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Su WC, Lee J, Afshar M, Zhang K, Han I. Assessing community health risks from exposure to ultrafine particles containing transition metals in the Greater Houston Area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169067. [PMID: 38049001 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169067] [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: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
Ultrafine particles (UFPs) in urban air environments have been an essential public health concern. The inhalation of UFPs can introduce transition metals contained in the UFP into the human airways, leading to adverse health effects. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate urban air UFP exposure and health risks induced by transition metals. This research carried out a series of field measurements to study urban air UFP exposure in the Greater Houston Area. Three sampling sites in the Greater Houston Area representing varying levels of UFP exposures were selected. The newly developed Mobile Aerosol Lung Deposition Apparatus (MALDA) which consists of a complete set of human airway replicas and a pair of UFP particle sizers was deployed in the sampling sites during three sampling timeframes (morning rush hours, noon, and afternoon rush hours) to obtain on-site UFP respiratory deposition data. UFP samples were collected at the sampling sites for metal composition analysis. The acquired UFP respiratory deposition data and UFP composition data were then used to calculate the respiratory deposited mass of transition metals and estimate the associated health risks for individuals living near sampling sites. Our results showed that transition metal-induced non-cancer risks caused by exposure to urban UFPs were within acceptable limits. The estimated lifetime excess cancer risks were generally <10-6, indicating an overall acceptable level of transition metal-induced cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chung Su
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jinho Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Masoud Afshar
- Southwest Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Inkyu Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Akinyemi SA, Gitari WM, Petrik LF, Nyakuma BB, Hower JC, Ward CR, Oliveira MLS, Silva LFO. Environmental evaluation and nano-mineralogical study of fresh and unsaturated weathered coal fly ashes. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 663:177-188. [PMID: 30711584 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.01.308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion and the disposal of combustion wastes emit enormous quantities of nano-sized particles that pose significant health concerns on exposure, particularly in unindustrialized countries. Samples of fresh and weathered class F fly ash were analysed through various techniques including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Raman Spectroscopy. The imaging techniques showed that the fresh and weathered coal fly ash nanoparticles (CFA-NPs) are mostly spherical shaped. The crystalline phases detected were quartz, mullite, ettringite, calcite, maghemite, hematite, gypsum, magnetite, clay residues, and sulphides. The most abundant crystalline phases were quartz mixed with Al-Fe-Si-K-Ti-O-amorphous phases whereas mullite was detected in several amorphous phases of Al, Fe, Ca, Si, O, K, Mg, Mn, and P. The analyses revealed that CFA-NPs are 5-500 nm in diameter and encapsulate several potentially hazardous elements (PHEs). The carbon species were detected as 5-50 nm carbon nanoballs of graphitic layers and massive fullerenes. Lastly, the aspects of health risks related to exposure to some detected ambient nanoparticles are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Segun A Akinyemi
- Environmental Remediation and Geopollution Group, Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, P.M.B. 5363, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria; Environmental Remediation and Water Pollution Chemistry Group, Department of Ecology and Resources Management, School of Environmental Studies, University of Venda, Private Bag, X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa.
| | - Wilson M Gitari
- Environmental Remediation and Water Pollution Chemistry Group, Department of Ecology and Resources Management, School of Environmental Studies, University of Venda, Private Bag, X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Leslie F Petrik
- Environmental and Nano Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry, University of the Western Cape, Private Bag X17, Bellville 7535, South Africa
| | - Bemgba B Nyakuma
- School of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 Skudai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia
| | - James C Hower
- University of Kentucky Centre for Applied Energy Research, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, KY 40511, United States of America
| | - Colin R Ward
- School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia; Universidade do Vale do Rio do Sinos, Av. Unisinos, 950-Cristo Rei, RS 93022-000, Brazil; Faculdade Meridional IMED, 304-Passo Fundo, RS, 99070-220, Brazil
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental, Universidad de la Costa, CUC, Calle 58 # 55-66, Barranquilla, Atlantico, Colombia.
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Matzenbacher CA, Garcia ALH, Dos Santos MS, Nicolau CC, Premoli S, Corrêa DS, de Souza CT, Niekraszewicz L, Dias JF, Delgado TV, Kalkreuth W, Grivicich I, da Silva J. DNA damage induced by coal dust, fly and bottom ash from coal combustion evaluated using the micronucleus test and comet assay in vitro. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2017; 324:781-788. [PMID: 27894755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.11.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 11/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Coal mining and combustion generating huge amounts of bottom and fly ash are major causes of environmental pollution and health hazards due to the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals. The Candiota coalfield in Rio Grande do Sul, is one of the largest open-cast coal mines in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate genotoxic and mutagenic effects of coal, bottom ash and fly ash samples from Candiota with the comet assay (alkaline and modified version) and micronucleus test using the lung fibroblast cell line (V79). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of PAH and inorganic elements was carried out by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and by Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) techniques respectively. The samples demonstrated genotoxic and mutagenic effects. The comet assay modified using DNA-glicosilase formamidopirimidina (FPG) endonuclease showed damage related to oxidative stress mechanisms. The amount of PAHs was higher in fly ash followed by pulverized coal. The amount of inorganic elements was highest in fly ash, followed by bottom ash. It is concluded that the samples induce DNA damage by mechanisms that include oxidative stress, due to their complex composition, and that protective measures have to be taken regarding occupational and environmental hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Araujo Matzenbacher
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Letícia Hilario Garcia
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Marcela Silva Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Cardoso Nicolau
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Suziane Premoli
- Research Center Product and Development (CEPPED), Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Applied Toxicology (PPGGTA), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Dione Silva Corrêa
- Research Center Product and Development (CEPPED), Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Applied Toxicology (PPGGTA), Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudia Telles de Souza
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liana Niekraszewicz
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Johnny Ferraz Dias
- Ion Implantation Laboratory, Institute of Physics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tânia Valéria Delgado
- Coal Analysis and Rocks Oil Generators Laboratory, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Wolfgang Kalkreuth
- Coal Analysis and Rocks Oil Generators Laboratory, Institute of Geosciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ivana Grivicich
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetic Toxicology, PPGBioSaúde and PPGGTA, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas, RS, Brazil.
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Civeira MS, Pinheiro RN, Gredilla A, de Vallejuelo SFO, Oliveira MLS, Ramos CG, Taffarel SR, Kautzmann RM, Madariaga JM, Silva LFO. The properties of the nano-minerals and hazardous elements: Potential environmental impacts of Brazilian coal waste fire. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 544:892-900. [PMID: 26706762 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/05/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Brazilian coal area (South Brazil) impacted the environment by means of a large number of coal waste piles emplaced over the old mine sites and the adjacent areas of the Criciúma, Urussanga, and Siderópolis cities. The area studied here was abandoned and after almost 30 years (smokeless visual) some companies use the actual minerals derived from burning coal cleaning rejects (BCCRs) complied in the mentioned area for industry tiles or refractory bricks. Mineralogical and geochemical similarities between the BCCRs and non-anthropogenic geological environments are outlined here. Although no visible flames were observed, this study revealed that auto-combustion existed in the studied area for many years. The presence of amorphous phases, mullite, hematite and other Fe-minerals formed by high temperature was found. There is also pyrite, Fe-sulphates (eg. jarosite) and unburnt coal present, which are useful for comparison purposes. Bad disposal of coal-dump wastes represents significant environmental concerns due to their potential influence on atmosphere, river sediments, soils and as well as on the surface and groundwater in the surroundings of these areas. The present study using advanced analytical techniques were performed to provide an improved understanding of the complex processes related with sulphide-rich coal waste oxidation, spontaneous combustion and mineral formation. It is reporting huge numbers of rare minerals with alunite, montmorillonite, szomolnokite, halotrichite, coquimbite and copiapite at the BCCRs. The data showed the presence of abundant amorphous Si-Al-Fe-Ti as (oxy-)hydroxides and Fe-hydro/oxides with goethite and hematite with various degrees of crystallinity, containing hazardous elements, such as Cu, Cr, Hf, Hg, Mo, Ni, Se, Pb, Th, U, Zr, and others. By Principal Component Analysis (PCA), the mineralogical composition was related with the range of elemental concentration of each sample. Most of the nano-minerals and ultra-fine particles found in the burned coal-dump wastes are the same as those commonly associated with coal cleaning rejects, in which oxidation of sulphides plays an important role to environment and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matheus S Civeira
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rafael N Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ainara Gredilla
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Silvia Fdez Ortiz de Vallejuelo
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudete G Ramos
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvio R Taffarel
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Rubens M Kautzmann
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Juan Manuel Madariaga
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Analytical Chemistry, P.O. Box 644, 48080 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro, 92010-000 Canoas, RS, Brazil.
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Martinello K, Oliveira MLS, Molossi FA, Ramos CG, Teixeira EC, Kautzmann RM, Silva LFO. Direct identification of hazardous elements in ultra-fine and nanominerals from coal fly ash produced during diesel co-firing. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2014; 470-471:444-452. [PMID: 24157478 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2013] [Revised: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This study has provided an initial assessment of the environmental impacts and potential health effects associated with coal fly ash produced during diesel co-firing. Many hazardous elements that are typically detected by multifaceted chemical characterization by XRD, petrology, FE-SEM/EDS, and HR-TEM/SEAD/FFT/EDS in ultra-fine compounds and nanominerals from the co-fired coal fly ashes (CFAs). It provided an in-depth understanding of coal ash produced during diesel co-firing. Several of the neoformed ultra-fine compounds and nano-minerals found in the coal ashes are the same as those commonly associated with oxidation/transformation of aluminosilicates, carbonates, sulphides and phosphates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kátia Martinello
- Environmental Science and Nanotechnology Department, Institute of Environmental Research and Human Development, IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Marcos L S Oliveira
- Environmental Science and Nanotechnology Department, Institute of Environmental Research and Human Development, IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro 92010-000, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando A Molossi
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro 92010-000, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudete G Ramos
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro 92010-000, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Elba C Teixeira
- Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luis Roessler/RS, Fundação Estadual de Proteção Ambiental Henrique Luis Roessler-RS, Rua Carlos Chagas 55/802, Centro 90030-020 - Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rubens M Kautzmann
- Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro 92010-000, Canoas, RS, Brazil
| | - Luis F O Silva
- Environmental Science and Nanotechnology Department, Institute of Environmental Research and Human Development, IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil; Laboratory of Environmental Researches and Nanotechnology Development, Centro Universitário La Salle, Mestrado em Avaliação de Impactos Ambientais, Victor Barreto, 2288 Centro 92010-000, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
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Dwivedi S, Saquib Q, Al-Khedhairy AA, Ali AYS, Musarrat J. Characterization of coal fly ash nanoparticles and induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 437:331-338. [PMID: 22960109 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2012] [Revised: 07/25/2012] [Accepted: 08/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The nano-sized particles present in coal fly ash (CFA) were characterized through the X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses. The XRD data revealed the average crystallite size of the CFA nanoparticles (CFA-NPs) as 14 nm. TEM and SEM imaging demonstrated predominantly spherical and some polymorphic structures in the size range of 11 to 25 nm. The amount of heavy metal associated with CFA particles (μg/g) were determined as Fe (34160.0±1.38), Ni (150.8±0.78), Cu (99.3±0.56) and Cr (64.0±0.86). However, the bioavailability of heavy metals in terms of percent release was in the order as Cr>Ni>Cu>Fe in CFA-dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) extract. The comet and cytokinesis blocked micronucleus (CBMN) assays revealed substantial genomic DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMN) cells treated with CFA-NPs in Aq and DMSO extracts. About 1.8 and 3.6 strand breaks per unit of DNA were estimated through alkaline unwinding assay at 1:100 DNA nucleotide/CFA ppm ratios with the Aq and DMSO extracts, respectively. The DNA and mitochondrial damage was invariably greater with CFA-DMSO extract vis-à-vis -Aq extract. Generation of superoxide anions (O(2)•(-)) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) through metal redox-cycling, alteration in mitochondrial potential and 8-oxodG production elucidated CFA-NPs induced oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for CFA-induced genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourabh Dwivedi
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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El Badawy AM, Scheckel KG, Suidan M, Tolaymat T. The impact of stabilization mechanism on the aggregation kinetics of silver nanoparticles. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 429:325-31. [PMID: 22578844 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.03.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2011] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/15/2012] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for various applications is growing drastically. The increase in use will eventually lead to their release into the environment. The tendency of AgNPs to aggregate and the kinetics of aggregation are major factors that govern their fate in the environment. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was utilized to investigate the electrolyte-induced aggregation kinetics (NaNO₃, NaCl and Ca(NO₃)₂) of coated and uncoated AgNPs which are electrostatically (H₂-AgNPs and Citrate-AgNPs), sterically (polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-AgNPs) and electrosterically (branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI)-AgNPs) stabilized. The aggregation kinetics of the electrostatically stabilized AgNPs was in agreement with the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and the AgNPs exhibited both reaction-limited and diffusion-limited regimes. The H₂-AgNPs had critical coagulation concentrations (CCC) of 25, 30 and 3mM in the presence of NaNO₃, NaCl and Ca(NO₃)₂ salts, respectively. The Citrate-AgNPs had CCC of 70, 70 and 5 mM in the presence of NaNO₃, NaCl and Ca(NO₃)₂ salts, respectively. The values of the Hamaker constant for the electrostatically stabilized AgNPs were also determined and the values were in agreement with the reported values for metallic particles. The aggregation kinetics for both the sterically and electrosterically stabilized AgNPs (PVP-AgNPs and BPEI-AgNPs) was not in agreement with the DLVO theory and the particles were resistant to aggregation even at high ionic strength and electrolyte valence. The PVP-AgNPs and the BPEI-AgNPs had no critical aggregation concentration value at the investigated ionic strength values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amro M El Badawy
- Dept. of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Silva LFO, da Boit KM. Nanominerals and nanoparticles in feed coal and bottom ash: implications for human health effects. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2011; 174:187-197. [PMID: 20422282 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-010-1449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2010] [Accepted: 04/06/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Environmental and human health risk assessments of nanoparticle effects from coal and bottom ash require thorough characterisation of nanoparticles and their aggregates. In this manuscript, we expand the study of human exposure to nanosized particles from coal combustion sources (typically <100 nm in size), characterising the complex micromineralogy of these airborne combustion-derived nanomaterials. Our study focuses on bottom ash generated in the Santa Catarina power station (Brazil) which uses coal enriched in ashes, many potential elements (e.g. Cr and Ni) and pyrite. Transmission electron microscope data reveal nanoscale C deposits juxtaposed with and overgrown by slightly larger aluminosilicate (Al-Si) glassy spheres, oxides, silicates, carbonated, phosphates and sulphates. Iron oxides (mainly hematite and magnetite) are the main bottom ash products of the oxidation of pyrite, sometimes via intermediate pyrrhotite formation. The presence of iron oxide nanocrystals mixed with silicate glass particles emphasises the complexity of coal and bottom ash micromineralogy. Given the potentially bioreactive nature of such transition metal-bearing materials, there is likely to be an increased health risk associated with their inhalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis F O Silva
- Catarinense Institut of Environmental Research and Human Development, IPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Ribeiro J, Flores D, Ward CR, Silva LFO. Identification of nanominerals and nanoparticles in burning coal waste piles from Portugal. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:6032-6041. [PMID: 20855106 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2010.08.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2010] [Revised: 08/16/2010] [Accepted: 08/26/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A range of carbon nanoparticles, agglomerates and mineral phases have been identified in burning coal waste pile materials from the Douro Coalfield of Portugal, as a basis for identifying their potential environmental and human health impacts. The fragile nature and fine particle size of these materials required novel characterization methods, including energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The chemical composition and possible correlations with morphology of the nanominerals and associated ultra-fine particles have been evaluated in the context of human health exposure, as well as in relation to management of such components in coal-fire environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ribeiro
- Centro de Geologia, Universidade do Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
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Geng H, Kang S, Jung HJ, Choël M, Kim H, Ro CU. Characterization of individual submicrometer aerosol particles collected in Incheon, Korea, by quantitative transmission electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1029/2009jd013486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Hower JC, Senior CL, Suuberg EM, Hurt RH, Wilcox JL, Olson ES. Mercury capture by native fly ash carbons in coal-fired power plants. PROGRESS IN ENERGY AND COMBUSTION SCIENCE 2010; 36:10.1016/j.pecs.2009.12.003. [PMID: 24223466 PMCID: PMC3820115 DOI: 10.1016/j.pecs.2009.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The control of mercury in the air emissions from coal-fired power plants is an on-going challenge. The native unburned carbons in fly ash can capture varying amounts of Hg depending upon the temperature and composition of the flue gas at the air pollution control device, with Hg capture increasing with a decrease in temperature; the amount of carbon in the fly ash, with Hg capture increasing with an increase in carbon; and the form of the carbon and the consequent surface area of the carbon, with Hg capture increasing with an increase in surface area. The latter is influenced by the rank of the feed coal, with carbons derived from the combustion of low-rank coals having a greater surface area than carbons from bituminous- and anthracite-rank coals. The chemistry of the feed coal and the resulting composition of the flue gas enhances Hg capture by fly ash carbons. This is particularly evident in the correlation of feed coal Cl content to Hg oxidation to HgCl2, enhancing Hg capture. Acid gases, including HCl and H2SO4 and the combination of HCl and NO2, in the flue gas can enhance the oxidation of Hg. In this presentation, we discuss the transport of Hg through the boiler and pollution control systems, the mechanisms of Hg oxidation, and the parameters controlling Hg capture by coal-derived fly ash carbons.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Hower
- University of Kentucky, Center for Applied Energy Research, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, KY 40511 (1+859-257-0261; )
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Lu SG, Chen YY, Shan HD, Bai SQ. Mineralogy and heavy metal leachability of magnetic fractions separated from some Chinese coal fly ashes. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 169:246-255. [PMID: 19380201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.03.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2009] [Revised: 03/08/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic fractions (MFs) in fly ashes from eight coal-burning power plants were extracted by magnetic separation procedure. Their mineralogy and potential leachability of heavy metals were analyzed using rock magnetism, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and leaching procedures (toxicity characteristics leaching procedure by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, TCLP, and gastric juice simulation test, GJST). Results show that the MFs in the fly ashes range between 2.2 and 16.3wt%, and are generally composed of magnetite, hematite, quartz and mullite. Thermomagnetic analysis and SEM/EDX indicate that the main magnetic carrier magnetite is substituted with small amounts of impure ions, and its structures are featured by rough, dendritic and granular iron spherules. The MFs are found to be rich in Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Cd and Pb. Compared with the non-magnetic fractions (NMFs), the MFs have about 5 times higher iron, and 1.6 times higher Mn, Cr, Cu and Cd concentrations. The TCLP test shows that the TCLP-extractable Cr, Cu, and Pb concentrations in the MFs are higher than those in the NMFs, while the TCLP-extractable Cd concentration in the MFs and NMFs is below the detection limit (<0.1mg/L). The GJST-extractable Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb concentrations in the MFs are higher those in the NMFs. No significant difference in the leachability ratio of Cr, Cu and Pb with TCLP and GJST is found in the MFs and NMFs. However, the GJST test showed that Pb has higher leachability in MFs than that in NMFs. The leachability ratio of heavy metals has an order of Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd. The heavy metals of fly ashes have a great potential to be released into the environment under acid environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- S G Lu
- College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Subtropical Soil and Plant Nutrition, Hangzhou 310029, PR China.
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Silva LFO, Moreno T, Querol X. An introductory TEM study of Fe-nanominerals within coal fly ash. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2009; 407:4972-4974. [PMID: 19525000 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 05/25/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The investigation presented here was conducted during a wider experiment on the technical feasibility and environmental impacts of tire combustion in a Brazilian coal-fired power station. Nanometric-sized crystalline phases in fly ash were characterised using energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images. The nanoparticles, which register abundance peaks at 10 nm and 100 nm, include iron-rich oxide (e.g. hematite), Fe-sulphate (e.g., yavapaiite: KFe(SO4)2), and Fe-aluminumsilicate glass. Individual metalliferous nanoparticles have a heterogeneous microstructure in which elements such as iron, aluminum and silicon are not uniformly distributed. HR-TEM offers a powerful analytical technique in the study of fly ash nanoparticles, providing a better understanding of the detailed chemistry of this potentially strongly bioreactive component of atmospheric particulate matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- L F O Silva
- Catarinense Institut of Environmental Research and Human Development-GPADHC, Capivari de Baixo, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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14
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Yu D, Xu M, Yao H, Liu X, Zhou K, Wen C, Li L. Physicochemical properties and potential health effects of nanoparticles from pulverized coal combustion. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-008-0582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Hower JC, Graham UM, Dozier A, Tseng MT, Khatri RA. Association of the sites of heavy metals with nanoscale carbon in a Kentucky electrostatic precipitator fly ash. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2008; 42:8471-8477. [PMID: 19068834 DOI: 10.1021/es801193y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
A combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HRTEM-STEM-EELS) was used to study fly ashes produced from the combustion of an eastern Kentucky coal at a southeastern-Kentucky wall-fired pulverized coal utility boiler. Fly ash was collected from individual hoppers in each row of the electrostatic precipitators (ESP) pollution-control system, with multiple hoppers sampled within each of the three rows. Temperatures within the ESP array range from about 200 degrees C at the entry to the first row to < 150 degrees C at the exit of the third row. HRTEM-STEM-EELS study demonstrated the presence of nanoscale (10 s nm) C agglomerates with typical soot-like appearance and others with graphitic fullerene-like nanocarbon structures. The minute carbon agglomerates are typically juxtaposed and intergrown with slightly larger aluminosilicate spheres and often form an ultrathin halo or deposit on the fly ash particles. The STEM-EELS analyses revealed that the nanocarbon agglomerates host even finer (< 3 nm) metal and metal oxide particles. Elemental analysis indicated an association of Hg with the nanocarbon. Arsenic, Se, Pb, Co, and traces of Ti and Ba are often associated with Fe-rich particles within the nanocarbon deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Hower
- Center for Applied Energy Research, University of Kentucky, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, Kentucky 40511, USA.
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Kadossov E, Burghaus U. Adsorption dynamics and kinetics of CO2
on Fe/FeO
x
nanoclusters supported on HOPG. SURF INTERFACE ANAL 2008. [DOI: 10.1002/sia.2760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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