Comparison of leaching behaviour of heavy metals from sediments sampled in sewer systems – environmental and public health aspect

Abstract

Introduction andObjective. The article analyzes the content of heavy metals and standard physical as well as chemical pollution indicators in different types of sediments from stormwater, combined sewer and sanitary sewer systems. Materials and method. Nickel, lead, chromium, copper, zinc and cadmium, as well as standard physical and chemical pollution indicators, were determined in sewage sediments. Aqueous extracts of sediments samples, taken from storm water sewer inlet sediments traps, storm sewers, sanitary sewers and combined sewers, were prepared in accordance with PN-EN 12457-2:2006. After mineralization, the concentrations of the metals: nickel, lead, chromium, copper, zinc and cadmium in the extracts were determined using the inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy technique. Results. The results were analyzed with a non-metric multidimensional scaling algorithm. The heavy metal content was variable depending on the sediments collection site. The heavy metals nickel, lead, chromium, copper, zinc and cadmium were found in the sediments from stormwater inlets, storm sewer and sanitary sewer channels, with variability in the concentration of individual metals. The sediments from the flushing of sanitary sewers and combined sewers did not contain cadmium. Conclusions. The content of heavy metals in sediments varied depending on the sampling location and type of sewer system, indicating the need for detailed monitoring to identify the sources of emissions. Sediments from stormwater sewers have higher concentrations of heavy metals, with those from sewer inlets showing zinc concentrations exceeding regulatory limits, highlighting the variability and potential environmental impact of different sewer systems.

Investigation into the Contamination of Soil With Multiple Components in the Vicinity of Municipal Solid Waste Landfills

“…The expanses of overloaded landfills and dumpsites in Ukraine, where environmental safety standards are breached, pose a significant risk of environmental pollution. Specifically, there is a threat of chemical contamination of the soil with heavy metals and petroleum products, both inherent components of the waste or by products resulting from its decomposition (Duda-Saternus et al, 2023; Kujawska et al, 2023;Szarlip et al, 2014). These contaminants have adverse effects on the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, contributing to the onset of diseases in living organisms (Huliaieva et al, 2021).…”