Bor (Serbia). Arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper and sulphur dioxide are predominantly of industrial origin as a result of copper production in the study area. The smelter, which is a part of the Mining-Metallurgical Complex Bor, is the major pollution source. As and SO₂ are the pollutants which pose the biggest threat for the inhabitants of the Bor area, since the measured concentrations exceed the proposed limit values. The obtained concentrations showed that the endangered areas are in close vicinity of the smelter, as well as in the directions of the prevailing winds. By grouping these pollutants into separate clusters, the results of cluster analysis confirmed high loads of As and SO₂ in the air. The results of principal component analysis showed that copper production has major influence on air pollution.     

Nitrate and heavy metal pollution resulting from agricultural activity: a case study from Eskipazar (Karabuk,Turkey)

In most countries of the world, groundwater and surface water are at a serious risk of pollution due to chemicals used in agricultural activities. The present study examined whether such a risk exists in Eskipazar, Turkey and the surrounding area, which covers a surface area of 696 km². Nitrate pollution (NO₃) was observed in waters discharging from the Örencik Formation, consisting of loose conglomerate, sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, and claystone levels; from the Yörük member of the Örencik Formation consisting of limestone, from areas where the Örencik Formation and Yörük member are located together, and from alluvium. Agricultural is practiced in these areas, and the waters discharging from these formations are used as drinking water and for domestic purposes. In particular, periodically varying levels of pollutants, such as B, Pb, Hg, Se were detected in wells drilled in Örencik Formation featuring a high NO₃ concentration. The concentrations of S, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Br, Sr, Y, I, Ba, and U in these waters are also slightly higher than other cold waters in the study area. In addition to the NO₃ pollution, high levels of Ca and SO₄ pollution was observed at a well drilled in alluvium. In addition, some trace element concentrations identified in the wells drilled in the Örencik Formation were higher than the average values at geothermal and/or mineral springs in the study area. The study area has an adequate sewage system and has no sources of pollution, such as mineralization, industrial center, waste disposal area, etc. Therefore, it is believed that the main causes of NO₃ and trace element pollution are fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities. Water–rock interaction, usage period of fertilizers and pesticides, amount of precipitation, groundwater level, usage of elements by plants, mobility of elements, pH value of the environment, redox potential, adsorption/desorption, biochemical processes, etc. are thought to be the causes of the periodical variation of some trace element concentrations observed in these waters.     

Petrology of alkali basalts of Zlot, Timok Magmatic Complex (Eastern Serbia)

Alkali basalts were discovered in the Timok Magmatic Complex only in a borehole near Zlot. They are composed of plagioclase and clinopyroxene phenocrysts lying in intersertal to pilotaxitic groundmass. The characteristic feature of these rocks is the high content of needle shaped magnetite.

Various disequilibrium features in alkali basalt of Zlot reflect complex convection effects and recharge, most probably in a shallow magma chamber. Major and trace elements data indicate that alkali basalts of Zlot originated from magmas deriving from metasomatized mantle wedge above a subducting and dehydrating plate. However the investigated rocks did not originate from primary magmas, but from a magma which has undergone considerable fractional crystallization.     

Contribution of atmospheric processes to the degradation of air quality: case study (Sohar Industrial Area,Oman)

The impact of the air pollution generated by any industrial activities may be further aggravated if the location of the industrial area is exposed to certain atmospheric characteristics. Under such conditions, the likelihood of accumulation of local air pollution is high. This paper uses two approaches (statistical and numerical simulation) to investigate the contribution of atmospheric processes towards degradation of air quality. A case study of the two approaches was conducted over Sohar Industrial Area in the Sultanate of Oman. Measured wind data were used to account for specific atmospheric characteristics such as stagnation, ventilation, and recirculation using the statistical approach. In the second approach, numerical weather prediction model was used to simulate mesoscale circulation phenomena such as sea breeze and its contribution to the processes affecting the air quality. The study demonstrates that the atmospheric processes appear to contribute substantially to the degradation of air quality in the Sohar Industrial Area. The statistical analysis shows that the atmospheric dilution potential of Sohar Industrial Area is prone to stagnation and recirculation, rather than ventilation. Moreover, model simulation shows that there is a seasonal variation in the contribution of atmospheric processes to the degradation of the air quality at Sohar Industrial Area.     

Microfacies analysis of larger benthic foraminifera-dominated Middle Eocene carbonates: a palaeoenvironmental case study from Meghalaya,N-E India (Eastern Tethys)

Larger benthic foraminifera (LBF) show significant abundance and diversity in the Palaeogene carbonate sediments of Meghalaya, N-E India, but have previously received less attention from the palaeoenvironmental perspective. LBF are important contributors to recent as well as fossil shallow marine, tropical carbonate settings. They find wide application in biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironmental reconstructions. The larger foraminiferal turnover (LFT) during the Palaeocene-Eocene transition is very important with respect to their evolution in several parts of the world including the Eastern Tethys. The present microfacies analysis documents the status of LBF in the Middle Eocene sediments from the Prang Formation of the Sylhet Limestone Group in Meghalaya, N-E India. Five major facies types (MFTs)—miliolid grainstone-packstones, alveolinid-rotaliid grainstone-packstones, nummulitid-alveolinid grainstone-packstones, coralline algal-nummulitid packstone-wackestones and coralline algal wackestones have been recorded in the current study. Evaluation of the palaeoenvironmental parameters aids in understanding the seascape of this Eastern Tethyan domain. It is suggested that an oligotrophic nutrient regime supported the rapid evolution and dominance of the LBF. Most notable is the prolific augmentation in Alveolina and Nummulites populations. High surface water temperatures during the Late Palaeocene-Early Eocene global warming episode possibly persisted to a certain level during the Middle Eocene and continued to favour the larger foraminifera as the major carbonate producers instead of the vulnerable corals.     

Groundwater quality on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina,Serbia)

This paper provides insight into the quality of groundwater used for public water supply on the territory of Kikinda municipality (Vojvodina, Serbia) and main processes which control it. The following parameters were measured: color, turbidity, pH, KMnO₄ consumption, TDS, EC, NH₄ ⁺, Cl^?, NO₂ ^?, NO₃ ^?, Fe, Mn, total hardness, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄ ²⁺, HCO₃ ^?, K⁺, Na⁺, As. The correlations and ratios among parameters that define the chemical composition were determined aiming to identify main processes that control the formation of the chemical composition of the analyzed waters. Groundwater from 11 analyzed sources is Na–HCO₃ type. Intense color and elevated organic matter content of these waters originate from humic substances. The importance of organic matter decay is assumed by positive correlation between organic matter content and TDS, HCO₃ content. There is no evidence that groundwater chemistry is determined by the depth of captured aquifer interval. The main processes that control the chemistry of all analyzed water are cation exchange and feldspar weathering.     

Refining the timing of eclogite metamorphism: a geochemical,petrological, Sm-Nd and U-Pb case study from the Pohorje Mountains,Slovenia (Eastern Alps)

High-pressure metamorphism in the Pohorje Mountains of Slovenia (Austroalpine unit, Eastern Alps) affected N-MORB type metabasic and metapelitic lithologies. Thermodynamic calculations and equilibrium phase diagrams of kyanite–phengite-bearing eclogites reveal PT conditions of >2.1 GPa at T<750°C, but within the stability field of quartz. Metapelitic eclogite country rocks contain the assemblage garnet + phengite + kyanite + quartz, for which calculated peak pressure conditions are in good agreement with results obtained from eclogite samples. The eclogites contain a single population of spherical zircon with a low Th/U ratio. Combined constraints on the age of metamorphism come from U/Pb zircon as well as garnet–whole rock and mineral–mineral Sm-Nd analyses from eclogites. A coherent cluster of single zircon analyses yields a ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U age of 90.7±1.0 Ma that is in good agreement with results from Sm-Nd garnet–whole rock regression of 90.7±3.9 and 90.1±2.0 Ma (εNd: +8) for two eclogite samples. The agreement between U-Pb and Sm-Nd age data strongly suggests an age of approximately 90 Ma for the pressure peak of the eclogites in the Pohorje Mountains. The presence of garnet, omphacite and quartz inclusions in unfractured zircon indicates high-pressure rather than ultrahigh pressure conditions. The analysed metapelite sample yields a Sm-Nd garnet–whole rock scatterchron age of 97±15 Ma. These data probably support a single P-T loop for mafic and pelitic lithologies of the Pohorje area and a late Cretaceous high-pressure event that affected the entire easternmost Austroalpine basement including the Koralpe and Saualpe eclogite type locality in the course of the complex collision of the Apulian microplate and Europe.     

Heat wave risk assessment and mapping in urban areas: case study for a midsized Central European city,Novi Sad (Serbia)

Risk assessment and mapping methodologies for heat waves as frequently occurring hazards in central and southeastern Europe were applied in this study, and the impact of heat waves on the mortality of urban populations was determined as part of the assessment. The methodology for conducting the heat wave risk assessment is based on European Commission’s Guidelines for Risk Assessment and Mapping. The Novi Sad (Serbia) urban area was studied during summer 2015, which was one of the hottest summers in the last few decades. In situ air temperature measurements from urban stations and mortality of urban populations were used. Nocturnal urban heat island (UHI) intensity values between the various built-up zones and natural surrounding areas were used for the hazard level calculation. Temperature data from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. were used because during the night, the UHI intensity reached its maximum values. The average daily number of deaths by LCZs was used to define the impact level of the vulnerability index. Calculations for both hazard levels were completed during two intensive heat waves (in July and August 2015) when it was expected that there may be a high level of risk. The results and maps show that the urban area is complex, and the heat wave risk on the population is not uniform. The most densely built-up areas (LCZs 2, 5 and 6) have very high or high risk values that are influenced by a higher rate of mortality. The obtained results and maps can be used by local authorities to prevent and mitigate climate-related hazards, for medical institutions as well as urban planners and for ancillary local, regional or national services. According to these results, the local authorities could define hot spots where they can place medical and rescue teams and install points with water supplies, etc.     

Groundwater quality in a coastal area: a case study from Andhra Pradesh, India

Over-exploitation of groundwater results in decline of water levels, leading to intrusion of salt water along the coastal region, which is a natural phenomenon. A groundwater quality survey has been carried out to assess such phenomena along the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Brackish groundwaters are observed in most of the wells. The rest of the wells show a fresh water environment. The factors responsible for the brackish groundwater quality with respect to the influence of seawater are assessed, using the standard ionic ratios, such as Ca²⁺:Mg²⁺, TA:TH and Cl⁻:HCO⁻ ₃. Results suggest that the brackish nature in most of the groundwaters is not due to the seawater influence, but is caused by the hydrogeochemical process. Some influence of seawater on the groundwater quality is observed along the rock fractures. The combined effect of seawater and urban wastewaters is due to the inferior quality of groundwater in a few wells, where they are at topographic lows close to the coast.     

Groundwater quality degradation of urban areas (case study: Tehran city,Iran)

Groundwater quality of Tehran city is considered in this study. Nine sampling stations were selected, and composite sampling campaign was performed in summer 2012. Groundwater sampled from northern stations appeared to have acceptable characteristics for agricultural and drinking uses. The southern station samples did not meet the required guidelines. Concentration of SO₄ ^2?, Na⁺ and Cl^? obey a sharp ascending trend southwards. Accordingly, the electrical conductivity of the last station at the very southern areas is more than fifteen times greater than that of the first northern station. Tehran city is located in a semi-arid climate and experiences long hot summers. High rates of evapo-transpiration within urban green spaces and agricultural lands facilitate the salinization phenomenon in root zones. As a result, excess irrigation water eases the consequent percolation into aquifers. Furthermore, saline water intrusion from salt marshes located down south of the city is an expected consequence of wells overpumping. Such case is especially remarkable in hot seasons when an increased urban water demand is observed. Remarkable sulfate concentrations in saline water are mainly justified by percolation of sulfate containing fertilizers which are broadly used by local farmers in an uncontrolled manner. Surface run-offs and municipal wastewater leakage may also trigger the salinization process.     

Suitability of linden and elder in the assessment of environmental pollution of Brestovac spa and Bor lake (Serbia)

The suitability of linden and elder as biomonitors was evaluated in the tourist zone of the Bor region well known for pyrometallurgical copper production. The concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn in the soil, washed and unwashed leaves and roots of linden and elder were determined. The absorption of As, Cu, Pb and Zn from soil to roots and leaves, as well as the translocation of the studied elements from roots to leaves, was analysed. It was observed that the soil in the tourist zone of Bor (Bor lake and Brestovac spa) was greatly polluted with Cu and As. Linden and elder leaves can be used as a low-cost material for detection of As, Cu, Pb and Zn in the atmospheric deposition, which was concluded due to the amounts of these elements removed after a washing treatment. Thus, canopies of linden and elder might have an important role in the removal of the polluting substances from the air. The elder leaves were more suitable to be used for indication of environmental pollution with As, Cu and Pb than the linden leaves. The area of the Bor lake sampling site had higher air pollution with As and Pb than Brestovac spa, since greater amounts of As and Pb were washed off the linden and elder leaves from the Bor lake sampling site. The linden and elder used different adaptation strategies in conditions of the increased soil and air pollution. These strategies were based on different efficiencies of element absorption from the soil and on limited or efficient translocation of the studied elements from roots to leaves, and therefore, they have an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of the examined elements in the environment.     

Investigation of a relation between radiogenic heat production and kinetic surface temperature from multispectral ASTER-TIR data: a case study on Elmissikat-Eleridiya granites,Central Eastern Desert,Egypt

In this paper, an attempt was tried to study the relation between radiogenic heat production rate (RHPR) that derived from gamma-ray spectrometric data and the kinetic surface temperature KST, which was calculated from the thermal emission and reflection radiometer-thermal infrared (ASTER-TIR) imagery applied on Elmissikat-Eleridiya district. This area is considered one of the most important uranium localities in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt. The gamma-ray spectrometric data including both airborne data and in situ measurements concurrent with the collection of 20 rock samples were used to determine the rock density. The ground gamma-ray spectrometry has been conducted using GS-256 spectrometer at the same locations of rock samples. The gamma-ray spectrometric data (airborne and ground) beside rock density data were used for calculating RHPR. Alongside, pairs of daytime and nighttime ASTER-TIR images were collected and surface kinetic temperature for both day (daytime kinetic surface temperature (DKST)) and night (nighttime kinetic surface temperature (NKST)) were derived by using reference channel emissivity technique. The study showed a relative higher RHPR within syenogranite (4.2 up to 6 μW/m³) than other rock units. Besides, the KST of syenogranite ranged from 33 to 48 °C in daytime and between 7 and 17 °C at night. Comparing all results, no clear relation between RHPR and KST is evident. This is due to the very weak RHPR that is not sufficient to affect the surface heat temperature, which can be remotely sensed by ASTER satellite TIR data. This factor in addition to other factors such as: structural elements, topography, geographic locations, shading and scattering, rock moisture and density, can strongly affect the surface temperature. In conclusion, these results could be improved in areas of very high radioelement concentrations, especially ²³⁵U and through the use of the enhanced spatial resolution of future satellite TIR imaging instruments.     

Human health risk as a basis for prioritizing air quality monitoring stations in a megacity: a case study

Arabian Journal of Geosciences - The Ahnet and Tin Zaouatine terranes are located in the southern sector of the Algerian Desert and are part of the Tuareg Shield, which was built up during...     

Performing the power spectrum-area method to separate anomaly from background for induced polarization data: (a case study; Hamyj copper deposit,Iran)

Anomaly separation plays a critical role in mineral exploration. The power spectrum-area considers the spatial data which give rise to detecting the anomalies more significantly. Induced polarization data has been surveyed using dipole-dipole array in the Hamyj copper index. Electrode spacing was designed at about 20 m. The Hamyj index was explored based on the result of remote sensing and economic geology. Hamyj deposit is located about 80 km west of Birjand city, South Khorasan province, Iran. In this paper, the induced polarization from the concentration-place domain was transferred to the time-frequency domain by using two dimensional Fourier transforms in order to use the power spectrum-area method. Then, the power spectrums of induced polarization signals were calculated and differentiated by means of fractal geometry. The threshold of separation for the design of digital filter was used to filter the data. Threshold IP and filtered data was calculated by concentration-area method. Finally, IP data and filtered data were compared with each other and 72 percentages of the anomalous data corresponded significantly with each other. The results showed that the power spectrum-area method can eliminate noise; hence, anomalies can be highlighted more sharply. As far as this study is concerned, this method can be used to suggest the best places for drilling.     

Spinel-peridotite xenoliths from Kapfenstein (Graz Basin,Eastern Austria): A geochemical and petrological study

Summary Ultramafic xenoliths from the basaltic tuff of Kapfenstein (Graz Basin) are mainly protogranular and protogranular- to- porphyroclastic spinel lherzolites. In addition to these common rocks, a coarse-grained spinel harzburgite and a heterogeneous spinel peridotite consisting of a clinopyroxene-poor harzburgite and a clinopyroxene-rich lherzolite have been found. Interstitial amphiboles (pargasite and kaersutite) are present in most xenoliths. The magmatic activity which brought these xenoliths to the surface is part of the Plio-Pleistocene extension-related alkali basalt volcanism which took place in the Carpatho-Pannonian Region, post-dating the subduction-related calc-alkaline volcanism which formed the Inner Carpathian arc.Mineralogical and bulk geochemical data for Kapfenstein xenoliths are similar to those for other sub-continental shallow mantle xenolith suites. Correlation diagrams for major and trace elements indicate that their chemical variations are related to different degrees of partial melting due to the extraction of mafic melts. Rare earth element (REE) patterns of separated clinopyroxenes from the xenoliths are generally light rare earth element (LREE)-depleted, although LREE-enriched and more complex patterns have also been found.⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and¹⁴³Nd/.¹⁴⁴Nd isotopic ratios of separated clinopyroxenes vary between 0.70193 and 0.70330 (^Sr, = – 36.4 to –17.0) and 0.512824 and 0.513589 (_NdNd = 4.2 to 18.l), respectively. The highest⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr and lowest¹⁴⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd.Nd ratios occur in those samples which have the most refractory character and also have the most unusual REE patterns. REE determined by ion microprobe on separated interstitial amphibole grains indicate equilibrium with the host peridotite in most of the xenoliths but disequilibirum conditions have been observed, including some extreme LREE enrichments.Striking textural and some geochemical and isotope geochemical similarities have been recognised between Kapfenstein xenoliths and those from the Eastern Transylvanian Basin, both of which are situated on the edges of the diapiric upwelling located in the central part of the Pannonian Basin. The deformation, depletion and enrichment processes which occurred in these two areas are thought to be similar. The LREE-enriched interstitial amphiboles and the presence of cross-cutting amphibole veins suggest that the shallow depleted lithospheric mantle beneath the Graz Basin has been affected by metasomatising events related to the mafic alkaline host magmas rather than by subduction-related fluids or melts.

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Spinel-peridotit Xenolithe von Kapfenstein (Grazer Becken, Ostösterreich): Eine geochemische und petrologische Studie

Zusammenfassung Die ultramafischen Xenolithe aus dem Basaltuff von Kapfenstein (Grazer Becken) bestehen großteils aus protogranularem und porphyroklastischem Spinell-Lherzolith. Abgesehen von diesen weitverbreiteten Gesteinen wurden auch ein grobköringer Spinell-Harzburgit und ein heterogener Spinell-Peridotit, der aus einem Klinopyroxen-armen Harzburgit und einem Klinopyroxen-reichen Lherzolith besteht, gefunden. Interstitielle Amphibole (Pargasit und Kaersutit) sind in den meisten Xenolithen vorhanden. Die magmatischen Prozesse, die diese Xenolithe an die Erdoberfläche befördeten, stehen mit dem mit Extension assoziierten Alkali-Basalt-Vulkanismus, der während des Pliozän/ Pleistozäns dem durch Subduktion ausgelösten Kalk-alkalischen Vulkanismus des inneren Karpathenbogens folgte, in Zusammenhang.Die mineralogischen und geochemischen Vollanalysen der Kapfensteiner Xenolithe sind mit den Daten von anderen Gruppen von subkontinentalen Xenolithen des oberen Mantels vergleichbar. Korrelationsdiagramme für Haupt- und Spurenelemente zeigen, daß die chemische Variation auf verschiedene Grade von Teilschmelzbildung zurück-zuführen ist. Die Verteilungsmuster der Seltenen Erden in Klinopyroxenen der Xenolithe sind generall LREE-verarmt, aber LREE angereichte und kompliziertere Verteilungsmuster kommen vor. Die⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr und¹⁴³Nd/1⁴⁴Nd Isotopenverhältnisse der Klinopyroxene schwanken zwischen 0.70193 und 0.70330 (_Sr = von – 36.4 bis –17.0), beziechungsweise zwischen 0.512854 und 0.513589 (_Nd=von –4.2 bis 18.l). Die höchsten⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr und niedrigsten¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd Isotopenverhältnisse treten in den Proben mit dem stärksten refraktären Charakter und den ungewöhnlichsten REE-Verteilungsmustern auf. Die mittels Zonensonde ermittelten Gehalte an REE der interstitiellen Amphibole deuten ein Gleichgewicht mit dem Wirt-Peridotit an, obwohl auch Anzeichen von gestörtem Gleichgewicht, unter anderem extreme Anreicherungen an LREE, beobachtet wurden.Ein Vergleich der Kapfenstein-Xenolithe mit denen aus dem östlichen Transsylvanischen Becken zeigt bemerkenswerte strukturelle und einige geochemische und isotopengeochemische Ähnlichkeiten. Beide Gegenden befinden sich am Rande des Erdmantel diapirs, im Zentrum des Pannonischen Beckens. Die Deformationen und Verarmungsund Anreicherungsprozesse, die in beiden Gebieten stattfanden, sind vergleichbar. Die an LREE angereicherten interstitiellen Amphibole und das Auftreten von diskordanten Amphibolgängen legen nahe, daß der obere verarmte lithosphärische Mantel unter dem Grazer Becken von, mit den mafischen alkalischen Grund-Magmen verwandten, metasomatischen Prozessen erfaßt worden ist, und nicht von mit Subduktion assoziierten Flüssigkeiten oder Schmelzen.

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With 7 Figures     

Groundwater changes in relation to seismic activity: a case study from Eskipazar (Karabuk, Turkey)

The reported study contributes to research on earthquake prediction. Between 2007 and 2009, changes were observed in two geothermal and mineral springs located in Eskipazar (～3–5 km to the north of the North Anatolian Fault Zone) in Turkey, in relation to small-magnitude earthquakes. During pre-seismic and post-seismic activities, variations were observed in the hydrogeological parameters of the spring waters. Temperature increases of 0.4–1°C were measured in one of the springs prior to three different earthquakes. There was a slight increase in the spring discharge with respect to the first earthquake, which occurred closest to the spring. This led to a reduction in electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca, HCO₃, δ¹³C, Al, Mn, and Fe concentrations in the spring water, whereas tritium and Se values increased. Several days before the third earthquake, which occurred at a shallower depth, a decrease was observed in the discharge, which led to a reduction in tritium, δ¹³C and Si concentrations. These variations could be explained by changes in the mixing ratio of waters of different genesis, depending on changes in permeability, pore pressure, and flow paths of the aquifer due to regional stress changes.