Ołów w środowisku

A significant increase in lead (Pb) emissions, particularly from zinc smelters, has been identified as a major environmental concern, especially in the Silesian-Krakow region. This study reveals that lead's strong affinity for sulfur leads to its primary occurrence as galena (PbS), while secondary forms like cerusite (PbCO3) or synthetic compounds pose higher toxicity risks to living organisms. The research highlights the historical and ongoing impact of industrial activities, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries, on environmental contamination by heavy metals, with lead being a notable pollutant due to its widespread use in batteries, alloys, paints, and gasoline additives. Emission data from Europe (1955–2010) underscores the region's role as a global hotspot for lead pollution, linked to zinc production and metal smelting. The study combines geochemical analysis with historical industrial records to quantify emissions and assess their ecological and health consequences.

Cabała, J., Janeczek, J., & Kowalczyk, A. (2021). Ołów w środowisku. Narracje O Zagładzie, (specjalny), 147–224. https://doi.org/10.31261/noz.2021.dhc.09