Study of mercury behavior and earthworm bioassays in three solid environment components from selected areas of Eastern Slovakia

Abstract

<p>A 28-day bioassay with the earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta) was used to assessing the ecotoxic effect of mercury in study soils and sediments. This article deals with quality evaluation of the soils, sediments and plants (assimilation organs) from three localities, Rudňany, Krompachy, and water reservoir of Ružín, Eastern Slovakia (Europe) in consideration of their toxic effect on the environment. These areas are well - known for its mercury mining and metallurgical activities for several centuries. Within the frame of evaluation it was found that the concentrations of mercury exceeded some of the MPC (Max. Tolerable Risk) and IV (Serious Risk) values. The samples Rudňany tailing-SED (188.5mg/kg), Krompachy a-SED (69.4mg/kg), and Krompachy b-SED (93.4mg/kg) were the most polluted by mercury, which is evident according to it is the highest mortality on the earthworm (Dendrobaena veneta). The high mercury concentrations were obtained in the soils of the Rudňany-tailing-S (82.5mg/kg), Rudňany-tailing, valley-S (57.8mg/kg), and Krompachy 4KO-S (20.6mg/kg). A significant positive correlation is found between highest concentrations of mercury Rudňany-tailing SED Hg=188.5mg/kg (r=0.87) with the highest mortality of Dendrobaena veneta after 28 days bioassay.</p>