Measure of heavy metal load in the floodplain of the river Tisza

The quality of the River Tisza is significantly influenced by the industrial activity of Ukraine and Romania. The main problem is the heavy metal pollution which can be in dissolved form in the water or attached to colloidal particles in the sediments. In this paper an investigation of soil samples taken from the floodplain of the river was carried out. Surface samples were collected and profiles were created. As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined. The results show significant and continuous heavy metal load. ANOVA test was carried out and the metal concentration in the upper layer of the active floodplain is proved to be considerably higher than in the reclaimed side. Regarding copper and zinc, in addition to the total metal content, their percentage available for plants (Cu and Zn percentages measured in the Lakanen-Erviö solution) is also more in the active floodplain than in the reclaimed side (copper: 27%, zinc: 47%). Discriminance analysis can identify the location of the soil samples (correlate to the levee) with 92% accuracy. Soil profile shows increased heavy metal loads in the top layer of the soil and proved that the accident in 2000 was not the only pollution occurrence. Based on the results we came to the conclusion that the pollution comes constantly with the sediments from the over arm of the River Tisza and its tributaries.