Distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in Stiavnicke vrchy soils

We tried (in this paper) to evaluate of Stiavnicke vrchy mountains region from distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in soils point of view. Main topics were evaluation of area soil pollution by these risk trace elements and specify the measurement of influence hydrothermally altered rocks on heavy metal concentrations in soils. Monoelement maps of heavy metals contents in the soil were created. We used the data from Partial Monitoring System - Soil and Soil Hygienic Status Monitoring System. Maps were created from the database results risk trace elements analysed in 2M HNO3 (potentially releaseable content of heavy metals in soil). Foundations for characterization of area soil pollution (Stiavnicke vrchy) have been created monoelement maps of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn) in soils. We found out after their evaluation that uppermost concentrations of heavy metals were measured in soils situated in the regions long time influenced by mining activities (Banska Stiavnica, Hodrusa - Hamre, Vyhne) and in the alluvial soils of brooks which flow through these localities. Sulphatic weathering of mechanically disturbed rocks (with various sulphide concentrations) could be one of main causes of heavy metals overlimit concentrations in the soils. Sulphuric acid originated (soil pH decreased) and heavy metals were released, they penetrated into drainage systems of local streams. Their reprecipitation and accumulation took place on so called geochemical barriers. Heavy metals have been accumulated in these soils in such concentrations that presently exceed valid hygienic limits. We could minimise the influence of atmospheric deposit on heavy metal contents in alluvial soils because negative imissions influence was shown only near the factories. We could see (on the monoelement maps) the soils that have been in the neighbourhood of contaminated Fluvisols had not higher heavy metals contents. Influence of hydrothermally altered rocks on higher heavy metals concentrations in the soils were showed only in localities situated in surrounding important polymetalic ores. Hydrothermally altered rocks from these localities could contain impregnations of sulphides. There is possible that weathered altered rocks were transported from the sites of their original occurrence on their contemporary occurrence (region among Banska Stiavnica, Hodrusa - Hamre, Vyhne) in Quaternary period. Influence of hydrothermally altered rocks which were situated far from occurrence of polymetalic ores on the contents of heavy metals in soils was not significant