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Old and New Threats—Trace Metals and Fluoride Contamination in Soils at Defunct Smithy Sites

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  • Michał Kupiec

    (Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management, University of Szczecin, Mickiewicza St. 18, 70-383 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Paweł Pieńkowski

    (Department of Environmental Protection and Development, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Słowackiego 17 St., 71-434 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Beata Bosiacka

    (Institute of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13 St., 71-415 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Izabela Gutowska

    (Department of Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Broniewskiego 24 St., 71-460 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Patrycja Kupnicka

    (Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Adam Prokopowicz

    (Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Kościelna 13 St., 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland)

  • Dariusz Chlubek

    (Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka

    (Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wlkp. 72 Str., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate soil contamination with trace elements and fluoride at sites in Szczecin (NW Poland) where economic activity was historically associated with the use of trace metals. As the Polish legislation does not recognize the lasting impact of historical pollution on soils, land developers are not obliged to determine soil pollution in the new residential areas, including parks and playgrounds for children. Therefore, in this study, at the locations of defunct metalwork enterprises (smithies, foundries, chemical plants, and small metal production plants), which were closed down after World War II, we determined lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and cobalt (Co) levels in the soil. In addition, we also determined fluoride (F) levels due to the contemporary fluoride pollution in the area generated by a large chemical plant with a post-production phosphogypsum waste landfill and a power plant complex. Our results show that soil at the sites of now-defunct smithies can still act as a significant source of trace metals. Pb concentration in the surface (0–20 cm) and subsurface (20–40 cm) layers exceeded concentration thresholds for soils with first-degree pollution. The concentrations of Zn and Cu also exceeded their natural background limits. Furthermore, our research indicates an increased concentration of fluoride in surface layers of the soil; however, not exceeding the fluoride content threshold. These observations have important consequences for public health and safety because, presently, the studied sites function as housing estates and other public facilities. Therefore, contaminated soil at these sites may pose a threat to the health of local residents and should be closely monitored for trace metal contamination levels.

Suggested Citation

  • Michał Kupiec & Paweł Pieńkowski & Beata Bosiacka & Izabela Gutowska & Patrycja Kupnicka & Adam Prokopowicz & Dariusz Chlubek & Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka, 2019. "Old and New Threats—Trace Metals and Fluoride Contamination in Soils at Defunct Smithy Sites," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-20, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:5:p:819-:d:211545
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laura M. Plum & Lothar Rink & Hajo Haase, 2010. "The Essential Toxin: Impact of Zinc on Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-24, March.
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