Environmental Contamination Assessment of the Surroundings of the Ex-Ferrochromium Smelter Dugi Rat, Croatia

Abstract

The objective of this study was to chemically characterize the soil samples affected by the dust emission and slag dumping from ferrochromium smelter, as well as uptake of metals by vegetation growing on that soil. There were 38 samples collected altogether, including unpolluted background soil samples, polluted soil samples taken in the vicinity of the factory, slag material, bottom and fly ash. Grass material was also taken from both polluted and unpolluted soil. All samples were analyzed with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). The results showed (especially for chromium and manganese) metal concentrations in soil samples taken in the vicinity of the factory increased up to 56 times in relation to normal background soil concentrations. Slag material, fly and bottom ash were highly enriched with chromium, manganese and nickel. There was a significant chromium uptake by vegetation growing on the contaminated soil.

Key Words:

• Ferrochromium smelter
• Heavy metals
• EDXRF
• Soil
• Vegetation

Notes

*Significant difference (P = 0.005) between mean values of each element in polluted compared to control soil samples.

*Significant difference (P = 0.005) between mean values of each element in polluted compared to control vegetation samples.