Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of Baltic Sea Catchment Rivers Affected by Operations of Petroleum and Natural Gas Mines in Western Pomerania, Poland

Abstract

Environmental pollution influences all environmental components: air, precipitation, surface water, groundwater, and soil. Between these elements constant exchange and penetration by chemicals occurs. Their sources are natural and anthropogenic. The quantity and quality of these contaminants are varied and depend on a number of factors.Respect for its natural geographical location, terrain, geological structure, the presence of water reservoirs, and open spaces is important. The distortion of the natural landscape by people introduces more or less visible changes. However, they are not neutral to the environment. These changes result in alterations to the composition of air, water, and soil. This is done both at a low and a high degree of contamination and reduces the accumulation of chemical condition of the environment.Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 24, No. 5 (2015), [2167][2168][2169][2170][2171][2172][2173][2174][2175] AbstractOur study was conducted in the area of the Parseta and Radew rivers in 2012 and 2013. Samples were taken of water and bottom sediments. In terms of their physico-chemical composition, the tested waters can be characterized as slightly polluted. In terms of zinc and copper concentrations, the waters belong to purity class I, but the contents of cadmium, lead, and nickel exceed the Proposed Environmental Quality Standards for Priority Substances.As far as copper, nickel, zinc, and cadmium are concerned, the studied sediments were not polluted, and the geo-chemical index values were within class I. The relevant accumulation rates for metals in sediments can be ordered as follows: Cd<Ni<Pb<Cu<Zn.The studied parameters changed (in both rivers) according to how far down the stream samples were taken. The sites nearest the Petroleum and Natural Gas Mine at Karlino had the highest concentrations of all the metals in question. Further down the stream the values fell and the river water self-purification process was evident. It is encouraging to see that despite a clear impact of the operation of the mine on the examined water quality, the aquatic environment seems not only able to absorb pollutants, but also to recover over a relatively short section of the river.