Environmental consequences of a galvanising plant fire

The aim of the study is to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals in soil contaminated with galvanising fume resulting from a fire in a galvanising plant. Surface horizon of soil exposed to contamination by toxic fumes due to the fire of a galvanising plant in Dębska Wola near Kielce (SE Poland) was analysed. Soil samples were collected in an agricultural area of 12 ha after the plant’s failure in 2019 and three years after the fire in 2022. Grain-size distribution, pH and concentration of zinc, lead and cadmium were determined. The acceptable values of pollutants were significantly exceeded in soil (Znmax – 2007.3 mg∙kg−1 DM, Pbmax – 509.5 mg∙kg−1 DM, Cdmax – 17.1 mg∙kg−1 DM in 0–5 cm horizon) and reduced in control samples (Znmax – 756.1 mg∙kg−1 DM, Pbmax – 320.1 mg∙kg−1 DM, Cdmax – 15 mg∙kg−1 DM). In the organic-mineral horizon the concentrations declined by an average of Zn – 41.8%, Pb – 26.1% and Cd – 16.3%, while in the mineral horizon by 27.8% (Zn), 26.7% (Pb) and 15.6% (Cd). Industrial plants, in which thermal treatment of molten metals is conducted, pose a real threat to the environment in the case of a failure. In order to minimise the effects of potential leaks, their location should be thoroughly considered. The course and consequences of accidents should be monitored during the event (such as fire) and in the long term (e.g. with the use of bioindicators).