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The purpose of this paper was to assess the quality of environmental factors such as soil and water in some protected areas in Romania. The chosen case studies were the Preajba-Facai lake system from Dolj County and the Vanturarita Buila National Park from Valcea County. Highlighting the evolutionary aspects of the analyzed quality parameters (20 physical-chemical indicators) on a spatial-temporal scale aiming at establishing geochemical thresholds, is the final result of a larger project. The results presented in this article were obtained through seasonal monitoring involving water and soil sampling and laboratory analysis. All the results were interpreted in relation to the values in the specific environmental legislation, and following the field visits, additional information was brought, which contributed to a good knowledge of these regions. The areas, although protected, are influenced by the anthropogenic factor, which has a negative impact on the environment. In some cases, non-compliances were identified and validated by the analysis performed.

Significant global consumption of mineral water is fueled by perceived therapeutic and medicinal qualities, cultural habits and taste. In Valcea County are several resorts with such mineral springs, which can have multiple benefits for human health. For this reason, it is important to investigate the level of their pollution with heavy metals. The aim of this study was to detect the level of heavy metals present in the studied mineral waters, to evaluate the analytical results using environmental statistical indices, and to compare the results with the legislation in force. Thus, mineral water samples were collected from three resorts of Valcea County (Baile Olanesti, Calimanesti-Caciulata and Baile Govora). The analyzed metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined with ICP-EOS technique and the obtained results were compared to enforce legislation. Statistical analyses were applied and two environmental statistical indices, namely the metal distribution coefficient (kd) and the total environmental risk index (IER) were evaluated. The calculated values for the total environmental risk index were below 0 (IER ≤ 0), which indicates that none of the studied water samples pose a risk for the environment. The low values of the distribution coefficient indicate a low ability to bind the metal in particles and therefore, insignificant toxicity. The distribution coefficient calculated for zinc (1.12 L/kg) and lead (0.68 L/kg) in Baile Olanesti indicates a high capacity of the metals to bind in particles, compared to other metals.