Distribution of lead and zinc in soil over the Bitola region, Republic of Macedonia

Bojana Dimovska; Trajče Stafilov; Robert Šajn; Katerina Bačeva

Bojana Dimovska
Trajče Stafilov
Robert Šajn
Katerina Bačeva

Abstract

Data for the distribution of lead and zinc in topsoil and subsoil over the Bitola region, Republic of Macedonia, known for its coal mine and thermoelectric power plant are presented. The study area (1400 km²) is covered by a sampling grid of 5×5 km with a total of 58 spots. The samples were collected at two depths: topsoil (0–5 cm) and subsoil (20–30 cm). The samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The obtained results of these two elements were statistically processed and maps of areal distribution were prepared. It was assumed that the higher contents of Pb and Zn are connected with the anthropogenic influence by the fly ash from the thermoelectric power plant deposed on the open as well as the influence of the high frequency traffic near the city of Bitola.

Key words

soil; lead; zinc; Bitola; Republic of Macedonia

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Balabanova, B., Stafilov, T., Bačeva, K., Šajn, R.: Biomonitoring of atmospheric pollution with heavy metals in the copper mine vicinity located near Radoviš, Republic of Macedonia. J. Environ. Sci. Health A, 45, 1504–1518 (2010).

Balabanova, B., Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Bačeva, K.: Distribution of chemical elements in attic dust as reflection of lithology and anthropogenic influence in the vicinity of copper mine and flotation. Arch. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 61 (2), 173–184 (2011)

Bačeva, K., Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Tănăselia, C.: Moss biomonitoring of air pollution with heavy metals in the vicinity of a ferronickel smelter plant. J. Environ. Sci. Health A, 47 (4), 645–656 (2012).

Barandovski, L., Frontasyeva, M. V., Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Pavlov, S., Enimiteva, V.: Trends of atmospheric deposition of trace elements in Macedonia studied by the moss biomonitoring technique. J. Environ. Sci. Health A, 47 (13), 2000–2015 (2012).

Bothwell, D. N., Mair, E. A., Cable, B. B.: Chronic ingestion of a zinc-based penny. Pediatrics, 111 (3), 176–177 (2003).

Buchauer, M. J.: Contamination of soil and vegetation near a zinc smelter by zinc, cadmium, copper, and lead. Environ. Sci. Technol., 7, 131–135 (1973).

Budavari, S. M., O’Neal, J., Smith, A., Heckelman, P. E. (Eds.): The Merck Index, 12th ed. Merck & Company, Whitehall, NJ (1996).

Dimovska, B., Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Tănăselia, C.: Moss biomonitoring of air pollution with arsenic in Bitola and its environs, Republic of Macedonia. Geologica Macedonica, 27 (1), 5–11 (2013).

Fu, H., Boffetta P.: Cancer and occupational exposure to inorganic lead compounds: A meta-analysis of published data. Occup. Environ. Med., 52 (2), 73–81 (1995).

Hamilton, J. D., O'Flaherty, E. J.: Effects of lead exposure on skeletal development in rats. Fundam. Appl. Toxicol., 22 (4), 594–604 (1994).

Hammad, T A., Sexton, M., Langenberg, P.: Relationship between blood lead and dietary iron intake in preschool children. A cross-sectional study. Ann Epidemiol 6 (1): 30–33 (1996).

Kabata-Pendias, A. & Pendias, H.: Trace Elements in Soil and Plants, Third ed., CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2001.

NTP: Report on carcinogens background document for lead and lead compounds. National toxicology program. Technology, Planning and Management Corporation, Durham, NC, http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/newhome-roc/roc11/Lead-Public.pdf (2003).

Qin, C., Luo, C., Chen, Y., Shen, Z.: Spatial-based assessment of metal contamination in agricultural soils near an abandoned copper mine of Eastern China. Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol., 89 (1), 113–118 (2012).

Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Pančevski, Z., Boev, B., Frontasyeva, M. V., Strelkova, L. P.: Heavy metal contamination of surface soils around a lead and zinc smelter in the Republic of Macedonia. J. Hazard. Mater., 175: 896–914 (2010a).

Stafilov, T., Šajn, R., Boev, B., Cvetković, J., Mukaetov, D., Andreevski, M., Lepitkova, S.: Distribution of some elements in surface soil over the Kavadarci region, Republic of Macedonia. Environ. Earth Sci., 61 (7): 1515– 1530 (2010b).

Steenland, K., Boffetta P.: Lead and cancer in humans: where are we now? Am. J. Ind. Med., 38 (3): 295–299 (2000).

Walker, J. A.: Zinc. New Brunswick Department of Energy and Mines, Minerals and Petroleum Division. Mineral Commodity Profile, 9, 6 p. (2013).