Impact of lead/zinc ore mining on groundwater quality in Trzebionka mine (southern Poland)

The intensive mining activity carried out by “Trzebionka” zinc-lead mine causes changes in the hydrodynamic regime of the triassic aquifer as well as essential changes in the chemical composition of the groundwater. The mine water, in comparison with groundwaters collected directly from fractures and Karstic channels and with groundwaters pumped out from wells situated in Chrzanow region, is characterized by higher contents of almost all major dissolved constituents as, well as, many trace elements. Hydrogeochemical background of triassic carbonate series aquifer has been elaborated. Largest anomalies in extent of almost all elements have occurred in area of the “Trzebionka” mine. In this water general trend of increase of pH, total dissolved solids and SO₄ ²⁻ concentration with simultaneous trends of decrease of Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺ concentrations have been noticed. Water pumped out from the mine in spite of its low quality, is utilized in about 80% as potable water after undergoing complicated treatment.