Sulphur and heavy metals content in the soil of meadow ecosystems adjoining the metallurgic plant Huta Katowice as an indicator of environment degradation

The content of Cu, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cd and S in the upper soil layer of meadow ecosystems surrounding the steelworks "Huta Katowice" was investigated. Sampling plots were located at a different distance and direction from the plant, but in a similar type of meadow community and soil. Spatial and seasonal variability of the investigated elements content was found. Such results indicate that the investigated area was polluted both by that steelworks and by the industrial plants situated in the Industrial Region of Upper Silesia.