Influence of mining and metallurgy on chemical composition of soil and attic dust in Meža valley, Slovenia

Abstract

Based on comparison of distributions of determined elements in soil and attic dust two natural and two man-made (anthropogenic) geochemical associations were discovered in Meža valley. First natural geochemical association (Al-Ba-Ce-Co-K-La-Li-Na-Nb-Rb- Sc-Th-Ti-V) is influenced mainly by weathering of metamorphic rocks, the second (Ca-Mg) was determinate on area of carbonate rock outcrops. The man-made associations are a result of lead production (Ag-As-Cd-Cu-Hg-Mo-Pb-S-Sb-Sn-Zn) and iron production (Co-Cr-Cu-Fe-Mn-Mo-Ni-W). Based on soil comparison, critical level of heavy metals in attic dust were considered.