ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE AREA WITH NATURAL CO2 EMISSIONS IN BĂILE LĂZĂREȘTI.

Băile Lăzărești, located 16 km north-east from Băile Tușnad, is a representative area for post-volcanic regions where gases emitted at the surface contain over 85% carbon dioxide. Nineteen stations were set up for collecting soil samples for analysis of heavy metals, TOC, carbonates, and lithology and four water stations for nutrient analysis in July and August 2022. The impact of increased CO₂ emissions on the soil is evident through the exceeding normal concentrations of heavy metals such as Cr, Cu, Hg, and Ni in areas with high CO₂ emissions and their reduction in areas with lower volcanic gas emissions. Water sample analysis, all with high CO₂ concentrations, showed elevated levels of nitrites, inorganic phosphorus, and sulphates, classifying the water quality into categories II and III, according to national classification. The impact of high CO₂ concentrations is clearly visible in the vegetation, which is absent at CO₂ concentrations above 20%, predominantly consists of grasses, and shows distinct colorations at concentrations below 20%. These observed and analysed elements could serve as surface indicators for potential CO₂ leaks from anthropogenic storage sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]