Magnetic proxy … Magnetic proxy mapping of anthropogenic impacts on the low Danube sediments.

The aim of the project is to evaluate the anthropogenic and natural impacts on the river sediments and soils developed on adjacent terrains along the low Danube 
area using magnetic proxy mapping. 3D high density map of the anthropogenic impact will be produced,  accompanied by a detailed study of the links between heavy 
metal contaminants and iron oxides.  
The main objective of the project is to apply a recently established fast and inexpensive method of magnetic magnetic  proxy  mapping of environmental pollution 
on soils and sediments along the Bulgarian part of the Danube river until its mouth at the Black sea in Romania. The aim of the proposed project is to study the effects 
of: 1)trans-border pollution discharged from industrial centers along the Danube and its tributaries and 2) local/regional sources of atmospheric pollution. 
Pollution sources on the Bulgarian part of the Danube (mainly chemical industry and coal-burning power plants) are the biggest towns of Vidim, Lom, Svichtov, 
Russe, Silistra. Magnetic mapping of selected areas along the Danube and adjacent terrains will give quantitative image of pollutant sources. Sampling of 
surface sediments and typical soil profiles will allow information about the lateral and depth changes in heavy metal concentrations and magnetic characteristics. 
Magnetic measurements of polluted tree leaves (needles) will also be conducted. Extensive complex of laboratory magnetic measurements will be carried out. 
Laboratory synthesis of Fe oxides and study of their magnetic properties before and after interaction with aquaeous solutions of different heavy metals  
(Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Co, Cd) will be studied. Additional information from XRD, electron microprobe, TEM, AAS and geochemical data will be incorporated. Expected 
results: 1) 3D high density map of pollution along the Danube; 2) data about the links between pollutants and Fe oxides and their reaction model.