1
|
Colombi F, Holland A, Baldwin D, Lawrence S, Davies P, Rutherfurd I, Grove J, Turnbull J, Macklin M, Hil G, Silvester E. Legacy effects of historical gold mining on floodplains of an Australian river. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:247. [PMID: 38869651 PMCID: PMC11176104 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-024-02003-5] [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: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
The gold rush at the end of the nineteenth century in south-eastern Australia resulted in the mobilization and re-deposition of vast quantities of tailings that modified the geomorphology of the associated river valleys. Previous studies of contamination risk in these systems have either been performed directly on mine wastes (e.g., battery sand) or at locations close to historical mine sites but have largely ignored the extensive area of riverine alluvial deposits extending downstream from gold mining locations. Here we studied the distribution of contaminant metal(loids) in the Loddon River catchment, one of the most intensively mined areas of the historical gold-rush period in Australia (1851-1914). Floodplain alluvium along the Loddon River was sampled to capture differences in metal and metalloid concentrations between the anthropogenic floodplain deposits and the underlying original floodplain. Elevated levels of arsenic up to 300 mg-As/kg were identified within the anthropogenic alluvial sediment, well above sediment guidelines (ISQG-high trigger value of 70 ppm) and substantially higher than in the pre-mining alluvium. Maximum arsenic concentrations were found at depth within the anthropogenic alluvium (plume-like), close to the contact with the original floodplain. The results obtained here indicate that arsenic may pose a significantly higher risk within this river catchment than previously assessed through analysis of surface floodplain soils. The risks of this submerged arsenic plume will require further investigation of its chemical form (speciation) to determine its mobility and potential bioavailability. Our work shows the long-lasting impact of historical gold mining on riverine landscapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Colombi
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Albury/Wodonga Campus, Wodonga, VIC, 3690, Australia.
| | - Aleicia Holland
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Albury/Wodonga Campus, Wodonga, VIC, 3690, Australia
| | - Darren Baldwin
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Thurgoona, NSW, 2640, Australia
- River and Wetlands, Thurgoona, NSW, Australia
| | - Susan Lawrence
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Peter Davies
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Ian Rutherfurd
- School of Geography, Faculty of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Melbourne, 22 Bouverie Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - James Grove
- School of Geography, Faculty of Earth and Atmospheric Science, University of Melbourne, 22 Bouverie Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Jodi Turnbull
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Mark Macklin
- School of Geography and Lincoln Centre for Water and Planetary Health, College of Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 TS, UK
| | - Greg Hil
- Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Ewen Silvester
- Department of Environment and Genetics, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Albury/Wodonga Campus, Wodonga, VIC, 3690, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kastury F, Besedin J, Betts AR, Asamoah R, Herde C, Netherway P, Tully J, Scheckel KG, Juhasz AL. Arsenic, cadmium, lead, antimony bioaccessibility and relative bioavailability in legacy gold mining waste. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133948. [PMID: 38493633 PMCID: PMC11097331 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Bioaccessibility and relative bioavailability of As, Cd, Pb and Sb was investigated in 30 legacy gold mining wastes (calcine sands, grey battery sands, tailings) from Victorian goldfields (Australia). Pseudo-total As concentration in 29 samples was 1.45-148-fold higher than the residential soil guidance value (100 mg/kg) while Cd and Pb concentrations in calcine sands were up to 2.4-fold and 30.1-fold higher than the corresponding guidance value (Cd: 20 mg/kg and Pb: 300 mg/kg). Five calcine sands exhibited elevated Sb (31.9-5983 mg/kg), although an Australian soil guidance value is currently unavailable. Arsenic bioaccessibility (n = 30) and relative bioavailability (RBA; n = 8) ranged from 6.10-77.6% and 10.3-52.9% respectively. Samples containing > 50% arsenopyrite/scorodite showed low As bioaccessibility (<20.0%) and RBA (<15.0%). Co-contaminant RBA was assessed in 4 calcine sands; Pb RBA ranged from 73.7-119% with high Pb RBA associated with organic and mineral sorbed Pb and, lower Pb RBA observed in samples containing plumbojarosite. In contrast, Cd RBA ranged from 55.0-67.0%, while Sb RBA was < 5%. This study highlights the importance of using multiple lines of evidence during exposure assessment and provides valuable baseline data for co-contaminants associated with legacy gold mining activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzana Kastury
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia.
| | - Julie Besedin
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia; School of Science, STEM, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aaron R Betts
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Richmond Asamoah
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
| | - Carina Herde
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide 5086, Australia
| | - Pacian Netherway
- EPA Science, Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Centre for Applied Sciences, Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod, Melbourne, Victoria 3085, Australia
| | - Jennifer Tully
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Water Infrastructure Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Solutions and Emergency Response, Land Remediation and Technology Division, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Albert L Juhasz
- Future Industries Institute, STEM, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
El Hayek E, Medina S, Guo J, Noureddine A, Zychowski KE, Hunter R, Velasco CA, Wiesse M, Maestas-Olguin A, Brinker CJ, Brearley A, Spilde M, Howard T, Lauer FT, Herbert G, Ali AM, Burchiel S, Campen MJ, Cerrato JM. Uptake and Toxicity of Respirable Carbon-Rich Uranium-Bearing Particles: Insights into the Role of Particulates in Uranium Toxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9949-9957. [PMID: 34235927 PMCID: PMC8413144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) presents an environmental health risk for communities residing close to uranium (U) mine sites. However, the role of the particulate form of U on its cellular toxicity is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated the cellular uptake and toxicity of C-rich U-bearing particles as a model organic particulate containing uranyl citrate over a range of environmentally relevant concentrations of U (0-445 μM). The cytotoxicity of C-rich U-bearing particles in human epithelial cells (A549) was U-dose-dependent. No cytotoxic effects were detected with soluble U doses. Carbon-rich U-bearing particles with a wide size distribution (<10 μm) presented 2.7 times higher U uptake into cells than the particles with a narrow size distribution (<1 μm) at 100 μM U concentration. TEM-EDS analysis identified the intracellular translocation of clusters of C-rich U-bearing particles. The accumulation of C-rich U-bearing particles induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity as indicated by the increased phosphorylation of the histone H2AX and cell death, respectively. These findings reveal the toxicity of the particulate form of U under environmentally relevant heterogeneous size distributions. Our study opens new avenues for future investigations on the health impacts resulting from environmental exposures to the particulate form of U near mine sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eliane El Hayek
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, MSC03 2060, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Sebastian Medina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Biology, New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701, United States
| | - Jimin Guo
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Molecular Medicine, MSC08 4720, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Achraf Noureddine
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Katherine E Zychowski
- Department of Biobehavioral Health and Data Sciences, MSC09 5350, University of New Mexico College of Nursing, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87106, United States
| | - Russell Hunter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Carmen A Velasco
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
- Chemical Engineering Faculty, Central University of Ecuador, Ciudad Universitaria, Ritter s/n & Bolivia, P.O. Box 17-01-3972, Quito 170129, Ecuador
| | - Marco Wiesse
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Angelea Maestas-Olguin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - C Jeffrey Brinker
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, MSC01 1120, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Adrian Brearley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Michael Spilde
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Tamara Howard
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, MSC08 4750, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Fredine T Lauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Guy Herbert
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Abdul Mehdi Ali
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, MSC03 2040, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Scott Burchiel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - Matthew J Campen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, MSC09 5360, University of New Mexico, College of Pharmacy, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| | - José M Cerrato
- Department of Civil Engineering, MSC01 1070, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jesús Eulises CS, González-Chávez MDCA, Carrillo-González R, García-Cué JL, Fernández-Reynoso DS, Noerpel M, Scheckel KG. Bioaccessibility of potentially toxic elements in mine residue particles. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2021; 23:367-380. [PMID: 33527965 PMCID: PMC8935130 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00447b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mining companies used to abandon tailing heaps in countryside regions of Mexico and other countries. Mine residues (MRs) contain a high concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTE). The wind can disperse dust particles (<100 μm) and once suspended in the atmosphere, can be ingested or inhaled; this is a common situation in arid climates. Nowadays, there is little information on the risk of exposure to PTEs from particulate matter dispersed by wind. The pseudo-total PTE in bulk and fractionated MR after aqua regia digestion, the inhalable bioaccessibility with Gamble solution (pH = 7.4), and the gastric bioaccessibility with 0.4 M glycine solution at pH 1.5 were determined. As and Pb chemical species were identified by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The highest rate of dispersion was observed with 74-100 μm particles (104 mg m-2 s-1); in contrast, particles <44 μm had the lowest rate (26 mg m-2 s-1). The highest pseudo-total As (35 961 mg kg-1), Pb (3326 mg kg-1), Cd (44 mg kg-1) and Zn (up to 4678 mg kg-1) concentration was in the <20 μm particles and As in the 50-74 μm (40 236 mg kg-1) particles. The highest concentration of inhaled bioaccessible As (343 mg kg-1) was observed in the <20 μm fraction and the gastric bioaccessible As was 744 mg kg-1, Pb was 1396 mg kg-1, Cd was 19.2 mg kg-1, and Zn was 2048 mg kg-1. The predominant chemical As species was arsenopyrite (92%), while 54% of Pb was in the adsorbed form. Erodible particle matter is a potential risk for humans in case of inhalation or ingestion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rogelio Carrillo-González
- Programa de Edafología, Colegio de Postgraduados, Carretera, México-Texcoco 36.5 km, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico.
| | - José Luis García-Cué
- Programa de Estadística, Colegio de Postgraduados, Carretera, México-Texcoco 36.5 km, Texcoco, 56230, Mexico
| | | | - Matthew Noerpel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kirk G Scheckel
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research & Development, Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dinis MDL, Fiúza A, Futuro A, Leite A, Martins D, Figueiredo J, Góis J, Vila MC. Characterization of a mine legacy site: an approach for environmental management and metals recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:10103-10114. [PMID: 31975010 PMCID: PMC7089905 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-019-06987-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The characterization of historical mine tailings provides important information for land-management decisions, in particular when considering potential reprocessing activities or the development of an environmental protection program. In addition, outcomes from such characterization may define the scope for a more detailed investigation. The present work describes the characterization of the waste material from the Cabeço do Pião tailings impoundment performed within the project ReMinE: Improve Resource Efficiency and Minimize Environmental Footprint. The purpose of the work was to investigate alternative mine waste management options such as the extraction of valuable resources from an environmental liability. The study involved the collection of 41 samples at different locations at two different depths, physical and chemical characterization of the wastes, natural leaching tests, and potential for acid generation. The results showed that, apart from the potential instability of the dyke (with an average slope of 35°), the drained solutions flowing by percolation contain very small particles with high arsenic contents that are being incorporated into the river sediments. In addition, these very fine-grained materials are available for the transport by the wind creating secondary sources of environmental contamination. This data is fundamental for economic and environmental assessment of the two main alternatives, reprocessing or removal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria de Lurdes Dinis
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - António Fiúza
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Aurora Futuro
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Leite
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Diogo Martins
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Janine Figueiredo
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Joaquim Góis
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Vila
- Center for Natural Resources and the Environment (CERENA-FEUP), Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, R. Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Umlaufová M, Száková J, Najmanová J, Sysalová J, Tlustoš P. The soil-plant transfer of risk elements within the area of an abandoned gold mine in Libčice, Czech Republic. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2018; 53:1267-1276. [PMID: 30596320 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2018.1528041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Abandoned gold mines are often suggested as potential sources of environmental pollution. Thus, the soils within the area of a gold mine in Libčice, Czech Republic, were monitored. Elevated element contents were found of As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn. The risk assessment codes (RACs) indicated high environmental risk from soil Cd, and moderate risk from Zn, whereas the risk of As, Cu, and Pb was low. It was supported by the analysis of 134 samples of aboveground biomass of plants, where the levels of As and Pb were below the detection limit. For Cd, the plant uptake reflected the high mobility of this element, where the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) varied in range 0.032 (Fragaria vesca) and 1.97 (Circia arvensis). For 11% of samples the BAF values for Cd exceeded 1. For Hg, although the maximum BAF did not exceed 0.37 (Lotus corniculatus), the Hg contents in plants occasionally exceeded the threshold limits for Hg contents in raw feedstuffs. The investigated gold mine does not represent a direct environmental risk, but the fate of Cd and Hg in the soils and plants suggests the necessity of a deeper understanding of the penetration of these elements into the surrounding environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Umlaufová
- a Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Száková
- a Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jana Najmanová
- a Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Jiřina Sysalová
- b AAS laboratory , University of Chemistry and Technology , Prague , Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Tlustoš
- a Department of Agroenvironmental Chemistry and Plant Nutrition , Czech University of Life Sciences Prague , Prague , Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Harvey PJ, Peterson PG, Taylor MP. VegeSafe: a community science program generating a national residential garden soil metal(loid) database. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 25:33745-33754. [PMID: 30276696 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-3293-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
VegeSafe is a national community science initiative aimed at characterising soils in Australian residential gardens and community gardens. The program has been operating for over 5 years and has generated soil metal(loid) data from over 8600 residential garden and community garden soil samples, submitted by almost 2000 community scientists. The VegeSafe program represents the largest archive of soil metal(loid) data and associated metadata for residential garden soils in Australia. Samples were collected across Australia, with 61% of samples collected from NSW (n = 5284), Victoria (VIC) 20% (n = 1688) of samples and Queensland (QLD) 7% (n = 592) of samples. Soil metal(loid) data obtained by analysis of bulk soil samples by portable X-ray florescence spectrometry (pXRF) for As, Cu, Cr Mn, Pb and Zn showed spatial patterns of greater soil metal(loid) concentrations around city areas, particularly in NSW and VIC. The Australian Health Investigation Levels for low-density residential land uses (HIL-A) were used in this study as guideline values for soil metal(loid) concentrations. Overall, there was a relatively small number of HIL-A exceedances in the dataset, with most metal(loid)s exceeding their HIL-A concentration in < 5% of incidences. The notable exception to this was for Pb, which had HIL-A (300 mg/kg) exceeded in 27% (n = 1427) of samples in NSW, 17% (n = 280) in VIC and 10% (n = 61) in QLD. Through the power of community engagement and community science, the VegeSafe program presents an unprecedented insight into soil metal(loid) concentrations in Australian residential gardens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul James Harvey
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
| | - Phoebe Grace Peterson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hudson‐Edwards KA. Mining and Planetary Health: A GeoHealth-Led Special Collection. GEOHEALTH 2018; 2:278-282. [PMID: 32159001 PMCID: PMC7007067 DOI: 10.1029/2018gh000156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mining is a vital part of the global economy, but unmanaged releases of mine wastes can affect the health of humans, ecosystems, water, soil and Earth surface environments (e.g., rivers and estuaries). New technological developments and multidisciplinary collaborations are leading to new insights into the relationship between mining and the health of the Earth. In recognition of the importance of this topic, GeoHealth is leading in the creation of a special collection of papers on the theme of Mining and Planetary Health, to summarize the current state of knowledge, outline topics for urgent action and further research, and highlight positive efforts in environmental and health protection. Submissions are invited from researchers investigating the impacts of mining at the intersection of the Earth and environmental sciences and human, ecosystem, and planetary health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen A. Hudson‐Edwards
- Environment and Sustainability Institute and Camborne School of MinesUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martin R, Dowling K, Nankervis S, Pearce D, Florentine S, McKnight S. In vitro assessment of arsenic mobility in historical mine waste dust using simulated lung fluid. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1037-1049. [PMID: 28497229 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-017-9974-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure studies have linked arsenic (As) ingestion with disease in mining-affected populations; however, inhalation of mine waste dust as a pathway for pulmonary toxicity and systemic absorption has received limited attention. A biologically relevant extractant was used to assess the 24-h lung bioaccessibility of As in dust isolated from four distinct types of historical gold mine wastes common to regional Victoria, Australia. Mine waste particles less than 20 µm in size (PM20) were incubated in a simulated lung fluid containing a major surface-active component found in mammalian lungs, dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. The supernatants were extracted, and their As contents measured after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 24 h. The resultant As solubility profiles show rapid dissolution followed by a more modest increasing trend, with between 75 and 82% of the total 24-h bioaccessible As released within the first 8 h. These profiles are consistent with the solubility profile of scorodite, a secondary As-bearing phase detected by X-ray diffraction in one of the investigated waste materials. Compared with similar studies, the cumulative As concentrations released at the 24-h time point were extremely low (range 297 ± 6-3983 ± 396 µg L-1), representing between 0.020 ± 0.002 and 0.036 ± 0.003% of the total As in the PM20.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Martin
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kim Dowling
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Scott Nankervis
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Dora Pearce
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Stafford McKnight
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mikkonen HG, Dasika R, Drake JA, Wallis CJ, Clarke BO, Reichman SM. Evaluation of environmental and anthropogenic influences on ambient background metal and metalloid concentrations in soil. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 624:599-610. [PMID: 29272829 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
There has been a global shift in environmental risk assessment towards quantifying ambient background concentrations of metals/metalloids in soil. Whilst bedrock has been shown to be a key driver of metal/metalloid variability in soil, few researchers have assessed controls of ambient background concentrations in soils of similar bedrock. A soil survey was undertaken ofGreater Melbourne, Greater Geelong, Ballarat and Mitchell in Victoria, Australia for elements of potential environmental concern: As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Hg, Pb and Zn. Samples (n=622) were collected from surface (0 to 0.1m) and sub-surface (0.3 to 0.6m) soils, overlying Tertiary-Quaternary basalt, Tertiary sediments and Silurian siltstone and sandstone. In addition, background soil data from open-source environmental assessment reports (n=5512) were collated to support the understanding of natural enrichment, particularly at depths >0.6m. Factor analysis, supported by correlation analysis and auxiliary geo-spatial data, provided an improved understanding of where and how background metal/metalloid enrichment occurs in the environment. Weathering during paleoclimates was the predominant influence of background metal/metalloid variability in soils overlying similar bedrock. Other key influences of metal/metalloid variability in soil included hydraulic leaching of alkali elements, biological cycling, topography and alluvial transfer of silt and sand from mineralised regions. In addition, urbanisation positively correlated with Pb and Zn concentrations in surface soils suggesting that anthropogenic activities may have resulted in diffuse Pb and Zn contamination of urban soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah G Mikkonen
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia; CDM Smith, Richmond, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raghava Dasika
- Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica A Drake
- Centre for Applied Sciences, EPA Victoria, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Bradley O Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia; School of Science, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suzie M Reichman
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Martin R, Dowling K, Pearce DC, Florentine S, McKnight S, Stelcer E, Cohen DD, Stopic A, Bennett JW. Trace metal content in inhalable particulate matter (PM 2.5-10 and PM 2.5) collected from historical mine waste deposits using a laboratory-based approach. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2017; 39:549-563. [PMID: 27146864 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9833-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mine wastes and tailings are considered hazardous to human health because of their potential to generate large quantities of highly toxic emissions of particulate matter (PM). Human exposure to As and other trace metals in PM may occur via inhalation of airborne particulates or through ingestion of contaminated dust. This study describes a laboratory-based method for extracting PM2.5-10 (coarse) and PM2.5 (fine) particles from As-rich mine waste samples collected from an historical gold mining region in regional, Victoria, Australia. We also report on the trace metal and metalloid content of the coarse and fine fraction, with an emphasis on As as an element of potential concern. Laser diffraction analysis showed that the proportions of coarse and fine particles in the bulk samples ranged between 3.4-26.6 and 0.6-7.6 %, respectively. Arsenic concentrations were greater in the fine fraction (1680-26,100 mg kg-1) compared with the coarse fraction (1210-22,000 mg kg-1), and Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Sb and Zn were found to be present in the fine fraction at levels around twice those occurring in the coarse. These results are of particular concern given that fine particles can accumulate in the human respiratory system. Our study demonstrates that mine wastes may be an important source of metal-enriched PM for mining communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Martin
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia.
| | - Kim Dowling
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Dora C Pearce
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Singarayer Florentine
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Stafford McKnight
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia, Mount Helen, VIC, Australia
| | - Eduard Stelcer
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - David D Cohen
- Institute for Environmental Research, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Attila Stopic
- Neutron Activation Group, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - John W Bennett
- Neutron Activation Group, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|