Heavy metals in recent alluvium of the Odra River

The Odra River, along with its tributaries, receives significant industrial wastewater from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany, mainly due to mining and metallurgical activities. This study investigates the concentration of heavy metals in the alluvial sediments of the Odra River, given the environmental impact of such wastes. A total of 153 samples of alluvial sediments were collected every 5 km along the Odra River course, alongside 115 samples from nearby tributaries. The concentrations of metals including Ag, Cd, Cu, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), while Hg was measured through Cold Vapour Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Results indicate that the upper and middle tracts of the Odra exhibit heavy metal concentrations that significantly exceed geochemical background values. In contrast, the lower Odra, below the confluence with the Warta River, shows metal concentrations closer to the geochemical background. The study highlights the influence of industrial discharge on these sediments, particularly noting the high levels of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in the upper and middle reaches of the Odra.