Complex biogeochemical researches of steppe and forest-steppe landscapes of the Southern Urals were performed in 1998-2015. Attention was paid to changes of the elemental composition of landscape components in the presence of natural and technogenic geochemical anomalies at different distances from mining and ore processing facilities located in the Sibai city. On sites all components of natural territorial complexes (in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems) were studied. Samples were analyzed for heavy metals (HM) – Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni, Co using ICP-AES and AAS. The results obtained showed technogenic metamorphism of water in the river which flows past mining facilities in anion-cation and microelemental composition. In bottom sediments technogenic dispersion flux 10 km length was represented by anomalous Zn, Cu, Cd and Fe content. Technogenic secondary dispersion halo of indicator elements (Zn, Cu, Cd and Fe) was observed in soils at a distance of 2-5 km (10 km in southern direction) from the industrial facilities. Significant increase in HM mobile forms percentage (from 0,n% to 15-20%) was typical. Prevailed HM species were adsorbed (Cd), carbonate (Zn), organo-mineral (Cd, Co, Cu, Zn). Features of HM content in soil among the relief profile were described. Migration and concentration of ore elements in bottom sediments and soil cover were caused by technogenic physico-chemical (mainly acid-base) barriers. Indicator plant species also reflected technogenic dispersion halo around industrial facilities and features of HM migration within the soil catena but changes of HM content in plants were significantly smaller than those in soils. Indicator species can be used for environmental monitoring and recultivation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication16th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference, SGEM 2016
Subtitle of host publicationNano, Bio and Green - Technologies for a Sustainable Future, Conference Proceedings
PublisherInternational Multidisciplinary Scientific Geoconference
Pages303-310
Number of pages8
Volume2
ISBN (Electronic)9786197105568, 9786197105599, 9786197105629, 9786197105643, 9786197105667, 9786197105698
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016
Event16th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: Ecology, Economics, Education and Legislation, SGEM 2016 - Albena, Bulgaria
Duration: 29 Jun 20165 Jul 2016

Conference

Conference16th International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: Ecology, Economics, Education and Legislation, SGEM 2016
Abbreviated titleSGEM 2016
Country/TerritoryBulgaria
CityAlbena
Period29/06/165/07/16

    Research areas

  • Heavy metals, Mining landscape, Pollution, Southern Urals

    Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology

ID: 9310381