Characterization of soil in the coastal area of the Bor River

Production process of copper obtaining in the Mining and Smelting Company (RTB) Bor directly affects the environmental pollution in Bor and surrounding area. Harmful elements present in the air are deposited on the surface and due to the effects of atmospheric precipitation penetrate into deeper layers of soil. On the other hand, in the area of RTB Bor activity, the significant pollution of rivers and soil are present in coastal area due to the increased concentrations of present heavy metals. The Bor River is particularly endangered where the waste industrial and mining waste water flew for many years. The Bor River has become on time one of the most polluted rivers in Europe. This paper presents the results of physico-chemical characterization of soil samples from the coastal areas of the Bor River. The following parameters were analyzed: moisture content, pH value, bulk density, specific gravity, grain size distribution, chemical composition, toxic characteristics -TCLP Method and leaching test - Method for characterization of waste leaching. The obtained results indicate that the soil is contaminated with heavy metals and that a significant deviation from the permissible concentrations was found in particular for the following elements: Cu, As, and Pb. The soil in the coastal area of the Bor River belongs to the category of hazardous waste and the preventive measures are necessary in accordance with defined regulations.