Search

Plio-quaternary sediments of the southeastern part of Mt Medvednica consist of colluvial and alluvial unconsolidated sediments (BASCH, 1983). They are covered with a thin and young soil profile. By investigating clay mineralogy of these profiles at different depths, we tried to gain more insight into weathering processes and pedogenesis. Samples were collected at two locations: Oporovec at depths of 25, 40 and 70 cm and Dotrščina at depths of 25, 120 and 300 cm. Mineralogical composition of the bulk samples was determined using XRD on randomly oriented mounts. Clay minerals were analyzed further after the removal of organic matter, carbonates and Fe/Mn/Al oxides using XRD on oriented slides on

This study focused on 137Cs and Pb accumulation in sediments from the Dobczyce Reservoir in southern Poland. Elements’ spatial distribution as well as their distribution in sediment core samples were analyzed. The conditions of cesium and lead desorption were also investigated. The distribution coefficient for 137Cs (KCs) was obtained using a radiometric determination in combination with static ion-exchange chromatography. Determination of the distribution coefficient for Pb (KPb) was performed by means of atomic absorption spectrometry (electrothermal technique). The experiments were carried out considering various concentrations of potassium and calcium ions (from 5·10-3 to 10-5 mol·dm-3 by addition of KNO3 and Ca(NO3)2, respectively). It was found that: a) spatial distribution of anthropogenic 137Cs and Pb in the sediments of the Dobczyce Reservoir results mainly from hydrological conditions of the sedimentation process and, on the other hand, from the sorptive properties of the deposited material b) in the case of 137Cs sorption, a pronounced competitive effect was noted for K ions; much less effect was found for Ca. On the contrary, in the case of lead such a competitive effect was visible for Ca, much less for K. The conditions of 137Cs desorption from the sediments caused by K and Ca ions present in water were estimated.

Soil cover in the investigated area of the Chernokhora Mts. is characterized by shallow soil profile containing a lot of unweathering crumbs of sandstone and specific character of organic matter. It is a result of very hard bedrock (especially sandstones), intensive morfphogenetic processes and very humid and cold climate. Under beech and spruce forests Dystric Cambisols and Cambic Leptosols prevail. In subalpine and alpine areas Umbric Leptosols, Lithic Leptosols and Dystric Regosols occur. The Pulmonario- Alnetum viridis vegetation occur on Hapli-Eutric Gleysols enriched by waters migrating among rocks.