“…From the start of the zinc production till the 1970s these smelters emitted large amounts of cadmium and zinc leading to a diffusively contaminated area of 700 km 2 . These diffuse contaminants have led to various problems like human health problems (Kreis, 1990), disturbed soil ecosystems, too high Cd contents in agricultural crops (Copius Peereboom-Stegeman and Copius Peereboom, 1989), kidney problems in humans and cattle (Spierenburg et al, 1988), and emissions to groundwater and surface waters (Pedroli et al, 1990). Besides the diffusive contaminants, zinc slags from the factories have been used to pave roads and gardens.…”