Abstract
Thirty soil samples were taken, and the same number of moss (Dicranum scoparium) and lichen (Pseudevernia furfuracea) bags were exposed to detect environmental pollution in the former mining area Nižná Slaná. Soil and ambient air are influenced by hazardous substances, which leak from old mining bodies due to insufficient or completely missing reclamation. The total content of the risk elements (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sb, Se, Pb, Zn) was determined in soil, moss, and lichen samples and in the bodies of Leccinum pseudoscabrum. Biological (soil enzymes—urease, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, fluorescein diacetate (FDA), ß-glucosidase) and chemical properties (pH) were determined in soil samples. Contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), pollution load index (PLI), and enrichment factor (EF) were used for soil and relative accumulation factor (RAF) for air quality evaluation. Contamination factor values show serious pollution by Cd, Fe, Hg, and Mn. Pollution load index confirmed extremely high pollution almost at all evaluated areas. Soil enzymes reacted to soil pollution mostly by decreasing their activity. Mosses and lichens show differences in the accumulation abilities of individual elements. Regular consumption of L. pseudoscabrum would provide the dose of Cd and Hg below the limit of provisional weekly intake. Based on the bioaccumulation index (BAF) values, L. pseudoscabrum can be characterized as an Hg accumulator.
Highlights
The environmental impacts of the spreading of hazardous elements from former mining bodies have been the object of numerous studies all over the world [1,2,3,4]
The danger of the tailing ponds lies in the dust consistency of sewage sludge, which is spreading by the wind at a long distance to the surrounding landscape
Effective remediation can reduce the impact of hazardous elements on the environment, but due to the high cost, lack of interest from the government, or unsettled property issues a lot of tailing ponds are left to self-development [9]
Summary
The environmental impacts of the spreading of hazardous elements from former mining bodies have been the object of numerous studies all over the world [1,2,3,4]. While some mining bodies represent only a potential risk (become dangerous when disrupted), others are a serious environmental problem causing the degradation of natural ecosystems. Small particles contain hazardous elements such as toxic metals, which are dangerous for the environment and human health. A whole range of anthropogenic activities contribute to soil pollution by hazardous substances [10,11,12]. Ore mining is inevitably connected with the excavation of huge amounts of dump rocks that disrupt environment balance, cause irreversible changes in landscape structure, and are the source of undesirable substances releasing the soil, water, and air. The state of the soil quality is reflecting on soil conditions, which are responsible for soil fertility and its correct functionality [13]
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