Distribucija teških metala u zemljištima riparijalne zone reke Save
Distribution of heavy metals in soils of the Sava River riparian zone
Abstract:
The riparian zones of the River Sava are continuously exposed to anthropogenic pressures and contamination by various pollutants. Therefore, research in this doctoral thesis focussed on studying sediment and soil from the river’s source to its confluence with the Danube during a period of high water levels (2014) and low water levels (2015). It aimed to determine the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment and soil; to establish heavy metal and metalloid contamination levels (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, Tl, Zn) with a focus on priority pollutants (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn); to determine the elements’ background levels; to investigate their origin, content, distribution, mobility, bioavailability and interdependence in the soil-sediment system; and to define the ecological risk in the study area. The total content of most of the analysed elements in both soil and sediment increased from the source towards the confluence due to transport and deposition in the lower course of the river and to changes in redox conditions, which increased their solubility. Flooding was a dominant factor, which, together with soil texture, pH and humus content, affected the bioavailability, distribution and binding forms of heavy metals and metalloids in the fraction profile. The origin of heavy metals in soil and sediment in the upper course was most impacted by the geological substrate and, to some degree, by anthropogenic activity, while anthropogenic activities were the predominant influence on origin in the lower course. On the basis of the heavy metal and metalloid content in soil and sediment, and also the analysis of the total ecological risk (RI) and of potential ‘hot spots’, it was concluded that localities in the lower course of the River Sava are most at risk and under the greatest anthropogenic pressure.
Keywords:
Background; River Sava; Riparian zone; Soil; Sediment; Heavy metals and metalloids; Origin of heavy metals and metalloids; Fraction profile of heavy metals and metalloids; Pollution indices; Ecological riskSource:
Faculty of Foresrty, University of Belgrade, 2022, 1-276Funding / projects:
- Ecophysiological adaptive strategies of plants in conditions of multiple stress (RS-MESTD-Basic Research (BR or ON)-173018)
- Managing the effects of multiple stressors on aquatic ecosystems under water scarcity (EU-FP7-603629)