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Heavy metal behaviour in peat--a mineralogical perspective
Beata Smieja-Król1, Barbara Fiałkiewicz-Kozieł, Jarosław Sikorski
1Faculty of Earth Sciences, University of Silesia, Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland. beata.smieja-krol@us.edu.pl
Atmospheric dust pollution in a Polish mire introduces heavy metals. Stable anthropogenic particles control metal mobility, while mineral dissolution and precipitation drive element redistribution within the peat.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Mineralogy
Background:
- Transitional mire 'Bagno Bruch' in southern Poland is polluted by atmospheric dust from a nearby zinc smelter.
- Elevated concentrations of zinc (494 mg kg⁻¹), lead (238 mg kg⁻¹), and cadmium (16 mg kg⁻¹) are found in the peat layer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mineralogical composition of a polluted mire layer.
- To understand the origin and stability of inorganic particles and their role in heavy metal mobility.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to analyze a 40 cm subsurface peat layer.
- Inorganic particles were categorized by origin: anthropogenic (air dust) and authigenic (mire-formed).
Main Results:
- Anthropogenic particles, particularly stable aluminosilicate fly-ash, are a significant component.
- Partially dissolved lead-bearing particles and ZnS occur as trace components.
- Reductive dissolution of Fe (hydro)oxides releases Zn, which is then immobilized as ZnS spherules deeper in the profile.
Conclusions:
- The behavior of trace elements in polluted peatlands is governed by mineral dissolution and precipitation processes.
- The formation of authigenic minerals (ZnS, barite, gypsum) indicates complex redox conditions and element redistribution.
- Stable anthropogenic particles play a critical role in controlling heavy metal mobility and biogeochemical cycling.
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