Geoscientists Without Borders^®

Zlatna Mining Region, Central Romania: "Geophysical Investigations in the polluted mining area of Zlatna, Romania."

Partners: University of Bucharest, Romanian Society of Geophysics, and the town of Zlatna, Romania

Summary: The objective of the one year project is to analyze the contamination generated by the ore processing in the studied area at the soil level, underground terrain, hydrological and hydrogeologic systems levels. In addition, a related objective is to search for effective methods for identifying potable water in the context of the polluted aquifers. After 40 years of aggressive and irrational mining and ore processing of copper, lead and zinc, the administrative area of Zlatna was declared "the most polluted area in Europe." The project will use near surface geophysical investigations as a tool to offer a humanitarian service to the local communities in the polluted area of the Ampoiu Valley, Romania. The geophysical investigations will map the soil for quality and degree of contamination and search for potential alternative potable water sources. Seismic reflection surveys both active and passive, geomagnetic surveys, and GPR survey will be used.

Point of Contact: Lect. Dr. Panea Ionelia - ipanea2@yahoo.com, University of Bucharest