[The content of toxic trace elements in the conjugate media]

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to make a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the content of toxic trace element (Pb, Co, Ni, Cd, Ni, Cd, Sr, and Cr) in the deposited media (snow cover, soil) and drinking water and to define the relationship of the levels of elements in the snow-soil and soil-water systems. The analysis was made in the economic (eastern, western, and central) areas of the region. The higher levels of metals were recorded in the snow cover and soil of the eastern area, which was caused by a high man-made load. There were higher concentrations of Co, Ni, and Cr in the deposited media of the eastern area. It is significant that there were direct correlations with the content of trace elements in the conjugate snow-soil media for Ni (r = 0.41), Cr (r = 0.86). The average level of trace elements in the drinking water was not greater than the maximum permissible concentration in the whole region. The summary pollution index in the drinking water was higher in the western area. It should be noted that the western area showed the largest number of direct correlations with the content of elements in the soil-water system: Pb (r = 0.99), Co (r = 0.84), Ni (r = 0.38).