Wpływ dawnego górnictwa rud polimetalicznych w Czarnowie na wybrane elementy środowiska przyrodniczego w świetle badań geochemicznych

Abstract

The impact of former mining of polymetallic ore in Czarnów on selected elements of the natural environment in the light of geochemical studies. Prz. Geol., 71: 179–183; doi: 10.7306/2023.11 A b s t r a c t. The exploitation of mineral resources can lead to the migration of potentially harmful substances into the natural environment, resulting in environmental degradation and pollution. The mining of polymetallic ores can have severe consequences due to the release of toxic elements such as arsenic (As) and heavy metals. Among the areas contaminated with toxic elements is the village of Czarnów in the Rudawy Janowickie mountains, where mining activi- ties related to copper, arsenic, and gold extraction were likely initiated in the Middle Ages. This study aimed to investigate the geochemical anomalies of arsenic and heavy metals in the soil and their uptake by plants in this region. Portable XRF spectrometry was used to perform geochemical soil analyses in the former mining sites. The results showed clear geochemical anomalies in the arsenic and heavy metal content of soils, with concentrations exceeding permissible standards. The highest concentrations of As were found in the mining dumps, exceeding 100 000 ppm. Phytogeochemical analyses were conducted on raspberry leaves ( Rubus idaeus ) to determine the content of arsenic, lead, zinc, and copper using the ICP-MS method. The findings indicated that the high levels of individual elements found may pose a risk to the environment. The study demonstrates that even abandoned mining sites can be a source of pollution, and long-term monitoring of these areas is essential to mitigate their potential environmental impact.