Importance of SEM/EDS single particle analysis for differentiation between various sources of metals in the environment is shown on a case study of solid metal-bearing particles in snow deposits from the area of Žerjav. The results have shown that solid particles in snow are represented by scarce geogenic-anthropogenic particles originating from lead-zinc ore minerals (cerussite, sphalerite) in mine waste deposit, and by numerous Pb, Sb- and Sn-bearing oxides and sulphides. According to their morphologies and chemical composition, anthropogenic particles formed at high temperatures during melting of lead, antimony and tin alloys, which are basic components of used lead-acid batteries. Furthermore, quantities of anthropogenic particles decrease with increasing distance from the Pb-processing plant, which indicates that Pb processing is their predominant source.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2193237
Several geological and geochemical parameters were determined in the sediments of the 5th (5 J) and 6th (6 J) Triglav Lakes, Julian Alps (NW Slovenia), in order to study the impact of natural catchment characteristics and anthropogenic activity. Fish were introduced into both lakes in 1991 and a mountain hut lies on the shore of 5 J. Sedimentary grain size is distinctly coarser in 5 J than 6 J, with arithmetic means ranging between 46-60 µm and 23-36 µm, respectively. In contrast, the mineralogical composition of the two sediments is similar. Calcite predominated strongly, comprising more than 77 % of total minerals, while dolomite and quartz were rare. Organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations are highest in surficial sediments, with levels of 14.4 and 1.8 %, and 19.3 and 2.4 % observed in 5 J and 6 J, respectively. C/N ratios (atomic) are lowest in the same surface sediments, with the two lakes characterized by similar values (9.6 vs. 9.4, respectively), suggesting a predominance of autochthonous organic matter in both lakes. Contemporary δ13 C values are lower in 5 J (-21.0‰) than 6J (-18.5‰) sediments. Considerable changes in these four parameters were observed in recently deposited material, reflecting a shift in the trophic status of both lakes that was likely induced by the introduction of fish. In addition, the smaller and shallower 6 J seemed to respond to changes faster than the larger and deeper 5 J, indicating the higher sensitivity of the former. δ15N values in surface sediments of 5 J and 6 J were -2.9 and -4.4‰, respectively, with levels increasing gradually with depth to approximately +1.0‰ in deeper sediments. The observed changes could most likely be attributed to the atmospheric deposition of reactive nitrogen. The mountain hut has seemingly not had a significant enough impact on the lakes to be recorded in their sediments.
COBISS.SI-ID: 26884391
In order to detect recently tectonically active faults, Stream Length-gradient (SL) index and a newly developed method of river gradient analysis were made for three rivers. Two methods were used on the southern part of Ljubljana moor, where the rivers cross dextral (right-lateral) faults with Dinaric orientation (NW-SE). Watercourse profiles were analysed first, using a "classic", well established method of SL index. However, this method didn't yield useful results since almost no variability in SL indexes was observed. Additionally, a second newly developed method pointed on the anomalies, which might correspond to the areas of active surface uplift and subsidence as a consequence of active tectonic movements. We compared determined anomalies with the fault lines plotted on the Basic geological map 1:100.000 and with the data of radar measurements of vertical movements by PSInSAR method. In this way five potentially active faults, areas of contraction and areas of extension were determined. The results of this research can be used as a complementary information for the construction of tectonic model of the Ljubljana lowland and Ljubljana moor.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2167125
Despite contaminated street dust being a possible health risk factor for local population and a source of inhalable particles in urban environment, little is known about the contribution of atmospheric dust emissions and other factors to the content of toxic metals in street dust. The impact of smelting, traffic and power plants on metal contaminates in street dust in the focus of street dust research, conducted in one of the most polluted areas in the world - Witbank area (Republic of South Africa). This area is characterized by numerous open-pit coal mines in the Karoo coal basin, which provides a cheap source of energy to numerous metallurgical smelters, ironworks and supply coal to the coal-fired power plants located nearby. World-record high concentrations of metals were detected with concentrations of Fe reaching 17.7%, Cr 4.3 %, Mn 2%, Ni 366 mg/kg and V 4410 mg/kg. Data analysis revealed that 3 sources of pollution are present here. Road traffic contributing to the high concentrations of Cu, Pb, Sb and Sn, metal smelting industry contributing to Fe, Co, Mn and V emissions and fly ash associated with the coal-fired power plants and fly ash dumps is the source of Al, Sr and Li. Range of impact of vanadium smelter to street dust composition was calculated to be 20 km. Research results were presented in Witbank town to the local public in April 2013, and the research raised a lot of public debate and awareness about the pollution (try Google search using following words: gorazd zibret witbank).
COBISS.SI-ID: 2105429
Airborne geophysics is a promising method for investigating landslides. Here we present a case study of multisensor airborne geophysical survey at the catastrophic landslide Stože near Log pod Mangrtom in Slovenia, which was conducted in the framework of the European FP7th Project "SafeLand". Based on the survey itself and achieved results, we discuss applicability, limits, and benefits and costs of the method for investigating landslides in steep Alpine terrains. Despite of several operational constraints, the airborne electromagnetic survey of the area well presented the lithological pattern and water saturation. The high resistivity regions mostly indicated drained slope scree and landslide mass, drained and loosened material of the moraine deposit in the tension zone of the landslide with present cracks and cavities. The minima of the resistivity pattern were attributed to the outcrop of marls rich in clay, to water-saturated moraine deposit above impermeable marls in the tension zone, and to water-saturated porous alluvial gravel and landslide scree along the Koritnica River. The magnetic survey proved to be inapplicable for such a small and rough area. The Potassium and Thorium maps, on the other hand, both well identified the regions of tension inside the landslide zone, outcrops of marls and dolomite, clay-rich colluvium, weathered zones along a regional tectonic fault, and alluvial deposits and deposits of debris flows, and the minima of the 137Cs clearly revealed the zones of material removal due to recent mass movements.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2207317