Riskbedömning vid Saltvikens kopparverk

Abstract At Saltvikens copperindustry, which is located in the municipality of Oskarshamn, copper was refined from sulphiteore some hundred years ago. The ore underwent several steps in the process before the final product was received. These steps all had an influence on the environment through discharge of heavy metals. The area where the copper industry was located is today considered to be of specific national interest due to its valuable nature and cultural values, as well as its value for recreational outdoor activities. Therefore, it is important to determine the present level of contamination and if any transport of contaminants have occurred, and to identify the risks that are associated with the site both at present and in a longer time perspective. Thirtynine soil samples and 16 sediment samples have been analyzed. All samples have undergone two different leaching procedures before the analyis; one with nitric acid for determination of total concentration and one with acidic acid to analyze the plant available part. The analysis was perfomed through Atomicabsorptionsspectrofotometry. In addition, pH and loss on ignition have been measured on all samples. The chemical values were then compared to reference values in order to establish the level of contamination. Within the risk assessment framework where then also a exposure modelling conducted. This was made both for an average exposure situation, and for a reasonable maximum exposure. For both these scenarios, one calculation was made based on the soil use of today and one was made based on an assumed future usage of the area for establishment of residential buildings. The results show that both the land area and sediment have been affected by the copper industry. From 48 sediment samples, 46 generated concentrations above the assumed effect level levels given by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. The results also indicated that a significant contaminant transport has occurred, and is still occurring. This is supported by high metal concentrations in deep soil layers and by high concentrations in the sediment. The condition is considered to be very much serious in the case of copper and zinc and serious to less serious for lead, depending on the ground use. Some of the metals are very easy to leach and can thus contaminate adjacent areas for a long time. Already at the present ground use, there is a risk for children to become exposed to  zinc and lead in doses that can generate negative health effects. At the potential future ground use the TDI for both copper, zinc and lead will be exceeded if a child is exposed. For adults, however, the TDI value for zinc and lead is exceeded only in the scenario with the potential future ground use.