Lead content in soil, plants, rodents, and amphibians in the vicinity of a heating plant's ash waste

This study supplements previous research focused on environmental condition in the vicinity of waste ash material. The main aim of our study was the comparative analysis of lead levels in soil, plant, and animal organisms in the area of the tailings pond and surroundings, using x-ray. Findings confirm that the level of Pb in the top layer of soil is in the range of 20-135 ppm. Lead content in Calamagrostis plant tissues was confirmed only at the tailings pond area, with the highest lead concentrations measured in above-ground components; stems with blooms followed by roots and ground floor sheats. The livers, kidneys, and hearts of Apodemus flavicollis were examined, with findings of higher values in the tailings pond area than in the reference site, and average values of 14.5 ppm for livers, 16.0 ppm for kidneys, and 16.6 ppm for hearts. No significant differences were discovered based on sex and body length/body weight of A. flavicollis individuals. Values for Bombina variegata liver tissue reached an average of 12.3 ppm for individuals caught in a water reservoir without ash sediments, versus 15.7 ppm in those trapped by the edge of then tailings pond area. Females had lower concentrations of lead than males, but with no statistically significant differences found. Despite lower lead levels in soil and ash than expected, concentrations in mammalian and amphibian organs suggest a possible transition of this element into the food chain, and therefore further research in this area is recommended.