Heavy metals in the air between Krompachy and Košice

Abstract

The metallurgic activity of Kovohuty Krompachy (Non-ferrous Metal Works in Krompachy) in the past left its visible devastation sign on the nature. It was evident that the dispersion of some elements, especially Cu, Pb, Sb and As, in the air was caused by the activity of metal works and their point sources. The properties of these metals may cause changes in health of biological objects as a result of long-term effect on the natural or communal spheres. After the treatment activities in ŽB Rudòany enterprise ended, Kovohuty Krompachy bought a treatment concentrate from ŽB Rudòany, which was freed from mercury. This concentrate still contained a lot of Cu, Sb, As, Bi and it should have been processed in Kovohuty to the so called black copper. The Municipality of the city of Košice, its department of the environment, expressed its apprehension of the possibility that this processing could cause that heavy metals may be spread in a direction of prevailing winds, i.e. south-east direction, where the city of Košice is situated. This was a reason for a task to monitor movement and occurrence of heavy metals on the route between Krompachy and Košice, as well as to monitor the share of individual sources of pollution on the quality of air in Košice urban agglomeration.Two methods applied were chosen for research purposes. The dust deposition was monitored, i.e. dust that sediments from air, its value is stated in g.m-2. 30 days-1. Another method used was the so called aspiration dust content, when air is sucked through a suitable filter and the value is stated in mg.m-3. In the given locality, there were 15 newly built or renovated sedimentation stations, where samples of sedimented dust were taken by the end of 1999 in six stages. They are marked by letters A to F. The samples of dust were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The presented paper shows the results of phases A and D, or B and D.Aspiration method was used for fine-dispersed dust – aerosol dust content was sampled on 9 places. On the basis of analysis of this method, it is possible to compare contents of heavy metals in the air with the admissible hygiene standards, which are valid for free atmosphere.The extent of pollution of Košice area was estimated from various sources on the basis of this study of movement and occurrence of solid imissions in the area between Krompachy and Košice and on the basis of a long-term experience as follows:- close sources, local sources exceeding 10 km 10%- extra-local sources, regional import 15%- communal and industrial sphere of the city 75%

Keywords

• aerosol
• dust deposition
• heavy metals