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Use of trace elements from historical mining for alluvial sediment dating

Author

Listed:
  • Jan HORÁK

    (Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
    Institute of Prehistory and Early History, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic)

  • Michal HEJCMAN

    (Department of Ecology, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
    Institute of Prehistory and Early History, Faculty of Arts, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic)

Abstract

We examined whether it is possible to relate concentrations of trace elements in alluvial sediments with records concerning the intensity of mining, and use them as a means of dating. We conducted our research in the medieval mining district of the town of Kutná Hora in the Czech Republic. Samples were collected under the pond dam and analysed for clay, silt and sand content and for As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn concentrations. We observed two main peaks of element concentrations (Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn), independent of grain fractions. The peaks were interpreted as a result of human activity. The concentration curves, stratigraphy and location of the dam/alluvium boundary were compared with historical records of mining production. This means of dam dating into the 16th century agreed with historical dating from written sources. Trace elements were also successfully used as stratigraphic markers. The comparison between concentration patterns of V and other well interpreted elements (Be, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) enabled to recognize a material directly originating from the mines. The elements thus helped to interpret local sedimentation history.

Suggested Citation

  • Jan HORÁK & Michal HEJCMAN, 2013. "Use of trace elements from historical mining for alluvial sediment dating," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 8(2), pages 77-86.
    • Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:8:y:2013:i:2:id:49-2012-swr
    DOI: 10.17221/49/2012-SWR
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    Cited by:

    1. Jan HORÁK & Michal HEJCMAN, 2016. "Contamination characteristics of the confluence of polluted and unpolluted rivers - range and spatial distribution of contaminants of a significant mining centre (Kutná Hora, Czech Republic)," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 11(4), pages 235-243.
    2. Jan Skála & Radim Vácha & Jakub Hofman & Viera Horváthová & Milan Sáňka & Jarmila Čechmánková, 2017. "Spatial differentiation of ecosystem risks of soil pollution in floodplain areas of the Czech Republic," Soil and Water Research, Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences, vol. 12(1), pages 1-9.

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