Multi-criteria analysis of soil pollution by heavy metals in the vicinity of the Copper Smelting Plant in Bor (Serbia)

This study highlights the consequences on soil pollution of one hundred years of manufacturing in the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex RTB-Bor (Serbia). Soil sediments were taken via a probe from the surface layer of the soil at twelve different measuring points, all within 20 km of the smelting plant, including both urban and rural zones. Soil sampling was performed using a soil core sampler, removing a core of soil with a radius of 5 cm and a depth of 30 cm. The samples were analyzed for pH and heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, As, Cd, Mn, Ni, and Hg) using various spectrometric methods. The results showed high levels of heavy metals in the samples: 2,540 mg kg-1 Cu; 230 mg kg-1 Pb; 6 mg kg-1 Cd; 530 mg kg-1 Ni; 1,300 mg kg-1 Mn; 260 mg kg-1 As; and 0.3 mg kg-1 Hg. Critical zones of polluted soil were identified and ranked according to their metal contents using the multi-criteria decision method PROMETHEE/GAIA. The ranking results indicated that the most polluted zones are located near vital functions of the town, raising concerns about the bioavailability of heavy metals and their potential impact on human health through the food chain.