Heavy Metal Balance in a Communal Wastewater Treatment Plant

Abstract

In early 2000, two contamination events at Baia Mare first and Baia Borsa second involving large amounts of toxic elements impacted the Hungarian section of the River Tisza with disastrous ecological and economical impacts. We evaluated the sort- and long-term effects of this pollution by determining the total and bioavailable concentrations of potentially toxic metals from soil samples collected along the Tisza (Tivadar, Vasarosnameny, Rakamaz, and Tiszacsege) in 2000 and between 2011 and 2013. The current and previous results were compared in respect of copper and lead contents.