Abstract
This paper presents the content of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the soils of the Tatra National Park (TNP). In order to determine the anthropogenic impact on the environment, the following coefficients were calculated: enrichment factors (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), degree of contamination (Cd), and modified degree of contamination (mCd). It turned out that in the Kasprowy Wierch and Lake Morskie Oko test areas, the content of metals in the soil decreases with the increasing altitude above sea level. In both regions, the highest concentrations of cadmium and lead were found, for which the coefficients indicated significant environmental pollution. These metals, since they persist in the atmosphere for a long time and have a small particle diameter, can be moved over long distances. Long-range emission contributes to environmental contamination on a global scale. Under the influence of such emissions, even protected areas such as the Tatra National Park, considered to be of natural value, are exposed to the effects of human activities (industry in general, automotive industry in particular).
Highlights
Heavy metals pose a great threat to the natural environment [1,2]
On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the highest average heavy metal content in soils for both test areas was recorded for Zn and Pb, and the lowest for Cd, Cu and Ni
Metal contents in the soils for the Kasprowy Wierch (KW) and Morskie Oko (MO) test areas decrease with the increase in the height in meters above sea level
Summary
Heavy metals pose a great threat to the natural environment [1,2]. The toxicity of metals results from the degree of environmental contamination, but above all from the biochemical role they play in metabolic processes. Heavy metals, such as: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, pose a high risk of chemical imbalance in ecosystems, if they are introduced in significant amounts [3]. The recommended reference element—iron (Fe) [41], is used to calculate the index. Fe is recommended because it does not take an active part in biogeochemical cycles
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