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Kasongo J, Alleman LY, Kanda JM, Kaniki A, Riffault V. Metal-bearing airborne particles from mining activities: A review on their characteristics, impacts and research perspectives. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 951:175426. [PMID: 39137842 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175426] [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: 05/02/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
The presence of various contaminants in airborne dusts from metal mining sites poses obvious risks to human health and the environment. Yet, few studies have thoroughly investigated the properties of airborne particles in terms of their morphology, size distribution and chemical composition, that are associated with health effects around mining activities. This review presents the most recent knowledge on the sources, physicochemical characteristics, and health and environmental risks associated with airborne dusts from various mining and smelting operations. The literature reviewed found only one research on atmospheric dust associated with hydrometallurgical plants compared to a larger number of pyrometallurgical processes/smelters studies. In addition, there are relatively few works comparing the distribution of metals between the fine and coarse size fractions around mining sites. Our analysis suggests that (i) exposure pathways of metal(loid)s to the human body are defined by linking concentration data in human biosamples and contaminated samples such as soils, drinking water and food, and (ii) chitosan and its derivatives may serve as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for soil remediation, with removal rates for metal(loid)s around 70-95 % at pH 6-8, and as dust suppressants for unpaved roads around mining sites. The specific limit values for PM and metal(loid)s at mining sites are not well documented. Despite the health risks associated with fine particles around mining areas, regulations have tended to focus on coarse particles. While some air quality agencies have issued regulations for occupational health and safety, there is no global alignment or common regulatory framework for enforcement. Future research priorities should focus on investigating PM and secondary inorganic aerosols associated with hydrometallurgical processes and dust monitoring, using online metal(loid)s analysers to identify the driving parameters in the deposition and resuspension process.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kasongo
- IMT Nord Europe, Institut Mines-Télécom, Université de Lille, Centre for Energy and Environnement, 59000 Lille, France; Department of Industrial Chemistry, Polytechnic Faculty, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Laurent Y Alleman
- IMT Nord Europe, Institut Mines-Télécom, Université de Lille, Centre for Energy and Environnement, 59000 Lille, France.
| | - Jean-Marie Kanda
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Polytechnic Faculty, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Arthur Kaniki
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, Polytechnic Faculty, University of Lubumbashi, Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Véronique Riffault
- IMT Nord Europe, Institut Mines-Télécom, Université de Lille, Centre for Energy and Environnement, 59000 Lille, France
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2
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Liu X, Peng C, Zhou Z, Jiang Z, Guo Z, Xiao X. Impacts of land use/cover and slope on the spatial distribution and ecological risk of trace metals in soils affected by smelting emissions. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 196:53. [PMID: 38110584 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12237-y] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
The soil contamination around smelting sites shows high spatial heterogeneity. This study investigated the impacts of distance, land use/cover types, land slopes, wind direction, and soil properties on the distribution and ecological risk of trace metals in the soil around a copper smelter. The results demonstrated that the average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were 248.0, 16.8, 502.4, 885.6, and 250.2 g mg kg-1, respectively, higher than their background values. The hotspots of trace metals were primarily distributed in the soil of smelting production areas, runoff pollution areas, and areas in the dominant wind direction. The concentrations of trace metals decreased with the distance to the smelting production area. An exponential decay regression revealed that, depending on the metal species, the influence distances of smelting emissions on trace metals in soil ranged from 450 to 1000 m. Land use/cover types and land slopes significantly affected trace element concentrations in the soil around the smelter. High concentrations of trace metals were observed in farmland, grassland, and flatland areas. The average concentrations of trace metals in the soil decreased in the order of flat land > gentle slope > steep slope. Soil pH values were significantly positively correlated with Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As, and SOM was significantly positively correlated with Cd, Pb, and Zn in the soil. Trace metals in the soil of the study area posed a significant ecological risk. The primary factors influencing the distribution of ecological risk, as determined by the Ctree analysis, were land slope, soil pH, and distance to the source. These results can support the rapid identification of high-risk sites and facilitate risk prevention and control around smelting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Liu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Chi Peng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China.
| | - Ziruo Zhou
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zhichao Jiang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Zhaohui Guo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
| | - Xiyuan Xiao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China
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Soto-Jiménez MF, Roos-Muñoz S, Soto-Morales S, Gómez-Lizarrága LE, Bucio-Galindo L. Environmental and health implications of Pb-bearing particles in settled urban dust from an arid city affected by Pb-Zn factory emissions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21287. [PMID: 38042928 PMCID: PMC10693616 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-48593-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metal-rich particles originating from non-ferrous metallurgical activities are the primary source of atmospheric metals in urban environments. These particles vary in size, morphology, and elemental compositions and they undergo weathering processes that alter their composition and affect their toxicity. This study focuses on lead (Pb)-rich particles in settled urban dust within an arid and dusty city, Torreón in North Mexico, affected by Met-Mex Peñoles complex, one of the world's largest Ag-Cd-Pb-Zn smelting and refining facilities in operating since 1901. Torreón is characterized by arid conditions, temperature fluctuations, and low humidity. Dry atmospheric particles were collected in 2015 and 2017 from Torreón's urban area within a 3 km radius of the Met-Mex Peñoles complex. We used various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) to determine the size, morphology, elemental composition and mineralogy of Pb-bearing particles. Our analysis revealed a range of Pb-bearing particle sizes and morphologies with varying Pb (0.3 to 51-87.2%) and other element contents, such as As (0.04 to 1-3.4%), Cd (0.4 to 3.3-5.1%), Cu (0.51-14.1%), Hg (ND-0.6%), and Zn (1.7 to 79-90.3%). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of Pb and Zn sulfides, Pb carbonates, Pb sulfate, and Pb oxides in urban dust, both as individual particles and agglomerates. Primary Pb minerals were linked to fugitive feed concentrates and smelter flue gas at Met-Mex Peñoles, while secondary Pb minerals, like Pb carbonates, Pb sulfate, and Pb oxides, resulted from direct emissions and weathering processes. Compared to galena, secondary Pb minerals exhibit higher chemical availability in the environment, posing greater risks to the environment and human health. As the particles analyzed are presumed to be resuspended rather than freshly emitted by Met-Mex, the presence of secondary Pb minerals in settled urban dust is predominantly linked to weathering processes. The physical and chemical transformations in Pb-rich particles contribute to increased Pb bioavailability and toxicity in urban dust, with substantial implications for environmental and human health. These findings highlight the potential consequences of weathered Pb-rich particle in urban areas, particularly in the arid and dusty city of Torreón.
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Affiliation(s)
- M F Soto-Jiménez
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México.
| | - S Roos-Muñoz
- Unidad Académica Mazatlán, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
- Tecnológico Nacional de México/Instituto Tecnológico de Mazatlán, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, México
| | - S Soto-Morales
- Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
| | - L E Gómez-Lizarrága
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
| | - L Bucio-Galindo
- Laboratorio de Cristalografía y Materiales Naturales, Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, México
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Zeider K, Manjón I, Betterton EA, Sáez AE, Sorooshian A, Ramírez-Andreotta MD. Backyard aerosol pollution monitors: foliar surfaces, dust enrichment, and factors influencing foliar retention. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1200. [PMID: 37700111 PMCID: PMC10636967 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11752-2] [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: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the leading causes of death from noncommunicable diseases globally, and in Arizona, both mining activities and abandoned agriculture can generate erodible dust. This dust is transported via wind and can carry high amounts of toxic pollutants. Industry-adjacent communities, or "fenceline communities," are generally closer to the pollution sources and are disproportionally impacted by pollution, or in this case, dust. The dust transported from the mine settles into nearby rivers, gardens, and homes, and increases the concentrations of elements beyond their naturally occurring amounts (i.e., enriched). This study was built upon previous community science work in which plant leaves were observed to collect similar concentrations to an accepted dust collection method and illustrated promise for their use as low-cost air quality monitors in these communities. This work investigated the concentration of Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Ba in dust from the leaves of community-collected backyard and garden plants (foliar dust), as well as if certain variables affected collection efficacy. This assessment evaluated (1) foliar concentration versus surface area for 11 elements, (2) enrichment factor (EF) values and ratios, (3) comparisons of foliar, garden, and yard samples to US Geological Survey data, and (4) what variable significantly affected dust collection efficacy. The EF results indicate that many of the samples were enriched (anthropogenically contaminated) and that the foliar samples were generally more contaminated than the yard and garden soil samples. Leaf surface area was the most influential factor for leaf collection efficiency (p < 0.05) compared to plant family or sampling location. Further studies are needed that standardize the plant species and age and include multiple replicates of the same plant species across partnering communities. This study has demonstrated that foliar dust is enriched in the participating partnering communities and that plant leaf samples can serve as backyard aerosol pollution monitors. Therefore, foliar dust is a viable indicator of outdoor settled dust and aerosol contamination and this is an adoptable monitoring technique for "fenceline communities."
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Zeider
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Iliana Manjón
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Eric A Betterton
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, 1177 E Fourth Street, Rm. 429, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, 1177 E Fourth Street, Rm. 429, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Mónica D Ramírez-Andreotta
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health's Division of Community, Environment & Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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Baieta R, Ettler V, Vaněk A, Drahota P, Kříbek B, Nyambe I, Mihaljevič M. Smelter-derived soil contamination in Luanshya, Zambia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 867:161405. [PMID: 36621473 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extensive mining and smelting contributed to the declining quality of Luanshya soils. The local smelter was the epicenter of contamination as shown by a spatial distribution analysis. Closeby soil profiles smelter exhibit extremely high Cu concentrations (up to 46,000 mg kg-1 Cu) relative to deeper layers where only background levels of trace elements were observed. A remote profile did not exhibit significant contamination. Lead isotopic ratios revealed that Pb contamination in the Luanshya soils was not smelter-derived. It was shown in this way that the historical usage of leaded gasoline was the main source of this metal. Although the Luanshya smelter also produced Co, this metal was not an important contaminant. Copper leaching was a concern in Luanshya. Upwards of 52 % of Cu was extractable in the exchangeable step of a sequential extraction procedure (SEP), but only for samples where Cu concentrations were high, suggesting that Cu was released exclusively from anthropogenic particles. This was supported by the SEP results for similar depths at the remote soil, where only a small fraction of Cu was labile (5.6 %). Lead and Co were strongly bound in the soils throughout. The excess of Cu in the topsoils was mostly bound in smelter-derived particles. These appeared as spherical fast-cooled droplets composed mostly of sulfides, oxides, and glass. X-ray diffraction and electron probe microanalysis of those particles allowed for a phase classification. Compositions were regularly not stoichiometric so most particles were classified as intermediate solid solutions. However, molecular proportions often closely resembled those of bornite, chalcanthite, cuprospinel, covellite, delafossite, diginite, or hydrous ferric oxides. Concentrations of Cu were often 100 % near the center of the particles indicating an inefficient smelting process. Weathering to some degree was common, which in conjunction with the susceptibility of Cu leaching was highly alarming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Baieta
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food, and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Drahota
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Kříbek
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, Prague 152 00 5, Czech Republic
| | - Imasiku Nyambe
- University of Zambia, School of Mines, Department of Geology, POB 32 379, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, CZ-128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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6
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Kelvin M, Verpaele S, Gopalapillai Y, Poland C, Leybourne MI, Layton-Matthews D. Application of quantitative mineralogy to determine sources of airborne particles at a European copper smelter. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13803. [PMID: 36879976 PMCID: PMC9984790 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Copper processing operations, such as smelters and refineries, can produce airborne particles that may impact the health of workers. At these operations, worker exposure to chemicals are regularly monitored to ensure that regulatory compliance with occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) are maintained. Determining the type of airborne particles present is important for characterizing the composition of dust exposures and better understanding the relationship between worker exposure and health. Routine methods of analysis (e.g., chemical assay) are unable to differentiate between phases containing the same elements and may result in ambiguity. A novel approach of a combination of Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscope (QEMSCAN) and chemical characterization was used here to evaluate airborne and settled dust collected at key locations throughout a copper smelter in Europe. The copper (Cu) phases present in the airborne dust are indicative of the activities performed at specific locations. In the batch preparation area where Cu concentrate is received, significant amounts of Cu were carried in sulfidic minerals (chalcocite, chalcopyrite/bornite, >40%), whereas near the anode and electric furnace, the majority of Cu in dust was carried in metallic and oxidic phases (60-70%). Particle size analysis of the settled dust indicates that the sulfidic and oxidic Cu minerals are more likely to become airborne over metallic Cu. Furthermore, overall Cu concentrations decreased with particle size where metallic and oxidic Cu dominate, which suggests that differences in the proportion of Cu forms present in the dust will impact how much Cu ends up in the respirable fraction. These results highlight the need to understand the characterization of Cu in dust in order to set better OELVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Kelvin
- Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 36 Union Street, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Steven Verpaele
- Health, Environment and Public Policy Department, Nickel Institute, Rue Belliard 12, 1040 Brussels, Belgium.,Belgian Center for Occupational Hygiene (BeCOH), Technologiepark 122, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yamini Gopalapillai
- International Copper Association, 7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300, McLean, VA 22102, USA
| | - Craig Poland
- Regulatory Compliance Limited, 6 Dryden Road, Loanhead, Midlothian, EH20 9TY, UK.,Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Matthew I Leybourne
- Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 36 Union Street, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada.,Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics & Astronomy, Queen's University, 64 Bader Lane, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Layton-Matthews
- Department of Geological Sciences and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 36 Union Street, Kingston K7L 3N6, Ontario, Canada
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Luo X, Wu C, Lin Y, Li W, Deng M, Tan J, Xue S. Soil heavy metal pollution from Pb/Zn smelting regions in China and the remediation potential of biomineralization. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 125:662-677. [PMID: 36375948 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Smelting activities pose serious environmental problems due to the local and regional heavy metal pollution in soils they cause. It is therefore important to understand the pollution situation and its source in the contaminated soils. In this paper, data on heavy metal pollution in soils resulting from Pb/Zn smelting (published in the last 10 years) in China was summarized. The heavy metal pollution was analyzed from a macroscopic point of view. The results indicated that Pb, Zn, As and Cd were common contaminants that were present in soils with extremely high concentrations. Because of the extreme carcinogenicity, genotoxicity and neurotoxicity that heavy metals pose, remediation of the soils contaminated by smelting is urgently required. The primary anthropogenic activities contributing to soil pollution in smelting areas and the progressive development of accurate source identification were performed. Due to the advantages of biominerals, the potential of biomineralization for heavy metal contaminated soils was introduced. Furthermore, the prospects of geochemical fraction analysis, combined source identification methods as well as several optimization methods for biomineralization are presented, to provide a reference for pollution investigation and remediation in smelting contaminated soils in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghua Luo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Chuan Wu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Yongcheng Lin
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Waichin Li
- Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Min Deng
- School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Jingqiang Tan
- School of Geosciences and Info-physics, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Shengguo Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
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Guo Z, Zhang Y, Xu R, Xie H, Xiao X, Peng C. Contamination vertical distribution and key factors identification of metal(loid)s in site soil from an abandoned Pb/Zn smelter using machine learning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 856:159264. [PMID: 36208763 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soil heterogeneity makes the vertical distribution of metal(loid)s in site soil vary considerably and poses a challenge for identifying the key factors of metal(loid)s migration in site soil profiles. In this study, a machine learning (ML) model was developed to study a typical abandoned Pb/Zn smelter using 267 site soils from 46 drilling points. Results showed that a well-trained ML model could be used to identify the key factors in determining the contamination vertical distribution and predict the metal(loid)s contents in subsurface soil. As, Cd, Pb, and Zn were the primary pollutants and their vertical migration depth arrived to 4-6 m. Based on the predictive performance of different ML algorithms, the extreme gradient boosting (XGB) was selected as the best model to produce accurate predictions for the most metal(loid)s content. Contents of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in the heavily contaminated zones declined with an increase of soil depth. The metal(loid) contents in surface soil of 0-2 m could be readily used to predict the content of Cd, Cr, Hg, and Zn in subsurface soil from 2 m to 10 m. Based on the metal-specific XGB models, sulfur content, functional area, and soil texture were identified as key factors affecting the vertical distribution of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn in site soil. Results suggested the ML method is helpful to manage the potential environmental risks of metal(loid)s in Pb/Zn smelting site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaohui Guo
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Yunxia Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Rui Xu
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China.
| | - Huimin Xie
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Xiyuan Xiao
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
| | - Chi Peng
- Institute of Environmental Engineering, School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, PR China
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Ke W, Zeng J, Zhu F, Luo X, Feng J, He J, Xue S. Geochemical partitioning and spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils contaminated by lead smelting. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119486. [PMID: 35595002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) pollution is a universal and complex problem at lead smelting sites. Further understanding on the distribution, coexistence relationship and occurrence form of multi-metals in soils should be taken prior to restoration on the contaminated sites. In this study, 222 soil samples in a typical abandoned lead smelting site were investigated to understand the spatial distribution and geochemical partitioning of HMs. The results showed that soil quality was seriously threatened by As, Pb and Cd, which expressed high spatial heterogeneity. Integration of sequential extraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mineral liberation analysers were employed to qualify the geochemical partitioning of HMs. The data showed that Pb and As were mainly partitioned in the reducible phase and residue phase, where the maximum of As were 18% and 79%, and the maximum of Pb were 31% and 64%, respectively, whilst Cd was mainly partitioned with residue phase (about 25%) and weakly acid soluble phase (about 18%). Paulmooreite was the major important mineral host for Pb and As, whereas Cd predominantly existed in willemite. These minerals containing HMs could usually with Fe reside in the octahedral layer of clay minerals such as montmorillonite, and may also reside in the interlayer. Quartz, montmorillonite and goethite were closely associated with HMs minerals in contaminated soils, which limited vertical migration of HMs and potential risks to groundwater. The results enhanced the understanding of spatial distribution and occurrence behavior of HMs, whilst providing potential benefits to heavy metal stabilization and risks control at abandoned non-ferrous metal smelting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshun Ke
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jiaqing Zeng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Xinghua Luo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jingpei Feng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jin He
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Shengguo Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China.
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Chen J, Zhang W, Ma B, Che J, Xia L, Wen P, Wang C. Recovering metals from flue dust produced in secondary copper smelting through a novel process combining low temperature roasting, water leaching and mechanochemical reduction. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 430:128497. [PMID: 35739678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.128497] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Flue dust from secondary copper smelting (FDSC) is a hazardous waste as well as a secondary resource due to the high content of Cl, Br, and valuable metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd). Herein, a novel process, combined low-temperature roasting, water leaching, and mechanochemical reduction, was developed for recovering metals from the FDSC. The phase conversion and behavior of the main elements in the whole process were explored based on thermodynamic analysis, experimental research, and various characterization. First, thermodynamics calculation revealed that adding H2SO4 could significantly decrease the roasting temperature and promote the generation of soluble metal sulfates. The experimental results showed that more than 99% of Cl and Br were removed by roasting at 325 °C and 1.5 times H2SO4 addition. Subsequently, the Cu, Zn, and Cd were almost completely leached by water under the conditions of 80 ℃, 2 h and L/S = 5 mL·g-1, while Pb was rejected and enriched in the residue. Finally, using iron powder as a reductant, 96.7% of PbSO4 was reduced to elemental lead at room temperature with the aid of mechanical force. The findings illustrated that the recovery performance of metals and environmental benefits will be greatly improved by the proposed process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Baozhong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jianyong Che
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Liu Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Peicheng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chengyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Metallurgy, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
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11
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Simmatis B, Rühland KM, Evans M, Meyer-Jacob C, Kirk J, Muir DCG, Smol JP. Metal contamination in alkaline Phantom Lake (Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada) generates strong responses in multiple paleolimnological proxies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 811:152299. [PMID: 34896499 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152299] [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: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The copper-zinc smelter at Flin Flon (Manitoba) operated between 1930 and 2010 and emitted large amounts of metal(loid)s and sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere, damaging the surrounding terrestrial landscapes and depositing airborne industrial pollutants into aquatic ecosystems. However, the extent of biological impairment in regional lakes is largely unknown. Here, we analysed biological and geochemical proxies preserved in a dated sediment core from Phantom Lake, collected seven years after the smelter closed in 2010. Our objectives were to determine how smelting history affected long-term trends in (1) sedimentary elements, (2) biota across multiple trophic levels, and (3) spectrally-inferred chlorophyll a and lake-water total organic carbon. The effects of smelting activities were clearest in the diatom record, in concordance with modest responses in chironomid and cladoceran assemblages. Several metal(loid)s were naturally high and exceeded sediment quality guidelines during the pre-smelting era. With the opening of the smelter, metal(loid) concentrations in sediments increased through the 1930s, peaked in the 1960s, and declined thereafter with technological improvements but remained above background to this day. Although modest declines in inferred lake-water total organic carbon indicate reduced terrestrial carbon supply following sulphate deposition in the catchment, the diatom record showed no evidence of acidification as the lake was and remained well-buffered. Pre-smelting diatom and invertebrate assemblages were diverse and indicated oligo-mesotrophic conditions. Smelting was associated with the loss of metal-sensitive biological indicators and the emergence of assemblages dominated by metal-tolerant, generalist taxa. Diatoms tracked substantial reductions in aerial emissions since the 1990s, particularly after the smelter closed, but also indicated that the biological effects of metal pollution persist in Phantom Lake. Examining the effects of a base metal smelter on a well-buffered lake offered insights into multi-trophic level responses to severe metal contamination and potential recovery without the confounding effects of concurrent changes in lake acidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigitte Simmatis
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada.
| | - Kathleen M Rühland
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Marlene Evans
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 11 Innovation Blvd., Saskatoon, SK S7N 3H5, Canada
| | - Carsten Meyer-Jacob
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Jane Kirk
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington, ON L7S 1A1, Canada
| | - John P Smol
- Paleoecological Environmental Assessment and Research Lab (PEARL), Department of Biology, Queen's University, 116 Barrie St., Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
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12
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Huang Z, Huang Y, Yang Z, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Gao Y, Shao Z, Zhang L. Study on the physicochemical characteristics and dust suppression performance of new type chemical dust suppressant for copper mine pavement. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:59640-59651. [PMID: 34143387 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14917-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Copper mine road dust is the major source of dust in mine operations. The dust produced on the road surface is a great hazard to the workers. Aiming at the road dust of an open-pit mine, this paper conducts a physical and chemical analysis of a new type of chemical dust suppressant. It is prepared by using sodium polyacrylate as a binder, sodium carbonate as a moisture absorbent, polyethylene glycol as a water-retaining agent, and alkyl glycoside as a surfactant. Physical and chemical characteristics and dust suppression performance of dust suppressant were tested. The results show that the dust suppressant has a pH of 11.03, a viscosity of 18.5 mPa·s, and a surface tension of 28.1 mN/m. The content of heavy metal ions contained is less than the maximum concentration defined by "The norms for the integrated treatment of copper mine acidic waste water." Under the same temperature condition, the greater the humidity, the stronger the hygroscopicity. Especially when the humidity is 30%, the hygroscopic effect is contrary to water. The dust suppressant also has good anti-evaporation properties, and it could maintain a moisture content of 4% to 5% after being placed at room temperature for 10 days. Compared with water, the dust suppressant has better performance of wind erosion, water erosion, and compression resistance. Under the same conditions, the loss rate of water is 2 times that of the dust suppressant, and the pressure of the dust suppressant sample is about 3 times that of water. The dust suppressant has a much higher dust removal efficiency for all dust and respirable dust than water under the same conditions. Finally, the test results and mechanism of the dust suppression mechanism of the dust suppressant are described and analyzed, which shows that the dust suppressant studied in this paper has good performance and is suitable for road dust prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhian Huang
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, 221116, China
- State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base for Gas Geology and Gas Control, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
- Work Safety Key Lab on Prevention and Control of Gas and Roof Disasters for Southern Coal Mines, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan, 411201, China
| | - Yang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhijun Yang
- Monywa Copper Mine, Wanbao Mining Ltd, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Monywa Copper Mine, Wanbao Mining Ltd, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Yukun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Zhenlu Shao
- Key Laboratory of Gas and Fire Control for Coal Mines, China University of Mining and Technology, Ministry of Education, Xuzhou, 221116, China
| | - Linghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of High-Efficient Mining and Safety of Metal Mines, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100083, China
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13
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Fry KL, Gillings MM, Isley CF, Gunkel-Grillon P, Taylor MP. Trace element contamination of soil and dust by a New Caledonian ferronickel smelter: Dispersal, enrichment, and human health risk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 288:117593. [PMID: 34245983 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Metallurgical industries remain a considerable source of trace element contamination and potential human health risk. Determination of sources is a key challenge. With respect to the South Pacific's largest and longest operating metallurgic smelter in Nouméa, New Caledonia, determining the environmental impact and subsequent human health risk associated with local ferronickel smelting is complicated by natural geological enrichment of Ni and Cr. This study applies a multi-method and multi-matrix approach to disentangle smelter emissions from geogenic sources and model the consequent health risk from industrial activity. Dust wipes (n = 108), roadside soil (n = 91), garden soil (n = 15) and household vacuum dust (n = 39) were assessed to explore geospatial trace element (As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, V and Zn) variations across outdoor and indoor environments. Enrichment factors (EF) identified elevated levels of smelter-related trace elements: S (EF = 7), Ni (EF = 6) and Cr (EF = 4), as well as Zn (EF = 4). Smelter-related elements in soil and dust deposits were negatively correlated with distance from the facility. Similarity of Pb isotopic compositions between dust wipes, surface soil and vacuum dust indicated that potentially toxic trace elements are being tracked into homes. Non-carcinogenic health risk modelling (Hazard Index, HI) based on 15 spatial nodes across Nouméa revealed widespread exceedance of tolerable risk for children (0-2 years) for Ni (HI 1.3-15.8) and Mn (HI 0.6-1.8). Risk was greatest near the smelter and to the north-west, in the direction of prevailing wind. Given the elevated cancer risk documented in New Caledonia, disentanglement of environmental from industrial sources warrants further attention to ensure community health protection. Our analysis illustrates how the confounding effects from complex environmental factors can be distilled to improve the accuracy of point source apportionment to direct future mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L Fry
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - M M Gillings
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C F Isley
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia
| | - P Gunkel-Grillon
- Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ISEA), University of New Caledonia, BPR4 98851 Nouméa Cedex, New Caledonia, France
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, 2109, New South Wales, Australia.
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14
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Zeider K, Van Overmeiren N, Rine KP, Sandhaus S, Eduardo Sáez A, Sorooshian A, Muñoz HC, Ramírez-Andreotta MD. Foliar surfaces as dust and aerosol pollution monitors: An assessment by a mining site. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 790:148164. [PMID: 34380246 PMCID: PMC8362843 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies in the southwestern United States have shown that smelting processes and mine tailings emit heavy metal(loid)s that are distributed via wind dispersion to nearby communities. With increased attention regarding the effect of air pollution on environmental health, communities have begun to use citizen/community-based monitoring techniques to measure the concentration of metal(loid)s and evaluate their air quality. This study was conducted in a mining community to assess the efficacy of foliar surfaces as compared to an inverted disc (frisbee) to sample aerosol pollutants in ambient air. The assessment was conducted by evaluating As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Al, Ni, and Zn concentrations versus distance from a former smelter, statistical and regression analyses, and enrichment factor calculations compared to similar sites worldwide. Both the foliar and frisbee collection methods had a decrease in metal(loid)s concentration as a function of distance from the retired smelter. Statistical calculations show that the collection methods had similar mean concentrations for all of the metal(loid)s of interest; however, the tests also indicate that the frisbee collection method generally collected more dust than the foliar method. The enrichment factors from both collection methods were comparable to similar studies by other mining areas referenced, except for aluminum. Since there is evidence of enrichment, correlation between methods, and citizen/community science potential, these efforts show promise for the field. Further studies should consider alternating the types of plant used for foliar collection as well as collecting samples on a more frequent basis in order to sufficiently categorize results based on meteorological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira Zeider
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Nicole Van Overmeiren
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Kyle P Rine
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shana Sandhaus
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Henry C Muñoz
- Concerned Citizens and Retired Miners Coalition of Superior, AZ, USA
| | - Mónica D Ramírez-Andreotta
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health's Division of Community, Environment & Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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15
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Gasca-Sanchez FM, Santuario-Facio SK, Ortiz-López R, Rojas-Martinez A, Mejía-Velázquez GM, Garza-Perez EM, Hernández-Hernández JA, López-Sánchez RDC, Cardona-Huerta S, Santos-Guzman J. Spatial interaction between breast cancer and environmental pollution in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07915. [PMID: 34584999 PMCID: PMC8450205 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This research examines the spatial structure of a sample of breast cancer (BC) cases and their spatial interaction with contaminated areas in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA). By applying spatial statistical techniques that treat the space as a continuum, degrees of spatial concentration were determined for the different study groups, highlighting their concentration pattern. The results indicate that 65 percent of the BC sample had exposure to more than 56 points of PM10. Likewise, spatial clusters of BC cases of up to 39 cases were identified within a radius of 3.5 km, interacting spatially with environmental contamination sources, particularly with refineries, food processing plants, cement, and metals. This study can serve as a platform for other clinical research by identifying geographic clusters that can help focus health policy efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Manuel Gasca-Sanchez
- Universidad de Monterrey, Escuela de Negocios, Departamento de Economia, Morones Prieto Av. 4500 Pte., San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo Leon, 66238, Mexico
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | - Sandra Karina Santuario-Facio
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | - Rocío Ortiz-López
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | - Augusto Rojas-Martinez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Manuel Mejía-Velázquez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Ingenieria y Ciencias, Eugenio Garza Sada Av, 2501, Tecnologico, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64849, Mexico
| | - Erick Meinardo Garza-Perez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | | | - Rosa del Carmen López-Sánchez
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
| | - Servando Cardona-Huerta
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Hospital Zambrano Helion TecSalud, Av. Batallon de San Patricio 112, Real San Agustín, San Pedro Garza García, N.L., 66278, Mexico
| | - Jesús Santos-Guzman
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina, Morones Prieto Av, 3000, Los Doctores, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, 64710, Mexico
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16
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Izydorczyk G, Mikula K, Skrzypczak D, Moustakas K, Witek-Krowiak A, Chojnacka K. Potential environmental pollution from copper metallurgy and methods of management. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111050. [PMID: 33753074 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the latest overview of the environmental impact of wastes from the non-ferrous metallurgical industry. Ashes, slags and dusts - by-products from mining and metal processing - are sources of toxic metals, such as Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Al, as well as particulate matter. Physical, chemical and biological processes transform industrial wastes and cause water, soil and air pollution. Improperly protected heaps are subject to wind erosion and rain water leaching. Heavy metals and particulate matter are transported over long distances, contaminating the soil, living areas, watercourses, while in combination with mist they create smog. Water erosion releases heavy metals, which are leached into groundwater or surface runoff. This paper focuses on the range of pollution emissions from non-ferrous metallurgy wastes, hazards, mechanisms of their formation and fallouts, on the current state of technology and technological risk reduction solutions. The impact of pollution on human health and the biosphere, and methods of waste reduction in this industry sector are also presented. A sustainable and modern mining industry is the first step to cleaner production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Izydorczyk
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Mikula
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dawid Skrzypczak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Konstantinos Moustakas
- School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Iroon Polytechniou Str., Zographou Campus, GR-15780, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Witek-Krowiak
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Chojnacka
- Department of Advanced Material Technologies, Faculty of Chemistry, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Smoluchowskiego 25, 50-372, Wrocław, Poland
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17
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Cuevas-Robles A, Soltani N, Keshavarzi B, Youn JS, MacDonald AB, Sorooshian A. Hygroscopic and Chemical Properties of Aerosol Emissions at a Major Mining Facility in Iran: Implications for Respiratory Deposition. ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH 2021; 12:292-301. [PMID: 33994823 PMCID: PMC8117051 DOI: 10.1016/j.apr.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study characterizes the hygroscopic and chemical nature of aerosols originating from ten locations (4 outdoors and 6 indoors) around the Gol-E-Gohar (GEG) iron ore mine (Iran), including an assessment of how hygroscopic growth alters particulate deposition in the respiratory system. Aerosols collected on filters in three diameter (Dp) ranges (total suspended particulates [TSP], Dp ≤ 10 μm [PM10], and Dp ≤ 2.5 μm [PM2.5]) were analyzed for chemical and hygroscopic characteristics. The water-soluble aerosol composition is dominated by species associated with directly emitted crustal matter such as chloride, sodium, calcium, and sulfate. There was minimal contribution from organic acids and other secondarily formed species such as inorganic salts. Aerosol growth factors at 90% relative humidity varied between 1.39 and 1.72 and exceed values reported for copper mines in the United States where similar data are available. Values of the hygroscopicity parameter kappa (0.19 to 0.45) were best related to the mass fraction of chloride among all the studied species. Kappa values were generally similar when comparing the three types of samples (TSP, PM2.5, PM10) at each site and also when comparing each of the ten sampling sites. Accounting for hygroscopic growth yields an increase in the deposition fraction for aerosols with a dry Dp between 0.2 and 2 μm based on International Commission on Radiological Protection model calculations, with more variability when examining each of the three individual head airway regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Cuevas-Robles
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Naghmeh Soltani
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnam Keshavarzi
- Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jong-Sang Youn
- Department of Environmental Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Alexander B MacDonald
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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18
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Dinis L, Bégin C, Savard MM, Parent M. Impacts of smelter atmospheric emissions on forest nutrient cycles: Evidence from soils and tree rings. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 751:141427. [PMID: 32882546 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Although the environmental impacts of metal atmospheric emissions from point sources such as smelter have been extensively studied, very few studies have attempted to understand the influence of those emissions on nutrient cycles in the surrounding forests. This study investigates nutrient variations in space and time along with trace metals by statistical analysis of tree-ring series combined with the characterization of element concentrations in soil horizons. The research focuses on the Horne smelter (Rouyn Noranda, Québec, Canada), because it released high atmospheric emissions of metals and gases between 1928 and 1990s. Tree-ring Sr/Mn ratios, and Mn and Sr z-score series reveal that surface soil pH recovered progressively within the 45 km footprint of the smelter since the end of acidic deposition in the late 1970s. The influence of acidic deposition on the current soil pH has become negligible. In other words, element bioavailability and root assimilation have changed through time due to soil acidification at proximal sites. The detrended tree-ring elemental series during the last century also suggest that summer temperatures partly control the elemental bioavailability to trees in soils. Moreover, tree-ring Zn and Mg series appear as key environmental indicators of metal deposition from the smelter. This research confirms previous findings indicating that elemental concentrations in black and white spruce trees may be used to evaluate the potential influence of smelter emissions on nutrient cycles. For a future informed and adaptive management of forests, understanding the potential modifications of nutrient regimes caused by anthropogenic contaminations is critical, especially in the context of global warming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauriane Dinis
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Christian Bégin
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Michel Parent
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 rue de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
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19
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Guo G, Zhang D, Wang Y. Characteristics of heavy metals in size-fractionated atmospheric particulate matters and associated health risk assessment based on the respiratory deposition. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:285-299. [PMID: 32895728 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00706-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The heavy metal distributions in size-fractionated atmospheric particulate matters and the associated health risks were investigated in a typical mining and smelting area in Southwest China. The Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations were 19.28, 44.48, 100.0, 554.0, and 601.8 ng/m3, respectively, in PM2.1; and 23.45, 60.99, 95.25, 559.3, and 813.7 ng/m3, respectively, in PM10. Enrichment factors of heavy metals indicated that anthropogenic sources of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the size-fractionated particles. The elevated concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were dominantly enriched in submicron particles (DP < 1.1 μm), whereas Cr tended to be accumulated in coarse particles (2.1 < DP < 10 μm). The deposition concentrations for multiple heavy metals in the head airway region, tracheobronchial region, and alveolar regions were 321.07, 21.58, and 51.96 ng/h for children, and 634.49, 42.65, and 102.68 ng/h for adults, respectively. The coarse particles contributed the most to the deposition concentration of HMs in head region, whereas submicron particles had relative higher proportions in the alveolar region. Heavy metals, especially Pb, caused noncarcinogenic risk to the children as the hazard index was 4.45. Moreover, total carcinogenic risks of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, and Pb) were 4.33 × 10-5 and 7.58 × 10-5 for adults and children, respectively, indicating potential carcinogenic risks. Overall, the results of this study revealed high health risks to the residents living around the mining and smelting areas, especially the children. It was therefore urgent to control the emission of heavy metals in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanghui Guo
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Degang Zhang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuntao Wang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
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Punia A. Role of temperature, wind, and precipitation in heavy metal contamination at copper mines: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:4056-4072. [PMID: 33188519 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-11580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The increasing demand for minerals pressurizing the mining authorities to extract low-grade ore results in more mining waste and degradation of the environment. The main aim of review was to understand the role of climatic factors (temperature, wind, and precipitation) in dispersal and mobility of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetation in Cu mining region. The major source of contamination in the mining sector is tailings, overburden rocks, and abandoned mines. The contaminates or fine particles of sulfide-rich mining waste follow two major pathways for the dispersal: aerial and leaching. Sulfides on exposure to oxygen and water generate acid mine drainage which results in leaching of heavy metals. The pit water of abandoned mines is also a cause of concern which contaminates the groundwater resources. Climatic factors such as temperature, precipitation, and wind significantly influence the paths of contaminate dispersal. In arid/semi-arid regions, high temperature forms fine-grained efflorescence salts on tailings or exposed surficial mines which are carried away by strong winds/water and contaminates the surroundings. In wet regions, the leaching of heavy metals from both tailings and overburden rocks sulfides results in environmental contamination. The application of impermeable layers is highly recommended. The climatic factors (temperature, wind, and precipitation) significantly control the dispersal and mobility of heavy metals in Cu mining region. The implementation of waste management policies and pollution control technologies is recommended after considering the climatic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Punia
- School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India.
- Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, Assam, 781039, India.
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21
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Isley CF, Taylor MP. Atmospheric remobilization of natural and anthropogenic contaminants during wildfires. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115400. [PMID: 33254611 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Globally, wildfires are increasing in frequency and severity, exposing populations to toxic trace elements stored within forests. Trace element and Pb isotope compositions in aerosols (n = 87) from four major wildfires near Sydney, Australia (1994-2004) were evaluated (Mood's median test) to determine any significant differences in concentration before, during or after wildfires. The US EPA's positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to distinguish a wildfire-related particulate source factor. Atmospheric concentrations of Cd and Mn were approximately 2.5 times higher during fire periods. PMF modelling distinguished a soil factor (Ca, Si, Ti and Zn) and an anthropogenically-sourced factor (Cd, Pb). The Cd, Pb anthropogenic factor was present at twice the concentration during wildfire periods (compared to before or after). Lead isotopic analyses of aerosols revealed that former leaded gasoline depositions were subject to remobilization during post-2000 wildfire periods. Trace element increases during wildfires are unlikely to exceed health-based criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Faye Isley
- Macquarie University Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, Australia.
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Doyi INY, Strezov V, Isley CF, Yazdanparast T, Taylor MP. The relevance of particle size distribution and bioaccessibility on human health risk assessment for trace elements measured in indoor dust. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 733:137931. [PMID: 32438193 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Trace metal contaminants in indoor dust pose a significant potential exposure risk to people because of the time spent indoors and the readily ingested and inhaled fine-grained composition of indoor dusts. However, there is limited trace metal data available on the specific interaction of dust particle size fraction and their respective bioaccessibility/bioavailability and its consequent effect on health risk assessment. This study addresses this knowledge gap by examining bioaccessible and bioavailable trace element concentrations (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in 152 discrete size fractions from 38 indoor vacuum samples from a larger dataset (n = 376) of indoor dust from Sydney, Australia. Arsenic, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were most concentrated in the 90-150 μm fraction with Cr and Mn being more concentrated in < 45 μm fraction. Dust particle size fractions < 45 μm, 45-90 μm, 90-150 μm and 150-250 μm were analysed for their individual gastric phase (G-alone) in vitro trace element bioaccessibilities. Lead exposure risk was estimated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Exposure Uptake Biokinetic (IEUBK) children's model. Mean Pb bioaccessibility was 59.6%, 42%, 62% and 62.2% for < 45 μm, 45-90 μm, 90-150 μm, and 150-250 μm, respectively. Mean Pb absolute bioavailability (ABA) was lower at 26.2%, 18.4%, 27.2% and 27.3% for size fractions < 45 μm, 45-90 μm, 90-150 μm, and 150-250 μm, respectively. The predicted blood Pb (PbB) levels for a hypothetical child aged 1 to 3 years for each of the dust particle size fractions was > 5 μg/dL. Lead concentrations measured in the selected dust samples show a potential for adverse health impacts on young children with the greatest risk being from indoor dust sized 90-150 μm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Israel N Y Doyi
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Vladimir Strezov
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Cynthia F Isley
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tahereh Yazdanparast
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
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Chang X, Li YX. Lead distribution in urban street dust and the relationship with mining, gross domestic product GDP and transportation and health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114307. [PMID: 32443187 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is an important pollutant and it is of significance to explore the Pb distribution, influencing factors and health risk. Pb concentration and mass load per unit area in 385 street dust samples collected from 19 cities in China were determined during 2011-2013. The results show that the Pb concentration are 68.8, 105.4, 41.7, 49.7, 75.6, 81.7, 131.9, 67.5, 109.3, 164.1, 74.8, 66.4, 99.8, 58.4, 114.0, 59.6, 103.7, 55.4 and 80.4 for Beijing, Chengdu, Daqing, Harbin, Jilin, Jinan, Kunming, Lanzhou, Luoyang, Panzhihua, Qingdao, Yinchuan, Guangzhou, Tangshan, Xi'an, Guangyuan, Nanjing, Taiyuan and Tianjin, respectively. The Pb pollution level of urban street dust varies among cities in the range of 1.72-5.56 times higher than soil background values. The allometric function can fit the change in Pb concentration with particle size well. The medium-sized (38-120 μm) particles contributed 60.2%-80.4% to the Pb load and should be highlighted when selecting street dust management techniques. Influenced by the distribution of Pb ore, the Pb concentration of urban street dust in China shows obvious regional differences, with value in the south 112% higher than that in the north. Among all kinds of mining types, metal-related mining activities discharge a large amount of Pb dust in the process of crushing and smelting, thus contributing most to the Pb load. The Pb load was also affected by transportation. The relationship between Pb load and gross domestic product (GDP) was described with the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) model, which indicated that the Pb emissions of most cities were still increasing. Finally, the human health risk assessment model with adjusted parameters showed that the Pb risk of all cities was below the threshold. Despite all this, given the EKC law of Pb emission, long-term follow-up assessments are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Ying-Xia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
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Fry KL, Wheeler CA, Gillings MM, Flegal AR, Taylor MP. Anthropogenic contamination of residential environments from smelter As, Cu and Pb emissions: Implications for human health. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 262:114235. [PMID: 32146362 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Revised: 02/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Communities in low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) are disproportionally affected by industrial pollution compared to more developed nations. This study evaluates the dispersal and associated health risk of contaminant-laden soil and dust at a copper (Cu) smelter in Tsumeb, Namibia. It is Africa's only smelter capable of treating complex Cu ores that contain high arsenic (As) contents (<1%). The analyses focused on the primary trace elements associated with ore processing at the smelter: As, Cu, and lead (Pb). Portable X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) of trace elements in soils (n = 83) and surface dust wipes (n = 80) showed that elemental contamination was spatially associated with proximity to smelter operations. Soil concentrations were below US EPA soil guidelines. Dust wipe values were elevated relative to sites distal from the facility and similar to those at other international smelter locations (As = 1012 μg/m2 (95% CI 687-1337); Cu = 1838 μg/m2 (95% CI 1191-2485); Pb = 1624 μg/m2 (95% CI 862-2385)). Source apportionment for Pb contamination was assessed using Pb isotopic compositions (PbIC) of dust wipes (n = 22). These data revealed that the PbIC of 73% (n = 16/22) of these wipes corresponded to the PbIC of smelter slag and tailings, indicating contribution from industrial emissions to ongoing exposure risk. Modeling of carcinogenic risk showed that dust ingestion was the most important pathway, followed by inhalation, for both adults and children. Dermal contact to trace elements in dust was also determined to pose a carcinogenic risk for children, but not adults. Consequently, contemporary smelter operations remain an ongoing health risk to the surrounding community, in spite of recent efforts to improve emissions from the operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara L Fry
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Cassandra Anne Wheeler
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Max M Gillings
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - A Russell Flegal
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, WIGS, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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Manjón I, Ramírez-Andreotta MD, Sáez AE, Root RA, Hild J, Janes MK, Alexander-Ozinskas A. Ingestion and inhalation of metal(loid)s through preschool gardening: An exposure and risk assessment in legacy mining communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 718:134639. [PMID: 31843310 PMCID: PMC7176541 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Children residing in mining towns are potentially disproportionately exposed to metal(loid)s via ingestion and dust inhalation, thus, increasing their exposure when engaging in school or home gardening or playing outside. This citizen science study assessed preschool children's potential arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) exposure via locally grown produce, water, incidental soil ingestion, and dust inhalation at four sites. Participants were trained to properly collect water, soil, and vegetable samples from their preschools in Nevada County, California. As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in irrigation sources did not exceed the U.S. EPA's maximum contaminant and action levels. In general, garden and playground As and Pb soil concentrations exceeded the U.S. EPA Regional Screening Level, CalEPA Human Health Screening Level, and California Department of Toxic Substances Control Screening Level. In contrast, all Cd concentrations were below these recommended screening levels. Dust samples (<10 μm diameter) were generated from surface garden and playground soil collected at the preschools by a technique that simulated windblown dust. Soil and dust samples were then analyzed by in-vitro bioaccessibility assays using synthetic lung and gastric fluids to estimate the bioaccessible fraction of As, Cd, and Pb in the body. Metal(loid) exposure via grown produce revealed that lettuce, carrot, and cabbage grown in the preschool gardens accumulated a higher concentration of metal(loid) than those store-bought nation-wide. None of the vegetables exceeded the respective recommendation maximum levels for Cd and Pb set by the World Health Organization Codex Alimentarius Commission. The results of this study indicate that consumption of preschool-grown produce and incidental soil ingestion were major contributors to preschool-aged children's exposure to As, Cd, and Pb. Traditionally, this level of site- and age-specific assessment and analyses does not occur at contaminated sites. The results of this holistic risk assessment can inform future risk assessment and public health interventions related to childhood metal(loid) exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Manjón
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Mónica D Ramírez-Andreotta
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States; Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health's Division of Community, Environment & Policy, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.
| | - A Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Robert A Root
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Joanne Hild
- Sierra Streams Institute, Nevada City, CA, United States
| | - M Katy Janes
- California Department of Water Resources, Sacramento, CA, United States
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Peng L, Li L, Lin Q, Li M, Zhang G, Bi X, Wang X, Sheng G. Does atmospheric processing produce toxic Pb-containing compounds? A case study in suburban Beijing by single particle mass spectrometry. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 382:121014. [PMID: 31445413 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2019.121014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A single particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) was deployed to investigate the mixing state and chemical processing of Pb-rich particles in suburban Beijing. Based on a large dataset of mass spectra, Pb-rich particles were classified into Pb-O-Cl-N-S (55%), Pb-N (17%), Pb-N-S (15%), and Pb-EC (7%). Residual coal combustion, industrial activities, and meteorological conditions were identified as main factors regulating the variations of Pb-rich particles in the atmosphere. The highest abundance of the Pb-rich particles was observed during heating period (HP) primarily due to the increase in coal usage. Pb in Pb-O-Cl-N-S type was identified in forms of PbO, PbCl2, and Pb(NO3)2. Dominantly presented in the form of Pb(NO3)2, Pb-N type represented the completely transformed Pb-rich particles from PbO/PbCl2 by atmospheric processes. It is found that PbCl2 and PbO could be transformed to Pb(NO3)2, highly dependent on the amount of NO2 and RH. Significant enhancement of nitrate in Pb-O-Cl-N-S particles was observed when the RH was greater than 60%, emphasizing the importance of heterogeneous hydrolysis of N2O5 on the formation of Pb(NO3)2. Compared with non-carcinogenic PbCl2/PbO and insoluble PbO, soluble and carcinogenic Pb(NO3)2 produced by atmospheric processes may significantly enhance negative effects of Pb-rich particles on human health and the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry and Atmospheric Environment, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for On-line Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Qinhao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Mei Li
- Institute of Mass Spectrometry and Atmospheric Environment, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for On-line Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Guohua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China.
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Xinming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Guoying Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
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Natasha, Dumat C, Shahid M, Khalid S, Murtaza B. Lead Pollution and Human Exposure: Forewarned is Forearmed, and the Question Now Becomes How to Respond to the Threat! RADIONUCLIDES AND HEAVY METALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-21638-2_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Abstract
Airborne magnetic particles in soils were studied in sites located in various distances to industrial plants. Chemical and mineral composition of soil samples were analysed. The highest values of the Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculated for several elements were noted for sites relatively distant from industrial plants. Soil samples exposed for the deposition of airborne particles were examined by means of magnetization versus an external applied magnetic field as well as 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements showing a lack of correlation of the magnetic properties with total Fe content, which points toward a strong impact of the industrial activities. Magnetic fraction was extracted and studied using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry. Two types of spherical particles were noted. Massive ones occurring in all sites and particles with a complex internal structure more abundant in sites situated closer to industrial plants. The presence of spherical magnetic particles formed in high temperature processes indicate their relatively long range transport in the atmosphere. Broad distribution, characteristic and easy for identification spherical form of these magnetic technoparticles, suggest that one can consider them as a record of the Anthropocene. Accumulation of such technoparticles is related to rapid industrialization in the post-World War II period.
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Coryell M, Roggenbeck BA, Walk ST. The Human Gut Microbiome's Influence on Arsenic Toxicity. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2019; 5:491-504. [PMID: 31929964 PMCID: PMC6953987 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-019-00206-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Arsenic exposure is a public health concern of global proportions with a high degree of interindividual variability in pathologic outcomes. Arsenic metabolism is a key factor underlying toxicity, and the primary purpose of this review is to summarize recent discoveries concerning the influence of the human gut microbiome on the metabolism, bioavailability, and toxicity of ingested arsenic. We review and discuss the current state of knowledge along with relevant methodologies for studying these phenomena. RECENT FINDINGS Bacteria in the human gut can biochemically transform arsenic-containing compounds (arsenicals). Recent publications utilizing culture-based approaches combined with analytical biochemistry and molecular genetics have helped identify several arsenical transformations by bacteria that are at least possible in the human gut and are likely to mediate arsenic toxicity to the host. Other studies that directly incubate stool samples in vitro also demonstrate the gut microbiome's potential to alter arsenic speciation and bioavailability. In vivo disruption or elimination of the microbiome has been shown to influence toxicity and body burden of arsenic through altered excretion and biotransformation of arsenicals. Currently, few clinical or epidemiological studies have investigated relationships between the gut microbiome and arsenic-related health outcomes in humans, although current evidence provides strong rationale for this research in the future. SUMMARY The human gut microbiome can metabolize arsenic and influence arsenical oxidation state, methylation status, thiolation status, bioavailability, and excretion. We discuss the strength of current evidence and propose that the microbiome be considered in future epidemiologic and toxicologic studies of human arsenic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Coryell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, 109 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Barbara A. Roggenbeck
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, 109 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
| | - Seth T. Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, 109 Lewis Hall, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA
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Spatial Clusters of Children with Cleft Lip and Palate and Their Association with Polluted Zones in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16142488. [PMID: 31336885 PMCID: PMC6678111 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16142488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the spatial structure of children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) and its association with polluted areas in the Monterrey Metropolitan Area (MMA). The Nearest Neighbor Index (NNI) and the Spatial Statistical Scan (SaTScan) determined that the CLP cases are agglomerated in spatial clusters distributed in different areas of the city, some of them grouping up to 12 cases of CLP in a radius of 1.2 km. The application of the interpolation by empirical Bayesian kriging (EBK) and the inverse distance weighted (IDW) method showed that 95% of the cases have a spatial interaction with values of particulate matter (PM10) of more than 50 points. The study also shows that 83% of the cases interacted with around 2000 annual tons of greenhouse gases. This study may contribute to other investigations applying techniques for the identification of environmental and genetic factors possibly associated with congenital malformations and for determining the influence of contaminating substances in the incidence of these diseases, particularly CLP.
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Taylor MP, Isley CF, Glover J. Prevalence of childhood lead poisoning and respiratory disease associated with lead smelter emissions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 127:340-352. [PMID: 30954720 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.01.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The city of Port Pirie in South Australia has been a world leading centre for lead and zinc smelting and processing since 1889 that continues to cause contamination of its environment and resident population. This study quantifies the effect of lead and SO2 emissions from Nyrstar Port Pirie Pty Ltd's smelter on blood lead and respiratory health outcomes, respectively, and establishes what air quality values are required to better protect human health. METHOD Blood lead and emergency department presentation data collected by South Australia Health (SA Health) and lead in air and SO2 data collected by the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (SAEPA) were obtained and analysed to quantify health outcomes due to smelter emissions in Port Pirie. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between the concentration of lead in air and children's blood lead levels between the years of available data: 2003 to 2017. Ambient SO2 concentrations (SAEPA) measured continuously between 2008 and 2018 were 24-hour averaged and compared to daily local emergency department respiratory presentation rates (available from July 2012 to October 2018). Rates of emergency department respiratory presentations at Port Pirie and regional comparators were calculated as age-standardised rates. RESULTS The data show that increases in ambient SO2 concentrations are associated with increased rates of emergency department respiratory presentations of Port Pirie residents, in which children are over-represented. The 30-day rolling average of respiratory presentations was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with incremental increases in SO2. Analysis of the relationship between lead in air and blood lead shows that annual geometric mean air lead concentrations need to be <0.11 μg/m3 to ensure the geometric mean blood lead of Port Pirie children under 5 years is ≤5 μg/dL. For children aged 24 months, lead in air needs to be no greater than 0.082 μg/m3 (annual geometric mean) to ensure geometric mean blood lead does not exceed 5 μg/dL. CONCLUSION Current smelting emissions continue to pose a clear risk of harm to Port Pirie children. Allowable emissions must be lowered significantly to limit adverse childhood health outcomes including respiratory illness and IQ, academic achievement and socio-behavioural problems that are associated with lead exposure at levels experienced by Port Pirie children. Current SO2 levels are likely to be responsible for increased rates of emergency department respiratory presentations in Port Pirie compared with other South Australian locations. As a minimum, Australian SO2 air quality standards need to be enforced in Port Pirie to better protect human health. Lead in air needs to be approximately 80% lower than the current national standard (0.5 μg/m3) to ensure that the geometric blood lead of children under 5 years is less than or equal to 5 μg/dL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Cynthia Faye Isley
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - John Glover
- Public Health Information Development Unit, Torrens University Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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Fang D, Huang W, Antkiewicz DS, Wang Y, Khuzestani RB, Zhang Y, Shang J, Shafer MM, He L, Schauer JJ, Zhang Y, Zhao S. Chemical composition and health risk indices associated with size-resolved particulate matter in Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 26:12435-12445. [PMID: 30847817 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-04618-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Size-resolved particulate matter (PM) was collected at the Heshan Super-Station in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, China, to evaluate their chemical characteristics and potential health risks. The chemical mass closures illustrate that the dominant fraction in coarse (2.5 μm < Dp < 10 μm) PM was dust, while organic matter made up a substantial portion of both fine (0.1 < Dp < 2.5 μm) and ultra-fine (Dp < 0.10 μm) PM fractions. The size distribution of most PM components varied substantially. PM, NO3-, K+, Cl-, Na+ and most of the transition/redox metals displayed bimodal size distributions with the dominant peak at 0.32-0.56 μm plus a small peak at 1.8-3.2 μm. In contrast, unimodal size distributions were found for the rest of the species, such as water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC), NH4+, and SO42- and the majority of oxyanion metals with a single peak at 0.32-0.56 μm, and Mg2+, Ca2+, and dust tracer elements which mainly accumulated in coarse particles. Based on the crustal enrichment factor (CEF) analysis, Cd, Zn, Sb, Sn, As, Pb, Mo, Cu, and Cr primarily originated from anthropogenic activities, while Ti in all size fractions and Sr, Mg, Na, and Fe in fine and ultra-fine particles were mainly emitted from natural sources. The potential health risk assessment of trace metals was performed using the hazard quotient (HQ) and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) indices. Although the adverse health effects of most metals were limited, significant potential carcinogenic risks were found for As and Cr in both fine and coarse particle size fractions, which contributed more than 95% of total ELCR. Therefore, considering that these two elements were mainly emitted from industrial processes, improvements in air quality and health risks in the PRD region can be largely achieved by reducing the emissions of local industrial sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Fang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Institute for Environmental Reference Materials of Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Dagmara S Antkiewicz
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Yuqin Wang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, 710021, China
| | - Reza Bashiri Khuzestani
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jing Shang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Martin M Shafer
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Lingyan He
- Key Lab of Urban Habitat Environmental Science and Technology, School of Environmental and Energy, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, 518001, China
| | - James J Schauer
- Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
- Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Yuanxun Zhang
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Regional Atmospheric Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, China.
| | - Shuo Zhao
- College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Lu J, Ma L, Cheng C, Pei C, Chan CK, Bi X, Qin Y, Tan H, Zhou J, Chen M, Li L, Huang B, Li M, Zhou Z. Real time analysis of lead-containing atmospheric particles in Guangzhou during wintertime using single particle aerosol mass spectrometry. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 168:53-63. [PMID: 30384167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The toxic effects of lead on human health and the environment have long been a focus of research. To explore sources of lead in Guangzhou, China, we investigated atmospheric lead-containing particles (LCPs) during wintertime using a single particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SPAMS). Based on mass spectral features, LCPs were classified into eight major particle types, including Pb-Cl and Pb-Cl-Li (coal combustion and waste incineration), Pb-Cl-EC and Pb-Cl-OC (diesel trucks and coal combustion), Pb-Cl-Fe (iron and steel industry), Pb-Cl-AlSi (dust), Pb-Sec (secondary formation), and Pb-Cl-Zn (industrial process); these sources (in parentheses) were identified by comparing atmospheric LCP mass spectra with authentic Pb emission source mass spectra. Sampling periods with LCP number fractions (NFs) more than three times the average LCP NF (APF = 4.35%) and below the APF were defined as high LCP NF periods (HLFPs: H1, H3, and H5) and low LCP NF APF periods (LLFPs: L2 and L4), respectively. Diurnal patterns and high Pb-Sec content during LLFPs indicate that photochemical activity and heterogeneous reactions may have controlled Pb-Sec particle formation. The inverse Pb-Cl and Pb-Sec particle diurnal trends during LLFPs suggest the replacement of Cl by sulfate and nitrate. On average over the five periods, ~ 76% of the LCPs likely arose from coal combustion and/or waste incineration, which were dominant sources during all five periods, followed by diesel trucks during LLFPs and iron- and steel-related sources during HLFPs; HLFP LCPs arose mainly from primary emissions. These results can be used to more efficiently control Pb emission sources and prevent harm to human and environmental health from Pb toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglin Lu
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li Ma
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chunlei Cheng
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chenglei Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China; Guangzhou Environmental Monitoring Center, Guangzhou 510030, China
| | - Chak K Chan
- School of Energy and Environment, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinhui Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Resources Utilization and Protection, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, PR China
| | - Yiming Qin
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haobo Tan
- Guangdong Ecological Meteorology Center, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jingbo Zhou
- Shijiazhuang Environmental Monitoring Station of Hebei Province, Shi Jiazhuang 050022, China
| | - Mubai Chen
- College of Chemistry and Environment Protection Engineering, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu 610225, China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Mei Li
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Zhen Zhou
- Institute of Mass Spectrometer and Atmospheric Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Online Source Apportionment System of Air Pollution, Guangzhou 510632, China
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Bortnikova S, Yurkevich N, Devyatova A, Saeva O, Shuvaeva O, Makas A, Troshkov M, Abrosimova N, Kirillov M, Korneeva T, Kremleva T, Fefilov N, Shigabaeva G. Mechanisms of low-temperature vapor-gas streams formation from sulfide mine waste. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:411-419. [PMID: 30086493 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents experimental data that revealed the potential for chemical element transport by low-temperature vapor-gas streams. The study was conducted on sulfide waste heap sites located in the Kemerovo region, Russia. Condensates of vapor-gas streams were collected and analyzed in the air above the waste heaps and during laboratory experiments using samplers specially designed for this purpose. The gas streams from a waste heaps are complex mixtures consisting of water vapor, sulfur- and selenium-containing compounds (sulfur dioxide SO2, dimethyl sulfide C2H6S, carbon disulfide CS2, dimethyl disulfide C2H6S2, dimethyl selenide C2H6Se, and dimethyl diselenide C2H6Se2), elemental sulfur (S6, S7, and S8) and various chemical elements, including rock-forming elements (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Si, Fe, Al, and Mn), metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, and Sn), and metalloids (As, Te, and Sb). The main sources of chemical elements in the gas streams are unstable secondary minerals associated with crystalline hydrates: gypsum CaSO4 × 0.5H2O, sideronatrite Na2Fe(SO4)2(OH) × 3H2O, serpierite CaCu3Zn(SO4)2(OH)6 × 3H2O, and copiapite (Mg,Zn,Fe2+Fe3+)4(SO4)6(OH)2 × 20H2O that formed during the oxidation of sulfide minerals. Some of the elements come from pore waters that are acidic, highly mineralized solutions. The mechanism of element migration from the pore waters is as follow: the water vapor phase transports elements in the form of aqueous ions, but complexed species (such as MeSO4(aq), MeCl(aq), Me(OH)+, etc.) remain in the salt residue. A significant contribution to the processes of transformation and transport of elements is made by biochemical methylation reactions, which occur in the presence of bacteria producers of methyl groups and are accompanied by the formation of volatile compounds of arsenic, selenium, sulfur, and tellurium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Bortnikova
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Nataliya Yurkevich
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Anna Devyatova
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Olga Saeva
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Olga Shuvaeva
- Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 3, Lavrentiev Avenue, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| | - Alexei Makas
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Troshkov
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Natalya Abrosimova
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Maksim Kirillov
- Sobolev Institute of Geology and Mineralogy, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatyana Korneeva
- Trofimuk Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Koptug Ave. 3, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
| | - Tatyana Kremleva
- Tyumen State University, Volodarskogo str, 6, 625003 Tyumen, Russia.
| | - Nikolay Fefilov
- Tyumen State University, Volodarskogo str, 6, 625003 Tyumen, Russia.
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Zhou J, Du B, Wang Z, Zhang W, Xu L, Fan X, Liu X, Zhou J. Distributions and pools of lead (Pb) in a terrestrial forest ecosystem with highly elevated atmospheric Pb deposition and ecological risks to insects. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 647:932-941. [PMID: 30096681 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
There is growing interest in how heavy metals in remote ecosystems are elevated and affect environmental health. However, no studies have investigated atmospheric lead (Pb) deposition influences on the Pb bioaccumulation in insects in forests. Here we measure Pb concentrations and pools in forest vegetation, litterfall, organic soil, mineral soil, as well as litterfall deposition fluxes in a region severely affected by atmospheric deposition. We also analyzed Pb in insects which feed in the polluted forest vegetation and litter. Assessment of high Pb loads causing potential ecological risk to insects was also studied. Total Pb pool in the vegetation was 0.12 g m-2 and annual litterfall deposition flux of Pb was 13.42 mg m-2, which was much higher than those in the background areas. Pools of Pb from litter to mineral topsoil averaged 4.3 g m-2, which accounted for 97.3% of total pools (biomass + soil) in the forest ecosystem. Pools of Pb in surface soils were correlated significantly with the pools of total organic matter and elevation. Atmospheric deposition was inferred the major source of Pb in the forest ecosystem, which can be supported by the highest Pb concentrations in the moss and overstory foliage. The maximum Pb concentration was showed in the dung beetle (12.1 mg kg-1) residing in the soils compared that in the longicorn and of cicada, which would potentially pose negatively influence to predators along food chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; College of Resource and Environment, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui 233100, China; National Engineering and Technology Research Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan 335211, China.
| | - Buyun Du
- Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, No. 8 Jiang-wang-miao Street, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210042, China
| | - Zhangwei Wang
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wantong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; National Engineering and Technology Research Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan 335211, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Ecological Security for Water Source Region of Mid-line of South-to-North Diversion Project, Nanyang Normal University, Nanyang, 473000, China
| | - Xingjun Fan
- College of Resource and Environment, Anhui Science and Technology University, Fengyang, Anhui 233100, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- National Engineering and Technology Research Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan 335211, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Soil Environment and Pollution Remediation, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; National Engineering and Technology Research Center for Red Soil Improvement, Red Soil Ecological Experiment Station, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yingtan 335211, China; Jiangxi Engineering Research Center of Eco-Remediation of Heavy Metal Pollution, Jiangxi Academy of Science, Nanchang, 330096, China.
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Hammond CM, Root RA, Maier RM, Chorover J. Mechanisms of Arsenic Sequestration by Prosopis juliflora during the Phytostabilization of Metalliferous Mine Tailings. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2018; 52:1156-1164. [PMID: 29241010 PMCID: PMC5930015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b04363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Phytostabilization is a cost-effective long-term bioremediation technique for the immobilization of metalliferous mine tailings. However, the biogeochemical processes affecting metal(loid) molecular stabilization and mobility in the root zone remain poorly resolved. The roots of Prosopis juliflora grown for up to 36 months in compost-amended pyritic mine tailings from a federal Superfund site were investigated by microscale and bulk synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and multiple energy micro-X-ray fluorescence imaging to determine iron, arsenic, and sulfur speciation, abundance, and spatial distribution. Whereas ferrihydrite-bound As(V) species predominated in the initial bulk mine tailings, the rhizosphere speciation of arsenic was distinctly different. Root-associated As(V) was immobilized on the root epidermis bound to ferric sulfate precipitates and within root vacuoles as trivalent As(III)-(SR)3 tris-thiolate complexes. Molar Fe-to-As ratios of root epidermis tissue were two times higher than the 15% compost-amended bulk tailings growth medium. Rhizoplane-associated ferric sulfate phases that showed a high capacity to scavenge As(V) were dissimilar from the bulk-tailings mineralogy as shown by XAS and X-ray diffraction, indicating a root-surface mechanism for their formation or accumulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corin M. Hammond
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 East Fourth Street, Shantz 429, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Robert A. Root
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 East Fourth Street, Shantz 429, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Raina M. Maier
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 East Fourth Street, Shantz 429, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Jon Chorover
- Department of Soil, Water, and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, 1177 East Fourth Street, Shantz 429, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
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Wu L, Taylor MP, Handley HK. Remobilisation of industrial lead depositions in ash during Australian wildfires. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 599-600:1233-1240. [PMID: 28521386 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the recycling of lead (Pb) in ash from wildfires, its source and potential contribution to environmental contamination. Ash from wildfires was collected from four Australian sites following uncontrolled fires during 2012 to 2013 close to major urban populations in Sydney (New South Wales), Hobart (Tasmania) and Adelaide (South Australia). The samples were analysed for their total Pb concentration and Pb isotopic composition to determine the sources of Pb and the extent, if any, of industrial contamination and its recycling into the ecosystem. Median ash concentrations (23mg/kg) released from a wildfire close to Australia's largest city, Sydney, exceeded the median ash Pb concentrations from wildfires from the less populated locations of Hobart, Adelaide and NSW Central Coast. Lead isotopic compositions of Duffys Forest wildfire ash demonstrate that anthropogenic inputs from legacy leaded petrol depositions were the predominant source of contamination. Despite the cessation of leaded petrol use in Australia in 2002, historic petrol Pb deposits continue to be a substantial source of contamination in ash: petrol Pb contributed 35% of the Pb in the Woy Woy ash, 73% in Duffys Forest ash, 39% in Forcett ash and 5% in Cherryville ash. The remobilisation of legacy industrial Pb depositions by wildfires in ash results in it being a persistent and problematic contaminant in contemporary environmental systems because of its known toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqin Wu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Macquarie University Centre for Energy and Environmental Contaminants, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia.
| | - Heather K Handley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia; Macquarie University Centre for Energy and Environmental Contaminants, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Shahid M, Dumat C, Khalid S, Schreck E, Xiong T, Niazi NK. Foliar heavy metal uptake, toxicity and detoxification in plants: A comparison of foliar and root metal uptake. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 325:36-58. [PMID: 27915099 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.11.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 451] [Impact Index Per Article: 64.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Anthropologic activities have transformed global biogeochemical cycling of heavy metals by emitting considerable quantities of these metals into the atmosphere from diverse sources. In spite of substantial and progressive developments in industrial processes and techniques to reduce environmental emissions, atmospheric contamination by toxic heavy metals and associated ecological and health risks are still newsworthy. Atmospheric heavy metals may be absorbed via foliar organs of plants after wet or dry deposition of atmospheric fallouts on plant canopy. Unlike root metal transfer, which has been largely studied, little is known about heavy metal uptake by plant leaves from the atmosphere. To the best of our understanding, significant research gaps exist regarding foliar heavy metal uptake. This is the first review regarding biogeochemical behaviour of heavy metals in atmosphere-plant system. The review summarizes the mechanisms involved in foliar heavy metal uptake, transfer, compartmentation, toxicity and in plant detoxification. We have described the biological and environmental factors that affect foliar uptake of heavy metals and compared the biogeochemical behaviour (uptake, translocation, compartmentation, toxicity and detoxification) of heavy metals for root and foliar uptake. The possible health risks associated with the consumption of heavy metal-laced food are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Camille Dumat
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir (CERTOP), UMR5044, Université J. Jaurès - Toulouse II, 5 Allée Antonio Machado, 31058 Toulouse Cedex 9, France.
| | - Sana Khalid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, 61100, Pakistan
| | - Eva Schreck
- Centre d'Etude et de Recherche Travail Organisation Pouvoir (CERTOP), UMR5044, Université J. Jaurès - Toulouse II, 5 Allée Antonio Machado, 31058 Toulouse Cedex 9, France; Géosciences Environnement Toulouse (GET), Observatoire Midi Pyrénées, Université de Toulouse CNRS, IRD, 14 avenue E. Belin, F-31400 Toulouse, France
| | - Tiantian Xiong
- School of Life Science, South China Normal University, No. 55 Zhongshan Avenue West Guangzhou 510631, PR China
| | - Nabeel Khan Niazi
- Institute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan; MARUM and Department of Geosciences, University of Bremen, Bremen D-28359, Germany; Southern Cross GeoScience, Southern Cross University, Lismore 2480, NSW, Australia
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Youn JS, Csavina J, Rine KP, Shingler T, Taylor MP, Sáez AE, Betterton EA, Sorooshian A. Hygroscopic Properties and Respiratory System Deposition Behavior of Particulate Matter Emitted By Mining and Smelting Operations. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2016; 50:11706-11713. [PMID: 27700056 PMCID: PMC5089925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b03621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study examines size-resolved physicochemical data for particles sampled near mining and smelting operations and a background urban site in Arizona with a focus on how hygroscopic growth impacts particle deposition behavior. Particles with aerodynamic diameters between 0.056-18 μm were collected at three sites: (i) an active smelter operation in Hayden, AZ, (ii) a legacy mining site with extensive mine tailings in Iron King, AZ, and (iii) an urban site, inner-city Tucson, AZ. Mass size distributions of As and Pb exhibit bimodal profiles with a dominant peak between 0.32 and 0.56 μm and a smaller mode in the coarse range (>3 μm). The hygroscopicity profile did not exhibit the same peaks owing to dependence on other chemical constituents. Submicrometer particles were generally more hygroscopic than supermicrometer ones at all three sites with finite water-uptake ability at all sites and particle sizes examined. Model calculations at a relative humidity of 99.5% reveal significant respiratory system particle deposition enhancements at sizes with the largest concentrations of toxic contaminants. Between dry diameters of 0.32 and 0.56 μm, for instance, ICRP and MPPD models predict deposition fraction enhancements of 171%-261% and 33%-63%, respectively, at the three sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-sang Youn
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Janae Csavina
- National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), 1685 38 Street, Boulder, CO USA
| | - Kyle P. Rine
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Taylor Shingler
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - A. Eduardo Sáez
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Eric A. Betterton
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Armin Sorooshian
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Hydrology and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Ettler V, Johan Z, Kříbek B, Veselovský F, Mihaljevič M, Vaněk A, Penížek V, Majer V, Sracek O, Mapani B, Kamona F, Nyambe I. Composition and fate of mine- and smelter-derived particles in soils of humid subtropical and hot semi-arid areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 563-564:329-39. [PMID: 27139305 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.04.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Revised: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
We studied the heavy mineral fraction, separated from mining- and smelter-affected topsoils, from both a humid subtropical area (Mufulira, Zambian Copperbelt) and a hot semi-arid area (Tsumeb, Namibia). High concentrations of metal(loid)s were detected in the studied soils: up to 1450mgAskg(-1), 8980mgCukg(-1), 4640mgPbkg(-1), 2620mgZnkg(-1). A combination of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) helped to identify the phases forming individual metal(loid)-bearing particles. Whereas spherical particles originate from the smelting and flue gas cleaning processes, angular particles have either geogenic origins or they are windblown from the mining operations and mine waste disposal sites. Sulphides from ores and mine tailings often exhibit weathering rims in contrast to smelter-derived high-temperature sulphides (chalcocite [Cu2S], digenite [Cu9S5], covellite [CuS], non-stoichiometric quenched Cu-Fe-S phases). Soils from humid subtropical areas exhibit higher available concentrations of metal(loids), and higher frequencies of weathering features (especially for copper-bearing oxides such as delafossite [Cu(1+)Fe(3+)O2]) are observed. In contrast, metal(loid)s are efficiently retained in semi-arid soils, where a high proportion of non-weathered smelter slag particles and low-solubility Ca-Cu-Pb arsenates occur. Our results indicate that compared to semi-arid areas (where inorganic contaminants were rather immobile in soils despite their high concentrations) a higher potential risk exists for agriculture in mine- and smelter-affected humid subtropical areas (where metal(loid) contaminants can be highly available for the uptake by crops).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Zdenek Johan
- BRGM, Avenue Claude Guillemin, 45082 Orléans Cedex 2, France
| | - Bohdan Kříbek
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic
| | | | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43 Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Penížek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Praha 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Majer
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00 Praha 5, Czech Republic
| | - Ondra Sracek
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Ben Mapani
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Fred Kamona
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Imasiku Nyambe
- University of Zambia, School of Mines, P. O. Box 32 379, Lusaka, Zambia
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Harvey PJ, Taylor MP, Kristensen LJ, Grant-Vest S, Rouillon M, Wu L, Handley HK. Evaluation and assessment of the efficacy of an abatement strategy in a former lead smelter community, Boolaroo, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2016; 38:941-954. [PMID: 26530186 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9779-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the recent soil Lead Abatement Strategy (LAS) in Boolaroo, New South Wales, Australia, that was designed to "achieve a reduction in human exposure to lead dust contamination in surface soils". The abatement programme addressed legacy contamination of residential areas following closure of lead smelting operations in 2003 at the Pasminco Cockle Creek Smelter (PCCS). The principal objective of the LAS was to "cap and cover" lead-contaminated soils within the urban environment surrounding the PCCS. Soil lead concentrations of 2500-5000 mg/kg were scheduled for removal and replacement, while concentrations between 1500 and 2500 mg/kg were replaced only under limited circumstances. To date, there has been no industry, government or independent assessment of the clean-up programme that involved >2000 homes in the township of Boolaroo. Thus, by measuring post-abatement soil lead concentrations in Boolaroo, this study addresses this knowledge gap and evaluates the effectiveness of the LAS for reducing the potential for lead exposure. Soil lead concentrations above the Australian residential soil health investigation level value for residential soils (300 mg/kg) were identified at all but one of the residential properties examined (n = 19). Vacuum dust samples (n = 17) from the same homes had a mean lead concentration of 495 mg/kg (median 380 mg/kg). Bio-accessibility testing revealed that lead in household vacuum dust was readily accessible (% bio-accessible) (mean = 92 %, median = 90 %), demonstrating that the risk of exposure via this pathway remains. Assessment of a limited number of properties (n = 8) where pre-abatement soil lead levels were available for comparison showed they were not statistically different to post-abatement. Although the LAS did not include treatment of non-residential properties, sampling of community areas including public sports fields, playgrounds and schools (n = 32) was undertaken to determine the contamination legacy in these areas. Elevated mean soil lead concentrations were found across public lands: sports fields = 5130 mg/kg (median = 1275 mg/kg), playgrounds and schools = 812 mg/kg (median = 920 mg/kg) and open space = 778 mg/kg (median = 620 mg/kg). Overall, the study results show that the LAS programme that was dominated by a "cap and cover" approach to address widespread lead contamination was inadequate for mitigating current and future risk of lead exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Harvey
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia.
| | - M P Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
| | - L J Kristensen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
| | - S Grant-Vest
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
| | - M Rouillon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
| | - L Wu
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
| | - H K Handley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2159, Australia
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Thermogravimetric Investigation of the Lead Volatilization from Waste Cathode-Ray Tube Glass. RECYCLING 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/recycling1010111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Sullivan M, Green D. Misled about lead: an assessment of online public health education material from Australia's lead mining and smelting towns. Environ Health 2016; 15:1. [PMID: 26739281 PMCID: PMC4704414 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-015-0085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study assesses the accuracy and comprehensiveness of online public health education materials from the three Australian cities with active lead mines and or smelters: Broken Hill, Mount Isa and Port Pirie. METHODS Qualitative content analysis of online Australian material with comparison to international best practice where possible. RESULTS All materials provided incomplete information about the health effects of lead and pathways of exposure compared to best practice materials. Inconsistent strategies to reduce exposure to lead were identified among the Australian cities, and some evidence-based best practices were not included. The materials normalised environmental lead and neglected to identify that there is no safe level of lead, or that primary prevention is the best strategy for protecting children's health. CONCLUSIONS Health education materials need to clearly state health risks from lead across developmental stages and for sensitive populations, integrate a primary prevention perspective, and provide comprehensive evidence-based recommendations for reducing lead exposure in and around the home. Families who rely on information provided by these online public education materials are likely to be inadequately informed about the importance of protecting their children from exposure to lead and strategies for doing so.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Sullivan
- Department of Public Health, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ, USA.
| | - Donna Green
- Climate Change Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- The ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Taylor MP, Zahran S, Kristensen L, Rouillon M. Evaluating the efficacy of playground washing to reduce environmental metal exposures. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2015; 202:112-9. [PMID: 25818090 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.029] [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: 12/13/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/14/2015] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Washing and wet mopping is often advocated as a remedial treatment to limit exposure to lead dust. Here, surface and pre- and post-play wipes were measured to ascertain dust metal exposures (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc) following play routines at four playgrounds in the smelter city of Port Pirie, South Australia, which are washed regularly. Although post-play hand wipe metals were 55.9% (95% CI: -0.78, -0.34) lower on wash days, loadings increased ∼5.1% (95% CI: 1.2, 11.7) per hour after washing. Despite washing, post-play hand lead exceeded a conservative value of 800 μg/m(2) within 24 h or sooner, with loadings increasing in proximity to the smelter. Post-play lead loadings were always >1000 μg/m(2) at the playground closest to smelter. Playground washing results in short-lived exposure reduction and effective treatment requires elimination of smelter emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Sammy Zahran
- Department of Economics, Center for Disaster and Risk Analysis, Colorado State University, C-312A Clark Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1771, USA
| | - Louise Kristensen
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Marek Rouillon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Sánchez de la Campa AM, Sánchez-Rodas D, González Castanedo Y, de la Rosa JD. Geochemical anomalies of toxic elements and arsenic speciation in airborne particles from Cu mining and smelting activities: influence on air quality. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 291:18-27. [PMID: 25748998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A characterization of chemical composition and source contribution of PM10 in three representative environments of southwest Spain related to mining activities (mineral extraction, mining waste and Cu-smelting) has been performed. A study of geochemical anomalies was conducted in the samples collected at the three stations between July 2012 and October 2013. The influence of Cu-smelting processes was compared to other mining activities, where common tracers were identified. The Cu and As concentrations in the study area are higher than in other rural and urban stations of Spain, in which geochemical anomalies of As, Se, Bi, Cd, and Pb have been reported. The results of source contribution showed similar geochemical signatures in the industrial and mining factors. However, the contribution to PM10 is different according to the type of industrial activity. These results have been confirmed performing an arsenic speciation analysis of the PM10 samples, in which the mean extraction efficiency of arsenic depended on the origin of the samples. These finding indicate that the atmospheric particulate matter emitted from Cu-smelting has a high residence time in the atmosphere. This indicates that the Cu-smelter can impact areas of high ecological interest and considered as clean air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M Sánchez de la Campa
- Associate Unit CSIC - University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Department of Geology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain.
| | - Daniel Sánchez-Rodas
- Associate Unit CSIC - University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Department of Chemistry and Science of Materials, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Yolanda González Castanedo
- Associate Unit CSIC - University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Department of Geology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - Jesús D de la Rosa
- Associate Unit CSIC - University of Huelva "Atmospheric Pollution", Center for Research in Sustainable Chemistry - CIQSO, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Department of Geology, Faculty of Experimental Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain; Agrifood Campus of International Excellence CEIA3, Spain; Campus of International Excellence of the Sea CEIMAR, Spain
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