Heavy Metal Load in Airborne Magnetic Particles from Anthropogenic Activities in a Contaminated Area in Northern Greece and Their Environmental Impact

Abstract

Magnetic particles were separated from soil and sediment samples from the Sarigiol basin. The sources of their highest values are ophiolite complexes and fly ash dispersion while magnetite is the dominant mineral. Ιron is the dominant element of magnetic particles and minor amounts of Mn, Ti and Cr are presented in anthropogenic magnetic particles. The highest values of iron load are shown near to a power station and close to the locations of the ophiolite complexes. Anthropogenic activities in the research area are responsible for the presence of anthropogenic magnetic particles in the upper horizons of the Sarigiol basin.

Keywords

• magnetic particles
• magnetite
• heavy metals
• soil
• sediment
• Sarigiol