Pollution of Sedimentary Ponds at an Industrial Plant in Janikowo (Poland)

Abstract

The aim of the work was to determine whether the waste accumulated on the reclaimed sedimentary pond near the Janikosoda Production Plant in Janikowo is still a source of pollution of groundwater. On one of the ponds near the Production Plant in Janikowo, three points were located, in which drilling was done up to the bottom of the layer of solid waste. In each point, samples of sediments were taken to determine electrolytic conductivity and chloride concentration. In order to examine the level of groundwater pollution in the area of the Production Plant, four points around the sedimentary ponds were identified, in which regular monitoring of chloride ions has been carried out since the 1980s. Based on analysis, it was concluded that chlorides are leached from the sediments deep into the soil profile by rainwater and, with high probability, also by water seeping from the adjacent slag pond. Sedimentary ponds are still an important source of pollution released into soils and groundwater around the plant. Nevertheless, chloride concentration in solid waste and groundwater in the area of sedimentary ponds has decreased in the last 20 years.

The Influence of Industrial Waste on the Magnetic Properties of Salt-Affected Soils from Two Soda Ash Manufacturing Sites

“…Despite ongoing land reclamation and other pro-ecological activities, several dozen years of soda industry waste accumulation caused the high salinization of waterbodies and soils in the nearby agricultural area. The infiltration of saline waters into the soils resulted from bad construction of industrial ponds [26,27]. Eolian transport of mineral dusts from the surface of unreclaimed ponds seems to be a second crucial factor causing salinization and pollution of the adjacent area [20].…”

Impact of Irrigation with Contaminated Water on Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Water Chestnut (Trapa natans L.)

“…Ponds have been considered, for many decades, as the perfect treatment for stormwater via sedimentation [8]. Whereas, sedimentary ponds near industrial areas are the main source of groundwater and soil pollution [9] as potentially toxic elements are highly available and have a higher potential to accumulate in bottom sediments than in natural ones [10]. Gołub and Piekutin [9] outlined that industrial wastewater discharged into sedimentary ponds is sometimes highly saline contributing to the salinization of surface and groundwater sources.…”

“…Whereas, sedimentary ponds near industrial areas are the main source of groundwater and soil pollution [9] as potentially toxic elements are highly available and have a higher potential to accumulate in bottom sediments than in natural ones [10]. Gołub and Piekutin [9] outlined that industrial wastewater discharged into sedimentary ponds is sometimes highly saline contributing to the salinization of surface and groundwater sources. Therefore, sediment contamination may originate from anthropogenic activities and/or natural geogenic sources [11].…”