Arsenic in surface soils affected by mining and metallurgical processing in K. Mitrovica region, Kosovo

Stafilov, Trajce; Aliu, Milihate; Sajn, Robert

doi:10.3390/ijerph7114050

Arsenic in surface soils affected by mining and metallurgical processing in K. Mitrovica region, Kosovo

Journal

International journal of environmental research and public health

Date Issued

2010

Author(s)

Stafilov, Trajce

Aliu, Milihate

Sajn, Robert

DOI

10.3390/ijerph7114050

Abstract

The results of a study on the spatial distribution of arsenic in topsoil (0-5 cm) over the K. Mitrovica region, Kosovo, are reported. The investigated region (300 km(2)) was covered by a sampling grid of 1.4 km × 1.4 km. In total, 159 soil samples were collected from 149 locations. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was applied for the determination of arsenic levels. It was found that the average content of arsenic in the topsoil for the entire study area was 30 mg/kg (from 2.1 to 3,900 mg/kg) which exceeds the estimated European arsenic average in topsoil by a factor of 4.3. Contents of arsenic in the topsoil exceeded the optimum value recommended by the new Dutchlist (29 mg/kg As) in 124 km(2). The action value (55 mg/kg As) was exceeded in 64 km(2), with the average content of 105 mg/kg (from 55 to 3,900 mg/kg As).