Work

New Insight into Geochemistry and Mineralogy of Deep Caves in Croatian Karst and Its Implications for Environmental Impacts

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines speleothems, sediments, rock, and water to assess geochemical and mineralogical processes in deep karst systems. Focusing on Slovačka jama cave (-1,320 m deep) and the Velebita cave system (-1,026 m deep), we identify elemental and mineralogical anomalies that provide valuable records of element transport, mineral formation, and paleoenvironmental changes. Heavy metal anomalies at 300–400 m of depth in Slovačka jama indicate a complex interplay of geological conditions, geomor-phological processes, atmospheric deposition, and potential anthropogenic influences. Factor analysis reveals two elemental associations: (1) Fe, Pb, Cu, and Zn, linked to ter-rigenous aluminosilicates, and (2) Cd, Cr, Mo, and Ni, suggesting airborne or geological sources. Mineralogical analysis confirms the dominance of calcite, with quartz, clay minerals, feldspars, magnetite, and goethite also detected. High magnetic susceptibility values in sediment-rich samples suggest Fe-rich mineral inputs from weathering, biogenic activity, or industrial sources. Ba anomalies in feldspar-rich samples and Sr accumulation at depth indicate distinct geochemical processes. These findings enhance our understanding of deep karst geochemistry, crucial for paleoenvironmental reconstructions and groundwater protection.

Source: Water

DOI: 10.3390/w17071001

Authors: Dalibor Paar, Stanislav Frančišković-Bilinski, Nenad Buzjak, Krešimir Maldini

Institutions: University of Zagreb, Ruđer Bošković Institute

Language: English

Topic: Karst Systems and Hydrogeology

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137

Funder: Sveučilište u Zagrebu