Soil pollution in surroundings of Litija as a reflection of mining, metallurgy and natural conditions

Abstract

The influence of mining and metallurgic activities as well as natural conditions on heavy metal pollution in Litija and surroundings was defined. Sampling grid in an area of 30 km2 was determined. Soil samples were collected on 120 equally distributed locations in two different depths: horizon A (0-5cm) and horizon B (20-30cm). In total researched area concentrations of considered elements in upper soil horizon exceed the official limit concentration on 24 km2, warning concentration on 20 km2 and critical concentration on 1.6 km2. Pollution of bottom soil horizon is several times lower. The highest are contents of lead, mercury and arsenic. Areas of enhanced concentrations include a hill Sitarjevec and hill base Podsitarjevec, where the dumps of mining waste and metallurgic slag are situated. Increased concentrations of heavy metals were determined also in the immediate vicinity of former smelter.