Journal of Environmental Biology

Metals distribution in soil contaminated by gold and copper mining in Georgia

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M. Avkopashvili¹*, A. Gongadze², G. Avkopashvili², L. Matchavariani¹, L. Asanidze³ and L. Lagidze¹ ???? 

¹Department of Geography, Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, 0179, Georgia

²Applied Research Center, Elephter Andronikashvili Institute of Physics, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia

³Vakhushti Bagrationi Institute of Geography, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, 0177, Georgia

*Corresponding Author Email : marika.avkopashvili.1@iliauni.edu.ge

Paper received: 30.04.2019 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 15.10.2019 ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????Accepted: 02.01.2020

Abstract

Aim: The study aimed analyzed of heavy metal distribution in soils and their contamination in the metallogenic province of the Lesser Caucasus (Kvemo Kartli region), due to mining of gold and copper ores.

Methodology: Samples were taken from the soil and analyzed using ICP-MC and AAS. Special formula was developed to reflect the relative distribution of the element in the soil profile.

Results: The research showed that intensive mining has been leading to increase scale and indicator of the contamination. Within the long period of time weather (wind, rain, snow) pollution was being spread over the far distances. Formation of molecular complexes in the soil can reduce certain metals

Interpretation: The research revealed that atomic mass of elements can influence their movement in air, i.e., lighter the atomic mass of the element farthest? its

Keywords: Gold mines, Georgia, Heavy metals, Open pit, Soil contamination

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