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The objective of this paper is to evaluate the relationship between the distributions of direct and indirect, surface geochemical indices in the selected part of the Outer Carpathians. The research included analysis of molecular composition of soil gas samples and calcite contents as well as the measurements of magnetic susceptibility and pH of soil samples. The survey contained 96 soil gas samples collected from 1.2 m depth and 96 soil samples taken from interval 0.7–0.8 m depth. The maximum concentrations of methane, total alkanes C2–C5 and total alkenes C2–C4 were: 2100, 10.43 and 0.772 ppm. The magnetic susceptibility values changed from 3.6 to 21.5 x 10–8 m3/kg. The calcium carbonate contents varied from 0.02 to 29.92 wt% and the pH values measured in soil solutions obtained changed from 4.5 to 8.3. Although the results demonstrate no correlation between the direct soil gas anomalies and the indirect geochemical indicators, the integrated profiles in Fig. 7 suggest possible haloes in the calcite/magnetic data that could be related to hydrocarbons migrating from depth. There are, however, various independent mechanisms that might control the appearance of these mineral anomalies. Secondary changes of mineral composition of soils disclosed by the indirect methods, even if controlled by hydrocarbon migration throughout geological time, might cause some closure of migration pathways, influencing the location of active hydrocarbon migration pathways. Comprehensive interpretation of the results obtained by direct and indirect methods in this paper provides another positive example helping to better understand the complicated mechanism of hydrocarbon migration and the potential usefulness of indirect methods suitable for hydrocarbon exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following research describes the influence of a metallurgical ash dump on both the soil environment and the atmosphere. Soil samples were collected along a line positioned on an unprotected, hazardous ash dump and extended into the adjacent, arable land. Three soil depths were sampled at 0–20-, 20–40- and 40–60-cm depth intervals, and in each sample, pseudo-total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, Zn, Li, Sr and V were analyzed. Additionally, emissions of CH4 and CO2 were measured at each sampling site. All emission measurements were taken in the same day, and the duration of gas measurements in each place was six minutes. The results demonstrate elevated concentrations of Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn on dump surface and along its margins, where the maximum concentrations of these elements are, respectively, 82, 23, 1144 and 8349 mg kg−1. Obtained results exceed several times both the natural background values and the values typical of local soils in the southern Poland. Moreover, natural background values for Fe, Mn, Ni, Li, Sr and V were exceeded, as well. Along the sampling line, no methane emission was detected, whereas the carbon dioxide flux varied from 7 to 42 g m−2 d−1. The reconnaissance study of the ash dump revealed a high contamination level of soils with heavy metals, which, together with the changes of soil environment, may cause migration of pollutants into the adjacent areas and, consequently, may generate hazard to the environment and, particularly, to the living organisms. Hence, further studies are necessary in order to evaluate the soil quality and the leaching of heavy metals from the dump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]