Transfer of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Soil-Plant System in Magnesite Mining and Processing Areas

Mining activities, ore concentrations, and transport processes generate large amounts of pollutants, including hazardous elements, which are released into the environment. This work presents results experimental research aimed at evaluating environmental risks soil plant contamination in two magnesite mining processing areas Slovak Republic, assesses phytoremediation potential dominant species. Eleven potentially toxic elements were investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, As, Ni, Mn, Mg, Fe) atomic absorption (Hg). In plants, inductively coupled plasma mass (Cu, Cd, Pb) emission (Cr, Mg). Selected parameters (pH, redox potential, organic matter) also investigated. Soil was evaluated indices (geoaccumulation index—Igeo, enrichment factor—EF, factor—Cf, degree contamination—Cd). The plants bioconcentration factor (BCF) translocation (TF). reaction studied indicated a strong alkalization soil. soils Jelšava-Lubeník significantly contaminated with Mg. most significant based on average values EF found to be order Cd > Mg Zn Cu As Cr Ni Pb Fe Hg Mn. observed Cf high contamination. Košice, Ni. Mn Hg. Very for Cr. correlation hierarchical cluster analyses suggest similar origin pollutants caused by anthropogenic interventions due processing. species, Phragmites australis, Agrostis stolonifera, Elytrigia repens, Taraxacum officinale able accumulate concentrations monitored without more serious load or damage. BCF TF confirmed that P. australis T. appeared suitable accumulators phytoextraction process. case E. repens A. stolonifera it they immobilize especially roots, establishing suitability their use phytostabilization processes.