Analysis of Heavy Metal Content in Soil and Plants in the Dumping Ground of Magnesite Mining Factory Jelšava-Lubeník (Slovakia)

Abstract

A high content of heavy metals in the soil and plants of a magnesite mining area might cause serious damage to the environment and can be a threat to the health of the surrounding population. This paper presents the results of research that focused on analyzing the heavy metal content in soil and plants in the dumping grounds of the magnesite mining factory Jelšava-Lubeník (Slovakia). The analysis focused on the content of heavy metals in soil (X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, atomic absorption spectrometry), in plants (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry), and pH (1M KCl solution). The results showed that the soil in the study area was slightly acidic to strongly alkaline and the content of Cr, As, Mn, and Mg exceeded by several times the limit values for the Slovak Republic. The results of the hierarchical cluster analysis and the correlation analysis show that the grouped metals come from the same sources of pollution. The content of heavy metals in plants was high and the highest concentration was found in the roots of Elytrigia repens > Agrostis stolonifera > Phragmites australis and flowers of Phragmites australis. The findings confirmed the suitability of the used plants in the process of phytoextraction and phytostabilization. The acquired knowledge can help in planning and realization remediation measures and improve the state of the environment in areas exposed to magnesite mining.

Transfer of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Soil-Plant System in Magnesite Mining and Processing Areas

“…The measured values of Mg in the investigated areas exceeded the average values for the Slovak Republic by several times, while the maximum measured value in Jelšava-Lubeník exceeded the average value by 567 times, and in Košice by 451 times. These findings are consistent with previous studies by Fazekaš et al [67], Štofejova et al [66], and Štofejová et al [73], who found significant soil contamination with these potentially toxic elements in the studied areas, resulting in the formation of Mg(OH) 2 crusts and alkalization and salinization of the soil.…”

“…In Košice, the pH values ranged from 5.3 to 9.1, showing that the soils in this area are strongly acidic to strongly alkaline. Similar findings are reported in the studies of Yang et al [65], Štofejova et al [66], Fazekaš et al [67], and Hronec and Adamišin [68], who confirmed a strong alkalization of the soil in the areas of magnesite mining and processing. The current research clearly confirms the key role of organic carbon in the sorption of inorganic contaminants [69][70][71].…”

“…Only positive significant correlations were found in this area, specifically between Cr-Mg, Cr-Ni, Cr-Fe, and Cr-Eh, between As-Mg, As-Zn, As-Cu, As-Ni, and As-Fe, between Mn-Fe, Mg-Zn, Mg-Cu, Mg-Ni, and Mg-pH, and between Hg-Cu, Pb-Zn, Zn-Cu, Cu-Ni, Cu-Fe, and Ni-Fe. Positive correlations between Mg and pH in magnesite mining and processing areas have also been confirmed in previous studies by Yang et al [65] and Štofejová et al [66]. High correlation coefficients between the examined potentially toxic elements may indicate a similar origin of pollution sources, caused by significant anthropogenic interventions due to industrial activities.…”

Ecological Characterization and Bio-Mitigation Potential of Heavy Metal Contamination in Metallurgically Affected Soil

“…However, their chemical forms and bioavailability are changeable [2]. Therefore, they can accumulate in soil and remain persistent for long periods of time, posing serious environmental threats [2,3]. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have caused the discharge of wastewater containing high concentrations of HMs, which has contributed to the elevated levels of HMs in urban environments, especially in developing countries [4].…”

“…Residents in industrial areas are most vulnerable to exposure to HMs, since many of these elements are closely related to industry [5]. Growing evidence demonstrates that HM pollution in mining areas has caused serious health issues in local residents, as well as damage to soil health [3]. Therefore, the prevention of toxic effects from these contaminants has become an existential challenge [6].…”