Scholarly record

CHARACTERIZATION OF THE WASTE WATERS FROM “PERNIK” CENTRAL PREPARATION PLANT (BULGARIA) AND THEIR ECOLOGICAL EFFECTS

M. G. Yossifova

Abstract

Twenty three (23) waste water samples, seven (7) soil and twenty two (22) plant ones from the region of the “Pernik” Central Preparation Plant (CPP) are a subject of study. A season method of sampling has been used . The water samples have been taken as follows: 1) water coming in the plant for preparation; 2) water, used during the dressing; 3) water used to transport the slime and fly ash; 4) water, running out of the slime storage; 5) water, that is draining. They have been tested by: ICP for Hg, Al, Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Pb, Mn, Li, Sr; classical analytical chemistry for K, Na, Ca, Mg, I, Br, F, HBO2, NO2, NO3, NH4, H2SiO3, PO4, Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4 and radiology for U, Ra226 and $\beta$-radioactive. The soil and plant (including cultivated and wild ones) samples as well as the dry rest from water samples have been analyzed by semiquantitative emission spectral, atomic absorption, X-ray fluorescence, powder X-ray diffraction and SEM analyses. It has been established that technological waters from “Pernik” CPP get rich in NO2, NO3, SO4, Li, Ba, Mo, Na, P, F, V, Ti, Mn, As, Cu and other components, their contents reaching high concentration and making them unfit even for industrial needs. The soil in the region of the study comprise high concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, Li, S, etc. For the increased contents of some of the elements (Li, S, La, Br) there has been confirmed the impact of the waste waters. Particularly sound confirmation regarding the waste waters effect in the region of the CPP is the increased concentration of a number elements in the ashes of cultivated and wild plants – Sr, Pb, Ba, Co, Ni, Mn, Li, V, Ti, Cu, Zn, Sn, Ag, etc. This, in its turn, directly or indirectly, influences the health condition of the population in Pernik region.

Publication details

Back to publication list