LEAD-ZINC PRODUCTION AND AIR POLLUTION IN KARDJALI

Air pollution of Kardjali town, South Bulgaria, has been monitored for the recent 20 years with the aim to evaluate the influence of Pb-Zn smelter, built in the town vicinity, on the air quality. Concentrations of Pb, Cd (in the recent 6 years only) and H2SO4 aerosols, total suspended particles (TSP) and SO2 have been measured in samples taken at three stations, situated at different positions and distances with respect the smelter. Determined Pb and SO2 concentrations were higher than the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC), except for the years 2002, beginning of 2003 when the smelter practically did not work. Cadmium concentrations were higher than MAC. Sulphuric acid aerosols concentrations higher than MAC were measured only in the beginning of the studied period. Concentrations of the TSP were higher than the MAC, except for the recent 5 years. An attempt is made to explain the observed seasonal changes in the averaged monthly concentrations of pollutants. Influence of other pollution sources on the air quality is commented. Increased concentrations of characteristic pollutants (Pb, Cd, H2SO4 and SO2) in combination with good correlation between pollutants amounts are pointed as an indicator for the air pollution caused by the smelter.