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Concentrations and spatial distribution of heavy metals on the left and right banks of the river Nemunas bottom sediments are analyzed in this article. The research methodology of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for bottom sediments and operating principles of XL2 spectrometer used for analysis are overviewed. The results of analysis are presented and compared with LAND 20-2005 requirements as well as studies that were carried out previously. The influence of Alytus city for Nemunas river sediments quality is assessed. Dischargers formed additional samples which were taken and included to the list of ordinary samples. The trend of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Cr) concentrations showed the growth of pollution downstream the urban area. The estimated Zd (total pollution) values clearly indicated higher contamination by heavy metals on the left bank of Nemunas River. Extensive surveys of river sediments allow assessing the extent of anthropogenic impact, which can be harmful to the river ecosystem and human health. First published online: 28 Jan 2015

Surface runoff from urbanized territories carries a wide range of pollutants. Sediments in untreated runoff from direct discharge stormwater systems significantly contribute to urban waterway pollution. In this study, heavy metal (Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ba, As and Fe) contamination in surface runoff sediments of the urban area of the city of Vilnius was investigated. The surface runoff sediment samples were collected from seven dischargers with the highest volume rate of water flow and concentrations of suspended solids. The geospatial analysis of the distribution of heavy metals shows that there are several active pollution sources supplying the dischargers with contaminated sediments. Most of these areas are located in the central part of the city and in old town with intense traffic. Principal components analysis and t-test results clearly depicted the significantly different chemical compositions of winter and autumn surface sediment samples. The sampling approach and assessment of results provide a useful tool to examine the contamination that is generated in urban areas, distinguish pollution sources and give a better understanding of the importance of permeable surfaces and green areas.

The soil contamination by heavy metals in playgrounds of kindergartens in Vilnius city is analysed in this article. The aim of this research is to investigate and evaluate soil contamination by heavy metals in playgrounds of kindergartens in different territories of Vilnius city. Concentrations of heavy metals were measured using Thermo Fisher Scientific Niton® XL2 X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Maximum allowable and background concentrations that are given in Lithuanian hygiene standard and Lithuania geochemical atlas are used to compare and evaluate concentrations of heavy metals. Concentrations of heavy metals and their spatial distribution were analysed in order to exclude the most contaminated areas relating with different functional areas of the city. Geo-statistical analysis and maps of spatial distribution were developed using IDW interpolator in ArcMap software. Detail soil surveys helps to assess the extent of anthropogenic impact in different parts of the city which can be harmful to the soil ecosystem and human health. Such researches can help to change or select different function for city areas in territorial planning process.

Analytical method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and specifically Niton XL2 device for analysis of bottom sediments of lake Babrukas is analyzed in the article. The reliability of the method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for analysis of heavy metals is compared with atomic absorption spectrometry. Results of this method show a very impressive correlation of atomic absorption method. Quality parameters – concentrations of heavy metals in sediments are analyzed. Results of the analysis are overviewed and compared with concentrations of heavy metals in relevant legal documents in Lithuania. It is concluded that the X-ray method gives important and reliable information of anthropogenic impacts for lake ecosystems and human health. The assessment of heavy metals in bottom sediments with X-ray fluorescence method is much quicker and cheaper, thus it gives the opportunity to analyze more samples and more properly assess distribution of pollutants in the lake sediments. The largest technogenic origins of heavy metals concentrations where determined. Geostatistical analysis shows the distribution of concentrations of heavy metals in surface and subsurface layer. The interpolated concentrations of heavy metals are given in maps using Golden Software Surfer computer program. It perfectly shows the distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in surface and subsurface layers after hydro-mechanical treatment. It appears that concentrations of heavy metals in surface layer are still much higher than in subsurface after the hydro-mechanical treatment. After the detailed lake sediment studies the extent of anthropogenic impact which can be harmful to the lake ecosystem and human health is assessed. Most importantly it can give significant information about the centers of contamination and thus specify locations where hydro-mechanical treatment should be concentrated. Keywords: X-ray fluorescence spectrometry; heavy metals; hydromechanical treatment.