First Results of Geochemical Monitoring of the Environment in the Fez «Brest»

The Polesie agrarian ecological Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has carried out monitoring of environmental objects in the FEZ "Brest". Based on the obtained data, scientists prepared a report on the background level, the content of heavy metals in soils in the area of monitoring.

Source: FEZ "BREST"

Recall that the Free economic zone "Brest" has initiated the organization of an independent environmental monitoring and 1 June 2018 with Polesski agrarian-ecological Institute NAS of Belarus signed the agreement: "Formation of system of monitoring of heavy metals in environmental objects in the area of FEZ "Brest" platform "Airport" and the surrounding areas and evaluating the level of their accumulation in soil, vegetation and snow cover".In accordance with the contract employees of the Institute conducted research, namely:
-scientifically substantiated system of monitoring of environment objects,
-formed a network of sampling 60 sites zone "Airport" and the surrounding areas,
-implemented selection of soil samples,
-conducted laboratory analysis
-built map of the zone of monitoring.

First Results of Geochemical Monitoring of the Environment in the Fez «Brest» - 1
The choice of sites for sampling and their spatial distribution was carried out taking into account the key directions of the wind rose. The most remote sampling points are from the industrial area at a distance: 4.2 km in a westerly direction; 2.3 km in the Eastern and South-Eastern directions. The total area of land included in the monitoring system, 21.6 sq. km. Each site of sampling (7×7 meters) mark on the principle of "envelope" for the selection of 5 samples of soil: one of the 4 corners and 1 andz center. The soil sampling was carried out from a depth of 10 cm the composite sample from one site weighing at least 1 kg were taken after mixing 5 samples. This was done by binding each site to the location using GPS coordinates. The performed research revealed a background level of soderjaniya, cadmium, copper, zinc in soil on-site monitoring (gross form, milligrams per kilogram of soil (mg/kg)).

Data on background concentrations of heavy metals in the area of FEZ "Brest" platform "Airport" and the surrounding areas are given in the table:

First Results of Geochemical Monitoring of the Environment in the Fez «Brest» - 2
n. d. — the item is not obojan, the concentration is below the detection limit

In accordance with normative legal acts of the Republic of Belarus the maximum permissible concentration of lead in gross forms (total of 1 kg of soil) must not exceed:-32 mg/kg for residential, public-business, recreational and agricultural zones;
-40 mg/kg for industrial areas, areas of transport, engineering infrastructure, special and other territorial areas specified in legislation. Thus, the results of the conducted research show that the background levels of lead and other heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn) for 60 sites of sampling in the monitoring area do not exceed maximum permissible concentration. The obtained results will later be used for comparative evaluation of heavy metals accumulation in soil and to identify any potential environmental risks.