| Autor: |
Marić N; Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia. nenad.maric@sfb.bg.ac.rs., Štrbački J; Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Đušina 7, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia., Mrazovac Kurilić S; Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University Union - Nikola Tesla, Cara Dušana 62-64, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia., Beškoski VP; Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia., Nikić Z; Faculty of Forestry, University of Belgrade, Kneza Višeslava 1, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia., Ignjatović S; Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Đušina 7, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia., Malbašić J; Faculty of Mining and Geology, University of Belgrade, Đušina 7, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia. |
| Abstrakt: |
Aquifer contamination by petroleum hydrocarbons leads to measurable changes of groundwater hydrochemistry, primarily due to the microbiological activity. This study analyzes this phenomenon at an historical kerosene-contaminated site in Vitanovac (central Serbia). Due to the long-term hydrocarbon contamination and exposure to aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation mechanisms, the lowest concentrations of O 2 , NO 3 - , and SO 4 2- (electron acceptors) and the highest concentrations of Mn and Fe (products of microbial metabolic activity) overlap. The terminal redox-accepting processes in groundwater ranged from oxygen reduction to sulfate reduction. The most anoxic processes were registered in piezometers closest to the source of contamination, as was also confirmed by the redox potential (Eh) measurements. High electrical conductivity values and the highest TOC, SiO 2 , and Al concentrations also overlap in the contaminated zone close to the source of contamination. Scanning electron microscopy study of quartz grains from the zone undergoing the impact of biodegradation confirmed the occurrence of weathering microscale processes on mineral surfaces. Taking all these factors together, it seems reasonable to assume that microbiological activity has caused the enhanced weathering of silicate minerals. |
Full text from SpringerLink