Angelovičová L., Fazekašová D. (2014): Contamination of the soil and water environment by heavy metals in the former mining area of Rudňany (Slovakia). Soil & Water Res., 9: 18-24.

No abstract

Heavy metals concentrations were measured in the former mining area located in Hornad river valley (Slovakia). Soil samples were taken in 2012 from 20 sites at two field types (grasslands, heaps of waste material) and two different areas. Total content of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg), urease (URE), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), soil reaction (pH) were changing depending on the field/area type. The tailing pond and processing plants have been found as the biggest sources of pollution. URE, ACP and ALP activities significantly decreased while the heavy metal contents increased. Significant differences were found among area types in the heavy metal contents and activity of URE. No statistical differences in the content of heavy metals but significant statistical differences for soil pH were found for field types (grassland and heaps). Significant negative correlation was found for URE-Pb, URE-Zn and also between soil reaction and ACP and ALP.

Peatlands are unique ecological communities that represent long-term terrestrial carbon sinks with enormous organic substance supply. Soil organic substance represents the main source of organic carbon in the biosphere, and depending of conditions, it is able to eliminate or sequestrate greenhouse gasses in the environment. Current methods of peatbogs assessment rely on the use of ecological indicators, but often lack an in-depth analysis of soil parameters. The objective of this study was to examine vertical profiles of selected soil properties (soil reaction, soil organic carbon content, soil moisture) and various types of microbial activity (soil basal respiration, microbial biomass carbon, activity of soil urease, phosphatases and catalase). Soil samples were collected from three sites (centre of peatbog, edge of peatbog and site closely surrounding peatbog) on the peat soil at three depth intervals (0-0.10 m, 0.10-0.20 m and 0.20-0.30 m) in northeast of Slovakia. Enzyme and microbial activities decreased with depth, but significant correlation was found with alkaline phosphatase. Average values of most soil biochemical indices were highest at the centre of peatbog with the exception of urease and catalase activity. Our results indicated that enzymatic and biological potential for organic matter mineralization was strongly correlated to soil pH, soil moisture and soil organic matter content.

No abstract