Since the 1990s, the Polish Geological Institute – National Research Institute (PGI-NRI) has been conducting systematic geochemical research aimed at identifying the chemistry and degree of contamination of the Earth’s surface (soils, aquatic sediments, and surface waters). The project entitled Geochemical Atlas of Lublin and Environs at a scale of 1:50,000, implemented in 2023–2025, covers the areas of two cities – Lublin and Świdnik, as well as their closest vicinity. The total area of this study is approximately 374 km². More than 73% of all soil samples were taken from areas located within the administrative borders of Lublin and Świdnik. In the study area, the human impact on the natural environment is manifested predominantly through progressive urbanization, industrial and transport development, the expansion of road and rail infrastructure, agriculture development, and the extraction of mineral deposits, e.g. natural gas, crude oil, clay raw materials, sand and gravel. Comprehensive studies of the chemical condition of individual components of the environment, supported by the knowledge of the geological setting of the region, and by comparing the current research results with applicable environmental standards or data from other geochemical studies, enable assessing the environmental quality, identifying contamination sources, as well as indicating trends in changes caused by anthropogenic pressure. The study, commissioned by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, was financed by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management.

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