The most important findings of the project, where small mammals as indicators of metal pollution in the vicinity of large emission sources, were used for the first time in Slovenia, were presented during the lecture. The project has been conducted by leader of the proposed project. On the basis of the results for heavy metal levels in soil, in herbs and in tissues of receptor organisms (small mammal species, passerine birds) obtained in the period 2011-2014 in differently polluted areas in Slovenia, the following conclusions can be made. (a) The soil in the vicinity of the former smelter (Žerjav) is heavily polluted with Pb, Cd, Zn and As, and burdened with Mo and Hg (Official Gazette of RS, No. 68/1996). The latter is reflected in increased levels of metals in herbs (Cd, Pb, Zn, Mo, Ni) (Kabat Pendias, 2001; Official Gazette of RS, No. 101/2006,) and in earthworms (Pb, Cd, Zn). Particularly problematic is Cd, which accumulates in herbs (Sesleria albicans) such as in earthworms. Pb accumulates only in earthworms, but the intake of this element in the herbs is quite large, despite its relatively poor mobility (BCF: 0.08 to 0.50), due to the extremely high levels of Pb in soil. Therefore, these two dietary sources (herbs, earthworms) could be the most significant route of Pb and Cd exposure for receptor organisms. To a much lesser extent this applies to fruits and seeds of tree and shrubs species (Cornus sanguinea, Sorbus aria, Acer pseudoplatanus and Pinus sylvestris). The mean Pb and Cd concentrations in liver of small mammals species (Microtus agrestis, Myodes glareolus, Apodemus flavicollis), reached effect concentrations in a significant proportion of the livers of the small mammal specimens (Pb: 40%, Cd: 67%). These findings indicate that the majority of small mammals trapped in the area of the former lead smelter are at risk of toxicological effects due to the very high uptake of Pb and Cd in the organism. (b) On the contrary, Pd and Cd concentrations in livers of small mammals from the other study areas (vicinity of the largest Slovenian thermal power plant (Veliki Vrh) and along the main road (Črnova)) were comparable with reference values and considerably lower than effect concentrations. The smallest levels of pollutants in all types of samples were found in soil, plant and animal samples from reference location (The Logar Valley). In general, these differences were statistically significant. (c) Pb and Hg in the tail feathers of passerine birds from polluted study areas were statistically significant higher in comparison with reference area; however, the risk for passerine birds was not found. (d) Hazard Quotient (HQ) higher than 1 (existence of risk) was calculated for Myodes glareolus, sampled in the vicinity of the lead smelter, if the proportion of the roots in its diet is at least 20% and for Apodemus flavicollis, collected from the same study area, if the proportion of the earthworms in its diet is at least 10%.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 31600089The Šoštanj Thermal Power Plant (ŠTPP), which is the largest Slovene thermal power plant, is located at the bottom of The Šalek Valley. Due to large emissions of the air pollutants and heavy metals in the past negative effects on the environment appeared. Therefore, remediation of the ŠTPP started in the year 1987 and consequently the negative impact on the environment has begun to decline. The efficiency of remediation measures of ŠTPP was measured and assessed within different biomonitoring and studies performed in terrestrial (e.g., forest ecosystem) and water ecosystems (e.g., The Velenje lake) of the Šalek Valley. Besides monitoring of the efficiency of remediation measure during longer period we also investigated the exposure of human to air pollutants and assessed the potential intake of pollutants in human body due to ingestion of foodstuffs of animal and plant origin from the Šalek Valley. Additionally, results obtained from soil, plant and animal samples from the research study area Veliki Vrh were presented within lecture.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 1155542The findings of the project: "Ecological risk assessment of receptor organisms inhabiting antropogenically influenced grasslands and forest habitats" were presented during the lecture regarding pollution of the environment with lead.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 1164246