LANDSCAPE-GEOCHEMICAL RESEARCH IN THE MOUNTAINS KOPAONIK AND RADAN (R SERBIA)

Rumen Penin, Dimitar Zhelev

Abstract:
The article examines the results of landscape-geochemical research in areas of the Kopaonik and Radan mountains. The general contents of the priority heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Mn, Co, Cr) in the mentioned sites, as well as the features of their migration, differentiation and concentration, were studied. Chemical analyzes were made of the soil and bottom sediment samples taken. The obtained results were analyzed and interpreted by comparing the concentrations with heavy metals in the two mountains, as well as with the same natural components from other regions of the world. The mines with lead-zinc and polymetallic ores established in the two mountains were also taken into account, which also affect the contents of heavy metals in the studied sites. In the soils of Mount Kopaonik, Pb is distinguished with an increased concentration, and to a certain extent Cu. The soils in Radan Mountain are distinguished by elevated concentrations of lead and zinc, and to a certain extent of manganese. The remaining elements are in low concentrations, especially nickel and chromium. Studies of the bottom sediments show the presence of the association of heavy metals Pb, Zn and Cu in Radan Mountain, while the concentrations of Mn and Cr are relatively higher in Kopaonik. The remaining trace elements have similar concentrations in both mountains. A higher Zn content (277.5 mg/kg) was noted in groundwater in the sample of bottom sediments from Mount Radan – „Red Spring“, which points to a connection with the naturally higher content of the element with the lithogeochemistry of the area. The results can be useful in monitoring the state of the geochemical picture of the landscapes, and part of the obtained results can be considered as background for the two regions in terms of trace elements Mn, Ni, Co, Cr and Cu, distinguished by a high degree of distraction.

Keywords:
heavy metals, soils, bottom sediments, contamination, landscapes, geochemistry, monitoring

Problems of Geography, 2023, Vol.3-4, DOI: 10.35101/prg-2023.3-4.3

Author information:
Author: Rumen Penin
E-mail: penin@gea.uni-sofia.bg
Affiliation: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

Author: Dimitar Zhelev
E-mail: zhelev@gea.uni-sofia.bg
Affiliation: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”

How to cite:
Penin, R., & Zhelev, D. (2024). Ландшафтно-геохимични изследвания в планините Копаоник и Радан (Р. Сърбия). Problems of Geography, 2023, Vol.3-4, p. 21-35. https://doi.org/10.35101/PRG-2023.3-4.3