EVALUATION OF CONTAMINATION OF Zn-Pb INDUSTRY DEGRADED AREAS USING SPATIAL INFORMATION

The aim of this study was to evaluate soil contamination by heavy metals of selected area in the vicinity of the Zinc Smelter „Miasteczko Śląskie” (surface area: 147 ha, 1050 x 1400 meters) for purpose of future reclamation, remediation and monitoring. The study used GIS. Network of 29 measuring points was planned, with particular emphasis on the area with the least amount of pure vegetation. In March 2016, two samples of soil were taken from the top layer of soil 0 – 20cm. Samples were analyzed in terms of pH, soil organic matter and total heavy metal content (As, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb i Zn). Values of pH maintained in range of 3,7 – 7,9, organic matter 0,8 – 47,1% of solid content, As 0 – 32,5 mg/kg, Ba 14 – 804 mg/kg, Cd 0 – 19 mg/kg, Cu 3 – 58 mg/kg, Pb 22 – 1893 mg/ kg, Zn 36 – 1377 mg/kg. In collected samples Ni was not detected. Spatial distributions of results were created. A significant data range and spatial differentiation was noted. On the base of the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment from September 1st, 2016 on the method of conducting the assessment of contamination of the surface of the earth, areas contaminated with heavy metals were selected. Two different concentration limits were adopted: first in accordance with the actual method of land use (permissible values for group III – woodland) and second relating to the possible undertaking of measures targeted at changing the land use (limit values for Group Received: 2017.03.27 Accepted: 2017.05.02 Published: 2017.06.01