_ANNUAL REPORT No 4

The IGCP 429 Annual Report No.4, 2001

ORGANICS IN MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

DURATION AND STATUS: 1998 - 2002 - ONGOING

PROJECT LEADERS: JAN PASAVA & JAN JENIK, (IGCP) (MAB)

Czech Geological Survey (address on guiding pages) & Faculty of Botany, Klarov 3 Charles University, CS-118 00 Praha 1 Benatska 2, Czech Republic CS-128 01 Praha 2

phone: (+420)-2-5817390 & phone:(+420)-2-21953119; fax: (+420)-2-5818748& fax: (+420)-2-21953125, e-mail: pasava@cgu.cz & jenik@natur.cuni.cz

PROJECT SECRETARY: ANDREW P. GIZE, Department of Geology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK

phone: (+44)-61-275-3832; fax: (+44)-61-275-3947; e-mail: andy_gize@email.msn.com

INTRODUCTION

IGCP Project 429 "Organics in Major Environmental Issues" (1998-2002) was approved by UNESCO in February 1998. In the period from October 15, 2000 to October 15, 2001 around 70 scientists from 33 countries participated in the Project activities.

The present configuration of the Project is as follows:

National Working Group Suggested Representative

Albania	E. Xhemo
Argentina	M. Brodtkorb
Australia	B. Lottermoser
Austria	H. Lobitzer
Botswana	M. Segola
Brazil	Laecio C. de Souza
Bulgaria	T. Todorov
Burkina Faso	U. Wenmenga
Canada	D. Van Stempvoort
China	F. Delian
Czech Republic	B. Kribek
Estonia	E. Puura
Finland	K. Loukola-Ruskeeniemi
France	M. Leblanc
Germany	K. Bosecker
Hungary	M. Polgári
Israel	Y. Chen
Italy	P. Lattanzi
Japan	S. Nakashima
Jordan	T.M. El-Hasan
Korea	H.T. Chon
Macedonia	T. Serafimovski
Mongolia	B. Tumenbayar
Nigeria	S. Akande
Philippines	E.C. Santiago
Poland	W. Mayer
Romania	C. Dinulescu
Russia	A. Kontorovich
Slovakia	I. Rojkovič
Slovenia	T. Dimkovski
South Africa	K. Walemba
Spain	I. Suarez-Ruiz
Switzerland	J. Spangenberg
United Kingdom	J. Parnell
United States	T. Giordano

1. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT

2000 was the third year of the IGCP 429, characterized by continuing progress within all eight topical working groups covering major issues of the Project. Besides 33 countries involved in the Project, new links have been established in Burkina Faso and Botswana. Two major international events and several meetings on national level were arranged within IGCP 429 activities. The very well attended Annual International Meeting was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil within the 31st IGC. Another very important aspect of the IGCP 429 activities was a "training component", which was represented by an active Project involvement in the preparation and organization of the GEOCHIM 2000 - a Postgraduate Certificated Training Course on the Geochemical Prospecting Methods and their Environmental Applications. The course was held in the Czech Republic in September and 13 scientists from developing countries took part in this event.

The results of the IGCP 429 have been summarized in more than 80 scientific papers.

2. ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PROJECT THIS YEAR

2.1. GENERAL SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS

From October 15, 2000 to October 15, 2001, broad activities of the Project successfully continued. Two major international events and several meetings on national level were arranged within the Project 429.

The 2001 Annual International Meeting entitled "The role of organic matter in the formation of mineral deposits and related environmental issues", took place in Cracow, Poland between August 26-29, 2001 within a joint SGA-SEG Conference.

Seventeen scientific talks (each 15 min. plus 5 min. discussion) and four posters were presented by scientists from 11 countries at a very well attended full day session of the IGCP 429 (S1 symposium - 50-60 people). Altogether 21 peer reviewed extended (4 page) abstracts were grouped in a hard cover book (A. Piestrzynski et al., eds, 2001, Mineral Deposits at the beginning of the 21^st century, Rotterdam, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 1148. The chapter "The role of organic matter in the formation of mineral deposits and related environmental issues", edited by A.P.Gize, J.Pašava and S. Speczik covers pp. 23-113.

Another very important aspect of the IGCP 429 activities - a "training component", was an active involvement in the preparation and technical programme of a training course for people from developing countries. IGCP 429 was together with the Czech Geological Survey in Prague, Government of the Czech Republic (through Technical Assistance Programme to Developing Countries), Czech Commission for UNESCO and the Division of Earth Sciences (UNESCO/Paris) one of the organizers and scientific guarantees of the GEOCHIM 2001 Postgraduate Certificated Training Course. The course was held in Prague and Dolní Rožínka (Czech Republic) from September 3 through September 17, 2001 and 12 geoscientists representing 7 countries were trained both theoretically and practically in the geochemical exploration methods and their environmental applications. Soil geochemistry, biogeochemistry and hydrogeochemistry including their environmental applications as well as up to date results on the role of organic matter in major environmental issues were lectured by J. Pašava, M. Ďuriš, B. Kříbek, M. Novák and J. Veselý (IGCP 429 members from the Czech Geological Survey).

Call for abstracts was made for the final IGCP 429 meeting "Environmental impacts of the exploitation of mineral deposits and energy resources" which will take place in Windhoek, Namibia in July, 2002 within the framework of a joint Geocongress and 11^th IAGOD Symposium. Negotiations with the Springer Verlag (Heidelberg) were initiated on a possibility of publishing major results of the IGCP 429 in the form of hard cover book entitled " Organics in Major Environmental Issues".

Project activities planned for 2002, including a schedule and a scope of the final international meeting and a structure of the final publication (2002) have been discussed during the IGCP 429 meeting in Cracow.

Newsletter summarizing 2001 activities and plans for 2002 was distributed to the participants.

The scientific results reached within individual eight topical workin groups can be briefly summarized as follows:

One of major highlights of the IGCP 429 activities came out of a joint Chinese-U.S. research collaborative research study on high-As coals from the southwestern part of the Guizhou provice (China). It should be noted that the use of high As coals (up to 3.5 wt.%) had caused in excess of 3000 cases of As poisoning (arsenosis) in several villages in this region. It was newly found that As mainly occurs in the form of organically bound compounds and not as formerly suggested arsenopyrite, realgar and other phases. These findings are extremely important not only to document how organically bound metals can be dangerous for human living but also for possible prevention and/or treatment of this serious harm.

WG1: Organic Matter - Metals Interaction

(A.P. Gize, UK - e-mail: <andy_gize@email.msn.com>

Numerous important studies on organic-metal interaction were carried out within the IGCP 429 activities.

Very important scientific results were achieved in this field by U.S. scientists. They conducted potentiometric titrations and Cd-bacteria adsorption experiments using the gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and the gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus megaturium, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Sporosarcina ureae and Bacillus cereus). They found that a wide range of bacterial species exhibit nearly identical Cd adsorption behavior as a function of pH. It was concluded that metal-bacteria adsorption is not dependent on the bacterial species involved. A generalized adsorption model which greatly simplify the task of quantifying the effects of bacterial adsorption on dissolved mass transport in realistic geologic system was also developed.

Another group of U.S. scientists has focused on the evaluation of the influence of Ni, Co, Fe, and Na on methane production in Sphagnum-dominated Northern America peatlands. They found that in peat from the most mineral poor sites, the addition of metals and Na enhanced CH₄ production. It was suggested that methanogens, and not the entire anaerobic community, can be limited by the availability of metal elements and cations.

A new analytical technique for in situ observation of the binding of dissolved organics on mineral surfaces, Infrared Attenuated Total Reflectance (IR-ATR) method has been tested by Japanese scientists with the aim to develop the IR-ATR method into a new analytical tool for detecting dissolved organic pollutants in water, such as chlorinated hydrocarbons.

Jordanian scientists studied adsorption of Cu and Zn by oil shale. They noted that an increase in the adsorbent concentration with constant Cu or Zn concentrations resulted in greater metal removal from solution. They concluded that oil shale could be used for the adsorption of the Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ with higher affinity toward Zn²⁺ ions. Addition of sodium salt to the metal solution influenced Cu-removal positively, but inhibited zinc removal. These results document that oil shale containing organic matter can be considered as suitable biosorbent.

Copper accumulation by Polygonum microcephalum and Rumex hastatus from copper mining waste dumps in Yunnan Province was studied by Chinese scientists. It was found that both plant species can grow well on mining waste sites rich in Cu but with medium nutrient supply. P. microcephalum accumulated more Cu than R. hastatus. It was concluded that both species may have some potential for phytostabilization of metal-contaminated soils and also for biogeochemical prospecting.

In order to control the actual amount of pollutants formed in the environment, another group of Chinese scientist studied loading capacity of agricultural soils for heavy metals and its applications throughout China. This loading capacity was defined as the maximum permitted amount of heavy metals in agricultural soil which preserves the benign cycle of materials in the pedosphere and limits the adverse effects of heavy metals on the biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and lithosphere. It was suggested that the acceptable range in China is 23-37 g/ha/a for Cd, 6750-10125 g/ha/a for Pb, 687-2812 g/ha/a for Cu and 450-675 g/ha/a for As, respectively.

A significant correlation between Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu and organic carbon and sulfur was reported by Indian scientists from heavy metal polluted, freshly deposited sediments of the Yamuna river (Delhi and Agra urban centers, India). It was concluded that mostly anthropogenic input was responsible for such intensive pollution.

Heavy metal contamination of urban soils and street dust in Hong Kong was studied by Chinese scientist. It was documented that urban soils contain elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn which resulted from traffic emissions and industrial activities while street dust contains a high Zn values (most likely a result of contamination by car tires). The geochemistry showed that Pb and Zn are mainly bound to carbonate/adsorbed and Mn/Fe oxide phases, while Cu is largely associated with the organic and sulfide fractions.

Investigation of the distribution of heavy metals in fish and plant species (especially Egeria radiata and Tympanotomus ruscatus) in water of the Cross River Estuary in South Eastern Nigeria was carried out by Nigerian scientists. They found that seasonal and spatial variations of heavy metals in sediments, fish and plant species did not conform to a definite pattern as heavy metal values are generally low and concluded that this site could be considered as safe of metal pollution.

Experimental pyritization of plants was carried out by British scientists. The results demonstrated that initial pyritization (precipitation on and within plant cell walls) can be extremely rapid process (within 80 days) which is driven by anaerobic bacterial-mediated decay. Further decay and infilling at all scales preserves broad cellular anatomy. The results have implications for fossilization in general and the fidelity of the taxonomic and biomolecular information preserved in fossils.

A series of experiments on silica organic compounds including humic acid were conducted with silica gel powder or colloidal silica by Japanese scientists.

New data on organic-metal interactions pointing at a close association between migrated organic matter (bitumen) and metalliferous minerals in several regions of the world (U.K., Russia, South Africa) were presented by British scientists.

WG 2: Microbial Leaching in Environmental Clean Up

(K. Bosecker, Germany - e-mail: <k.bosecker@bgr.de> )

Bacteria are present in a wide range of geologic and aquatic environments. The adsorption of aqueous metal cations onto bacterial surfaces can affect the global cycling of elements, biomineralization, heavy metal contaminant mobility in soil and groundwater systems and the effectiveness of bioremediation techniques.

Considerable progress in the field of remediation of anthropogenically polluted soils by heavy metals was achieved by German scientists in the Leipzig Lowlands region. (Saxony, Germany). The leaching of heavy metals was observed in suspension and in the soil bed. Acidic conditions were produced by adding either H₂SO₄ or S⁰. It was found that the kinetics of leaching was largely influenced by both the procedure and the leaching agent used. In leaching with elemental sulfur, the kinetics of metal solubilization was determined by the microbial oxidation rate of sulfur to sulfuric acid (20 and more days in both environments). Leaching with H₂SO₄ proceeded very fast in suspension (a. 2 days to reach equilibrium) but needed much longer in solid bed. It was concluded that large-scale remediation of heavy-metal-polluted sediment seems only possible through solid-bed leaching of sediment supplemented with elemental sulfur. To make bioleaching process more effective, optimum temperature between 30 and 40 °C as well as a dosage of 2% S⁰ was recommended based on all experiments. These achievements are very important as heavy metals in soils are still a challenging problem all over the world.

Another important problem studied by Danish scientists was Cd and Cu release kinetics in relation to afforestation of cultivated soils which causes soil acidification and elevated concentrations of dissolved organic matter in the soil solution, and hence, aggravate the risk of heavy metal leaching. The soil solution isolated from Norway spruce and soil samples from an arable Ap horizon were studied in detail. It was documented that Cd release rates are very low at pH>5 and increase exponentially as pH decreased to <5. No significant effect of dissolved organic matter was observed. The kinetics of Cu was more complicated with effects of both pH and dissolved organic matter. It was concluded that changes in soil chemical conditions after afforestation can lead to the dramatic release of Cd at soil solution pH<4.5 and that inhibition of Cu-release by dissolved organic matter (observed at pH 3.8 to 5.0), indicates that Cu is retained in the soil by interactions with adsorbed organic matter. These results are very important as afforestation process results not only in increased erosion, drainage and the change of ecosystem but also aggravates a high risk of heavy metal leaching.

The discovery of diverse microbial communities in the terrestrial subsurface has important ramifications for bioremediation and sediment diagenesis. Further important scientific results in this field were achieved by U.S. scientists. They provided geochemical and microbiological evidence that viable microorganisms produce and consume volatile organic acids in the Yengua formation (east-central Texas). It was found that slow mineralization rate of in situ organic matter in mudstones is within the range for deep aquifers, and probably accounts for the long-term survival of microorganisms in oligotrophic environments.

Interesting results have been reported by scientist from Denmark who studied conditions for biological precipitation of iron by bacterium Gallionella ferruginea in a slightly polluted ground water. The rate of the Fe oxidation/precipitation was found to be about 100 times faster than formerly found for abiotic physico-chemical oxidation/precipitation processes. The reason for the poor adsorption of the hydrophobic pesticides and trichlorethylene was due to the pronounced hydrophylic property of the exopolymers of Galionella and the precipitated ferrihydrite. These results are very important as biosorption is attracting wide attention as an alternate wastewater treatment technology.

WG 3: Weathering of Organic Matter

(B. Kribek, Czech Republic- e-mail: <kribek@cgu.cz>)

Further for society very useful applied scientific results have been reached by Czech scientists on the weathering of fossil organic matter in waste dumps of coal mines of various age from the Sokolov Basin (Tertiary), Pilsen Basin (Carboniferous) and Barrandian Basin (Devonian). Oxidation of fossil organic matter in relation to coalification degree was studied experimentally. The result of the study showed that the rate of weathering of fossil organic matter depends on the organic matter type and degree of coalification. In the low degree of coalification, weathering of organic matter yields a great amount of humic substances. No humic substances are produced during weathering of black coals. The formation of humic substances increases adsorption capacity of anthropogenic soils. In contrast to soil humic acids, humic acids formed in a course of weathering are low of nitrogen. The gradual increase in their nitrogen contents during weathering is probably due to the interaction of weathering products of fossil organic matter with nitrogen-rich products of microbial activity. A part of weathered fossil algal-type organic matter in a low maturation degree may be directly metabolized by soil biota. These results can be very important for remediation strategy of dumpsite after coal mining worldwide.

Further studies of U.S. scientists focused on the kerogen degradation during black shale weathering brought very interesting results. It was shown, using a solid state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy for examination of kerogen composition in weathered profiles of the Montgomery, Green River, Woodford and New Albany black shale formations, that during weathering, the highly aliphatic component remains largely unaltered, while the mixed component loses aliphatic carbon and accumulates carbonyl oxidation products. It was suggested that kerogen weathering is dominated by two separate processes. Linear alkyl fragments are cleaved without oxidation, and aromatic/branched alkyl fragments are oxidized while attached to the kerogen macromolecule and then cleaved.

Notable results were reached on the study of vegetation control on soil organic matter dynamics by U.S. and French scientists. Soil organic matter formation is one of the least understood steps of the global carbon cycle. The role of plant communities in regulating soil organic matter dynamics formation was studied through the quantifying of the influence of oak and pine vegetation on soil organic matter dynamics at the highly controlled conditions of the San Dimas lysimeter installation. It was documented that soil organic matter turnover rates were faster under oak than under pine. In contrast to the rapid turnover for the oak litter (<2 years), the delay in litter incorporation into the mineral soil under pine was a controlling factor of soil organic matter dynamics fluxes. These results indicate that the global mosaic of vegetation exerts significant influence on the accumulation and turnover of soil organic matter directly by determining the palatability of plant material and indirectly by conditioning the pathways of biomass incorporation into soil.

French scientists have studied experimentally oxide weathering and trace metal release by bacterial reduction on the example of a New Caledonia Ferralsol (rich in Ni, Co, Fe and Mn). Two treatments were imposed containing different sources of organic matter (soil organic matter with or without glucose addition) to link organic matter biodegradation with reduction process. The results showed that anaerobic Fe- and Mn-reducing bacterial activity was responsible for Fe- and Mn - oxide solubilization by anaerobic respiration and fermentation. It was concluded that the bioavailability of heavy metals in this soil was increased by biological reduction but was limited by adsorption or precipitation phenomena.

WG 4: Acid Mine Drainage

(E. Puura, Estonia - e-mail: <epuura@math.ut.ee> or <erx@ket.kth.se>)

Organic fossil fuels contain often pyrite, as the sedimentation under anaerobic conditions leads to the reduction of both Fe(III) and sulfate, with pyrite becoming oversaturated. During mining activities, pyritic material is brought into the connection with atmosphere. The result is active oxidation of pyrite and formation of acid leachate, commonly known as acid mine drainage (AMD) or acid rock drainage (ARD). The leachate often contains high concentrations of heavy metals, that were originally in the sulfidic form, or were adsorbed to the other solid phases of the source rock (or bound to organic matter). The deterioration of the surrounding environment depends mainly on the buffering capacity of the rocks and sediments the leachate is flowing through. If the buffering capacity is low, it becomes depleted and the leachate needs to be treated not to cause major regional scale problems.

Major progress in this field was achieved by Korean scientists. The first group of scientists focused on the study of dilution and removal of dissolved metals from acid mine drainage on the example of the Imgok creek, Korea. The dilution factor and removal fractions were quantitatively estimated using two different methods, the conservative component method (assuming that SO₄ is a perfectly conservative component) and a mass balance method (relating the concentrations of dissolved components to their precipitation stoichiometries). It was suggested that SO₄ concentration is a good indicator of dilution for Imog creek - as the calculated dilution factors of pollutants quickly decrease from the site of AMD input to the site a few km downstream, and then remain more or less constant over the reaches father downstream. The calculated removal fractions showed that almost all original Fe input were removed from the stream-water due to precipitation of schwertmannite or ferrihydrite and Al due to amorphous Al₄(OH)₁₀SO₄. The other metals were removed not by precipitation but by adsorption on and/or co-precipitation with Fe/Al compounds. It was concluded that the relatively abundant freshwater supply might raise stream pH higher than the adsorption edge and consequently, contribute to rapid metal attenuation by forcing not only more precipitation but also more adsorption of the dissolved metals.

Another group of Korean scientists has completed geochemical study of the AMD in the water system in the vicinity of the Dogye coal mines in Korea which represents the main source of AMD in this region. The authors reported pH value of 3.0 and concentrations of 2148 mg SO₄^2- / 1L, 229 mg Fe / 1L, 71 mg Al / 1L and 11 mg Mn / 1L and suggested that the reduction of some metal concentrations downstream from the discharge point could be explained on the basis of dilution and precipitation. They found that the order of removal of metal ions downstream from the discharge point was Fe>Al, Cu>Zn, Mn and that acidity could be used as a good determining factor offering comprehensive and quantitative values for the pollution extent of AMD. Predominant species of dissolved Fe and Al were also identified.

WG 5: Environmental Models of Black Shale Hosted Mineral Deposits

(W. Mayer, Poland - e-mail: <wmayer@geol.agh.edu.pl>)

Sulfidic black shale can cause serious environmental harm by (1) generation of acids; (2) release of toxic metals contained in sulfides and other ore minerals and (3) leaching of metals from other minerals such as silicates, due to the acid.

Further progress in the study of sulfidic - environmentally hazardous facies of the Upper Proterozoic black shales in the Bohemian Massif was achieved by Czech scientists and similar studies were continuing on metalliferous black shales in Estonia, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea and U.S.

The environmental impact assessment of heavy metal distribution in soil and streams sediments around the Southern Benue black shale hosted Abakaliki Pb-Zn deposit (Eastern Nigeria) was carried out by Nigerian scientists. They concluded that anomalous Pb (up to 0.9 wt.%) and Zn (up to 0.05 wt.%) values detected in stream sediments and soils around the mine centers are generally above phyto-toxic levels and that they resulted from the rapid decay, decomposition and transport of metals in a humid tropical environment.

New project on the evaluation of the distribution of heavy metals in selected facies of black shales potentially suitable for combustion was launched within the Czech Technical Assistance Programme to Burkina Faso.

WG 6: Organic Atmospheric Particulates

(K. Hall, U.K. - e-mail: <Keith_Hall_GC2@compuserve.com>)

Atmospheric pollution from fossil fuel combustion has increased dramatically during this century. Beside the principal gaseous pollutants (CO₂, CO, SO₂ and a number of N-oxides), fossil fuel burning also delivers a variety of particulate matter, such as smoke particles and fly ashes, to the atmosphere. A range of experiments led to the result that atmospheric particles were classified into two categories according to their features. Organic atmospheric particulates are usually of spherical shape with the size of 0.1 mm and produced by the combustion of fossil fuel and petrochemical products. Understanding of the chemical and physical behavior of atmospheric particles is very much in its infancy.

Important progress in the study of organic atmospheric particulates was reported by Estonian scientist. They studied spherically fly-ash particles which were emitted to the atmosphere during the high-temperature combustion process of fossil fuels and found in considerable amounts in snow samples of NE Estonia. Both black colored inorganic ash spheres and carbonaceous particles were identified and higher deposition values were reported close to the power plants. It was concluded that due to prevailing wind directions, the deposition of atmospheric particulates from oil shale combusting power plants is very restricted to the north-easternmost part of the country and decreases significantly towards west and south-west.

Interesting scientific results have been reached by Nigerian scientists who studied metal contamination of soils around petroleum storage facilities and soils plus drill hole waters adjacent to densely populated heavy metal constructions works (e.g. bridges). The results of the study focused on heavy metal occurrences in road side soils of an urban population in Ibadan (SW Nigeria), indicated a link between traffic density, flow of traffic and the presence of some heavy metals (e.g. Pb, Zn, Cd and As) in roadside soils within the metropolis. A general concentration trend in the order of As>Pb>Zn>Cd was established based on the comparison of soil contamination with the distribution of heavy metals in the motor vehicle fuels.

Majority of other studies focused on tracking the distribution of natural and anthropogenic Pb in soils. For example, scientists from Israel sampled Mediterranean soils from soil profiles adjacent to major highway (8-23 m) and soil profiles away from the same highway (500 m). Subsequent detailed study of different soil components (soil carbonate, organic matter, Fe-oxides and hydroxides, alumosilicates) revealed that natural Pb is associated mainly with alumosilicates and only a small fraction with soil carbonate and organic matter ( up to 10%). Conversely, anthropogenic Pb, which accumulates mainly in the upper part of the soil profile, is mostly bound to soil carbonate, organic matter and Fe-oxides. The results of isotopic composition of lead from deeper horizon of soil sampled in the vicinity of the highway and also Pb determined in the upper part of the soil profile far from the highway evidenced that this Pb is also anthropogenic, providing a unique evidence of the penetration of petrol-Pb into the soil.

Swedish scientists focused, through the study of stable lead isotopes, on the assessment of the role of airborne pollution and natural geological sources for Pb enrichment in lake sediments and in surface soils of boreal forests. They concluded that the lead that is enriched in surface soil of boreal forests (the organic mor layer of Swedish soils is totally dominated by pollution lead) and in recent lake sediments and peat was derived from atmospheric deposition and not from natural local geological sources.

Considerable scientific results have been achieved by Venezuelan scientists who studied the distribution of lead and the composition of organic compounds in settled particles in road tunnels in the Caracas region, Venezuela. Relatively low Pb concentrations (1260-5500 ppm) indicate fractionation of Pb between settled and suspended particles. Organic geochemical study resulted in the identification of n-alkane and aromatic compounds similar to those in the diesel fuel used by heavy truck vehicles.

New scientific results were reached by Chinese scientists on the distribution of airborne Si compounds in ambient air from Guangzhou, Macau and Nanhai in the Pearl River Delta, South China. Hexamethylcyclotrisilioxane and octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane were found to be the two dominant organisilicon compounds in the air, indicating most likely to be derived from industrial processes.

WG 7: Organic Matter in Nuclear Waste Issues

(D. Mossman, Canada - e-mail: <dmossman@mailserv.mta.ca>)

Safe disposal of radioactive wastes is one of the most urgent political and scientific problems facing society today. Over the long term, geologic properties of specific sites together with various engineered barriers to contain nuclear waste, are the chief determinants of the total system. According to the IAEA the most critical aspect of a natural analogue study is the manner in which it tests repository effects. For various reasons the Oklo natural reactors in Gabon provide ideal subjects for study by workers concerned with the safe disposal of nuclear waste. Studies including the role of organic matter in the origin of natural fission reactors in Gabon successfully continued within several collaborative projects.

A joint Dannish-U.S. collaborative research project focused on the study of geology, mineralogy and retardation of nuclear-reaction products. It was concluded that organic matter in both reactor zones of the Oklo-Okélobondo reactor and near-field surroundings played an important role in the enhancement of porosity and stabilization of U during formation and operation of the Okélobondo reactor zone.

Complexation of heavy metals such as Eu with humic substances were studied experimentally by Japanese scientists in order to evaluate its relevance to the radioactive waste disposal and toxic heavy metal pollution. Using a 3D fluorescence spectroscopy, the possible complexation sites have been considered to be related to 430 and 475 nm emission bands. The complexation of humic substances with Eu³⁺ is also proceeded by proton release to water. However, the degree of proton release was different for different humic substances. Several possible sites and different mechanisms of complexation have therefore been suggested.

French scientist brought new important results on the weathering part of the Bangomé natural nuclear reactor. It was found that the original natural reactor zone at Bangomé was about 10 cm thick, 2-3 m wide and 4-6 m long. Recent weathering has led to migration of REE and fission-genic REE have not been detected at a larger distance (3 m) from the reactor zone . It was concluded that trapping by organic matter and dilution were responsible for this situation. These results are very important for safe development of HLWRS in similar geological and hydrogeological situations worldwide.

WG 8: Organics in Aquifers and Water Systems

(L. de Souza - <<laecio@geologia.ufrn.br>and R. Melo, Brazil, J. Spangenberg, Switzerland - <Jorge.Spangenberg@imp.unil.ch>)

Thermal stability of dissolved humic substances in water has been studied experimentally by Japanese scientists. Aqueous solutions of humic acids (Aldrich) having an initial concentration of 50 ppm have been heated in stainless steel-lined Teflon vessels from 50 to 180 °C for several days. UV-visible absorption spectra and pH of the product solution were measured after the filtration. Precipitates were measured for infrared spectra. The results showed that dissolved humic substances rapidly decomposed at 180 °C. The half-life period of this humic decomposition in water was evaluated to be about 8.4 years at 40 °C and 13.6 years at 20 °C. These short half lives have important bearings on the fate of humic substances possibly carrying some pollutants, which can be decomposed and release pollutants into the environment.

French scientists used infrared spectroscopy and in situ pyrolysis/methylation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for characterization of humic acids extracted from highly polluted river sediments sampled close to the city of Deűle near Lille, France and close oxbow-lake. The results allowed to differentiate compounds having a natural origin (terrestrial inputs, such as lignin-derived compounds) from anthropogenic compounds (sterols and to lesser extent fatty acids). The presence of 5b-stanols in extracted lipids from river sediments was used to evidence accumulation of sewage from the nearest oxbow- lake. It was concluded that these sterols can be used as molecular markers of a specific pollutants (sewage) to organic matter in the sediments and allowed to define the extent of this input to the sediments at different depths in the oxbow-lake and in the connected system (Deule river). These results showed the importance of characterizing the lipid fraction that can provide crucial information on the nature and origin of pollutants, as well as showing that humic acids can incorporate some of the contaminants into their structure.

Anthropogenic organic contamination in bottom sediments from the hypereutropic tropical Lake Valencia (Venezuela) was reported by Venezuelan scientists only based on the comparison of total aromatic concentrations to the C_org.- normalized total aromatic concentrations. Subsequent IRTF spectra and GC chromatograms indicated pollution through the presence of branched and cyclic hydrocarbons which were most likely produced by the incomplete combustion of oil products and also by other potentially toxic organic compounds such as antracene, phenanthrene and chrysene. The main access paths of organic pollutants to the lake are the rivers which cross the two urban and industrial areas (Maracay and Valencia cities). It was concluded that the mixture of polluted sediments with bottom natural sediments and the autochtonous contribution of organic matter mitigate the pollution levels progressively towards the center of the lake .

Very important and extremely useful critical review on the biogeochemistry of landfill leachate plumes was carried out by Danish scientists. It was shown that most leachate contamination plumes are relatively narrow and do not in terms of width exceed the width of the landfill. Diverse microbial communities have been identified in leachate plumes and are believed to be responsible for the redox processes. Dissolved organic carbon in the leachate, although it appears to be only slowly degradable when the volatile organic acids are gone, apparently acts as substrate for the microbial redox processes. Several xenobiotic organic compounds have been found to be degradable in leachate contaminated groundwater, but degradation rates under anaerobic conditions have only been determined in a few cases. Although complexation of heavy metals with dissolved organic matter is significant, the heavy metals are in most cases still strongly attenuated in leachate-polluted aquifers.

Anthropogenic organic contamination was reported by Nigerian scientists in ground water near the Petroleum Storage facilities in the Calabar area (SE Nigeria). The results of detailed studies have confirmed that elevated levels of hydrocarbons were found in the roadside mechanic workshops compared to relatively lower concentrations around gas stations and water boreholes.

2.2. LIST OF MEETINGS WITH APPROXIMATE ATTENDANCE AND NUMBER OF COUNTRIES

1. Annual International Meeting

title: The role of organic matter in the formation of mineral deposits and related environmental issues

n session S1 in the joint SGA-SEG Meeting

n convenors: A.P. Gize (UK), Jan Pašava (Czech Republic), S. Speczik (Poland)

n organized within the 6^th Biennial SGA-SEG Meeting in Cracow, Poland

(August 26-29, 2001)

n the meeting passed on August 28 (afternoon session) and August 29, 2001 (morning session)

n average attendance 50-60 people

2. GEOCHIM 2001 - A Training Course in Geochemical Exploration Methods and Their Environmental Applications

n co-organized with the Czech Geological Survey , Government of the Czech Republic and Division of Earth Sciences (UNESCO Paris)

n Prague and Dolní Rožínka, September 3-17, 2001

n 12 participants from 7 countries (Albania, Canada, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and Zambia)

n the course hosted the Czech IGCP 429 WG Meeting on September 8^th, 2001

2.3. NUMBER OF PUBLICATIONS (INCLUDING MAPS) - LIST OF MAJOR OR MOST IMPORTANT PUBLICATIONS

More than 90 scientific papers resulted from the Project 429 activities and were published in the form of monographs, articles in various scientific journals and abstracts to the IGCP 429 meetings. Selected publications are as follows:

Abimbola, A.F., Ojo, O., Tijani, M.N. and Olatunji, A.S., 2001, Heavy metal occurrence in roadside soils - a study of major roads in Ibadan, S.W. Nigeria. Programme and Abstract Volume, Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) 37th Annual Conference, Jos, pp. 26.

Akande, S.O., 2001, Evolution of ore fluids and hydrocarbons in the Benue trough lead-zinc deposits, Nigeria. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 25-28.

Al-Asheh, S. and Banat, F, 2001, Adsorption of copper and zinc by oil shale. Environmental Geology 40, 693-698.

Alliksaar, T., 2000, Application of spherical fly-ash particles to the study spatial deposition of atmospheric pollutants in north-eastern Estonia. Oil Shale 17, 335-249.

Annesley, I.R., Madore, C., and Cutler, J., 2001, Petrographic and synchrotron X-ray analysis of carbonaceous material in graphitic pelitic gneisses, M-Zone, Saskatchewan, Canada. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 29-33.

Annesley, I.R., Madore, C., and Cutler, J., 2001, Synchrotron X-ray analysis of graphitic pelitic gneisses in the vicinity of unconformity-type uranium mineralization; in Summary of Investigations 2001, Volume 2, Saskatchewan Geological Survey, Sask. Energy Mines, Misc. Rep. 2001-4.2.

Basiliko, N. and Yavitt, J.B., 2001, Influence of Ni, Co, Fe, and Na additions on methane production in Sphagnum-dominated Northern America peatlands. Biogeochemistry 52, 133-153.

Bracke, G., Salah, S. and Gauthier-Lafaye, F., 2001, Weathering process at the natural fission reactor of Bongome. Environmental Geology 40, 403-408.

Branvall, M.L., Kurkkio, H., Bindler, R., Emteryd, O. and Renberg, I, 2001, The role of pollution versus natural geological sources for lead enrichment in recent lake sediments and surface forest soils. Environmental Geology 40, 1057-1065.

Bosecker, K., 2001, Microbial leaching in environmental clean-up programmes. Hydrometallurgy 59 , 245-248.

Bosecker, K. and Blumenroth, P, 2001, Microbial treatment of cyanide and heavy metals containing waste water from gold mining. In: Unal, E., Unver, B. & Tercan, E. (eds.): Proceedings of the seventeenth international mining congress and exhibition of Turkey,pp. 203-207: The Chamber of Mining Engineers of Turkey (2001).

Chen, H.M., Zheng, C.R., Tu, C. and Zhou, D.M., 2001, Studies on loading capacity of agricultural soils for heavy metals and its applications in China. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1397-1403.

Chon, H.T. and Hwang, J.H., 2000, Geochemical characteristics of the acid mine drainage in the water system in the vicinity of the Dogye coal mine in Korea. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 22, 155-172.

Chrystensen, T.H., Kjeldsen, P., Bjerg, P.L., Jensen, D.L., Christensen, J.B., Baun, A., Albrechtsen, H.J. and Heron, G., 2001, Biogeochemistry of landfill leachate plumes. Applied Geochemistry 16, 659-718.

Danilova V.P., Kontorovich,A.E. and Kostyreva, E.A., 2001, The role of vertical migration in the formation of hydrocarbon pools in the apt-albian-cenpmanian deposits of Northen West Siberia . Abstracts of the VNIGRI/AAPG Regional International Conference "Exploration and Production Operation in Difficult and Sensitive Areas", July 15-18, 2001, St. Petersburg, Russia, P7-3.

Ding, Z., Zheng, B., Long, J., Belkin, H.E., Finkelman, R.B., Chen, Ch., Zhou, D. and Zhou, Y., 2001, Geological and geochemical characteristics of high arsenic coals from endemic arsenosis areas in southwestern Guizhou Province, China. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1353-1360.

Distler, V.V. and Yudovskaya, M.A., 2001, Genetic model of the black shale hosted PGE-gold Sukhoi Log deposit (Russia). In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 47-50.

Eder,V.G., Krasavchikov, V.O., Zanin, Yu.N. and Zamirailova, A.G., 2001, Organic carbon versus major elements in rocks of the Bazhenov Formation. Lithology and Mineral Resources 3, 474-281 (in Russian).

Fallick, A.E., Ashton, J.H., Boyce, A.J., Ellam, R.M. and Russell, M.J., 2001, Bacteria were responsible for the magnitude of the world-class hydrothermal base metal sulfide orebody at Navan, Ireland. Economic Geology 96, 885-890.

Fan Delian, Zhang Tao and Ye Jie, 2000. Super-large Ore Deposits Related to Black Shale Series. In: Tu Guangchi et al(eds.), Super-large Ore Deposits of China (I). Science Press, Beijing, 204-219

Fernandez, R. and Galarraga, F., 2001, Lead concentration and composition of organic compounds in settled particles in road tunnels from the Caracas valley, Venezuela. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 23, 17-25.

Fursenko, E.A., and Fomin, A.N., 2001, The peculiarity of the Bazhenov Suite benzine fractions compositions under catagenesis influence . Proceedings of the 5th International conference "New Ideas in the Oil and Gas Geology and Geochemistry". Moscow State University, 2001, part 1, p. 470-472 (in Russian).

Gavshin,V.M. and Miroshnichenko, L.V. , 2000, Uranium concentration in altered brown coals located under burnt rocks from the Kansk-Achinsk Basin, West Siberia. Geostandards Newsletter, 2000, v.24, 241-246.

Grimes, S.T., Brock, F., Rickard, D., Davies, K.L., Edwards, D., Briggs, D.E.G. and Parkes, R.J., 2001, Understanding fossilization: Experimental pyritization of plants. Geology 29, 123-126.

Halonen, T., Kantola, M., Henttonen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K., 2000, Pike (Esox lucius) and noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) as bioindicators for black shale area atercourses. In: Carlson, L., Kuula-Vaisanen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. (eds.) Environment, health and safety in mining industry. Conference at Haikkoo, Finland 31.10-1.11.2000. Vuorimiesyhdistys-Bergsmannaforeningen r.y., Series B, No 76, p.13-16. (in Finnish).

Hyvonen, E., Arkimaa, H., Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K., Vanne, J. and Lerssi, J., 2000, Application of black shale database in Finland for environmental studies for mining industry. In: Carlson, L., Kuula-Vaisanen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. (eds.) Environment, health and safety in mining industry. Conference at Haikkoo, Finland 31.10-1.11.2000. Vuorimiesyhdistys-Bergsmannaforeningen r.y., Series B, No 76, p. 22-23.

Jae-Young, Y. and Bong, Heo, 2001, Dilution and removal of dissolved metals from acid mine drainage along Imgok creek, Korea. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1041-1053.

Jafle, R., Mead, R., Hernandez, M.E., Peralba, M.C. and DiGuida, O.A., 2001, Origin and transport of sedimentary organic matter in two subtropical estuaries: a comparative, biomarker-based study. Organic Geochemistry 32, 507-526.

Jensen, K.A. and Ewing, R.C., 2001, The Okelobondo natural fission reactor, southeast Gabon: Geology, mineralogy, and retardation of nuclear-reaction products. GSA Bulletin 113, 32-62.

Jianming Zhu and Baoshan Zheng, 2001, Distribution of selenium in mini-landscape of Yutangba, Enshi, Hubei Province China. Applied Geochemistry, 16:1333-1344.

Jianming Zhu, Baoshan Zheng, Zhongliang Wang etc. 2000, Distribution of selenium in corn and its relationship with soil selenium Yutangba mini-landscape. Chinese Journal of Geochemistry, 19(2):161-166.

Kantola, M., Seppanen, K., Halonen, T., Henttonen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. 2000. Mercury and some trace element levels in local residents living in black shale areas in eastern Finland. In: Carlson, L., Kuula-Vaisanen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. (eds.) Environment, health and safety in mining industry. Conference at Haikkoo, Finland 31.10-1.11.2000. Vuorimiesyhdistys-Bergsmannaforeningen r.y., Series B, No 76, p. 30-32.

Krcmar, B. and Vylita, T., 2001, Unfilterable “geoaerosols”, their use in the search for thermal, mineral and mineralized waters, and their possible influence on the origin of certain types of mineral waters. Environmental Geology 40, 678-682.

Lopez, L., Mogollon, J.L., Aponte, A. and Bifano, C., 2001, Identification of anthropogenic organic contamination associated with the sediments of a hypereutropic tropical lake, Venezuela. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 22, 55-74.

Loser, C., Seidel, H., Hoffmann, P. and Zehnsdorf, A., 2001, Remediation of heavy metal-contaminated sediments by soil-bed bioleaching. Environmental Geochemistry 40, 643-650.

Madore, C., Annesley, I.R., and Cutler, J., 2001, Synchrotron X-ray analysis of Wollaston Group graphitic pelitic gneisses, M-Zone, northern Saskatchewan. In: Williams, P.J. (ed.), 2001: A Hydrothermal Odyssey Extended Conference Abstracts, p120-121.

Mansui, L., Bourezgui, Y., Garnier-Zarli, E., Jarde, E. and Reveille, V., 2001, Characterization of humic substances in highly polluted river sediments by pyrolysis methylation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Organic Geochemistry 32, 223-231.

Monney, D.E., Spangenberg, J.E., Rajendram, V.S. and Hunziker, J.C., 2001, Characterization of waters and soils in vineyards combining geochemical data and ultrasounds measurements. European Union of Geosciences 11, Strasbourg, France, April 8th - 12th, 2001. Journal of Conferences, v. 6, n. 1, p. 60.

Mossman, D.J., 2001, Hydrocarbon habitat of the Paleoproterozoic Franceville Series, Gabon. Energy Sources, v. 23, p. 45-53.

Mossman, D.J., Gauthier-Lafaye, F., and Jackson, S.E., 2001, Black shales, organic matter, ore genesis, and hydrocarbon generation in the Paleoproterozoic Franceville Series, Gabon. Proceedings of the European Union of Geosciences (EUG), April 8-12, Strasbourg, France.

Mossman, D.J., Jackson, S.E., and Gauthier-Lafaye, F., Desplanque, C., and Mossman, D.J., 2001, Trace element and isotopic analysis of selected carbonaceous substances associated with the uranium ores of Oklo,Rebublic of Gabon. Energy Sources v. 23 (9) , p. 1-12. paragenesis, thermal maturation and carbon isotopic and trace element compositions. Precambrian Research 106, p.135-148.

Nganje, T.N., Ekwere, S.J. and Edet, A.E., 2001, Geochemical studies of groundwater near Petroleum Storage facilities in Calabar metropolis, south eastern Nigeria. Programme and Abstract Volume, Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) 37th Annual Conference, Jos, pp. 20.

Ntekim, E.E. and Ekwere, S.J., 2001, Heavy metals in Egeria radiata and Tympanotomus fuscatus collected from the Cross River Estuary, (SE Nigeria). Programme and Abstract Volume, Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) 37th Annual Conference, Jos, pp. 27.

Onianwa, P.C. and Fakayode, S.O., 2001, Lead contamination of topsoil and vegetation in the vicinity of a battery factory in Nigeria. Environmental Geochemistry and Health 22, 211-218.

Parnell, J., 2001. Paragenesis of mineralization within fractured pebbles in Witwatersrand conglomerates. Mineralium Deposita, 36.

Parnell, J., Chen, H., and Klubov, B., 2001. Hot oil in the Russian Arctic: Precipitation of vanadiferous bitumens, Novaya Zemlya. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 71-74.

Pasava, J., 2000, Geochim 2000 - Postgraduate certificated training course in geochemical exploration methods and their environmental applications. Episodes, 23, 4, 311-312.

Pasava, J., Dobes, P., Fan, D., Zhang, T. and Boiron, M.C., 2001, Character of ore fluids in the eastern part of the Dachang ore district, south China. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 81-84.

Paukola, T. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. 2000. Ground water studied in black shale areas. In: Carlson, L., Kuula-Vaisanen, P. and Loukola-Ruskeeniemi, K. (eds.) Environment, health and safety in mining industry. Conference at Haikkoo, Finland 31.10-1.11.2000.Vuorimiesyhdistys-Bergsmannaforeningen r.y., Series B, No 76, p.67.

Petsch, S.T., Smernik, R.J., Eglinton, T.I. and Oades, J.M. 2001, A solid state 13C-NMR study of kerogen degradation during black shale weathering. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65, 1867-1992.

Quantin, C., Becquer, T., Rouiller, J.H. and Berthelin, J., 2001, Oxide weathering and trace metal release by bacterial reduction in a New Caledonia Ferralsol. Biogeochemistry, 53, 323-340.

Quideau, S.A., Chadwick, O.A., Trumbore, S.E., Johnson-Maynard, J.L., Graham, R.C. and Anderson, M.A., 2001, Vegetation control on soil organic matter dynamics. Organic Geochemistry 32, 247-252.

Rojkovic, I., Ozdin, D., Puskelova, L. and Svitacova, A., 2001, Manganese ores in black shales sequences in the Western Carpathians, Slovakia. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 85-88.

Routh, J., Grossman, E.L., Ulrich, G.A. and Suflita, J.M., 2001, Volatile organic acids and microbial processes in the Yegua formation, east-central Texas. Applied Geochemistry 16, 183-195.

Seredin, V. and Danilcheva, J., 2001, Coal-hosted Ge deposits of the Russian Far East. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 89-92.

Schwesig, D. and Matzner, E., 2001, Dynamics of mercury and methylmercury in forest floor and runoff of a forested watershed in Central Europe. Biogeochemistry 53, 181-200.

Shirong, T. and Yihua, F., 2001, Copper accumulation by Polygonum microcephalum D.Don and Rumex hastatus D.Don from copper mining spoils in Yunnan Province, P.R.China. Environmental Geochemistry 40, 902-907.

Singh, M., 2001, Heavy metal pollution in freshly deposited sediments of the Yamuna River (the Ganges River tributary): a case study from Delhi and Agra urban centres, India. Environmental Geochemistry 40, 654-671.

Soggard, E.G., Aruna, R., Abraham-Peskir, J., Koch, Ch.B., 2001, Conditions for biological precipitation of iron by Galionella ferruginea in a slightly polluted ground water. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1129-1137.

Spangenberg, J.E., 2000, Compound-specific 13C analysis for tracking organic pollutants through the environment. In: Memmi, I., Hunziker, J.C. & Canichi, C. eds., A Geochemical and Mineralogical Approach to Environmental Protection, International School Earth and Planetary Sciences, Siena 25-31 October 1998, Proceedings, ISEPS, Siena, 2000, 141-154.

Spangenberg, J.E. and Frimmel, H.E., 2001, Basin-internal derivation of hydrocarbons in the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa: evidence from bulk and molecular d13C data. Chemical Geology 173, 339-355.

Spangenberg, J.E. and Ogrinc, N., 2001, Authentication of vegetable oils by bulk and molecular carbon isotope analyses - with emphasis on olive oil and pumpkin seed oil. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 49, 1534-1540.

Speak, R., and Gize, A.P., 2001. Infrared imaging of petroleum inclusions in fluorite. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 97-100.

Stenina, N.G., 2001, Organic matter as a reducing barrier for ore and hydrocarbon mineralisation in black shales. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG

Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 105-108.

Strobel, W.B., Hansen, H.C.B., Borggaard, O.K., Andersen, M.K. and Raulund-Rasmussen, K., 2001, Cadmium and copper release kinetics in relation to afforestation of cultivated soil. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65, 1233-1242.

Teutsch, N., Erel, Y., Halicz, L. and Banin, A., 2001, Distribution of natural and anthropogenic lead in Mediterranean soils. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65, 2853-2864.

Vesely, J., Majer, V., Kucera, J. and Havranek, V., 2001, Solid-water partitioning of elements in Czech freshwaters. Applied Geochemistry 16, 437-450.

Wang, X.M., Lee, S.C., Sheng, G.Y., Chan, L.Y., Fu, J.M., Li, X.D., Min, Y.S. and Chan, C.Y., 2001, Cyclic organosilicon compounds in ambient air in Guangzhou, Macau and Nanhai, Pearl River Delta. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1447-1454.

Xiangdong, L., Chi-sun, P. and Pui Sum, L., 2001, Heavy metal contamination of urban soils and street dust in Hong Kong. Applied Geochemistry 16, 1361-1368.

Yee, N. and Fein, J., 2001, Cd adsorption onto bacterial surfaces: A universal adsorption edge ? Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta 65, 2037-2042.

Zanin, Yu..N., Danilova, V.P., Kostyreva E.A., Zamirailova, A.G., 2001, Solid bitumens in the Bazhenov Formation deposits as a reflection of oil migration processes. Extended abstracts of the VNIGRI/AAPG Regional International Conference "Exploration and Production Operation in Difficult and Sensitive Areas", July 15-18, 2001, St. Petersburg, Russia, P3-9.

Zak, K., Dobes, P., Kribek, B., Pudilova, M., Hajek, A. and Holeczy, D., 2001, Evolution of fluid types at the Rozna uranium deposit, Czech Republic: Stable isotope and fluid inclusion study. In: Piestrzynski, A. (ed), Proceedings of the joint 6th Biennial SGA - SEG Meeting, Cracow, A.A.Balkema Publishers, pp. 109-113.

2.4. LIST OF COUNTRIES INVOLVED IN PROJECT

(* COUNTRIES ACTIVE THIS YEAR

*Albania, Argentina, Australia, *Austria *Bulgaria, Botswana, *Brazil, *Burkina Faso, *Canada, *China, *Czech Republic, *Estonia, *Finland, *France, *Germany, *Hungary, *Israel, *Italy, *Japan, *Jordan, *Korea, Macedonia, Mongolia, *Nigeria, Philippines, *Poland, Republic of South Africa, Romania, *Russia, *Slovakia, *Slovenia, *Spain, *Switzerland, *UK, *USA.

2.5. ACTIVITIES INVOLVING OTHER IGCP PROJECT, IUGS OR MAJOR PARTICIPATION OF SCIENTISTS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.

A very successful Postgraduate Training Course on the Geochemical Exploration Methods and their Environmental Applications was organized by IGCP 429 in collaboration with the Czech Geological Survey in Prague, Czech Government (through the country Technical Assistance Program), Czech Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO/Paris. Twelve participants from Albania, Canada, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia and Zambia took part in this UNESCO/IGCP 429 Certificated Postgraduate Training Course which was held in Prague and Dolní Rožínka, Czech Republic between September 3-17, 2001.

Many participants very highly appreciated both organization and scientific level of the course through their personal letters mailed either directly to the organizers or to Mr. F. Repetto from the Division of Earth Sciences, UNESCO, Paris. Involvement of more people especially from developing through "training course" has became a very important aspect of IGCP 429 activities.

3. PROPOSED ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

3.1. GENERAL GOALS

Based on the approved IGCP 429 work plan the following activities were proposed for 2002:

n Finishing of ongoing transdisciplinary research projects covering the eight major topics of the Project with possible involvement of MAB specialists on both national and international levels

n Organization and active participation in the GEOCHIM 2002 - a postgraduate certificated training course on the geochemical exploration methods and their environmental applications

n Presentation of final scientific results on both national and international levels

n Publication of new results in local and internationally recognized periodics

n Preparation of the final report

n Editing Newsletter.

3.2. SPECIFIC MEETINGS AND FIELD TRIPS (*INDICATION OF PARTICIPATION BY DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

1. Annual International Meeting

"Environmental impacts of the exploitation of mineral deposits and energy resources". Session 02 in the joint Geocongress 2002 and 11^th IAGOD Symposium convenors: Jan Pašava (Czech Republic) // July 22-26, 2002, Windhoek, Namibia // more info at http://www.geoconference2002.com

2. GEOCHIM 2002. A Training Course in Geochemical Exploration Methods and Their Environmental Applications // co-organized with the Czech Geological Survey, Czech Government and UNESCO // Prague and Dolní Rožínka, September 2-16, 2002 // expected 15 participants mostly from developing countries // more info from pasava@cgu.cz

3.3 PROPOSED MAJOR PUBLICATIONS

Extended abstracts from the IGCP 429 Annual International Meeting -"Environmental impacts of the exploitation of mineral deposits and energy resources" (Session 02 in the joint Geocongress and 11^th IAGOD Symposium, Windhoek, Namibia, July 2002).

4. PROJECTED FUNDING REQUEST

In 2001, the IGCP 429 appreciated high funding (USD 4,000 from UNESCO budget and USD 5,000 from IUGS budget). This budget, coupled with contributions from the Czech Geological Survey, Czech Government and the Czech IGCP National Committee contributed to the participation of 11 scientists from 8 countries in the Annual International Meeting of the IGCP 429 held in Cracow, Poland and, 10 scientists from 7 countries in the GEOCHIM 2001 postgraduate training course. The complete financial statement was mailed together with a brief report shortly after the last meeting to the Secretary General of IUGS for approval.

In 2002, IGCP 429 will hold two major events - The Final International Meeting in Windhoek, Namibia with at least half day oral session and associated poster presentation, and GEOCHIM 2002 - a postgraduate training course on geochemical exploration methods and their environmental applications (Prague and Dolní Rožína, Czech Republic) where similarly as in 1999, 2000 and 2001 about 15 people from developing countries are expected to attend. Frankly, both places mean quite high travel and local expenditures, especially for European, Asian, Australian and North American people traveling to Namibia or African, Asian and South American people traveling to the Czech Republic for GEOCHIM 2002.

We hope that based on the progress highlighted in this report, the Members of the IGCP Scientific Board will be able to recommend high funding for IGCP 429 for its final year - 2002.

5. REQUEST FOR EXTENSION

N/A

6. SUMMARY

2001 was the fourth year of the Project, characterized by significant progress within all eight topical working groups. Altogether 35 countries are more or less actively involved in the Project activities. Two major international gatherings and several meetings on national level were arranged within IGCP 429 activities. The very well attended Annual International Meeting was held in Cracow, Poland, within the joint SGA-SEG Meeting. Another very important aspect of the IGCP 429 was the co-organization and active involvement of IGCP 429 specialists through lecturing in the GEOCHIM 2001 - a Postgraduate Certificated Training Course on the Geochemical Prospecting Methods and their Environmental Applications which has became very popular especially among scientists from developing countries. Already the third run of the course was held in the Czech Republic in September 2001 and 12 scientists mostly from developing countries participated in this event.

One of major highlights of the IGCP 429 activities came out of a joint Chinese-U.S. research collaborative study on high-As coals from the southwestern part of the Guizhou provice (China). It should be noted that the use of high As coals (up to 3.5 wt.%) had caused in excess of 3000 cases of As poisoning (arsenosis) in several villages in this region. It was newly found that As mainly occurs in the form of organically bound compounds and not as formerly suggested arsenopyrite, realgar and other phases. These findings are extremely important not only to document how organically bound metals can be dangerous for human living but also for possible prevention and/or treatment of this serious harm.

In the field of organic matter - metals interactions (WG 1), important scientific results have been reached by U.S. scientists on the study of adsorption of Cd and other metals on the surfaces of different bacteria. It was concluded that metal-bacteria adsorption is not dependent on the bacterial species involved. A generalized adsorption model which greatly simplify the task of quantifying the effects of bacterial adsorption on dissolved mass transport in realistic geologic system was also developed. Jordanian scientists evidenced that oil shale containing organic matter can be considered as suitable biosorbent for Cu and Zn.

In the field of microbial leaching in environmental clean up (WG 2), considerable progress was achieved by German scientists at the study of remediation of anthropogenically contaminated soils. They concluded that large-scale remediation of heavy-metal-polluted sediment seems only possible through solid-bed leaching of sediment supplemented with elemental sulfur. Optimum temperature between 30 and 40 °C as well as a dosage of 2% S⁰ were recommended to make bioleaching process more effective. Danish scientists found that changes in soil chemical conditions after afforestation can lead to the dramatic release of Cd at soil solution pH<4.5 and that inhibition of Cu-release by dissolved organic matter (observed at pH 3.8 to 5.0), indicates that Cu is retained in the soil by interactions with adsorbed organic matter.

In the field of weathering of organic matter (WG 3), further for society very useful applied scientific results have been reported by Czech scientists on the weathering of organic matter in waste dumps of coal mines of various age from the Sokolov Basin (Tertiary), Pilsen Basin (Carboniferous) and Barrandian Basin (Devonian). The result of the study showed that the rate of weathering of fossil organic matter depends on the organic matter type and degree of coalification. These results are important for remediation strategy of dumpsite after coal mining worldwide. Notable results were also reached on the study of vegetation control on soil organic matter dynamics by U.S. and French scientists. It was found that the global mosaic of vegetation exerts significant influence on the accumulation and turnover of soil organic matter directly by determining the palatability of plant material and indirectly by conditioning the pathways of biomass incorporation into soil.

In the field of acid mine drainage (WG 4), considerable scientific results have been obtained by Korean scientists. They focused on the study of dilution and removal of dissolved metals from acid mine drainage and concluded that the relatively abundant freshwater supply might raise stream pH higher than the adsorption edge and consequently, contribute to rapid metal attenuation by forcing not only more precipitation but also more adsorption of the dissolved metals. These results should be taken into consideration at similarly situated spots worldwide.

In the field of environmental models of black shale hosted mineral deposits (WG 5), further progress in the study of sulfidic - environmentally hazardous facies of the Upper Proterozoic black shales in the Bohemian Massif was achieved by Czech scientists and similar studies were continuing on metalliferous black shales in Austria, China, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea and U.S with a new project launched in Burkina Faso.

In the field of organic atmospheric particulates (WG 6), important progress was reported by Estonian scientist who studied distribution of particulates emitted to the atmosphere during the high-temperature combustion process of fossil fuels in snow samples. Majority of other studies carried out by Israeli, Nigerian, Swedish and Venezuelan scientists focused on tracking the distribution of natural and anthropogenic Pb in soils. For example, a unique evidence of the penetration of petrol-Pb into the soil was provided by Israeli scientists studying isotopic composition of lead in various profiles in Mediterranean soils. Chinese scientist were able to determine two dominant organisilicon compounds in ambient air from the Pearl River Delta (South China).

In the field of organic matter in nuclear waste issues (WG 7), significant results were achieved by French scientists through the study of recent weathering at the Bangomé natural nuclear reactor. They evidenced that the weathering has led to migration of REE but fission-genic REE have not been detected at a larger distance from the reactor zone most likely due to the trapping role of organic matter. A joint Dannish-U.S. collaborative research project confirmed the important role of organic matter at the enhancement of porosity and stabilization of U during formation and operation of the Okélobondo reactor zone. These results are important for safe development of HLWRS in similar geological and hydrogeological situations worldwide.

In the field of organics in aquifers and water systems (WG 8), notable results were reported by French scientists who used infrared spectroscopy and in situ pyrolysis/methylation-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for characterization of humic acids extracted from highly polluted river sediments. They showed the importance of characterizing the lipid fraction that can provide crucial information on the nature and origin of pollutants, and documented that humic acids can incorporate some of the contaminants into their structure. Interesting results were also achieved by Japanese scientists on the experimental study of thermal stability of dissolved humic substances in water. Case studies on various organic pollutants were also reported by Nigerian and Venezuelan scientists.

Scientific results of the IGCP 429 were summarized in more than 90 scientific papers. Two major events are planned for the year of 2002 - the Final International Meeting in Namibia and the fourth run of the GEOCHIM Postgraduate Certificated Training Course for people from developing countries in the Czech Republic.

News summarizing 2001 results and plans for 2002 were circulated to the participants.

7. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

N/A

8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Project leadership wishes to acknowledge the Czech Geological Survey in Prague, Czech Government and the North Bohemian Coal Mines Inc. for their co-sponsorship of the GEOCHIM 2001 Postgraduate Training Course.