Comparative Radioecological Assessment of Soil Contamination in Mining Areas of Chiatura, Kazreti, and Zestaponi, Georgia

Abstract

Abandoned mining areas, especially those areas where heavy metals and radioactive elements were previously mined, represent one of the most important ecological problems. Chiatura, as the main center of manganese mining in Georgia, turned out to be a region where heavy metals and radioactive substances caused significant contamination of soil and water resources. The aim of the study is to analyze, assess and study the radioecological risks of soil contamination from abandoned mines in Chiatura. The study discusses the concentration of heavy metals in the soil, including manganese, lead, cadmium and others, as well as the impact of their potential radioactive contaminants on ecosystems. Modern ecological monitoring methods were used, including measuring the content of radioactive elements, analyzing soil samples and testing water. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals in the territory of the abandoned mines of Chiatura exceeds safety standards, which directly affects both the ecological state of the soil and the flora and fauna. The article emphasizes the need to study radioecological risks and effectively respond to them. The study also includes an analysis of the subsidence of the soils of Kazreti, Zestaponi and Chiatura. These results indicate an increased risk of radioactive and non-radioactive substances, which requires the implementation of appropriate ecological remediation measures.