Sediments are reliable indicators of environmental pollution. The territory of the Banská Štiavnica region belongs to the contaminated areas of the Slovak Republic. Among  the present polluters is an aluminum manufacturing plant in the Žiar nad Hronom, whose emissions influence a wide area, while in the past it was an extensive mining activity, which had a significant adverse impact on the environment of the Banská Štiavnica and its environs. In this study, in the year 2010, the concentrations of selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Hg, Zn) have been studied in the sediments of the four artificial water reservoirs (the Počúvadlo, the Little Richňava, the Great Richňava, the Windsachta). In term of contamination importance is eminent of interaction vein and surface water of sediments with inappropriateness anthropogenic activity (past and present mining activities, irresponsible activity by gardening and agricultural), with diversity waste materials, which are standing in wild dumps form. Analyses samples of sediments we were carried by (certificate no. 01871/101/1/2001) flow electro chemistry methods (EcaFlow 150GLP). At present contaminants are relevant especially cadmium (concentration in the space of value from 0.996 to 5.016 mg.kg -1 Cd dry matter) and lead (18.13-57.08 mg.kg -1 dry matter). Other analyzed elements were arsenic (from 0.068 to 0.298 mg.kg -1 dry matter), copper (from 4.22 to 8.97 mg.kg -1 dry matter), mercury (from 0.086 to 0.398 mg.kg -1 dry matter), and zinc (from 25.9 to 78.64 mg.kg -1 dry matter), in the selected artificial water reservoirs. From statistical processing of data we had ascertained, that dependency of selected heavy metals were significantly correlated  and strongly positive association, particularly Cd:Pb relation. Where is increase of cadmium concentration in the environment, there is spotted also high accumulation of lead contents, these connection is dependent. We had observed the expressive effect as a toxic elements to the potential increased incidence of individual affection for organisms of this monitored territory. Increasing concentration of chemical elements in the human environment can cause to origination of various disturbances and diseases. The uptake of cadmium, lead and other metals in food is one of the main exposition ways for organisms. Between the most important exposition sources for people belong roll and other root vegetables, green-stuff - vegetables products, cereals.

artificial water reservoirs, Banská Štiavnica ,environment, heavy metals, sediment

Presentation: oral