Abstract
This article presents the results of research on the air quality which was under the anthropogenic impact of the cement and lime industry in the Świętokrzyskie Mountains for many years. Research using geo- and bio-indicators was carried out at fixed measuring points in the years 2016–2018. Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. and two-year old Scots pine needles Pinus sylvestris L. were used for bioindication research. Physico-chemical properties of precipitation were developed on the basis of research conducted at the Jan Kochanowski University’s field research station located on the Malik Mt. Increased pH and specific electrolytic conductivity (EC) of precipitation, as well as variable concentrations of heavy metals throughout a year were found. Analysis of the chemical properties of transplanted lichens and pine needles confirmed the presence of elements from the cement and lime industry sector located in the Białe Zagłębie. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the needles’ surface revealed morphologic changes resulting from pollution of stoma opening and closing by small solid particles of anthropogenic origins, disturbing gas exchange.
Highlights
Gas and dust emissions from specialized industrial centers are the largest sources of anthropogenic pollutants to the atmosphere, soil and surface waters
Long-term deposition of trace elements contained in cement-lime dust, including heavy metals that are toxic to the environment, is important
The aim to assess the extent of the impact of air pollution sources on the environment is a difficult task, especially if there are many emitters located in a small area
Summary
Gas and dust emissions from specialized industrial centers are the largest sources of anthropogenic pollutants to the atmosphere, soil and surface waters. It has a negative effect on the natural environment [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9] and human health [10]. The smallest dust particles may enter living organisms and disturb their metabolism. In this aspect, long-term deposition of trace elements contained in cement-lime dust, including heavy metals that are toxic to the environment (lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium), is important.
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