Influence of arsenic-bearing gold deposits on water quality in Zloty Stok mining area (SW Poland)

The Sudety Mountains contain polymetallic deposits which have been exploited since the Middle Ages. Distinct concentrations of As, Hg, F, Cr in surface water near Zloty Stok suggested that groundwater in the area could also contain elevated metal concentrations. Water samples from 15 locations including Zloty Stream, mine adit discharges, and selected springs generally show low levels of dissolved components and near-neutral pH. However, arsenic concentrations range from 0.99 mg/l to 26.16 mg/l at all 15 sample locations. Mercury concentrations were locally as high as 0.011 mg/l. These high arsenic and mercury concentrations significantly exceed water quality standards and raise concerns for using Zloty Stream for potable water.