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Sánchez S, Baragaño D, Gallego JR, López-Antón MA, Forján R, González A. Valorization of steelmaking slag and coal fly ash as amendments in combination with Betula pubescens for the remediation of a highly As- and Hg-polluted mining soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 927:172297. [PMID: 38588736 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Soil pollution by As and Hg is a pressing environmental issue given their persistence. The intricate removal processes and subsequent accumulation of these elements in soil adversely impact plant growth and pose risks to other organisms in the food chain and to underground aquifers. Here we assessed the effectiveness of non-toxic industrial byproducts, namely coal fly ash and steelmaking slag, as soil amendments, both independently and in conjunction with an organic fertilizer. This approach was coupled with a phytoremediation technique involving Betula pubescens to tackle soil highly contaminated. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to evaluate amendments' impact on the growth, physiology, and biochemistry of the plant. Additionally, a permeable barrier made of byproducts was placed beneath the soil to treat leachates. The application of the byproducts reduced pollutant availability, the production of contaminated leachates, and pollutant accumulation in plants, thereby promoting plant development and survival. Conversely, the addition of the fertilizer alone led to an increase in As accumulation in plants and induced the production of antioxidant compounds such as carotenoids and free proline. Notably, all amendments led to increased thiolic compound production without affecting chlorophyll synthesis. While fertilizer application significantly decreased parameters associated with oxidative stress, such as hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, no substantial reduction was observed after byproduct application. Thermal desorption analysis of the byproducts revealed Hg immobilization mechanisms, thereby indicating retention of this metalloid in the form of Hg chloride. In summary, the revalorization of industrial byproducts in the context of the circular economy holds promise for effectively immobilizing metal(loid)s in heavily polluted soils. Additionally, this approach can be enhanced through synergies with phytoremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sánchez
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Area of Plant Physiology IUBA, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain; Environmental Biogeochemistry and Raw Materials Group, University of Oviedo, Campus de Mieres, Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Asturias, Spain
| | - D Baragaño
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, 33011 Oviedo, Spain.
| | - J R Gallego
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Raw Materials Group, University of Oviedo, Campus de Mieres, Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Asturias, Spain
| | - M A López-Antón
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología del Carbono, INCAR-CSIC, Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - R Forján
- Environmental Biogeochemistry and Raw Materials Group, University of Oviedo, Campus de Mieres, Gonzalo Gutiérrez Quirós s/n, 33600 Mieres, Asturias, Spain; Plant Production Area, Department of Biology of Organisms and Systems Biology, University of Oviedo, 33600 Mieres, Spain
| | - A González
- Department of Organisms and Systems Biology, Area of Plant Physiology IUBA, University of Oviedo, Catedrático Rodrigo Uría s/n, 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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da Costa Alves Filho PP, da Silveira Pereira WV, Dias YN, Ferreira de Moraes AL, Rodrigues FHS, Ramos SJ, Santos de Souza E, Fontes do Amaral AM, Fernandes AR. Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1201-1214. [PMID: 38573351 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology, Belém, Pará, 66055-090, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, São Félix do Xingu, Pará, 68380-000, Brazil
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Kastury F, Besedin J, Betts AR, Asamoah R, Herde C, Netherway P, Tully J, Scheckel KG, Juhasz AL. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, antimony bioaccessibility and relative bioavailability in legacy gold mining waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133948. [PMID: 38493633 PMCID: PMC11097331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Bioaccessibility and relative bioavailability of As, Cd, Pb and Sb was investigated in 30 legacy gold mining wastes (calcine sands, grey battery sands, tailings) from Victorian goldfields (Australia). Pseudo-total As concentration in 29 samples was 1.45-148-fold higher than the residential soil guidance value (100 mg/kg) while Cd and Pb concentrations in calcine sands were up to 2.4-fold and 30.1-fold higher than the corresponding guidance value (Cd: 20 mg/kg and Pb: 300 mg/kg). Five calcine sands exhibited elevated Sb (31.9-5983 mg/kg), although an Australian soil guidance value is currently unavailable. Arsenic bioaccessibility (n = 30) and relative bioavailability (RBA; n = 8) ranged from 6.10-77.6% and 10.3-52.9% respectively. Samples containing > 50% arsenopyrite/scorodite showed low As bioaccessibility (<20.0%) and RBA (<15.0%). Co-contaminant RBA was assessed in 4 calcine sands; Pb RBA ranged from 73.7-119% with high Pb RBA associated with organic and mineral sorbed Pb and, lower Pb RBA observed in samples containing plumbojarosite. In contrast, Cd RBA ranged from 55.0-67.0%, while Sb RBA was < 5%. This study highlights the importance of using multiple lines of evidence during exposure assessment and provides valuable baseline data for co-contaminants associated with legacy gold mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Kastury
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia.
| | - Julie Besedin
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia; School of Science, STEM, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R Betts
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Richmond Asamoah
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
| | - Carina Herde
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5086, Australia
| | - Pacian Netherway
- EPA Science, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Melbourne, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Jennifer Tully
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Water Infrastructure Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
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Castilhos ZC, Domingos LMB. A picture of artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) in Brazil and its mercury emissions and releases. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:101. [PMID: 38429439 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-01881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
This study presents a picture of ASGM in Brazil and prospective numbers on mercury emissions and releases in 2016, when the country declared production of about 90 tonnes of gold, of which circa 25 tonnes came from ASGM. However, it is also necessary to consider the illegal production of ASGM which is estimated to vary between 10% and eight times more than the legal production. The proposed method included: organization of spatial data on legal ASGM output, stakeholder identification and meetings, mercury metallurgical balance, quantitative measurement of mercury in the atmosphere and qualitative social aspects such as the miners' economic dependence on the managers and scenarios of illegal ASGM annual production. The main results revealed that the initial mercury (Hg)-gold (Au) production ratio was higher for the primary whole ore than for the concentrate secondary ore, which is the most frequent type of Brazilian ASGM. The amalgam filtering technique followed by mercury recovery is routine, decreasing the Hg releases to tailings ponds or to soil and water bodies. The mercury emissions by thermal decomposition of amalgam are independent of the initial mercury mass, depending only on the mercury in the amalgam and the (adequate) use or not of emission control systems. Illegal activities reduce the availability and proper use of these systems, resulting in higher emissions. Mercury emissions from ASGM in Brazil may increase the global mercury emissions estimates, while their mercury releases may represent a marginal increase. As the mercury emitted may be trapped by the rainforests added to the mercury released, the environmental contamination may pose health risks to Amazonian population, which requires immediate action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuleica Carmen Castilhos
- Centre for Mineral Technology (CETEM/MCTI), Av. Pedro Calmon, 900, Cidade Universitária, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-908, Brazil.
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Liang Y, Li H, Xu N, Zhu J, Wu X, Wang Y. Preparation of arsenic(III) monoclonal antibodies and preliminary evaluation of a novel silver-coated gold nanorod SERS immunoassay strip construction. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:5823-5836. [PMID: 37870766 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay01205k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution has become a growing concern in industrial, agricultural, and manufacturing processes, posing a significant threat to human health. Among these heavy metals, arsenic (As) is highly toxic and shares similar chemical properties and environmental behavior with other heavy metals. As(III) is particularly toxic compared to other forms of arsenic. Therefore, it is essential to develop a real-time, rapid, and sensitive method for the determination of As(III). In this study, we employed a unique bifunctional chelator, 1-(4-isothiocyanobenzyl)-ethylenediamine N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (ITCBE), to prepare a complete antigen. Through a series of tests including balb/c mouse immunization, cell fusion (mouse L2041 spleen cells with mouse myeloma cells SP2/0), and subcloning, we generated four monoclonal cell lines (1C1, 2C2, 3A9, and 4A11). These cell lines demonstrated high purity, high affinity, and IC50 values of less than 50 μg mL-1. Monoclonal antibody 4A11, which exhibited a strong Raman signal, was selected as the probe, and Au@Ag 200 was utilized as the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for the preliminary establishment of SERS immunochromatographic test strips. The sensitivity of the SERS immunochromatographic test strips, measured through Raman signal detection, showed a significant improvement compared to the SERS immunochromatographic test strips analyzed by colorimetry (LOD = 49.43 μg mL-1 and LDR = 5.32-81.31 μg mL-1). The SERS immunochromatographic test strips achieved a LOD of 7.62 μg mL-1 and an LDR of 12.66-71.84 μg mL-1. This study presents innovative methodologies for the rapid detection of As(III) using SERS immunochromatographic test strips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liang
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Naifeng Xu
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Jiangxiong Zhu
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Xiaobin Wu
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
| | - Yuanfeng Wang
- Institute of Engineering Food, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China.
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Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Dias YN, Martins GC, Ferreira LCG, Fernandes AR. Human and environmental exposure to rare earth elements in gold mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139824. [PMID: 37586491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Rudimentary methods are used to exploit gold (Au) in several artisanal mines in the Amazon, producing hazardous wastes that may pose risks of contamination by rare earth elements (REEs). The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of REEs and assess their environmental and human health risks in artisanal Au mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. Thus, 25 samples of soils and mining wastes were collected in underground, colluvial, and cyanidation exploration sites, as well as in a natural forest that was considered as a reference area. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results were used to estimate pollution indices and risks associated with the contaminants. All REEs showed higher concentrations in waste deposition areas than in the reference area, especially Ce, Sc, Nd, La, Pr, Sm, and Eu. Pollution and enrichment levels were higher in the underground and cyanidation mining areas, with very high contamination factors (6.2-27) for Ce, Eu, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, and Sc, and significant to very high enrichment factors (5.5-20) for Ce, La, Nd, Pr, and Sc. The ecological risk indices varied from moderate (167.3) to high (365.7) in the most polluted sites, but risks to human health were low in all areas studied. The results of this study indicate that artisanal Au mining has the potential to cause contamination, enrichment, and ecological risks by REEs in the northeastern Amazon. Mitigation measures should be implemented to protect the environment from the negative impacts of these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Valter da Silveira Pereira
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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7
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Moulatlet GM, Yacelga N, Rico A, Mora A, Hauser-Davis RA, Cabrera M, Capparelli MV. A systematic review on metal contamination due to mining activities in the Amazon basin and associated environmental hazards. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 339:139700. [PMID: 37532203 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination associated with mining activities has been considered one of the main environmental pollution problems in the Amazon region. Understanding the levels of metal contamination from mining activities requires a good understanding of background metal concentrations, which may vary notably according to the geology/lithology characteristics of the region, soil type, and predominant biogeochemical processes. This review assessed 50 papers and reports published between 1989 and 2020 describing environmental concentrations of different metals and metalloids (As, Hg, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in water and sediments of mining and non-mining areas in five geographic regions of the Amazon basin. Metal enrichment caused by mining activities was calculated and exposure concentrations were compared with sediment and water quality standards set for the protection of aquatic life. Significant enrichments of Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni and Zn were observed in mining areas in both sediment and water. Regarding background levels in the different geographic regions, the highest prevalence of metal enrichment (i.e., concentrations 10 to 100-fold higher than mean background values) in sediment samples was found for Fe (100% of samples), Ni (90%), and Mn (69%). For water, high prevalence of metal enrichment occurred for Zn, Mn, and Fe (100% of samples), and for Hg (86%). Hg, Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni and Zn exceeded water and/or sediment quality standards in a significant number of samples in the proximity of mining areas. This study indicates that mining activities significantly contribute to water and sediment contamination across the Amazon basin, posing hazards for freshwater ecosystems and potentially having human health implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel M Moulatlet
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, A.C., Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Naomi Yacelga
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Av. Punto Com 2, Alcalá de Henares, 28805, Madrid, Spain; Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, C/ Catedrático José Beltrán 2, 46980, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - Abrahan Mora
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Campus Puebla, Atlixcáyotl 5718, Reserva Territorial Atlixcáyotl, Puebla de Zaragoza, 72453, Mexico
| | - Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis
- Laboratório de Avaliação e Promoção da Saúde Ambiental, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Napo, Ecuador
| | - Mariana V Capparelli
- Estación El Carmen, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Carretera Carmen-Puerto Real Km 9.5, 24157, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico.
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Tournay RJ, Firrincieli A, Parikh SS, Sivitilli DM, Doty SL. Effect of Arsenic on EPS Synthesis, Biofilm Formation, and Plant Growth-Promoting Abilities of the Endophytes Pseudomonas PD9R and Rahnella laticis PD12R. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37256822 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation, a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to conventional remediation, could expand efforts to remediate arsenic-contaminated soils. As with other pollutants, the plant microbiome may improve phytoremediation outcomes for arsenic-contaminated sites. We used in vitro and in silico methods to compare the arsenic resistance mechanisms, synthesis of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), biofilm formation, and plant growth-promoting abilities of the endophytes Pseudomonas sp. PD9R and Rahnella laticis PD12R. PD12R, which tolerates arsenate (As(V)) and arsenite (As(III)) to concentrations fivefold greater than PD9R, synthesizes high volumes of EPS in response to arsenic, and sequesters arsenic in the capsular EPS and cells. While arsenic exposure induced EPS synthesis in both strains, only PD12R continued to form biofilms at high As(III) and As(V) concentrations. The effects of endophyte inoculation on Arabidopsis growth varied by strain and As(V) concentration, and PD9R had positive effect on plants exposed to low levels of arsenic. Comparative genomic analyses exploring the EPS synthesis and arsenic resistance mechanisms against other Pseudomonas and Rahnella strains suggest that both strains possess atypical arsenic resistance mechanisms from other plant-associated strains, while the configuration of the EPS synthesis systems appeared to be more broadly distributed among plant- and non-plant-associated strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Tournay
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Andrea Firrincieli
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Shruti S Parikh
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Dominic M Sivitilli
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
| | - Sharon L Doty
- School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, Anderson Hall, Box 352100, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195, United States
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Galarza E, Moulatlet GM, Rico A, Cabrera M, Pinos-Velez V, Pérez-González A, Capparelli MV. Human health risk assessment of metals and metalloids in mining areas of the Northeast Andean foothills of the Ecuadorian Amazon. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:706-716. [PMID: 36239162 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Gold mining (GM) is a major source of metals and metalloids in rivers, causing severe environmental pollution and increasing the exposure risks to the residents of surrounding areas. Mining in Ecuadorian Amazonia has dramatically increased in recent years, but its impacts on Indigenous local populations that make use of rivers are still unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the risks to adults and children caused by the exposure to metals and metalloids in freshwater ecosystems contaminated with tailings released by GM activities in 11 sites of the upper Napo River basin, Ecuador. We selected a carcinogenic and a noncarcinogenic risk assessment method to estimate the hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR). The concentration of Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, B, and V in water and sediment samples was considered to assess the risks to human health. The calculated HI was 23-352 times greater than the acceptable limits in all sites for both children and adults. Mn and Fe were the main contributors (75% in water and 99% in sediment) to the total calculated risk based on the HI. The calculated TCR for children and adults exceeded approximately one to three times the permissible threshold in all sites. As and Pb contributed up to 93% of the total calculated risk based on TCR for both children and adults. This study demonstrates that the emission and mobilization of metals and metalloids caused by mining activities increase the risk to human health, to which we recommend further monitoring of freshwater contamination in the area and the implementation of preventive health management measures. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:706-716. © 2022 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Galarza
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel M Moulatlet
- Red de Biología Evolutiva, Instituto de Ecología, A.C. INECOL, Xalapa, Veracruz, México
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, Paterna, Spain
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia Del Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena, Ecuador
| | - Veronica Pinos-Velez
- Departamento de Recursos Hídricos y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
- Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Andrés Pérez-González
- Grupo de Investigación en Quimiometría y QSAR, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Mariana V Capparelli
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología-Estación El Carmen, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad del Carmen, México
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Zeng F, Nazir MM, Ahmed T, Noman M, Ali S, Rizwan M, Alam MS, Lwalaba JLW, Zhang G. Calcium and L-glutamate present the opposite role in managing arsenic in barley. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 321:121141. [PMID: 36702433 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in agricultural soils has posed tremendous threat to sustainable crop production and human health via food chain. Calcium and Glutamate have been well-documented in metal(loid)s detoxification, but it is poorly understood how they regulate arsenic-induced toxicity to plants. In this study, the effect of glutamate and calcium at high concentration on arsenic toxicity and accumulation in barley seedling was accessed in terms of plant growth, photosynthetic efficacy, arsenic uptake, translocation and accumulation, antioxidant defense, nutrient uptake and the expression of As transporters. Our results have demonstrated that calcium could effectively ameliorate arsenic toxicity to barley seedlings, which is mainly attributed to its beneficial effect on increasing nutrient uptake, reducing the aboveground arsenic accumulation and enhancing antioxidative defense capacity. However, it is unexpected that glutamate considerably exacerbated the arsenic toxicity to barley seedlings. More importantly, for the first time, glutamate was observed to tremendously facilitate the root-to-shoot translocation of arsenic by 41.8- to 60.8-fold, leading to 90% of the total amount of As accumulating in barley shoots. The reason of this phenomenon can be well explained by the glutamate-triggered enormous upregulation of genes involved in arsenic uptake (HvPHT1;1, HvPHR2 and HvNIP3;2), reduction (HvHAC1;1), translocation (HvABCC7, HvNIP1;1 and HvNIP3;3) and intracellular sequestration (HvABCC1). These findings suggest that calcium and glutamate function as the opposite player in managing arsenic, with calcium being an effective alleviator of arsenic stress to ensure the safe production of crops; while glutamate being a highly efficient phytoextraction agent for phytoremediation of arsenate-contaminated soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanrong Zeng
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
| | - Muhammad Mudassir Nazir
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Temoor Ahmed
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Muhammad Noman
- Institute of Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan; Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung, 40402, Taiwan
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Mohammad Shah Alam
- College of Agriculture, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, 434025, China; Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jonas Lwalaba Wa Lwalaba
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Guoping Zhang
- Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Biotechnology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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11
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Cruz-Esquivel Á, Díez S, Marrugo-Negrete JL. Genotoxicity effects in freshwater fish species associated with gold mining activities in tropical aquatic ecosystems. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 253:114670. [PMID: 36857922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The main aim of this study was to investigate total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and arsenic (As) concentrations, and their genotoxic effects on fish species in freshwater habitats impacted by gold mining activities in the Mojana and Bajo Cauca regions (Northern Colombia). A total of 255 individuals of Prochilodus magdalenae (PM) and Hoplias malabaricus (HM) were collected in different areas of northern Colombia, 205 in the exposed groups: Mojana 1 (61), Mojana 2 (81) and Bajo Cauca (63); and 50 individuals in the control group. Dorsal muscle was analysed for pollutants and blood to perform micronucleus (MN) and erythrocytic nuclear alterations (ENA) tests. The results of the MN revealed statistically significant (p < 0.05) genetic damage in both PM (Mojana 1 = 29.7 ± 14.2; Mojana 2 = 25 ± 6.25; Bajo Cauca= 26.6 ± 10.6) and in HM (Mojana 1 = 17.7 ± 7.8; Mojana 2 = 20.4 ± 6.3; Bajo Cauca= 20.8 ± 9.8) compared to the control group (PM= 10.5 ± 3.6; HM= 9.1 ± 3.9). Likewise, the frequency of ENA was statistically higher in the exposed groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the concentrations of THg, MeHg and As found in tissue samples were significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, being the Bajo Cauca region the area of highest risk due to high concentrations of THg (651.2 ± 344.5 μg/kg for HM and 678.5 ± 983.9 μg/kg for PM) and MeHg (504.6 ± 220.9 μg/kg for HM and 606.8 ± 886.4 μg/kg for PM). Results showed that mean THg values for both species in Bajo Cauca exceeded the WHO maximum limit (set in 500 μg Hg/kg) in fish for human consumption. Results suggest that DNA damage in erythrocytes is associated with the presence of Hg, MeHg and As, coming from mining activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sergi Díez
- Environmental Chemistry Department, Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, E-08034 Barcelona, Spain.
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12
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Weerasundara L, Ok YS, Kumarathilaka P, Marchuk A, Bundschuh J. Assessment and optimization of As(V) adsorption on hydrogel composite integrating chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol and Fe 3O 4 nanoparticles and evaluation of their regeneration and reusable capabilities in aqueous media. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 855:158877. [PMID: 36150591 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A modified chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel was developed by incorporating Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Four chitosan-Fe3O4 (ChFe) hydrogel types were developed based on chitosan:Fe3O4 ratio as 1:0, 1:1, 1:0.5 and 1:0.25. Batch sorption experiments were conducted with different pH, dosage, kinetics, and isotherms. The exhausted ChFe hydrogels were evaluated for their regeneration and reuse capability with different acids and bases. The best hydrogel for arsenic (V) [As(V)] adsorption was 1:0.5 ratio ChFe hydrogel. The highest As(V) adsorption (89 %) was at pH 4 and the adsorption capacity gradually decreased with increasing solution pH. Within the pH 4-6 range, the hydrogel surface became positively charged due to protonation of NH2 and OH groups in the polymer chain and the positive surface attracted H2AsO4- and HAsO42- oxyanions. The experimental kinetic data was well-fitted to the Elovich model (R2 of 0.99) while the Freundlich isotherm model best described the isotherm data (R2 of 0.97). The models predicted chemisorption mechanisms on ChFe hydrogel composites. Electrostatic attractions with NH3+ and OH2+, ligand-exchange inner-sphere complexes formation and bidentate corner-sharing (2C) and bidentate edge-sharing (2E) trimetric surface complexes formation have been proposed as the adsorption mechanism of As(V) into ChFe hydrogel. 0.1 M CH3COOH showed the best regeneration pattern with 75, 96, 81, 53 and 43 % of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th adsorption respectively. Because of this re-usable capability, the As(V) adsorption capacity is not a single value from one adsorption cycle, but a cumulative value of several adsorption cycles and it was 17.39 mg/g for five adsorption cycles. Open for regeneration and reuse, no post-treatment is needed for adsorbent-water separation, allow applications of the ChFe hydrogel composite in a wide range of applications such as water filtration and purification systems. The modification with ChFe further expands the application capacity since the ChFe can remove other contaminants as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshika Weerasundara
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Yong Sik Ok
- Korea Biochar Research Centre & Division of Environmental Sciences and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Prasanna Kumarathilaka
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Alla Marchuk
- Institute for Life Sciences and the Environment, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia
| | - Jochen Bundschuh
- School of Civil Engineering and Surveying, Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences, University of Southern Queensland, West Street, Toowoomba, Queensland 4350, Australia; Doctoral Program in Science, Technology, Environment, and Mathematics, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, National Chung Cheng University, 168 University Rd., Min-Hsiung, Chiayi County 62102, Taiwan.
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13
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Chen L, Wang J, Guo X, Wu H, He H, Fang L. Pollution characteristics and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils around China's gold mines: a meta-analysis. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2022; 44:3765-3777. [PMID: 35037140 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-01175-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Since toxic element pollution is widespread in soils near gold mines due to increasing mining activities, the adverse effects of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the soils on ecological systems and human health cannot be ignored. However, assessments of PTE pollution in soils and their ecological-health risks on a national scale are still limited. Here, the concentrations of eight PTEs in soils near gold mines throughout China were obtained from published articles. Based on these data, the pollution levels and ecological-health risks of the eight PTEs in soils were comprehensively estimated. The results showed that the average contents of As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Ni, and Zn were 81.62, 79.82, 1.04, 206.03, 2.05, 40.82, 71.82, and 130.42 mg kg-1, respectively, which exceeded the corresponding background values for soils. Most of the examined soils were heavily polluted by Hg and Cd, and higher pollution levels were found in the Henan and Shaanxi Provinces than in other regions. The average potential ecological risk value of all PTEs was 2534.71, indicating the presence of very high risks. Contribution of Hg to the potential ecological risk was more than 80%. For adults, all hazard index (HI) values of noncarcinogenic risks were below the safe level of 1.00. For children, none of the HI values exceeded the safe level, with the exception of As (HI = 1.81); nevertheless, four PTEs (As, Cr, Cu, and Ni) presented unacceptable carcinogenic risks. This study provides scientific basis for controlling PTE contamination and reducing the health risks in soils near gold mines worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Jingzhe Wang
- MNR Key Laboratory for Geo-Environmental Monitoring of Great Bay Area and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urban Informatics and Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Spatial Smart Sensing and Services, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Xuetao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Hao Wu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, 420100, China
| | - Haoran He
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China
- State Key Laboratory of soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Institute of Soil and Water Conservation CAS and MWR, Yangling, 712100, China
| | - Linchuan Fang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi'an, 710061, China.
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14
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Zhou M, Liu Z, Zhang B, Yang J, Hu B. Interaction between arsenic metabolism genes and arsenic leads to a lose-lose situation. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 312:119971. [PMID: 36055451 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms are essential for modifying arsenic morphology, mobility, and toxicity. Still, knowledge of the microorganisms responsible for arsenic metabolism in specific arsenic-contaminated fields, such as metallurgical plants is limited. We sampled on-field soils from three depths at 70 day intervals to explore the distribution and transformation of arsenic in the soil. Arsenic-metabolizing microorganisms were identified from the mapped gene sequences. Arsenic metabolism pathways were constructed with metagenomics and AsChip analysis (a high-throughput qPCR chip for arsenic metabolism genes). It has been shown in the result that 350 genera of arsenic-metabolizing microorganisms carrying 17 arsenic metabolism genes in field soils were identified, as relevant to arsenic reduction, arsenic methylation, arsenic respiration, and arsenic oxidation, respectively. Arsenic reduction genes were the only genes shared by the 10 high-ranking arsenic-metabolizing microorganisms. Arsenic reduction genes (arsABCDRT and acr3) accounted for 73.47%-78.11% of all arsenic metabolism genes. Such genes dominated arsenic metabolism, mediating the reduction of 14.11%-19.86% of As(V) to As(III) in 0-100 cm soils. Arsenic reduction disrupts microbial energy metabolism, DNA replication and repair and membrane transport. Arsenic reduction led to a significant decrease in the abundance of 17 arsenic metabolism genes (p < 0.0001). The critical role of arsenic-reducing microorganisms in the migration and transformation of arsenic in metallurgical field soils, was emphasized with such results. These results were of pronounced significance for understanding the transformation behavior of arsenic and the precise regulation of arsenic in field soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhou
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental & Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zishu Liu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental & Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baofeng Zhang
- Zhejiang Hangzhou Ecological Environment Monitoring Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiawen Yang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental & Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Baolan Hu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Environmental & Resources Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory for Water Pollution Control and Environmental Safety, Hangzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Braz AMDS, Dias YN, Almeida GVD, Fernandes AR. Levels and environmental risks of rare earth elements in a gold mining area in the Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113090. [PMID: 35278468 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal gold (Au) mining may have increased the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in the Serra Pelada mine (southeastern Amazon, Brazil), which has not been evaluated so far. The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y) in the surroundings of the Serra Pelada mine, as well as the environmental risks associated with these elements. Therefore, 27 samples were collected in agricultural, forest, mining, and urban areas, and submitted to chemical and particle size characterization. The concentrations of REEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and used to estimate pollution indices and environmental risks of the studied elements. All REEs had higher levels in the anthropized areas when compared to the forest area, except Sc in the mining and urban areas. Pollution load indices revealed that all areas are contaminated (>1) by the combined effect of REEs, especially the agricultural areas (index of 2.3). The element of greatest enrichment in the studied areas was Y, with enrichment factors of 18.2, 39.0, and 44.4 in the urban, agriculture, and mining areas, respectively. However, the potential ecological risk indices were low (<150) in all areas, indicating that there are no current environmental risks by the studied REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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16
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Geochemical Background for Potentially Toxic Elements in Forested Soils of the State of Pará, Brazilian Amazon. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12060674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to establish geochemical background values of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), arsenic (As), barium (Ba), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) for eastern Amazon soils and to assess the relationship between soil chemical and granulometric attributes using univariate and multivariate procedures. Samples from the topsoil (0–0.2 m) were collected in several areas with minimal or no human intervention. Pseudo total concentrations of potentially toxic elements were extracted via acid digestion and quantified via inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results revealed that the soils present high acidity, low levels of cations and organic carbon, and highly heterogeneous geomorphological characteristics. The elements Fe (9300 mg kg−1) and Al (8200 mg kg−1) showed the highest mean concentrations in the study, while As (0.8 mg kg−1) and Cd (0.1 mg kg−1) presented the lowest levels. The results of this study indicate that the 90th percentile can be used to formalize quality reference values for the State of Pará and that the 98th percentile can be considered for areas rich in mineral deposits.
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17
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Chen L, Li J, Zhang D, Fan G, Zhang W, Guo Y. Microscopic fabric evolution and macroscopic deformation response of gangue solid waste filler considering block shape under different confining pressures. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7388. [PMID: 35513552 PMCID: PMC9072385 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11311-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The irregular shape of gangue blocks will affect the coordination structure between blocks in the crushed gangue accumulation body, and then affect the engineering mechanical properties of crushed gangue in the process of load-bearing compression. In this paper, through CT scanning experiment, particle flow numerical simulation experiment, and comprehensive application of image processing, 3D reconstruction, FLAC/PFC3D continuum—discrete coupling technology, the gangue digital 3D model and the numerical model of crushed gangue particle flow under triaxial compression condition considering the real shape of the block were obtained. The microscopic fabric evolution law and macroscopic deformation response characteristics of crushed gangue considering triaxial compression condition and different confining pressures were studied. The results show that: (1) the bearing capacity of crushed gangue materials increases with the increase of confining pressure; (2) the block aggregate in the gangue sample is gradually compacted, and the lateral deformation of the sample is changed from “extruding to the axis” to “bulging to the periphery”; (3) the vertical movement of the block decreases gradually from the top to the bottom of the sample, and there is a “triangle area” of block displacement at the top and bottom of the sample; the larger the confining pressure, the smaller the vertical displacement range at the top of the sample; (4) the process of “instability and failure—optimization and reconstruction” of skeleton force chain structure occurs constantly; as confining pressure increases, the stability of skeleton force chain structure and the bearing capacity of crushed gangue sample increases; (5) under the same strain state, the greater the confining pressure, the higher the fragmentation degree of the sample. This study reveals the internal mechanism of macro deformation of crushed gangue under the triaxial compression from the perspective of the mesoscopic fabric evolution. The research results are of great significance for the selection of crushed gangue in engineering application. In addition, the research results also have a significant impact on promoting the reasonable disposal and resource utilization of gangue solid waste and protecting the ecological environment of mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Junmeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China. .,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Geomechanics and Deep Underground Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, China.
| | - Dongsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Gangwei Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yachao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China.,School of Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, China
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18
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Dias YN, Pereira WVDS, Costa MVD, Souza ESD, Ramos SJ, Amarante CBD, Campos WEO, Fernandes AR. Biochar mitigates bioavailability and environmental risks of arsenic in gold mining tailings from the eastern Amazon. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 311:114840. [PMID: 35290957 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal gold mining has generated tailings highly contaminated by arsenic (As) in Cachoeira do Piriá, eastern Amazon, leading to severe risks to the environment. Such risks should be mitigated considering the bioavailable concentration of the element, since it implies immediate damage to the ecosystem. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of biochars in mitigating the environmental risks of bioavailable As concentrations in gold mining tailings from underground and cyanidation exploration. The biochar addition increased mineral components, cation retention, phosphorus in all fractions, and organic and inorganic carbon. The bioavailability of As was reduced after adding the biochars, following the order palm kernel cake biochar > Brazil nut shell biochar > açaí seed biochar, with reductions of up to 13 mg kg-1 in the underground mining tailings and 17 mg kg-1 in the cyanidation mining tailings. These results contributed to the statistically significant reduction of the environmental risks in both mining tailings (6-17% in the underground mining tailings and 9-20% in the cyanidation mining tailings), which was emphasized by Pearson's correlation and multivariate analyzes. The incorporation of the bioavailable fractions of As (from sequential extraction) in the environmental risk assessment was a promising method for evaluating the efficiency of biochars in mitigating the damage caused by this metalloid in gold mining tailings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Nunes Dias
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | - Marcela Vieira da Costa
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Xingu Institute of Studies, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, 68380-000, São Félix Do Xingu, Pará, Brazil
| | - Silvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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19
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Lima MWD, Pereira WVDS, Souza ESD, Teixeira RA, Palheta DDC, Faial KDCF, Costa HF, Fernandes AR. Bioaccumulation and human health risks of potentially toxic elements in fish species from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 204:112024. [PMID: 34516979 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities may have increased the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in fish from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province in Brazil, which has not yet been studied. The objectives were to determine the quality parameters of surface water and bottom sediments, and to assess the bioaccumulation and risks of Al, Fe, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Zn in fish species from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province. Water, sediments and fish species (Colossoma macropomum, Curimata cyprinoides, Geophagus sp., Leporinus trifasciatus, and Serrasalmus eigenmanni) were collected in 14 areas in the municipalities of Parauapebas, Marabá and Canaã dos Carajás, contemplating the Gelado Stream and the Parauapebas, Tapirapé and Itacaiúnas Rivers. Water samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis using a multiparameter meter. Concentrations of PTEs in all samples were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were calculated to study the sediment enrichment and contamination. Ecological and human health risk assessments were performed to determine the risks to the environment and population's health. EF and Igeo revealed that the sediments from the Parauapebas River and Gelado Stream are respectively enriched by Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Ba, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and V. The concentrations of Fe (1.67 mg L-1) and Mn (0.11 mg L-1) in water and the concentrations of Cr (>0.1 mg kg-1) and Pb (>2 mg kg-1) in fish were above the Brazilian legislation thresholds. The ecological risk assessment revealed considerable risk from Ni and moderate risk from multiple PTEs in sediments from the Gelado Stream. Human health risks were detected for Pb in all fish species and for Mo in L.trifasciatus. These results indicate that techniques for monitoring and controlling contamination must be implemented by the environmental agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Willians de Lima
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Xingu Institute of Studies, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, 68380-000, São Félix do Xingu, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Renato Alves Teixeira
- Institute of Studies on Regional Agrarian Development, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, 68507-590, Marabá, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Hain Figueiredo Costa
- Socioenvironmental and Water Resources Institute, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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20
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Wright J, Cathcart E, Walther S, O'Shea B. Role of climate and geography in arsenic mobility and risk at an artisanal mining site in an urbanized semi-arid environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 304:114163. [PMID: 34864405 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.114163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ultra-enriched arsenic (As) concentrations >30% occur at an abandoned artisanal mine in an urban park in San Diego, California, presenting a complex risk to the public. This study uses geochemistry in consideration with climate and geography to evaluate As transport away from the mine. Sediment As concentrations reach 2320 mg/kg (483 times background crustal concentrations; n = 73) along drainage pathways and sequential extraction experiments indicate As overwhelmingly partitions into the least mobile phase (mean 83% As in residual fraction; n = 30); there is little redistribution of As from primary minerals into secondary or dissolved phases - a potentially positive outcome for managing the risk - despite the sediments being exposed to a century of weathering. Dissolved As transport does occur, with intermittent rain events producing As up to 272 μg/L in runoff. Both sediment and water As decrease to background concentrations within 1,000 m of the mines, influenced by the encroaching urbanization, and the semi-arid climate which limits weathering and transport. Similar patterns of As migration downgradient of abandoned mines occur at other mining sites in arid and semi-arid regions; however, off-site As transport at other sites extends far greater distances. This study indicates that a combination of geochemistry, geomorphology, climate, and urbanization can work together to retard the surface transport of As from artisanal and un-remediated mine sites; and helps inform environmental management at this site and others like it.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Wright
- Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
| | - Eric Cathcart
- Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
| | - Suzanne Walther
- Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States
| | - Bethany O'Shea
- Environmental and Ocean Sciences Department, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, 92110, United States.
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21
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Allan-Blitz LT, Goldfine C, Erickson TB. Environmental and health risks posed to children by artisanal gold mining: A systematic review. SAGE Open Med 2022; 10:20503121221076934. [PMID: 35173966 PMCID: PMC8841918 DOI: 10.1177/20503121221076934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There are an estimated 5 million children working in artisanal and small-scale gold mines worldwide; however, the hazards are poorly characterized and often underreported. We systematically reviewed the literature on reports of hazards among children as a consequence of such activities through PubMed database using pre-defined search terms. We identified 113 articles published between 1984 and 2021 from 31 countries. Toxicological hazards were reported in 91 articles, including mercury, lead, and arsenic. Infectious hazards, noted in 18 articles, included malaria, cholera, and hepatitis. Six articles reported occupational hazards, including malnutrition, heat stroke, and reactive airway disease. Three articles reported traumatic hazards, including cave-ins, burns, animal attacks, falls, and weapon-inflected wounds. Those findings likely indicate a profound underreporting of the prevalence and consequences of such hazards among children. More work is needed both to characterize the burdens of those hazards and to address the underlying drivers of child labor in those settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lao-Tzu Allan-Blitz
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte Goldfine
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Timothy B Erickson
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Humanitarian Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
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22
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Suárez-Macías J, Terrones-Saeta JM, Bernardo-Sánchez A, Ortiz-Marqués A, Castañón AM, Corpas-Iglesias FA. Reutilisation of Water Contaminated by Mining Waste for the Encapsulation of Potentially Toxic Elements. MATERIALS 2022; 15:ma15031076. [PMID: 35161021 PMCID: PMC8838268 DOI: 10.3390/ma15031076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Mining activities are essential for a population’s development; however, they also produce negative effects such as the production of waste, an impact on flora and water pollution. On the other hand, construction is one of the sectors which is most demanding of raw materials, with one of the main such materials being water. For this reason, this research evaluates the feasibility of incorporating water contaminated by mining waste into ceramic materials for bricks. In this way, the use of water is reduced and, on the other hand, the contaminating elements of the mining water are encapsulated in the ceramic matrix. To achieve this, the clay used and the contaminated water were first analysed, then different families of samples were conformed with different percentages of contaminated water. These samples were tested to determine their physical and mechanical properties. At the same time, leachate tests were carried out to determine that the ceramic material created did not cause environmental problems. The test results showed that the physical and mechanical properties of the ceramics were not influenced by the addition of contaminated water. On the other hand, the leachate tests showed that encapsulation of most of the potentially toxic elements occurred. However, the use of contaminated water as mixing water for ceramics could only be performed up to 60%, as higher percentages would leach impermissible arsenic concentrations. Accordingly, a new way of reusing water contaminated by mining activities is developed in this study, taking advantage of resources, avoiding environmental pollution and creating economic and environmentally friendly end products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Suárez-Macías
- Research Group TEP 222 “Materials and Mining Engineering”, Higher Polytechnic School of Linares, University of Jaen, 23700 Linares, Spain;
- Correspondence:
| | - Juan María Terrones-Saeta
- Department of Mining, Mechanical, Energetic and Civil Engineering, University of Huelva, 21819 Huelva, Spain;
| | - Antonio Bernardo-Sánchez
- Department of Mining, Topography and Structures, University of León (ESTIM), Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain; (A.B.-S.); (A.O.-M.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Almudena Ortiz-Marqués
- Department of Mining, Topography and Structures, University of León (ESTIM), Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain; (A.B.-S.); (A.O.-M.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Ana Maria Castañón
- Department of Mining, Topography and Structures, University of León (ESTIM), Campus de Vegazana s/n, 24071 Leon, Spain; (A.B.-S.); (A.O.-M.); (A.M.C.)
| | - Francisco Antonio Corpas-Iglesias
- Research Group TEP 222 “Materials and Mining Engineering”, Higher Polytechnic School of Linares, University of Jaen, 23700 Linares, Spain;
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23
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Phytoremediator Potential of Ipomea asarifolia in Gold Mine Waste Treated with Iron Impregnated Biochar. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12020150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Growing environmental pollution in recent decades has been generating potentially toxic elements (PTE) which pose an ongoing threat to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems and human health, especially in mining areas. Biochar and PTE-tolerant species have been used in soil remediation as they are environmentally friendly alternatives. This study aimed to assess the influence of açaí seed biochar (Euterpe oleracea Mart), impregnated with iron (BFe) or not (BC), on the bioavailability of PTEs, in a multi-contaminated soil from a gold (Au) mining area in the Amazon, using Ipomea asarifolia as a plant test since it was naturally growing on the tailings. BC increased the soil pH while BFe reduced. Biochars increased PTEs in the oxidizable fraction (linked to soil organic matter). The use of BC and BFe improved the immobilization of PTEs and BC increased arsenic (As) in the easily soluble fraction in the soil. Moreover, plants grown with biochars showed lower dry matter yield, higher concentrations of PTEs and lower nutrient content than the control treatment. According to the phytoextraction and translocation factors, Ipomea asarifolia can be classified as a species with potential for phytostabilization of Zn and tolerant to other PTEs, mainly As.
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24
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Covre WP, Ramos SJ, Pereira WVDS, Souza ESD, Martins GC, Teixeira OMM, Amarante CBD, Dias YN, Fernandes AR. Impact of copper mining wastes in the Amazon: Properties and risks to environment and human health. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 421:126688. [PMID: 34315634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Improper disposal of copper mining wastes can threaten the ecosystem and human health due to the high levels of potentially toxic elements released into the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the properties of Cu mining wastes generated in the eastern Amazon and their potential risks to environment and human health. Samples of forest soil and artisanal/industrial Cu mining wastes were collected and subjected to characterization of properties and pseudo-total concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn, in addition to chemical fractionation of Cu. The pH ranged from near neutrality to alkaline. Pseudo-total concentrations of Cu were high in all wastes, mainly in the artisanal rock waste, with 19,034 mg kg-1, of which 61% is concentrated in the most reactive fractions. Pollution indices indicated that the wastes are highly contaminated by Cu and moderately contaminated by Cr and Ni. However, only the artisanal rock waste is associated with environmental risk. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic human health risks were detected, especially from exposure to Cr in the artisanal rock waste. Prevention actions and monitoring of the artisanal mining area are necessary to avoid impacts to the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Watilla Pereira Covre
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Silvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Xingu Institute of Studies, Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, 68380-000, São Félix do Xingu, Pará, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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25
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Delplace G, Viers J, Schreck E, Oliva P, Behra P. Pedo-geochemical background and sediment contamination of metal(loid)s in the old mining-district of Salsigne (Orbiel valley, France). CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132111. [PMID: 34507147 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The mining district of Salsigne in the Orbiel valley (Aude, France) was at one time the first gold mine in Europe and the first arsenic mine in the world. However, no scientific studies have evaluated the magnitude of its environmental impact. In this study, the pedo-geochemical background (PGB) was determined for 14 metal (loid) elements, including As. It appears that the PGB values for As and Sb are relatively high with 44±12 and 0.9±1.2 mg kg-1, respectively, because of the geological particularities of this area. In a second step, these PGB values (normalized with Ti concentrations) were used as local references to determine enrichment factors (EFs) of bed river sediments for the Orbiel River and two of its major tributaries (Gresillou and Russec rivers) collected between November 2018 and July 2020. Results showed that riverine sediments are contaminated by past mining activity and/or current storage areas. If we except the major elements (Fe, Ti and at a lesser extent Mn), we observed that As, Cu, Sb, Pb present the highest concentrations relative to the remaining elements (Cd, Co, V, Ni and Cr). In the case of As, EFs can reach 74 in the Orbiel River, 1000 in the Gresillou River and 27 in the Russec River. These calculations were also performed for sediments transported by the extreme flood of October 14, 2018, that killed 15 people and potentially remobilized contamination in the valley. We observed that the As concentrations of suspended samples from Grésillou and Russec rivers have reached 870 mg kg-1. Finally, the As concentrations measured in the river sediments of this valley are of the same order of magnitude than those published in the literature for environments strongly impacted by mining or mineral processing activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Delplace
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Jérôme Viers
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France.
| | - Eva Schreck
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Priscia Oliva
- Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Université de Toulouse, CNRS, IRD 14 Avenue Edouard Belin, Toulouse, 31400, France
| | - Philippe Behra
- Laboratoire de Chimie Agro-industrielle, LCA, Université de Toulouse, INRAE, 31030, Toulouse, France
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26
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Ahmed AA, Nazzal MA, Darras BM. Cyber-Physical Systems as an Enabler of Circular Economy to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals: A Comprehensive Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRECISION ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING-GREEN TECHNOLOGY 2022; 9. [PMCID: PMC8554746 DOI: 10.1007/s40684-021-00398-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Industrialization has brought wealth, prosperity, and abundance to many nations. However, it has had many drawbacks on people’s health and the environment. Several paradigms have been proposed and implemented in an effort to suppress and reverse the adverse impacts of human activities and industrialization. A popular approach that serves as a solution to many of the negative implications of industry today is the circular economy (CE). With today’s top-notch technologies, the transition from the conventional linear economy to CE has been made easier. For example, the implementation of cyber-physical systems (CPSs), an Industry 4.0 (I4.0) tool, within a CE can substantially increase efficiency and reduce waste. This work presents a thorough review on the applications of cyber-physical systems within each of the CE stages, the contribution of different CPS technologies to the sustainable development goals (SDGs), and the current state of the CE assessment tools. The contribution of different CPS tools to each CE stage is demonstrated through several practical examples. In addition, this work reveals how the different CPS technologies applications contribute to the attainment of different SDGs set by the United Nations. It is also deduced from the review of the current state of the CE assessment tools that there is a need for a standardized comprehensive CE measuring or rating system to allow businesses on the micro, meso, and macro levels of the economy improve their circulatory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aser Alaa Ahmed
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Mohammad A. Nazzal
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Mechanical Engineering Department, German Jordanian University, Madaba, Jordan
| | - Basil M. Darras
- Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
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27
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Yang J, Ma S, Song Y, Li F, Zhou J. Rethinking of Environmental Health Risks: A Systematic Approach of Physical-Social Health Vulnerability Assessment on Heavy-Metal Exposure through Soil and Vegetables. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182413379. [PMID: 34948988 PMCID: PMC8702039 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182413379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the field of environmental health risk assessment and management research, heavy metals in soil are a constant focus, largely because of mining and metallurgical activities, and other manufacturing or producing. However, systematic vulnerability, and combined research of social and physical vulnerability of the crowd, have received less attention in the research literature of environmental health risk assessment. For this reason, tentative design modelling for comprehensive environmental health vulnerability, which includes the index of physical and social vulnerability, was conducted here. On the basis of experimental data of heavy-metal pollution in soil and vegetables, and population and societal survey data in Daye, China, the physical, social, and comprehensive environmental health vulnerabilities of the area were analyzed, with each village as an evaluation unit. First, the polluted and reference areas were selected. Random sampling sites were distributed in the farmland of the villages in these two areas, with two sampling sites per village. Then, 204 vegetable samples were directly collected from the farmland from which the soil samples had been collected, composed of seven kinds of vegetables: cowpea, water spinach, amaranth, sweet potato leaves, tomato, eggplant, and pepper. Moreover, 400 questionnaires were given to the local residents in these corresponding villages, and 389 valid responses were obtained. The results indicated that (1) the average physical vulnerability values of the population in the polluted and reference areas were 3.99 and 1.00, respectively; (2) the village of Weiwang (WW) had the highest physical vulnerability of 8.55; (3) vegetable intake is exposure that should be paid more attention, as it contributes more than 90% to physical vulnerability among the exposure pathways; (4) arsenic and cadmium should be the priority pollutants, with average physical vulnerability value contributions of 63.9% and 17.0%, respectively; (5) according to the social vulnerability assessment, the village of Luoqiao (LQ) had the highest social vulnerability (0.77); (6) for comprehensive environmental health vulnerability, five villages near mining activities and two villages far from mine-affected area had high physical and social vulnerability, and are the urgent areas for environmental risk management. In order to promote environmental risk management, it is necessary to prioritize identifying vulnerable populations in the village-scale dimension as an innovative discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yang
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economic and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; (J.Y.); (Y.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Silu Ma
- Wuhan Planning and Design Company, Wuhan 430014, China;
| | - Yongwei Song
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economic and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; (J.Y.); (Y.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Fei Li
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economic and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; (J.Y.); (Y.S.); (F.L.)
| | - Jingcheng Zhou
- Research Center for Environment and Health, Zhongnan University of Economic and Law, Wuhan 430073, China; (J.Y.); (Y.S.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-027-8838-5413
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28
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Feitosa MM, Alvarenga IFS, Jara MS, Lima GJEDO, Vilela FJ, Resende T, Guilherme LRG. Environmental and human-health risks of As in soils with abnormal arsenic levels located in irrigated agricultural areas of Paracatu (MG), Brazil. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 226:112869. [PMID: 34627043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The municipality of Paracatu (Brazil) is notorious for its large irrigated agricultural area and by abnormal arsenic (As) levels in selected soils of the region. Concerns regarding As exposure via ingestion of water and food are frequent, yet little is known about the behavior of arsenic in irrigated agricultural soils, as well as on As bioaccessibility/bioavailability in agroecosystems of this region. This work evaluated total and available As in agricultural soils cultivated under irrigation and in soils under native vegetation in Paracatu. We also assessed reactive arsenic fractions and As bioaccessibility in the soil, as well as arsenic levels in plant shoots to estimate As risks in these agroecosystems. Soil (different depths) and plant tissue samples were collected in 6 irrigated agricultural areas (CA1 to CA6) and 4 reference areas (RA1 to RA4). Total soil-As did not differ between soil depths, reinforcing that the source of As in agricultural soils is natural. This was evident when counterpointing arsenic and phosphorus contents at different soil depths, as both accumulate on the surface of oxidic soils when added to agroecosystems by anthropogenic routes (e.g., phosphate fertilization for P and irrigation for As). Available As levels in soils and plants were very small (below detection limit). Furthermore, all soils presented very low oral As bioaccessibility. Our findings revealed that the irrigated soils are not As polluted due to the low enrichment and accumulation of arsenic, as well as the prevalence of low ecological risks. There is no non-carcinogenic risk for the local population, except for children in RA2. The estimated carcinogenic risk for children followed the order RA2 > CA3 > CA4 > RA3 > CA2, and for adults, RA2 > CA3. Ultimately, the strategy of comparing the behavior of P and As in the soils of this study proved to be efficient in showing that there are no major risks to humans and the environment in the investigated area. However, periodic monitoring of As bioavailability in these areas is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Monteiro Feitosa
- Federal University of Lavras, School of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Madeliny Saracho Jara
- Federal University of Lavras, School of Agriculture, Department of Soil Science, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Fernando José Vilela
- Agricultural and Environmental Technology Center (CAMPO), Paracatu, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Thiago Resende
- Agricultural and Environmental Technology Center (CAMPO), Paracatu, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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29
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Teixeira RA, Pereira WVDS, Souza ESD, Ramos SJ, Dias YN, Lima MWD, de Souza Neto HF, Oliveira ESD, Fernandes AR. Artisanal gold mining in the eastern Amazon: Environmental and human health risks of mercury from different mining methods. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 284:131220. [PMID: 34186225 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal gold (Au) mining is the activity with the highest consumption of mercury (Hg) and the main source of environmental contamination by this element, which is a recurring problem in the Amazon. In this study, contamination and risks caused by Hg to the environment and human health were evaluated in different forms of artisanal Au mining in the Brazilian Amazon. For this purpose, 25 samples of soils and tailings were collected in three types of artisanal mine and one native forest. The mineralogical analysis revealed that there is no occurrence of minerals constituted by Hg. However, the concentrations of Hg in underground mining tailings were very high and exceeded the prevention values established by Brazilian environmental legislation, indicating elevated risk to the ecosystem and human health. The enrichment factor indicated that underground mining tailings are enriched by Hg, submitted to cyanidation or not, suggesting anthropogenic source for the high concentrations of Hg. The geoaccumulation index and the contamination factor showed that the colluvial mining tailings are moderately contaminated, and the tailings from underground mining are highly to extremely contaminated, leading to very high risks to the environment and the health of children from the region. These results represent a great contribution to the Amazon, since they provide subsidies for the definition of policies to mitigate environmental contamination and associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Silvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Federal Rural University of the Amazon, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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30
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Wongsasuluk P, Tun AZ, Chotpantarat S, Siriwong W. Related health risk assessment of exposure to arsenic and some heavy metals in gold mines in Banmauk Township, Myanmar. Sci Rep 2021; 11:22843. [PMID: 34819590 PMCID: PMC8613182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02171-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to heavy metals in mining activities is a health issue among miners. This study was carried out at three small-scale gold mining sites situated in Banmauk Township, Myanmar and aims to assess the occupational health risks of small-scale gold miners who are exposed to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the soil through the dermal route. Soil samples were analyzed through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals in soils found As, ranged 1.04 mg/kg to 22.17 mg/kg, 0.13 mg/kg to 3.07 mg/kg for Cd, 0.15 mg/kg to 77.44 mg/kg for Hg, and 7.67 mg/kg to 210.00 mg/kg for Pb. In this study, 79% of the participants did not use any form of personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in gold mining processes. Regarding noncancer risk assessment, the results found all hazard quotient were lower than acceptable level (HQ < 1). In addition, all hazard index (HI) was lover than 1, the highest HI was found as 5.66 × 10−1 in the amalgamation process. On the other hand, the result found cancer risk ranged from 8.02 × 10−8 to 1.75 × 10−6, and the estimated cancer risks for 9 years ranged from 4.78 × 10−7 to 1.04 × 10−5. Therefore, the cancer risks of the miners were greater than the United State Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) acceptable cancer risk level, 1 × 10−6, and the miners may be at risk of developing carcinogenic diseases. The suggestion is to educate miners about the health risks of heavy metals and to encourage the use of proper PPE all the time while working in gold mine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pokkate Wongsasuluk
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Health and Social Sciences and Addiction Research Unit (HSSRU), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - Aung Zaw Tun
- International Postgraduate Program in Hazardous Substance and Environmental Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Environmental Conservation Department, Office No. 58, Nay Pyi Taw, 15011, Myanmar
| | - Srilert Chotpantarat
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Research Unit of Green Mining (GMM), Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wattasit Siriwong
- College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
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31
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Leclerc É, Venkiteswaran JJ, Jasiak I, Telford JV, Schultz MDJ, Wolfe BB, Hall RI, Couture RM. Quantifying arsenic post-depositional mobility in lake sediments impacted by gold ore roasting in sub-arctic Canada using inverse diagenetic modelling. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117723. [PMID: 34256286 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Lake sediments are widely used as environmental archives to reconstruct past changes in contaminants deposition, provided that they remain immobile after deposition. Arsenic (As) is a redox-sensitive element that may be redistributed in the sediments during early diagenesis, for instance along with iron and manganese, and thus depth profiles of As might not provide a reliable, unaltered record of past deposition. Here, we use inverse diagenetic modelling to calculate fluxes of As across the sediment-water interface and interpret As sedimentary records in eight lakes along a 80 km transect from the Giant and Con mines, Northwest Territories, Canada. The sediment cores were dated using 210Pb methods and analyzed for solid-phase and porewater As, Fe, Mn and organic C concentrations. We reconstructed the history of As deposition by correcting for the varying mobility patterns and calculated contemporary As deposition fluxes. Correction for diagenesis was substantial for three of the eight lakes, suggesting that lakes with lower sedimentation rates, which allows longer residence of As within the reactive zones defined by the model, enhance the influence of diagenesis. Results show that solid phase As peaks coincides with the period of high emissions from past gold ore roasting activities. Results also show that sediments sustained present-day As fluxes to the water column of study lakes within 50 km of the mines, while sediment in study lakes further than 50 km acted as As sinks instead.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Leclerc
- Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, and Department of Chemistry, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jason J Venkiteswaran
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Izabela Jasiak
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - James V Telford
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Mackenzie D J Schultz
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Brent B Wolfe
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Roland I Hall
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Raoul-Marie Couture
- Centre for Northern Studies (CEN), Takuvik Joint International Laboratory, and Department of Chemistry, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada.
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Albuquerque FEA, Herrero-Latorre C, Miranda M, Barrêto Júnior RA, Oliveira FLC, Sucupira MCA, Ortolani EL, Minervino AHH, López-Alonso M. Fish tissues for biomonitoring toxic and essential trace elements in the Lower Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 283:117024. [PMID: 33857879 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Brazilian soils can have high concentrations of toxic elements, mainly mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As), metals also associated with anthropogenic activities (e.g. intensive agriculture, mining, deforestation and hydroelectric plants). This can lead to large amounts of these elements reaching and/or being mobilized in the aquatic ecosystem, which constitutes a serious threat to the environment and to the health of local populations. Thus, we evaluate the feasibility of analyzing the tissues of freshwater fish species for monitoring toxic and trace element accumulation within the aquatic ecosystem in the Lower Amazon, Brazil. Two fish species were considered: Cichla temensis (Tucunaré), a carnivorous species, and Pterygoplichthys pardalis (Acari), a detritivorous species. Samples of liver and muscle from both species were evaluated in relation to their potential use for biomonitoring purposes. The study findings clearly demonstrate the value these fish species and tissues, particularly liver, for biomonitoring toxic and trace element concentrations in the aquatic environment across the study region. While Tucunaré liver proved the best option for biomonitoring elements that accumulate through the food chain (e.g. Hg), Acari liver better reflected elements that typically accumulate in the sediments (e.g. As). Moreover, the trace element profiles, determined using chemometric (multivariate) techniques, differed greatly in specimens from waters in the Andean mountain range (sampling sites located in the main course of the Amazon River) with high sediment concentrations, and in specimens from the Guyana and Brazilian shields (Porto Trombetas on the Trombetas River and Itaituba on the Tapajós River). The findings also indicate that deposition of elements in freshwater fish in this area is mainly associated with the geological origin of the soils and that large amounts of toxic elements can reach the aquatic ecosystem due to anthropogenic activities, thereby posing a serious danger to the environment and the health of the riverside communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Edir Amaral Albuquerque
- Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, Rua Vera Paz, S/n, Salé, CEP 68040-255, Santarém, PA, Brazil; Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Carlos Herrero-Latorre
- Research Institute on Chemical and Biological Analyses (IIAQBUS), Department of Analytical Chemistry, Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Marta Miranda
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Production and Clinical Veterinary Sciences, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
| | - Raimundo Alves Barrêto Júnior
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of the Semiarid Region (UFERSA), Av. Francisco Mota, S/nº - Bairro Pres. Costa e Silva, CEP 59625-900, Mossoró, RN, Brazil
| | - Francisco Leonardo Costa Oliveira
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Cláudia Araripe Sucupira
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Enrico Lippi Ortolani
- Department of Clinical Science, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo (FMVZ/USP), Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, CEP 05508-270, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino
- Laboratory of Animal Health, LARSANA, Federal University of Western Pará, UFOPA, Rua Vera Paz, S/n, Salé, CEP 68040-255, Santarém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marta López-Alonso
- Department of Animal Pathology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Santiago de Compostela, 27002, Lugo, Spain
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V. Capparelli M, Cabrera M, Rico A, Lucas-Solis O, Alvear-S D, Vasco S, Galarza E, Shiguango L, Pinos-Velez V, Pérez-González A, Espinosa R, M. Moulatlet G. An Integrative Approach to Assess the Environmental Impacts of Gold Mining Contamination in the Amazon. TOXICS 2021; 9:149. [PMID: 34206785 PMCID: PMC8309824 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9070149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As the number of legal and illegal gold mining sites increases in the Andes-Amazonia region, integrative methods to evaluate the effects of mining pollution on freshwater ecosystems are of paramount importance. Here, we sampled water and sediments in 11 sites potentially affected by gold mining activities in the Napo province (Ecuador). The environmental impacts were evaluated using the following lines of evidence (LOEs): water physicochemical parameters, metal exposure concentrations, macroinvertebrate community response (AAMBI), and toxicity by conducting bioassays with Lactuca sativa and Daphnia magna. Dissolved oxygen and total suspended solids were under (<80%) and above (>130 mg/Ls) quality standards 65% of the sites. Ag, Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn in water and V, B, and Cr in sediments were detected above quality standards at sampled sites. Nine out of eleven sites were classified as having bad environmental quality based on the AAMBI. L. sativa seed germination in both water (37% to 70%) and sediment (0% to 65%) indicate significant toxicity. In five sites, neonates of D. magna showed a 25% reduction in survival compared to the control. Our integrated LOEs index ranked sites regarding their environmental degradation. We recommend environmental impact monitoring of the mining expansion at the Andes-Amazonia region using multiple LOEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana V. Capparelli
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología-Estación El Carmen, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad del Carmen 24157, Mexico
| | - Marcela Cabrera
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
- Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia Del Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador
| | - Andreu Rico
- IMDEA Water Institute, Science and Technology Campus of the University of Alcalá, 28805 Alcalá de Henares, Spain;
- Cavanilles Institute of Biodiversity and Evolutionary Biology, University of Valencia, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Oscar Lucas-Solis
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Daniela Alvear-S
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Samantha Vasco
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (S.V.); (R.E.)
| | - Emily Galarza
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Lady Shiguango
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
| | - Veronica Pinos-Velez
- Departamento de Recursos Hídricos y Ciencias Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010202, Ecuador;
- Departamento de Biociencias, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca 010202, Ecuador
| | - Andrés Pérez-González
- Grupo de Investigación en Quimiometría y QSAR, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca 010204, Ecuador;
| | - Rodrigo Espinosa
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Vida, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (S.V.); (R.E.)
| | - Gabriel M. Moulatlet
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Tierra y Agua, Universidad Regional Amazónica Ikiam, Tena 150150, Ecuador; (M.V.C.); (M.C.); (O.L.-S.); (D.A.-S.); (E.G.); (L.S.)
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Analysis of Strength and Microstructural Characteristics of Mine Backfills Containing Fly Ash and Desulfurized Gypsum. MINERALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/min11040409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The utilization of solid wastes (SWs) as a potential resource for backfilling is not only conducive to environmental protection but also reduces the surface storage of waste. Two types of SWs, including fly ash (FA) and desulfurized gypsum (DG), were used to prepare cementitious backfilling materials for underground mined-out areas. Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was used as cement in mine backfill. To better investigate the feasibility of preparing backfill materials, some laboratory tests, such as uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dissipation theory, were conducted to explore both strength and microstructural properties of backfilling. Results have demonstrated that the main components of FA and DG in this study are oxides, with few toxic and heavy metal components. The ideal ratio of OPC:FA:DG is 1:6:2 and the corresponding UCS values are 2.5 and 4.2 MPa when the curing time are 7 days and 14 days, respectively. Moreover, the average UCS value of backfilling samples gradually decreased when the proportion of DG in the mixture increased. The main failure modes of various backfilling materials are tensile and shearing cracks. In addition, the corresponding relations among total input energy, dissipated energy and strain energy, and stress–strain curve were investigated. The spatial distribution of oxygen, aluminum, silicon, calcium, iron and magnesium elements, and hydration product are explored from the microstructure’s perspective. The findings of this study provide both invaluable information and industrial applications for the efficient management of solid waste, based on sustainable development and circular economy.
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Inesta-Vaquera F, Navasumrit P, Henderson CJ, Frangova TG, Honda T, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Ruchirawat M, Wolf CR. Application of the in vivo oxidative stress reporter Hmox1 as mechanistic biomarker of arsenic toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116053. [PMID: 33213951 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a naturally occurring metalloid present in drinking water and polluted air exposing millions of people globally. Epidemiological studies have linked iAs exposure to the development of numerous diseases including cognitive impairment, cardiovascular failure and cancer. Despite intense research, an effective therapy for chronic arsenicosis has yet to be developed. Laboratory studies have been of great benefit in establishing the pathways involved in iAs toxicity and providing insights into its mechanism of action. However, the in vivo analysis of arsenic toxicity mechanisms has been difficult by the lack of reliable in vivo biomarkers of iAs's effects. To address this issue we have applied the use of our recently developed stress reporter models to study iAs toxicity. The reporter mice Hmox1 (oxidative stress/inflammation; HOTT) and p21 (DNA damage) were exposed to iAs at acute and chronic, environmentally relevant, doses. We observed induction of the oxidative stress reporters in several cell types and tissues, which was largely dependent on the activation of transcription factor NRF2. We propose that our HOTT reporter model can be used as a surrogate biomarker of iAs-induced oxidative stress, and it constitutes a first-in-class platform to develop treatments aimed to counteract the role of oxidative stress in arsenicosis. Indeed, in a proof of concept experiment, the HOTT reporter mice were able to predict the therapeutic utility of the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine in the prevention of iAs associated toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Inesta-Vaquera
- Department of Systems Medicine. School of Medicine. University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK.
| | - Panida Navasumrit
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Colin J Henderson
- Department of Systems Medicine. School of Medicine. University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Tanya G Frangova
- Department of Systems Medicine. School of Medicine. University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Tadashi Honda
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Chemical Biology & Drug Discovery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, 11794-3400, USA
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Department of Molecular Medicine. School of Medicine. University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - C Roland Wolf
- Department of Systems Medicine. School of Medicine. University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, DD1 9SY, UK
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Alan M, Kara D. Geochemical phases of soil and the bioaccessibility of some elements in soils and vegetables from boron mines. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:17. [PMID: 33389185 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-020-08808-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The bioaccessibility of some elements (As, B, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) in soils and vegetables was determined using the physiologically based extraction test. An investigation of the geochemical phases of soils through sequential extraction methods followed by ICP-MS detection was also undertaken. Samples were collected from Iskele, Begendikler and Yolbasi villages in the Bigadic region and Yildiz village in the Susurluk region of Balikesir province, Turkey. All of these villages are close to boron mines. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis demonstrated the interrelationship between the bioaccessibility values of these elements in the gastric and intestinal extracts of soils as well as the plant samples grown in those soils and the elements' concentrations in the different soil fractions. From the bioaccessible concentrations of the elements in the intestinal phases, it was shown that the amounts of As, B, Cu, Mn and Ni in some plant samples were higher than the recommended and tolerable values for human consumption. The bioaccessibilty of these elements in the soils and plants were statistically related with the concentrations of these elements in the labile phases of the soil. The methodology adopted here would be applicable to determining interactions between elements and soil fractions and the interrelationships between bioaccessibility data and soil fractions for any soil samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Alan
- Department of Chemistry, Art and Science Faculty, Balikesir University, 10100, Balikesir, Turkey
| | - Derya Kara
- Department of Chemistry, Art and Science Faculty, Balikesir University, 10100, Balikesir, Turkey.
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Does Water Pollution Influence Willingness to Accept the Installation of a Mine Near a City? Case Study of an Open-Pit Lithium Mine. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su122410377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Currently, the use of lithium as a resource in the manufacturing of technological components such as mobile phones, computers or even in the automotive sector, is in high demand. In this sense, the prospects for lithium open-pit mines in order to obtain this highly valued resource have improved remarkably. However, the installation of this type of mine causes certain negative environmental consequences such as air pollution, water pollution, and even a reduction in the biodiversity of the environment, which generates welfare losses due to the cost involved. The objective of this work is to analyse the preferences of the citizens of Cáceres (Spain) regarding the possible opening of an open-pit lithium mine in the surroundings of the city. For this, a choice experiment was carried out to identify the willingness to accept certain levels of contamination and/or reduction of biodiversity and to quantify its monetary quantification. Likewise, a mixed-effects model was applied in order to analyse the heterogeneity in preferences and the willingness to accept the installation. The results showed that water pollution is one of the most relevant attributes in the preferences, revealing a very high willingness to accept (€12–38/year) for water pollution compared to other attributes.
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Abstract
Soil arsenic (As) pollution is still a major concern due to its high toxicity and carcinogenicity, thus, the study of decontamination techniques, as the organic amendment applications, keeps upgrading. This research evaluates the potential remediation of peat in different As-polluted soils, by assessing the decrease of As solubility and its toxicity through bioassays. Obtained reduction in As solubility by peat addition was strongly related to the increase of humic substances, providing colloids that allow the complexation of As compounds. Calcareous soils have been the least effective at buffering As pollution, with higher As concentrations and worse biological response (lower soil respiration and inhibition of lettuce germination). Non-calcareous soils showed lower As concentrations due to the higher iron content, which promotes As fixation. Although in both cases, peat addition improves the biological response, it also showed negative effects, hypothetically due to peat containing toxic polyphenolic compounds, which in the presence of carbonates appears to be concealed. Both peat dose tested (2% and 5%) decreased drastically As mobility; however, for calcareous soils, as there is no phytotoxic effect, the 5% dose is the most recommended; while for non-calcareous soils the efficient peat dose for As decontamination could be lower.
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