Determination of thallium and other elements (As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Se, Sb, and Zn) in water and sediment samples from the vicinity of the zinc-lead smelter in Poland

Background, Goal and Scope. The aim of this study was to check the concentration of some elements in water samples collected near Pb-Zn mining and smelting works and comparison of the obtained data with results achieved for sediment samples originated from the same reservoirs. Objective. Here, 8 water samples and 3 bottom sediments collected from water reservoirs in the vicinity of 3 big Polish Pb-Zn smelters were analysed. Methods. Water analysis was performed after filtration through a 0.45 mu m filter and pH adjustment to 2. For decomposition of dried sediment samples, microwave assisted digestion with total dissolution of silicate matrix was applied. The elements studied were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-OES methods. Results and Discussion. The concentrations of most studied elements in water samples were on the O.X mu g/L level, while only the contents of Tl, As, Mn, Cd, Pb and Sb in two water reservoirs were above the limits established for drinking water. The content of studied metals in sediments was in a wide range from X mg/kg (Se and Sb) to X000 mg/kg (Pb and Zn). Conclusions and Recommendation. The study indicates that the impact of Tl, As, Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Se and Sb on bottom sediments is much more extensive than on the water in ponds located in the vicinity of a post-flotation waste heap. Monitoring of surface and underground waters, if limited only to the dissolved elements, can lead to faulty conclusions about environmental pollution. The bottom sediments mainly contain easily mobilised phases, and water-sediment equilibrium could be changed easily.