Geochemical evaluation of environmental risks in locality of abandoned Hg-deposit Mernik (Eastern Slovakia)

Geological survey on the site of Mernik has defined the nature of pollutants, encompassing inorganic substances with mercury, antimony and nickel (geogenic origin) as the risk elements, as well as typical materials of mine sites exceeding limit values - Fe, Mn, or sulphates. The primary source of pollution in the study area is represented by the heaps and impoundments, which are washed by the water and weathering process, causing the soil and surface water pollution. Leaking water from the mine shafts represents a secondary source of pollution of the surface waters in the western area, though due to the low outflows of the water from all monitored shafts, the mine water does not pose a significant risk. (authors)