Geochemical investigation as a tool in determining of the potential hazard for soil contamination (Kremna Basin, Serbia)

Abstract

Geochemical composition of soils and underlying sediments in the Kremna Basin was investigated. The aim was to assess whether observed heavy metal concentrations in soil samples represent geogenic or anthropogenic contamination. The second objective is to show that geochemical data of underlying sediments should be used as a tool in determining of potential hazard for soil contamination. For this purpose, comparison of contents of As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn of soil samples with standard values, the reference soil sample and local background values of underlying sediments was performed. The soil samples are unpolluted regarding to contents of As, Hg, Pb and Zn. All samples have higher contents of Cr and Ni, whereas three samples have higher content of Cu than the limit standard values. Geochemical parameters showed that higher concentration of Cr, Cu and Ni in soils can be attributed to geogenic impact. This conclusion is supported by Chemical Proxy of Alteration and Chemical Index of Weathering values, which indicate intense weathering of sediments. The obtained results show that Kremna area is under slight to moderate hazard if land use change would occur, and prove the importance of geochemical composition of underlying sediments in the interpretation of heavy metal pollution.

Keywords

• soils
• sediments
• geochemistry
• heavy metals
• pollution
• weathering