Verdichtungsraum Halle-Leipzig
Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
The Leipzig conurbation is characterized by mining and strong industrial activities with a focus on chemical industry. This is accompanied by high population densities around Leipzig and Halle. The sampling area lies in one of the most polluted areas in Central Europe.
Distinctive features in the landscape include the forest of the Dueben Heath, the industrial conurbations, the areas of open-cast lignite mining and the post-mining landscapes as well as areas of intensive agriculture.
The landscape was originally shaped by the glacial period but is strongly influenced by anthropogenic activities nowadays. The water balance of the whole area is heavily disturbed by intensive mining. The Central German conurbation Halle-Leipzig-Bitterfeld is traditionally associated with chemical industry and biotechnology. Until World War II, the focus of the industrial development was on chemical industry and mining. In the 1970s, energy industry, plant construction, medical engineering and biotechnology followed. Today, the region is developing into the German centre of biotechnology and research.
The sampling area includes the Halle-Leipzig-Bitterfeld conurbation, the rivers Mulde and Saale, and large parts of the nearby forest Dübener Heide.
Sub-areas
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Halle/Leipzig conurbation within the chemical triangle
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Important woodland and area for recreation for the conurbation Halle/Leipzig
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The sampling areas have been selected to represent adequately the major types of ecosystems in Germany and taking into account the varying intensities of anthropogenic impact and land use.
Specimen
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Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
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Bioindicator in rivers and lakes
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Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
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The roe deer is the most common of the larger herbivores (first order-consumer) to be found in the wild in Europe.
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A pigeon species home in nearly every city.
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As an organism living at ground level, it is a major driver of the decomposition of organic material (e.g. plant litter).
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Soil is livelihood and biosphere for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms. All the substances brought in are transported, transformed and/or accumulated in the soil.
Analytes
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Eighty percent of all elements on earth are metals
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Only eighteen elements in the periodic table
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Organic substances with at least one metall atom
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Group of organic compounds with at least one covalently bonded chlorine atom
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Toxic and persistent organochloropesticide
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Several isomeric compounds among the group of chlorinated hydrocarbons
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Group of organic compounds with at least three condensed six-membered rings
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Chemical agents against harmful organisms and for plant protection
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Organic compounds which are fully (per-) or partially (poly-) fluorinated
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Class of synthetic fragrances
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Atoms of one element with different weights
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Flame retardants reduce the flammability of objects
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Cyclic methylsiloxanes with persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic properties in the environment
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Additional information for the interpretation of contamination data
Sampling period
1991 - 2023