Geochemical assessment of soils in the German Nazi concentration camp in Stutthof (Northern Poland)
2015
Charzyński, Przemysław | Markiewicz, Maciej | Majorek, Magdalena | Bednarek, Renata
The record of changes in the environment caused by techno- and anthropopressure is undoubtedly reflected in soil morphology and properties. Scientific information regarding the chemical composition of soils in genocide areas is limited. The aim of this investigation is the assessment of the geochemistry of soils of the German Nazi concentration camp in Stutthof. The Stutthof concentration camp was located on the periphery of the Vistula Spit in northern Poland, and was in operation from 1939 to 1945 during World War II. A total of 65,000 people died as a result of exterminating living conditions as well as executions. Forty-five soil sampling points were selected in various parts of the camp. Total phosphorus, organic matter and arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe) and mercury (Hg) contents were determined. It has been observed that the mean on-site concentrations of all trace elements were generally higher than their background. The reason for enrichment was heavy techno- and anthropopressure caused by extreme density of prisoners during the time when the camp operated. The soils of the German Nazi Stutthof concentration camp have clearly been transformed due to mass killing of a large number of human beings. Such a relation is clearly evidenced by the elevated phosphorus content.
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