Magnetic studies applied to different environments (soils and stream sediments) from a relatively polluted area in Buenos Aires Province,Argentina

Anthropogenic influence, mainly due to urban and industrial activities, may affect fluvial environments and soils, via atmospheric contamination and liquid and solid waste.Continuing previous works on stream sediments and soils, the Gran La Plata area was chosen. In this area, located in the Northeast of Buenos Aires Province (Argentina), several streams and soils were sampled. The streams have similar characteristics, although some of them have a higher input of pollutants (fluvial effluents, fly ashes, solid wastes, etc.). The studied soils have different pedological development.Magnetic and chemical studies were carried out in the laboratory. Analyses of the results indicated that the behavior of magnetic parameters can be related to the variations of heavy metal contents in stream sediments but there is not a good correlation in soils. The comparison between both environments (stream-sediment and soils) reveals a different impact of pollutants. Magnetite, especially PSD grains, seems to be the main carrier for both environments.     

Environmental impacts of the abandoned mercury mine in Podljubelj, Slovenia

The Podljubelj mercury mine lies in the NW part of Slovenia. The ore is of hydrothermal-vein type. The ore deposit was exploited between the years 1557 and 1902. Total production of the mine was 110000 tons of ore （360 tons of Hg）. A smelter located close to the mine had been in operation since 1855. The waste material from the mine and the smelter was dumped in close vicinity of the mine. Total quantity of the waste has been estimated at 170000 tons. In order to establish environmental impacts, soil and stream sediment samples were investigated. Soil samples were collected at two different depths （horizons A and B） in a 100 m grid within an 88 ha area. In the vast area also 11 samples of stream sediments were considered. Heavy metals were determined by means of cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry CV-AAS after aqua regia digestion. Based on the chemical analyses of samples, the estimated mercury mean for soils is 3.67 mg/kg （0.35-244 mg/kg） for horizon A and 1.39 mg/kg （0.17-71.7 mg/kg） for horizon B. The estimated mercury mean for stream sediments is 0.64 mg/kg （0.065-1.36 mg/kg）. The concentrations of mercury in soils generally decrease with depth and distance from the mine. The highest content of Hg was determined in a sample taken in the immediate vicinity of the smelter （719 mg/kg）. The results have shown that on the 9 ha of the study area, the contents of Hg in soils exceeded the officially set limit value for soils （10 mg/kg）. High contents of Hg in soil around the abandoned smelter are a consequence of former atmospheric emissions and technological losses. High contents of Hg were also found in the mine and smelter waste dump. At the edges of the study area and in the samples of stream sediments, Hg concentrations are low.     

Mercury contents in the vertical profiles through alluvial sediments as a reflection of mining in Idrija (Slovenia)

The influence of geomorphological factors to Hg contamination of the Idrijca River alluvial sediments because of the historical mining and ore roasting activities has been studied. Main source of Hg in alluvial sediments was dumping of ore roasting residues and mining waste into the river channel and its erosion downstream. The position of the material in relation to the geomorphological properties is highly related with its Hg content. Floodplains were found to be the most contaminated geomorphological units (mean Hg content 335 mg/kg), with Hg concentration rapidly dropping in the first terrace (155 mg/kg). The least contaminated material was found in the higher terraces (3.8 mg/kg). Sampling upstream Idrija (average Hg content is 22.1 mg/kg) shows that not only mine and ore roasting plant increased Hg levels in alluvial deposits but also contaminated sites upstream Idrija contribute to Hg contamination. Geochemical background for alluvial sediments for this area is estimated to be 0.75 mg/kg. Downstream Idrija, 9 hotspots were determined where highly contaminated material is actively eroded and carries a high risk of further contamination of the So?a River and northern Adriatic Sea ecosystems.     

Mercury-tainted overbank sediment from past gold mining in north Georgia, USA

 Gold was discovered in 1829 and mined until about 1940 in north Georgia, particularly within an area known as the Dahlonega mining district. The mining operations there, which involved mercury amalgamation in stamp mills and sluices, delivered significant quantities of mercury waste to streams. This paper focuses on the downstream dispersal and storage of mercury in streambank sediments of two watersheds near Dahlonega, Georgia. Mercury concentrations for individual samples of historical sediment range from 0.02 to 12.00 ppm, with average values in streambanks near the core of the mining district ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 ppm. Mercury levels rapidly decrease in the downstream direction to concentrations that are slightly above a background level of 0.04±0.02 ppm. Mercury concentrations also appear to decrease with increasing distance from streambanks. Similar levels of mercury contamination from former gold mines probably exist in many other parts of the gold-bearing rocks of the Piedmont of the eastern United States. The bioavailability and environmental hazard posed by the contaminated sediment is not certain. Received: 8 January 1996 · Accepted: 29 May 1996     

Mercury in river sediments, floodplains and plants growing thereon in the drainage area of the Idrija mine, Slovenia

Half a millennium mercury production at Idrija is reflected in increased mercury contents in all environmental segments. The bulk of roasting residues from the middle of the 19th century to 1977 was discharged directly into the Idrijca River, and the material was carried at high waters to the Soca River and farther into the Adriatic Sea. It has been estimated that 45500 tons of mercury were emitted into the environment during the operating period of the mine, which ceased production in 1994. In the lower reaches of the Idrijca the riverine deposits with high mercury contents have been, and will be in the future a source of mercury polluted sediment. Stream sediments were monitored at the same locations along the Idrijca and Soca rivers （70 kin） every 5 years since 1991 （1991-2005）. Grain size distribution was determined by dry sieving and fractions for geochemical analysis were prepared （〈0.04 and 〈0.125 mm）. Soils on river terraces were sampled at 5 localities in the lower course of Idrijca. At two locations of the terrace profiles the samples of averaged meadow forage and plantain （Plantago lanceolata） were collected within a 50-meters radius. We found that there was no decrease in mercury concentration in active river sediments during the last 20 years. Upstream from the Idrija Town the mercury concentrations in active river sediments vary from 1 to 10 mg/kg （average 3.3 mg/kg）. From Idrija to Spodnja Idrija the mercury concentrations increase extremely and vary greatly （32-4,121 mg/kg, the average is 734 mg/kg）. From Spodnja ldrija to the Idrijca-Soca confluence is the average 218 mg/kg, and 57 mg/kg downstream in the Soca River sediments.     

Impact of human activities on quality and geochemistry of groundwater in the Merdja area,Tebessa, Algeria

Chemical data are used to clarify the hydrogeological regime in the Merdja area in Tébessa, as well as to determine the status of water quality in this area. Groundwater from the aquifer in the Merdja area can be divided into two major groups according to geographical locations and chemical compositions. Water in the center part of the area of study is characterized by the dominance of chloride, sulfate, sodium, and potassium; whereas waters in the limestone aquifers in the west are dominated by the same cations but have higher concentrations of bicarbonate. Stable isotopes show that the Tébessa aquifers contain a single water type, which originated in a distinct climatic regime. This water type deviates from the Global Meteoric Water Line (MWL), as well as from the Mediterranean meteoric water line. The water is poor in tritium, and thus can be considered generally older than 50 years. Piezometric map suggests that water is moving from the west towards the center of the studied area, and from east towards center. Degradation of water quality can be attributed to agricultural fertilizers in most cases, although the wadi El Kebir River is a contributor to pollution in the middle part of the studied area.     

长江三峡库区土壤与水系沉积物Cd地球化学特征

对长江三峡库区段不同介质中Cd的分布特征和长江水系沉积物在垂向、横向剖面上的元素分布特征的研究发现，残坡积型土壤与长江干流水系沉积物Cd含量差异较大，水系沉积物具明显的高Cd异常；各个沉积时期的水系沉积物中均存在Cd异常，上游来源的Cd是引起三峡库区水系沉积物高Cd异常的主要因素；人类活动对土壤和水系沉积物中Cd的含量影响明显，在厂矿、码头、生活垃圾场等地区土壤中Cd的含量远高于一般地区土壤中Cd的含量，城市排污水系沉积物Cd的含量也高于长江干流水系沉积物Cd的含量。自然源是沿长江流域Cd异常普遍存在的根本原因，而人为源却有可能是高Cd异常主要沿长江干流及支流两岸大中城市分布的重要影响因素。     

Distribution of base metals and the related elements in the stream-sediments around the Ahar area (NW Iran) and their implications

The study area is located in the Ahar region, NW Iran. Volcanic rocks of Eocene cover major parts of the area, within which granitic-granodioritic intrusive bodies of Oligocene intruded and produced hydrothermal alterations and Cu-Au mineralization. This paper aims to explore anomalies of base metals and related elements across the region based on systematic sampling of stream sediments and using the secondary geochemical halos. In this regard, by taking into account factors such as stratigraphy, lithology, tectonics and the topologic center of the drainage system, 620 samples were taken from stream sediments and analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method.All the distinguished anomalies correlate well with Oligocene granitic-granodioritic rocks and the related hydrothermal alterations occurred within the Eocene andesitic-basaltic volcanics, especially at the NE part of the quadrangle, as well as with alterations within trachy-andesitic and andesitic volcanics of Pliocene at the SE part of the quadrangle, where epithermal gold and Pb-Zn mineralization is found. Most of he studied elements also show moderate to strong anomalies over the Sonajil porphyry-type Cu mineralization. Copper, and to some extent Mo, as well as Pb, Zn, Sn, W, As and Sb are the best examples of this association. Bismuth has more limited anomalies across the region, showing correlation with the granitoid intrusion at the east of Ahar and the hydrothermal alterations within the Pliocene andesitic and basaltic rocks at SE of Ahar quadrangle which, considering the presence of epithermal gold and Pb-Zn veins in both areas, can be attributed to epithermal processes. However, anthropogenic pollutions are also found for As, Fe, V, Ti, Ni and Co downstream the urban and rural areas. In this regard, besides the Sonajil area, where porphyry-type Cu mineralization is discovered, the NE and SE parts of the quadrangle present promising areas for further investigations.     

Controls on As, Pb, and Mn distribution in community soils of an historical mining district, southwestern Colorado

 Rico, Colorado is a small mountain community that was developed before the turn of the century around and near underground lead-zinc-silver mines. Today, US regulatory concerns in such communities focus on the metal content, particularly of lead, in community soils. This study integrates bedrock geology, surficial geology, mineralogy and geochemistry in order to define the controls on metal distribution in Rico community soils. The principal constituents of concern are As, Pb, and Mn. The results show that mining-related sources are discrete and localized whereas natural sources, including bedrock (mean Pb content of 3 500 ppm), colluvium (mean Pb content of 1 410 ppm), and older alluvium (mean Pb content of 744 ppm) are wider spread and are the principal sources of metals in Rico community soils. Historical mining sites like Rico should be expected to have significant surficial expressions of mineralized bedrock. In these communities, it is important to accurately define the role of all metal sources as a foundation for determining environmental liabilities, cleanup guidelines, and health risk assessments. The application of geology and mineralogy in support of geochemical characterization is necessary to accurately define the origin and distribution of both anthropogenic and natural metal sources at such sites. Received: 27 December 1996 · Accepted: 21 February 1997     

新疆西天山二牧场一带水系沉积物地球化学特征及找矿方向探讨

通过对西天山二牧场一带1∶5万水系沉积物测量工作测试分析的16种元素地球化学分布特征、异常组合进行总结,发现二牧场一带的Au、As、Pb、Zn、Y、Mo、W、Sn等元素与西天山背景相比较富集,而Au、Ni、Co、Cr、Cu相对亏损;R型聚类分析以0.4为界,全区元素可分为四组;在对重要异常进行查证时发现铜矿点2处,铅锌矿点1处,铁矿点1处;对该地区的矿床类型及找矿方向进行了探讨,并圈定2处找矿远景区,提出3种矿床类型:火山热液改造型铜矿、中基性岩类磁铁矿、构造(热液)蚀变型铅锌矿。     

Microbial effects on geochemical behavior of arsenic in As-contaminated sediments

The purpose of this study is to investigate the contamination level and chemical speciation of As in sediments from the Hwachon Au mine area, and to study the effects of indigenous bacteria on geochemical behavior of As in As-contaminated sediments from the mine. Concentrations of heavy metal and metalloids in one composite sample of 9 Hwachon sediments were 24.9 As mg/kg, 16.6 Cd mg/kg, 230 Pb mg/kg and 1080 Zn mg/kg. This indicates that this area was seriously contaminated with As, Cd and Zn. From the result of sequential extraction analysis, most of As (87.9%) existed as a phase of As which coprecipitated with Fe oxyhydroxides. Under aerobic condition, As concentration leached from sediments were 4 times higher in non-sterile than in sterile condition. This enrichment of As leaching could be caused by increase of pH and exudation secreted during microbial metabolism. On the other hand, under anaerobic condition, As concentration has dramatically increased in non-sterile solution with time. This As leaching has begun on 4–5th days of incubation and the highest concentration of 511 As μg/l was recorded on about 11th day. Arsenic leaching under anaerobic condition was caused by microbial enhancement of Fe leaching. Total Fe concentration increased from the 4th day, and this Fe leaching might cause lixiviation of As which had been coprecipitated with Fe oxyhydroxide.     

Geochemistry and behavior of REE in stream sediments close to an old Sn-W mine,Ribeira, Northeast Portugal

The abandoned Sn-W Ribeira mine, northeast of Portugal, contained quartz veins with cassiterite, wolframite, scheelite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, manganocolumbite, bismuthinite, native bismuth, phosphates and carbonates. The exploration took place on the northern slope of the Viveiros stream, which is an affluent of the Sabor River. The waste-rock dumps and tailings were deposited on the hillside, close to the mine and are nowadays exposed to significant weathering and erosion, as they are not vegetated. The eroded material is transported by the Viveiros stream toward the Sabor River. A seasonal stream drains the tailings. The stream sediments samples were collected along the Viveiros stream, in the seasonal stream, in a seasonal spring at the bottom of the tailings, in the Sabor River and in other streams not affected by mine workings, following the mine influence along the Viveiros stream and in the Sabor River (1.2 km away from the mine workings). The data show that the degree of pollution increases along the Viveiros stream, especially in winter. The highest degree of pollution is for As, In, W, Sn and Bi. The sediments from the drainage of the main tailings are particularly polluted during winter, by Bi, In and Sn. The sedimentary precipitate from the spring is polluted in Cu, As, In, Sn, Ta, W, Bi, Zn, Nb, Ag, Sb and Ta. The sediments from the Sabor River are significantly polluted by As, Ag, In, Sn, W and Bi. The sediments from the regional streams, Viveiros stream and Sabor River have similar REE (NASC normalized) patterns (ΣREE = 131.7–185.9 mg/kg, La_N/Lu_N = 1.23–1.42 and Eu/Eu* = 1.02), while those from the seasonal stream, crossing the main tailings, are enriched in REE (ΣREE = 250.3–283.6 mg/kg, La_N/Lu_N = 1.6–2.09 and Eu/Eu* = 0.96). The general decrease in La_N/Lu_N values with increase in total Fe₂O₃ can be explained by the partitioning of HREE to the solid Fe-oxides phase. The sedimentary precipitate and coatings, which are mainly formed by Fe-oxy-hydroxides, but also contain jarosite, are impoverished in all REE. The impoverishment can be explained by the release of REE from the surface of the Fe-oxy-hydroxides, which occurs due to a local lowering of pH, caused by jarosite dissolution. During successive alternate cycles of wet and dry conditions, takes place the formation of Fe-oxy-hydroxides and jarosite in the sedimentary precipitate and coatings. The subsequent dissolution of jarosite releases acidity, thus promoting de-sorption of REE from the Fe-oxy-hydroxides mineral phases.     

Spatial variability of soils and stream sediments and the remediation effects in a Portuguese uranium mine area

The old Senhora das Fontes uranium mine, located in central Portugal, was closed down in 1971. The treatment of ores from this mine and other mines by heap-leach ended in 1982. Seven dumps partially covered by vegetation were left in the area. Soil and stream sediment samples were collected in December 2009. The remediation was carried out from May 2010 to January 2011. Stream sediment samples were collected again in October 2013. Before the remediation, soils from inside the mine influence area have higher Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sr, Th, U and Zn concentrations than soils from outside this area, due to radionuclides, metals and metalloid released from the mine dumps. The principal component analysis (PCA) shows a distinction between soils from inside and outside the mine influence area. The U(VI), As(V) and metals from soils can be adsorbed to Fe-oxyhydroxides and the humic acid can increase the U uptake. Soils must not be used for public or private green and residential areas, because they are contaminated in U, As, Co, Cd and Ni. Before the remediation, downstream sediments have higher Al, As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, U and Zn than upstream sediments, due to erosion and percolation of water through the mine dumps. The PCA shows a distinction between downstream and upstream sediments. The U(VI), Th and As(V) can be adsorbed to Fe-oxyhydroxides. The stream sediments are contaminated in As, Mn, Th and U. Downstream sediments are the most contaminated in U and As. After the remediation, upstream and downstream sediments have generally higher Al, Fe, As, Cr, Ni, Th, U and Zn concentrations than before the remediation, attributed to the relocation of dumps. Radionuclides, metals and metalloids were transported by surface water. Consequently downstream sediments have higher Al, As, Cu, Mn, Ni, Th, U and Zn concentrations than upstream sediments. The U(VI), Th and As(V) can be adsorbed to Fe-oxyhydroxides. Stream sediments became more contaminated in U, Th and As than before the remediation, but more intensively downstream.     

Impact of mining activities on sediments in a semi-arid environment: San Pedro River, Sonora, Mexico

A study of the San Pedro River (SPR), which is located in a semi-arid region in Sonora, Mexico, was conducted to evaluate the chemical, spatial and temporal (mobilization) trends of potentially harmful metals in its sediment in the rainy and dry seasons. High total concentrations of metals were detected in the following order: Fe > Cu > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cd. All studied metals except for Pb were increased during the dry season showing the effect of climate on the metal distribution in sediments. The results of sequential extraction indicated that the residual and Fe/Mn oxide fractions were the most important with regard to retaining potentially harmful metals in the sediments. In the exchangeable carbonate and Fe oxide fractions, high concentrations of metals were detected, representing high environmental risk. The geoaccumulation index shows slight to moderate contamination in most samples, and sampling point E4 (related to cattle activity) shows strong contamination for Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Enrichment factors (EFs) demonstrate anthropogenic origins for Pb (EF: 3–57), Cd (EF: 6–73) and Cu (EF: 1.5–224). This study shows that sediments are impacted by anthropogenic activities related to the mining industry, untreated wastewater discharges from the city of Cananea and cattle activities. Metal mobility in the SPR can disrupt the development of aquatic species in the river.     

Geochemical features of rocks,stream sediments,and soils of the Fiume Grande Valley (Calabria,Italy)

The role of both natural weathering and anthropogenic pollution in controlling the distribution of major oxides and several trace elements in soils, stream sediments, and rocks of the Fiume Grande catchment was evaluated. The contents of major oxides and trace elements in soils appear to be governed by weathering and pedogenetic processes, although the use of fertilizers in agriculture could also partly affect K₂O and P₂O₅ contents. Stream sediments have concentrations of major oxides (except CaO) very similar to soils, as relevant amounts of soil materials are supplied to the stream channels by erosive phenomena. In contrast, stream sediments have concentrations of Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, As, and Pb significantly higher than those of soils, probably due to different conditions and rates of mobility of these elements within the three considered matrices and/or disposal of wastes in the drainage network. Comparison of the concentrations of PHEs in soils with the maximum admissible contents established by the Italian law shows that these limits are too restrictive in some cases and too permissive in other ones. The approach of setting these limits with no consideration for the local geological–geochemical framework may lead to improper management of the territory and its resources. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

Magnetic evidence of anthropogenic dust deposition in urban soils of Shanghai,China

The magnetic particulates from anthropogenic activities can be detected by magnetic methods rapidly and cost-effectively. This study focused on the investigation of vertical variations in magnetic properties in soil profiles and magnetic enhancement originating in Baoshan, Shanghai. Also the feasibility of using arable and urban park soils as a new context for magnetic monitoring was explored. A combination of magnetic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) techniques was applied to three soil profiles. Non-pedogenic magnetic enhancement in topsoil was recorded at all three sites accompanied by coarsening of magnetic grain size. The dominant magnetic properties reflect multi-domain (MD) and pseudo-stable single domain (PSD) ferrimagnetic minerals. Both of magnetic concentrations and grain size decrease with the depth, depending on the pollutant input, soil type and degree of vertical mixing. SEM images confirmed the presence of anthropogenic particulates fly-ash. It was concluded from this study that topsoil magnetic enhancement arising from atmospheric contaminants was readily identifiable in both arable fields and urban parks, thus broadening the scope of magnetic research on urban and industrial pollution.     

Distribution of copper, zinc, lead and cadmium concentrations in stream sediments from the Mapocho River in Santiago, Chile

The Mapocho river, which crosses downtown Santiago, is one of the most important rivers in contact with a population of about six million inhabitants. Anthropogenic activities, industrialization, farming activities, transport, urbanization, animal and human excretions, domestic wastes and copper mining have affected the river, contaminating it and its sediments with heavy metals. Concentration and distribution of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd were studied with the purpose of determining their bioavailability and their relation with the characteristics of the sediments. Freshly deposited seasonal sediments were collected from 0–8 cm depths from 6 locations (S₁ to S₆) along the 30-km long channel length, in the four seasons of year on the following dates: May 2001 (D₁, autumn); August 2001 (D₂, winter); October 2001 (D₃, spring) and January 2002 (D₄, summer). The dried samples were sifted to obtain the < 63-μm sediment fraction, since it has been shown that large amounts of heavy metals are bound in the fine-grained fraction of the sediment. Cu and Zn were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and Pb and Cd by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry. The highest concentrations of Cu (2850 μg g^− 1) were found in the northern part of the river (S₁, average D₁–D₄), near the mountains and a copper mine, and then decreased downstream to 209 μg g^− 1 (S₆). Total Zn showed an irregular variation, with higher values at S₁ (1290 μg g^− 1) and high values in some winter sampling (1384 μg g^− 1 S₄, S₅–D₂). Pb showed different trends, increasing from S₁ to S₆ (17 to 61 μg g^− 1), with the highest values in the summer samples (83 μg g^− 1, S₄–S₆, D₄), and total Cd increased slightly from mean values of 0.2 and 0.5 μg g^− 1. Partition into five fractions was made using Tessier's analytical sequential extraction technique; the residue was treated with aqua regia for recovery studies, although this step is not part of the Tessier procedure. The results show that Cu, Zn and Pb in the sediments were dependent on the sampling places along the river, and variation in two years was low (D₁–D₄). The highest values of total organic matter, carbonate and conductivity were found in S₆, which has the smallest size particles, while at S₁ the sediments were predominantly sand and contain larger amounts of silica. Cu associated with carbonate decreased gradually from 58% (1771 μg g^− 1, S₁) to 16% (32 μg g^− 1, S₆); Cu bonded to reducible fraction was almost constant (33% to 37%), and Cu associated with oxidizable fraction increased from 7% (S₁) to 34% (S₆), but copper content was lower (214 to 68 μg g^− 1). Zn had a similar fractionation profile. However, Pb bound to oxidizable fraction did not show significant percent variation along the river (20% to 19%), but the amount bounded was 4 to 12 μg g^− 1. The residual fraction increased from 24% to 41% (5 to 25 μg g^− 1, S₁ to S₆). The distribution of Cd in the sediment was almost independent of the sampling stations and was bound to carbonate, reducible and residual fraction in similar proportion. Cu and Zn at S₁ were mainly bound to carbonates and reducible phases with 91% and 73% (2779 and 965 μg g^− 1, respectively), and with a change in the pH and/or the redox potential of the sediment–water system, these contaminants could easily enter the food chain. In S₆ the amount of Cu and Zn in these phases was 50% and 53% (100 to 313 μg g^− 1, respectively).     

Modelling of atmospheric dispersion of heavy metals in the Celje area,Slovenia

The aim of this research was to determine how fast the level of heavy metal concentrations in the air decreases in relation to increasing distance from the source of pollution and what the influence area is of the zinc smelting plant which existed for 100 years in Celje. In that period it produced approximately 580,000 tons of raw Zn from sphalerite ore by the pyrometallurgical process. The production left behind a heavily contaminated area, where the concentrations of Pb and Zn in the soil can be expressed as a percentage. A model has been made on the basis of the data of concentrations of Zn and Cd in the soil and attic dust regarding the distance and direction from the source of the pollution. Because Celje lies in a basin we chose a linear model, which describes the decreasing of the concentrations of Zn and Cd only in one direction. Sampling has been conducted on the four river valleys which stretch from the source of the pollution in all four directions: north, west, south and east, up to 13 km from the source. The power function with a negative exponent was used. With the solution to the calculated functions according to the distance, we can estimate the theoretical distance when the concentrations drop to the natural background level. The range of influence of the zinc smelting plant has been estimated to be between 14 and 52 km for the presence of anthropogenic Zn in attic dust and between 9 and 14 km for the presence of anthropogenic Zn in the soil, depending on the direction from the plant. Correlations between the measured values and the ones from the model are high: from 0.75 up to 0.98.     

Total concentration,speciation and mobility of potentially toxic elements in soils around a mining area in central Iran

The current study was designed to investigate the extent and severity of contamination as well as the fractionation of potentially toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni) in minesoils and agricultural soils around a Pb–Zn mine in central Iran. For this purpose, 20 agricultural soils and eight minesoils were geochemically characterized. Results showed that minesoils contained elevated concentrations of As (12.9–254 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (1.2–55.1 mg kg⁻¹), Pb (137–6239 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (516–48,889 mg kg⁻¹). The agricultural soils were also polluted by As (5.5–57.1 mg kg⁻¹), Cd (0.2–8.5 mg kg⁻¹), Pb (22–3451 mg kg⁻¹) and Zn (94–9907 mg kg⁻¹). The highest recorded concentrations for these elements were in soils influenced directly by tailing ponds. Chromium, Cu and Ni content in agricultural soils (with average value of 74.1, 34.6 and 50.7 mg kg⁻¹, respectively) were slightly higher than the minesoils (with average value of 54.5, 33.1 and 43.4 mg kg⁻¹, respectively). Sequential extraction data indicated that there were some differences between the speciation of PTEs in soil samples. In the agricultural soils, Zn and Cd were mainly associated with carbonate bound fraction, As and Pb with reducible fraction, Cu with oxidisable fraction and Cr and Ni with residual phase. With respect to mobility factor values, Zn and Cd in the agricultural soils have been found to be the most mobile while As mobility is negligible. Also, the mobility factor of As, Cd and Pb in agricultural soils adjoining tailing ponds was high. In minesoil sample Cd was most abundant in the carbonate form, whereas other studied elements were mainly present in the reducible and residual fractions; therefore, despite the high total concentrations of As, Pb and Zn in the minesoils, the environmental risk of these elements was low. Based on the obtained data, a portion of Cu, Cr and Ni input was from agricultural activities.     

辽宁金杖子地区水系沉积物地球化学特征

金杖子地区位于冀东-辽西金成矿带,区内矿产资源丰富,成矿地质条件优越。本文在1∶25000水系沉积物测量工作的基础上,结合该区地质特征和成矿地质条件,对该地区10种元素的地球化学特征、离散程度及综合异常特征进行研究,圈定综合异常3处,为进一步的地质勘查工作提供了依据。