Effects of heavy metals from mining and industry on some rivers in Poland: An already exploded chemical time bomb?

Abstract

AbstractUpper Silesia has rich deposits of hard coal and substantial deposits of zinc, lead and iron ores. the watersheds of two rivers cut right through the zinc and lead ore mining region and most of the tailing drainage water is contaminated with heavy metals. in total, about 807 tyr‐1 of zinc, 67t yr‐1 of lead and 17 tyr‐1 of cadmium are discharged with the drainage and process waste water. in the Upper Silesia many industrial plants also discharge waste water contaminated with heavy metals. the Bukowno Complex is the most important regional source of heavy metals and the Biala Przemsza River is the main receiver of waste waters from this complex. Measured data at a cross‐section of this river are given. It is shown by a simplified calculation that lead and zinc are transported downstream to the Vistula River and later to the Baltic Sea, or are deposited in the river bed. It is shown that there are many other possible sources of heavy metals. Atmospheric deposition of metals on the surface leads to surface runoff, accumulation in plants, and subsequently discharge with animal or human excreta. Contaminated sediments will continue to pollute the overflowing river water, perhaps for centuries. Mobilization of heavy metals and factors affecting that process are discussed in relation to providing safe drinking water now and in the future. It is emphasized that the drinking water quality is already threatened.