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da Costa Alves Filho PP, da Silveira Pereira WV, Dias YN, Ferreira de Moraes AL, Rodrigues FHS, Ramos SJ, Santos de Souza E, Fontes do Amaral AM, Fernandes AR. Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1201-1214. [PMID: 38573351 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology, Belém, Pará, 66055-090, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, São Félix do Xingu, Pará, 68380-000, Brazil
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Swain AA, Sharma P, Keswani C, Minkina T, Tukkaraja P, Gadhamshetty V, Kumar S, Bauddh K, Kumar N, Shukla SK, Kumar M, Dubey RS, Wong MH. The efficient applications of native flora for phytorestoration of mine tailings: a pan-global survey. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:27653-27678. [PMID: 38598151 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-33054-x] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Mine tailings are the discarded materials resulting from mining processes after minerals have been extracted. They consist of leftover mineral fragments, excavated land masses, and disrupted ecosystems. The uncontrolled handling or discharge of tailings from abandoned mine lands (AMLs) poses a threat to the surrounding environment. Numerous untreated mine tailings have been abandoned globally, necessitating immediate reclamation and restoration efforts. The limited feasibility of conventional reclamation methods, such as cost and acceptability, presents challenges in reclaiming tailings around AMLs. This study focuses on phytorestoration as a sustainable method for treating mine tailings. Phytorestoration utilizes existing native plants on the mine sites while applying advanced principles of environmental biotechnology. These approaches can remediate toxic elements and simultaneously improve soil quality. The current study provides a global overview of phytorestoration methods, emphasizing the specifics of mine tailings and the research on native plant species to enhance restoration ecosystem services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Abhilash Swain
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, 835222, India
| | - Pallavi Sharma
- School of Environment and Sustainable Development, Sector-30, Gandhinagar, 382030, Gujarat, India
| | - Chetan Keswani
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-On-Don, 344090, Russia
| | - Tatiana Minkina
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-On-Don, 344090, Russia
| | - Purushotham Tukkaraja
- Department of Mining Engineering and Management, South Dakota Mines, Rapid City, SD, 57701, USA
| | - Venkataramana Gadhamshetty
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, 501 E. St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD, 57701, USA
- 2D-Materials for Biofilm Engineering, Science and Technology Center, 501 E. St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, SD, USA
| | - Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Geology, BB Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025, India
| | - Kuldeep Bauddh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, 835222, India.
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development, RGSC, Banaras Hindu University, Barkachha, Mirzapur, 231001, India.
| | - Narendra Kumar
- Department of Environmental Science, BB Ambedkar University, Lucknow, 226025, India
| | - Sushil Kumar Shukla
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, 835222, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Central University of Jharkhand, Ranchi, 835222, India
| | - Rama Shanker Dubey
- Central University of Gujarat, Sector-29, Gandhinagar, 382030, Gujarat, India
| | - Ming Hung Wong
- Consortium On Health, Environment, Education, and Research (CHEER), and Department of Science and Environmental Studies, The Education University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong, China
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Elumalai S, Prabhu K, Selvan GP, Ramasamy P. Review on heavy metal contaminants in freshwater fish in South India: current situation and future perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:119594-119611. [PMID: 37945961 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The primary natural resource we use in our daily lives for a variety of activities is freshwater for drinking and various developmental goals. Furthermore, the pace of human population increase worldwide is rising rapidly and has a great impact on the Earth's natural resources. Natural water quality has diminished owing to various anthropogenic activities. Water is crucial to the life cycle. On the other hand, chemical and agricultural industries pollute heavy metals. Acute and chronic diseases caused by heavy metals, such as slow metabolism and damage to the gills and epithelial layer of fish species, are divided into two categories. Pollutants can also harm liver tissues and result in ulceration as well as diseases such as fin rot, tail rot, and gill disease. The most prevalent heavy metals are As, Cr, Pb, and Hg, which are systemic toxicants that affect human health. These metals are categorized as carcinogens by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the worldwide agency for cancer research because they cause organ damage even at low exposure levels. The focus of the current study is to review various freshwater sources of heavy metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saranya Elumalai
- Department of Biotechnology, Vinayaka Missions Kirupananda Variyar Engineering College, Salem, Tamil Nadu, 636308, India
| | - Kolandhasamy Prabhu
- Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India
| | - Gopi Palani Selvan
- Department of Oceanography & Coastal Area Studies, Alagappa University, Thondi Campus, Thondi, Tamil Nadu, 623409, India
| | - Pasiyappazham Ramasamy
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600077, India.
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Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Dias YN, Martins GC, Ferreira LCG, Fernandes AR. Human and environmental exposure to rare earth elements in gold mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139824. [PMID: 37586491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Rudimentary methods are used to exploit gold (Au) in several artisanal mines in the Amazon, producing hazardous wastes that may pose risks of contamination by rare earth elements (REEs). The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of REEs and assess their environmental and human health risks in artisanal Au mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. Thus, 25 samples of soils and mining wastes were collected in underground, colluvial, and cyanidation exploration sites, as well as in a natural forest that was considered as a reference area. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results were used to estimate pollution indices and risks associated with the contaminants. All REEs showed higher concentrations in waste deposition areas than in the reference area, especially Ce, Sc, Nd, La, Pr, Sm, and Eu. Pollution and enrichment levels were higher in the underground and cyanidation mining areas, with very high contamination factors (6.2-27) for Ce, Eu, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, and Sc, and significant to very high enrichment factors (5.5-20) for Ce, La, Nd, Pr, and Sc. The ecological risk indices varied from moderate (167.3) to high (365.7) in the most polluted sites, but risks to human health were low in all areas studied. The results of this study indicate that artisanal Au mining has the potential to cause contamination, enrichment, and ecological risks by REEs in the northeastern Amazon. Mitigation measures should be implemented to protect the environment from the negative impacts of these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Valter da Silveira Pereira
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Hou F, Huang J, Qing F, Guo T, Ouyang S, Xie L, Ding Y, Yu J, Li Y, Liu X, He TS, Fan X, Liu Z. The rare-earth yttrium induces cell apoptosis and autophagy in the male reproductive system through ROS-Ca 2+-CamkII/Ampk axis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 263:115262. [PMID: 37480693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
China has the world's largest reserves of rare earth elements (REEs), but widespread mining and application of REEs has led to an increased risk of potential pollution. Yttrium (Y), the first heavy REEs to be discovered, poses a substantial threat to human health. Unfortunately, little attention has been given to the impact of Y on human reproductive health. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of YCl3 on mouse testes and four types of testicular cells, including Sertoli, Leydig, spermatogonial and spermatocyte cells. The results showed that YCl3 exposure causes substantial damage to mouse testes and induces apoptosis and autophagy, but not pyroptosis or necrosis, in testicular cells. Genome-wide gene expression analysis revealed that YCl3 induced significant changes in gene expression, with Ca2+ and mitochondria-related genes being the most significantly altered. Mechanistically, YCl3 exposure induced mitochondrial dysfunction in testicular cells, triggering the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by impairing the Nrf2 pathway, regulating downstream Ho-1 target protein expression, and increasing Ca2+ levels to activate the CamkII/Ampk signaling pathway. Blocking ROS production or Ca2+ signaling significantly attenuates apoptosis and autophagy, while supplementation with Ca2+ reverses the suppression of apoptosis and autophagy by ROS blockade in testicular cells. Notably, apoptosis and autophagy induced by YCl3 treatment are independent of each other. Thus, our study suggests that YCl3 may impair the antioxidant stress signaling pathway and activate the calcium pathway through the ROS-Ca2+ axis, which promotes testicular cell apoptosis and autophagy independently, thus inducing testicular damage and impairing male reproductive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangpeng Hou
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; The First School of Clinical Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Junyun Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Furong Qing
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Tianfu Guo
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Sijia Ouyang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Lu Xie
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Yechun Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Jingge Yu
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Yanmin Li
- Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China
| | - Tian-Sheng He
- School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Xiaona Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
| | - Zhiping Liu
- Center for Immunology, Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China; School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi 341000, China.
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Jin B, Wang J, Lou W, Wang L, Xu J, Pan Y, Peng J, Liu D. Pollution, Ecological Risk and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Sediments from the Huafei River in the Eastern Suburbs of Kaifeng, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11259. [PMID: 36141529 PMCID: PMC9517487 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rivers in urban environments are significant components of their ecosystems but remain under threat of pollution from unchecked discharges of industrial sewage and domestic wastewater. Such river pollution, particularly over the longer term involving heavy metals, is an issue of worldwide concern regarding risks to the ecological environment and human health. In this study, we investigate the long-term pollution characteristics of the Huafei River, an important urban river in Kaifeng, China. River sedimentary samples were analyzed, assessing the degree and ecological risk of heavy metal pollution using the geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index methods, whilst Pearson's correlation, principal component and cluster analyses were used to identify the sources of pollution. The results show that heavy metal concentrations are significantly higher than their corresponding fluvo-aquic soil background values in China, and the geo-accumulation indexes indicate that of the eight heavy metals identified, Hg is most prevalent, followed in sequence by Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cr. The potential ecological risk index of the Huafei River is very high, with the potential ecological risk intensity highest in the midstream and downstream sections, where it is recommended that pollution control is carried out, especially concerning Hg and Cd. Long-term sequence analysis indicates that Cu and Pb dropped sharply from 1998 to 2017, but rebounded in 2019, and that Zn shows a continuous decreasing trend. Four main sources for the heavy metal contaminants were identified: Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg derived mainly from industrial activities, traffic sources and natural sources; Cd originated mainly from industrial and agricultural activities; whilst As was mainly associated with industrial activities. Thus, special attention should be paid to Hg and Cd, and measures must be taken to prevent further anthropogenic influence on heavy metal pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingyan Jin
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jinling Wang
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Wei Lou
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Liren Wang
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jinlong Xu
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Yanfang Pan
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
| | - Jianbiao Peng
- School of Environment, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Dexin Liu
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Key Laboratory of Geospatial Technology for the Middle and Lower Yellow River Regions, Ministry of Education, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, China
- Henan Overseas Expertise Introduction Center for Discipline Innovation (Ecological Protection and Rural Revitalization along the Yellow River), Kaifeng 475004, China
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Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Braz AMDS, Dias YN, Almeida GVD, Fernandes AR. Levels and environmental risks of rare earth elements in a gold mining area in the Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 211:113090. [PMID: 35278468 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Artisanal gold (Au) mining may have increased the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in the Serra Pelada mine (southeastern Amazon, Brazil), which has not been evaluated so far. The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y) in the surroundings of the Serra Pelada mine, as well as the environmental risks associated with these elements. Therefore, 27 samples were collected in agricultural, forest, mining, and urban areas, and submitted to chemical and particle size characterization. The concentrations of REEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and used to estimate pollution indices and environmental risks of the studied elements. All REEs had higher levels in the anthropized areas when compared to the forest area, except Sc in the mining and urban areas. Pollution load indices revealed that all areas are contaminated (>1) by the combined effect of REEs, especially the agricultural areas (index of 2.3). The element of greatest enrichment in the studied areas was Y, with enrichment factors of 18.2, 39.0, and 44.4 in the urban, agriculture, and mining areas, respectively. However, the potential ecological risk indices were low (<150) in all areas, indicating that there are no current environmental risks by the studied REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Liu L, Chen J, Liu C, Luo Y, Chen J, Fu Y, Xu Y, Wu H, Li X, Wang H. Relationships Between Biological Heavy Metals and Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Nutr 2022; 9:838762. [PMID: 35782923 PMCID: PMC9245072 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.838762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Heavy metals were classified as essential, probably essential, and potentially toxic in the general population. Until now, it has been reported inconsistently on the association between heavy metals and BC. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the association between heavy metals and BC and review the potential mechanisms systematically. Methods We searched for epidemiological studies in English about the association between heavy metals and BC published before September 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase databases. In total 36 studies, comprising 4,151 individuals from five continents around the world were identified and included. Results In all biological specimens, Cu, Cd, and Pb concentrations were higher, but Zn and Mn concentrations were lower in patients with BC than in non-BC participants [SMD (95% CIs): 0.62 (0.12, 1.12); 1.64 (0.76, 2.52); 2.03 (0.11, 3.95); −1.40 (−1.96, −0.85); −2.26 (−3.39, −1.13); p = 0.01, 0.0003, 0.04, <0.0001, <0.0001]. Specifically, higher plasma or serum Cu and Cd, as well as lower Zn and Mn, were found in cases [SMD (95% CIs): 0.98 (0.36, 1.60); 2.55 (1.16, 3.94); −1.53 (−2.28, −0.78); −2.40 (−3.69, −1.10); p = 0.002, 0.0003, <0.0001, 0.0003]; in hair, only lower Zn was observed [SMD (95% CIs): −2.12 (−3.55, −0.68); p = 0.0004]. Furthermore, the status of trace elements probably needs to be re-explored, particularly in BC. More prospective studies, randomized clinical trials, and specific pathogenic studies are needed to prevent BC. The main mechanisms underlying above-mentioned findings are comprehensively reviewed. Conclusion For BC, this review identified the current knowledge gaps which we currently have in understanding the impact of different heavy metals on BC. Systematic Review Registration www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020176934, identifier: CRD42020176934.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajie Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- College of Life Science, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xue Li
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Center for Single-Cell Omics, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Hui Wang
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Shi J, Du P, Luo H, Wu H, Zhang Y, Chen J, Wu M, Xu G, Gao H. Soil contamination with cadmium and potential risk around various mines in China during 2000-2020. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 310:114509. [PMID: 35219202 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) pollution in mining areas is the most important challenge for soil environment management in China. Assessing the actual Cd pollution risk in various mining areas and identifying the core areas requiring supervision can provide a basis for government departments and industries to carry out detailed further investigations in key areas. In this study, we collated published data on metal mine circumjacent soil contaminated by Cd in China from 2002 to 2020 to conduct a comprehensive study on soil cadmium pollution and ecological and health risks in mining areas. The temporal and spatial variations of Cd concentrations and the pollution source were investigated. Results indicated that the Cd concentration in soil was strongly associated with the types of mining area. The Cd pollution in the circumjacent soil of lead-zinc and tungsten mines with high heavy metal pollution discharging coefficient was more serious than the soil around other mines. Identification of temporal and spatial variations for soil Cd in China indicated that the high Cd concentrations were found in the central, southern, and southwestern regions of China, and the distribution of mining activities in these regions are relatively concentrated. Meanwhile, a temporal turning point in the mean soil Cd concentration occurred in these regions in 2012, which indicated that the heavy metal control management policy implemented by the government was effective. The ecological risk of soil Cd pollution around mining areas was moderate to high. Health risk assessment showed that some regions adjacent mining areas had a high non-carcinogenic risk, notably, lead-zinc and tungsten mining areas were more serious. Supervision should focus on reducing ecological risks and protecting the safety of agricultural products rather than concentrating on health risks. The research results provide a reference for the priority management of contaminated soil in mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Shi
- Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China; School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Ping Du
- Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Huilong Luo
- Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China; College of Water Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Academy of Environmental Protection Sciences, Guangxi, China
| | - Yunhui Zhang
- Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Technical Center for Soil, Agriculture and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing, 100012, China
| | - Minghong Wu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Gang Xu
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, China
| | - Hefeng Gao
- Academy of Environmental Protection Sciences, Guangxi, China
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Han G, Yang K, Zeng J. Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Environmental Behavior of Dissolved Rare Earth Elements (REE) in the Zhujiang River, Southwest China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 108:555-562. [PMID: 35072764 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03459-w] [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: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REE) geochemistry can reveal the environmental information of solutes in river systems because REE is sensitive to hydro-geochemical changes in the earth's surface environment. This work collected the river water samples from Zhujiang River (the largest river in South China) to investigate the concentration, fractionation, and environmental implication of dissolved REE. The total dissolved REE (∑REE) concentrations are similar in different seasons. In mid-lower reaches, the REE concentrations tend to increase corresponding to low pH, and the normalized ratios of lanthanum (La) to ytterbium (Yb) are higher, suggesting weak fractionation between light REE and heavy REE. Compared to the previous study in 2000, the higher samarium (Sm) and europium (Eu) concentrations are most likely influenced by stronger water/particle interaction. These findings provide preliminary information for REE cycle in the surface environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilin Han
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
| | - Kunhua Yang
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
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Aquatic Ecological Risk of Heavy-Metal Pollution Associated with Degraded Mining Landscapes of the Southern Africa River Basins: A Review. MINERALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/min12020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Africa accounts for nearly 30% of the discovered world’s mineral reserves, with half of the world’s platinum group metals deposits, 36% of gold, and 20% of cobalt being in Southern Africa (SA). The intensification of heavy-metal production in the SA region has exacerbated negative human and environmental health impacts. In recent years, mining waste generated from industrial and artisanal mining has significantly affected the ecological integrity of SA aquatic ecosystems due to the accelerated introduction and deposition of heavy metals. However, the extent to which heavy-metal pollution associated with mining has impacted the aquatic ecosystems has not been adequately documented, particularly during bioassessments. This review explores the current aquatic ecological impacts on the heavily mined river basins of SA. It also discusses the approaches to assessing the ecological risks, inherent challenges, and potential for developing an integrated ecological risk assessment protocol for aquatic systems in the region. Progress has been made in developing rapid bioassessment schemes (RBS) for SA aquatic ecosystems. Nevertheless, method integration, which also involves heavy-metal pollution monitoring and molecular technology, is necessary to overcome the current challenges of the standardisation of RBS protocols. Citizenry science will also encourage community and stakeholder involvement in sustainable environmental management in SA.
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Concurrent Heavy Metal Exposures and Idiopathic Dilated Cardiomyopathy: A Case-Control Study from the Katanga Mining Area of the Democratic Republic of Congo. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094956. [PMID: 34066615 PMCID: PMC8124897 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood and/or urine levels of 27 heavy metals were determined by ICPMS in 41 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 29 presumably healthy subjects from the Katanga Copperbelt (KC), in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). After adjusting for age, gender, education level, and renal function, DCM probability was almost maximal for blood concentrations above 0.75 and 150 µg/dL for arsenic and copper, respectively. Urinary concentrations above 1 for chromium, 20 for copper, 600 for zinc, 30 for selenium, 2 for cadmium, 0.2 for antimony, 0.5 for thallium, and 0.05 for uranium, all in μg/g of creatinine, were also associated with increased DCM probability. Concurrent and multiple exposures to heavy metals, well beyond permissible levels, are associated with increased probability for DCM. Study findings warrant screening for metal toxicity in case of DCM and prompt public health measures to reduce exposures in the KC, DRC.
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Ma QL, Yao LA, Guo QW, Zhou GJ, Liang RC, Fang QL, Xu ZC, Zhao XM. Long-term impact of accidental pollution on the distribution and risks of metals and metalloids in the sediment of the Longjiang River, China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:1889-1900. [PMID: 32860603 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10505-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In January 2012, a serious accident polluted the Longjiang River with high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and other concomitant metals and metalloids in the water. After emergency treatment (i.e., the addition of coagulants), these metals and metalloids were transferred from the water into the sediment through precipitation of the flocculent materials produced. In this study, the long-term distribution of six metals and metalloids in the sediment of the Longjiang River was investigated and their ecological risks were assessed. Approximately 1 year after the accident (i.e., late 2012), the average Cd content in the sediment of the affected sites decreased to 25.6 ± 19.5 mg/kg, which was 8 times higher than that of 3.16 ± 3.18 mg/kg in the upstream reference sites. In 2016 and 2017, the average Cd content in the sediment of the affected sites further decreased to 4.91 ± 2.23 and 6.27 ± 4.27 mg/kg, respectively. Compared with late 2012, the amounts of Zn, Pb, and Cu obviously decreased in 2016 and 2017, whereas there were no obvious differences in the As and Hg amounts during 3 years considered. Among metals and metalloids, the average contribution of Cd to the potential ecological risk index (RI) was 90%, 69%, and 70% in the affected areas in 2012, 2016, and 2017, respectively, suggesting that Cd was the most important factor affecting the ecological risk of metals in the Longjiang River. It should be noted that the average contribution of Hg to RI in the affected areas increased from 8% in 2012 to 25% and 23% in 2016 and 2017, respectively. The sequence of contribution of six elements was Cd > Hg > As>Pb > Cu ≈ Zn. A high ecological risk of metals and metalloids was found in the sediments of two reservoirs, probably owing to the barrier effect of the dam. This study will be useful for the environmental management of rivers affected by accidental pollution of metals and metalloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Li Ma
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Ling-Ai Yao
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Qing-Wei Guo
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Guang-Jie Zhou
- The Swire Institute of Marine Science and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rong-Chang Liang
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Qiao-Li Fang
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Zhen-Cheng Xu
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China
| | - Xue-Min Zhao
- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Guangzhou, 510535, China.
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, Guangzhou, 510535, China.
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Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Microbiology of Cobalt in Mining-Affected Environments. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min11010022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cobalt is recognised by the European Commission as a “Critical Raw Material” due to its irreplaceable functionality in many types of modern technology, combined with its current high-risk status associated with its supply. Despite such importance, there remain major knowledge gaps with regard to the geochemistry, mineralogy, and microbiology of cobalt-bearing environments, particularly those associated with ore deposits and subsequent mining operations. In such environments, high concentrations of Co (up to 34,400 mg/L in mine water, 14,165 mg/kg in tailings, 21,134 mg/kg in soils, and 18,434 mg/kg in stream sediments) have been documented. Co is contained in ore and mine waste in a wide variety of primary (e.g., cobaltite, carrolite, and erythrite) and secondary (e.g., erythrite, heterogenite) minerals. When exposed to low pH conditions, a number of such minerals are known to undergo dissolution, typically forming Co2+(aq). At circumneutral pH, such aqueous Co can then become immobilised by co-precipitation and/or sorption onto Fe and Mn(oxyhydr)oxides. This paper brings together contemporary knowledge on such Co cycling across different mining environments. Further research is required to gain a truly robust understanding of the Co-system in mining-affected environments. Key knowledge gaps include the mechanics and kinetics of secondary Co-bearing mineral environmental transformation, the extent at which such environmental cycling is facilitated by microbial activity, the nature of Co speciation across different Eh-pH conditions, and the environmental and human toxicity of Co.
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16
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Atinkpahoun CNH, Pons MN, Louis P, Leclerc JP, Soclo HH. Rare earth elements (REE) in the urban wastewater of Cotonou (Benin, West Africa). CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126398. [PMID: 32169704 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The rare earth element (REE) contamination of urban wastewater, which was collected from open sewers and the inlet of a wastewater treatment plant in Cotonou (Benin), was assessed. The drinking water distributed to the inhabitants of Cotonou and water samples from private wells were also analyzed. The sampling occurred between October and December 2016 and the samples were analyzed by ICP-MS. Although the only magnetic resonance imaging facility in Cotonou opened in November 2016, pollution by anthropogenic gadolinium (Gd), which is included in phase contrast agents, was observed: there was 30-620 times more Gd in wastewater samples than in drinking and well water samples. Europium was another REE presenting positive anomalies. It is hypothetized than the europium came from the leachates of solid waste piles in the street. In the absence of any wastewater treatment, the REEs found in the wastewater are spread to the aquatic environment. It would be interesting to monitor the wastewater REEs over the long term. So far, the aquifers used for water provision have not been polluted by the anthropogenic REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrystelle N H Atinkpahoun
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UMR 7274 CNRS), Université de Lorraine, 1, rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001, Nancy cedex, France; Unité de Recherche en Ecotoxicologie et Etude de Qualité/Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche en Chimie Appliquée/ UAC, 01 BP 2009, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Marie-Noëlle Pons
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UMR 7274 CNRS), Université de Lorraine, 1, rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001, Nancy cedex, France; LTSER-Zone Atelier Bassin de la Moselle, Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés, Université de Lorraine, 1, rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001, Nancy cedex, France.
| | - Pauline Louis
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UMR 7274 CNRS), Université de Lorraine, 1, rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001, Nancy cedex, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Leclerc
- Laboratoire Réactions et Génie des Procédés (UMR 7274 CNRS), Université de Lorraine, 1, rue Grandville, BP 20451, 54001, Nancy cedex, France; INRS, 1 rue du Morvan, CS60027, 54519, Vandœuvre cedex, France
| | - Henri H Soclo
- Unité de Recherche en Ecotoxicologie et Etude de Qualité/Laboratoire d'Etude et de Recherche en Chimie Appliquée/ UAC, 01 BP 2009, Cotonou, Benin
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Li C, Jia Z, Yuan Y, Cheng X, Shi J, Tang X, Wang Y, Peng X, Dong Y, Ma S, Li Q, Liu X, Chen J, Zhang J. Effects of mineral-solubilizing microbial strains on the mechanical responses of roots and root-reinforced soil in external-soil spray seeding substrate. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 723:138079. [PMID: 32222506 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138079] [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: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There are a large number of abandoned mining areas in China, where external-soil spray seeding is a common technique used to assist with the restoration of these areas. However, the soil component of external-soil spray seeding is deficient, and they are prone to collapse, which complicates ecological restoration. In this study, we added a mineral-solubilizing microbial strain to an external-soil spray seeding substrate in Robinia pseudoacacia and Lespedeza bicolor pots, which were monitored from December 2018 to November 2019. We investigated their root growth and root tensile properties, as well as root-reinforced soil shear strength. The results revealed that the addition of the microbial strain in the substrate improved root growth of Robinia pseudoacacia. The root-reinforced soil shear strength, tensile force and strength were also strengthened by the added microbial strain. Although the growth rate of Robinia pseudoacacia was faster than that of Lespedeza bicolor, the shear strength of the root-reinforced Robinia pseudoacacia soil was lower than that of the Lespedeza bicolor root-reinforced soil of the same diameter. Finally, compared with the cohesion, the change in the friction angle is relatively small, and differences in cohesion resulted in shear strength changes under the same treatment. Our results suggested that the addition of a mineral-solubilizing microbial strain to the external-soil spray seeding substrate could help plants strengthen the soil and positively enhance its effects. These results might also enrich the existing data on the effects of mineral-solubilizing microbial strains on plant roots, while guiding further studies toward improving the efficacy of external-soil spray seeding technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; Jiangsu Hanying Environmental Protection Technology Co., Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu 210043, China
| | - Zhaohui Jia
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yingdan Yuan
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Xuefei Cheng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jichang Shi
- College of Southern, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long pan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Xinggang Tang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yuhao Wang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Xiaonan Peng
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Yiqiao Dong
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Shilin Ma
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Qinyu Li
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China
| | - Jiadong Chen
- Nanjing Branch of Jiangsu Provincial Hydrology and Water Resources Investigation and Survey Bureau, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jinchi Zhang
- Co-Innovation Center for Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Soil and Water Conservation and Ecological Restoration, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Longpan Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China.
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Vareda JP, Valente AJM, Durães L. Assessment of heavy metal pollution from anthropogenic activities and remediation strategies: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 246:101-118. [PMID: 31176176 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.05.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 354] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution is a nefarious issue with implications for life. Heavy metals are natural occurring elements, having both natural and anthropogenic sources. The latter are however the most significant, releasing greater amounts of these pollutants in more toxic and mobile forms. Their chemistry and dynamics in the ecosystems are presented, and the relation to the pollution problematic thereof is discussed. The concentration of heavy metals in several sites, assessed in water, soil and sediment samples, affected by different pollution sources are reviewed. These evidence how human activities impact natural media and how the pollution spreads. The pollution in each media is assessed by the concentration relative to drinking and irrigation water guidelines, and by the geoaccumulation index of soils and sediments. It is found that ore extraction and processing and metallurgical industries stand atop the most polluting sources. Given the dynamics of heavy metal cations and that, most of these are released in liquid effluents, wastewater treatment techniques for the removal of heavy metals are also surveyed and critically discussed. Economic viability at a large municipal scale and the ability to comply with strict regulations are the determining factors in the selection of these techniques. A critical discussion on the viability of such techniques is made, reviewing some literature studies and commenting on their applicability on the previously found polluted media.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P Vareda
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Artur J M Valente
- CQC, Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, Rua Larga, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luisa Durães
- CIEPQPF, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790, Coimbra, Portugal.
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Pagano G, Thomas PJ, Di Nunzio A, Trifuoggi M. Human exposures to rare earth elements: Present knowledge and research prospects. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 171:493-500. [PMID: 30743241 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2018] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The extensive use of rare earth elements (REEs) in a number of technologies is expected to impact on human health, including occupational and environmental REE exposures. A body of experimental evidence on REE-associated toxicity has been accumulated in recent decades, thus providing extensive background information on the adverse effects of REE exposures. Unlike experimental studies, the consequences of REE exposures to human health have been subjected to relatively fewer investigations. Geographical studies have been conducted on residents in REE mining districts, reporting on REE bioaccumulation, and associations between REE residential exposures and adverse health effects. A recent line of studies has associated tobacco smoking and indoor smoke with increased levels of some REEs in exposed residents. A body of literature has been focused on occupational REE exposures, with the observation of respiratory tract damage. The occupations related to REE mining and processing have shown REE bioaccumulation in scalp hair, excess REE urine levels, and defective gene expression. As for other REE occupational exposures, mention should be made of: a) jobs exposing to REE aerosol, such as movie operator; b) e-waste processing and, c) diesel engine repair and maintenance, with exposures to exhaust microparticulate (containing nanoCeO2 as a catalytic additive). Diesel exhaust microparticulate has been studied in animal models, leading to evidence of several pathological effects in animals exposed by respiratory or systemic routes. A working hypothesis for REE occupational exposures is raised on REE-based supermagnet production and manufacture, by reviewing experimental studies that suggest several pathological effects of static magnetic fields, and warrant further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Pagano
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy.
| | - Philippe J Thomas
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Science & Technology Branch, National Wildlife Research Center - Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0H3
| | - Aldo Di Nunzio
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
| | - Marco Trifuoggi
- Federico II Naples University, Department of Chemical Sciences, via Cinthia, I-80126 Naples, Italy
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Silva FBV, Nascimento CWA, Alvarez AM, Araújo PRM. Inputs of rare earth elements in Brazilian agricultural soils via P-containing fertilizers and soil correctives. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 232:90-96. [PMID: 30468961 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2018.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The mineral exploration of rare earth elements (REEs) and their entry into the soil via fertilizers has generated concern about environmental impacts and human health risks. We evaluated 60 samples of limestone, gypsum and phosphate fertilizers marketed in Brazil in order to characterize their contents, signature and solubility of REEs. The fertilizers from igneous origin presented the largest accumulation of REEs. Accumulation of the light REEs Ce, La, Nd, Pr, Sm and Eu were larger than the heavy REEs (Y, Dy, Gd, Er, Yb, Ho, Tb and Lu). The solubility of fertilizers produced from sedimentary sources was greater than that of igneous sources. The mean annual REEs contribution of SSP and organo-mineral + phosphate rock (both of igneous origin) to soils was > 4000 t year-1, with highest additions for Ce, La, Nd and Y. Thus, phosphate fertilization and liming were considered to be significant sources of REEs and soils receiving continuously high doses of these inputs are likely to be enriched in REEs. Risk assessment studies are necessary to evaluate the impact of these REEs additions to soils on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- F B V Silva
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros street, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - C W A Nascimento
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros street, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - A M Alvarez
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros street, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - P R M Araújo
- Department of Agronomy, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, Dom Manuel de Medeiros street, s/n - Dois Irmãos, 52171-900, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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21
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Martins GC, Penido ES, Alvarenga IFS, Teodoro JC, Bianchi ML, Guilherme LRG. Amending potential of organic and industrial by-products applied to heavy metal-rich mining soils. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 162:581-590. [PMID: 30031319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Mining activities promote the development of economies and societies, yet they cause environmental impacts that must be minimized so that their benefits overcome the likely risks. This study evaluated eco-friendly technologies based on the use of low-carbon footprint wastes and industrial by-products as soil amendments for the revegetation of Zn-mining areas. Our goal was to select adequate soil amendments that can be used to recover these areas, with a focus on low-cost materials. The amendments - limestone, sewage sludge, biochar, and composted food remains - were first characterized concerning their chemical composition and structural morphologies. Soil samples (Entisol, Oxisol, Technosol) from three different areas located inside an open-pit mine were later incubated for 60 days with increasing doses of each soil amendment, followed by cultivation with Andropogon gayanus, a native species. The amendments were able to change not only soil pH, but also the phytoavailable levels of Cd, Zn, and Pb. Limestone and biochar were the amendments that caused the highest pH values, reducing the phytoavailability of the metals. All amendments improved seed germination; however, the composted food remains presented low levels of germination, which could make the amendments unfeasible for revegetation efforts. Our findings showed that biochar, which is a by-product of the mining company, is the most suitable amendment to enhance revegetation efforts in the Zn-mining areas, not only because of its efficiency and cost, but also due to its low carbon footprint, which is currently the trend for any "green remediation" proposal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Caixeta Martins
- Federal University of Lavras, Soil Science Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology, 955 Boaventura da Silva Street, 66055090 Belém, Pará State, Brasil
| | - Evanise Silva Penido
- Federal University of Lavras, Chemistry Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Lucia Bianchi
- Federal University of Lavras, Chemistry Department, 3037, 37200000 Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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Dehghani Darmian M, Hashemi Monfared SA, Azizyan G, Snyder SA, Giesy JP. Assessment of tools for protection of quality of water: Uncontrollable discharges of pollutants. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 161:190-197. [PMID: 29885614 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2018.05.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Selecting an appropriate crisis management plans during uncontrollable loading of pollution to water systems is crucial. In this research the quality of water resources against uncontrollable pollution is protected by use of suitable tools. Case study which was chosen in this investigation was a river-reservoir system. Analytical and numerical solutions of pollutant transport equation were considered as the simulation strategy to calculate the efficient tools to protect water quality. These practical instruments are dilution flow and a new tool called detention time which is proposed and simulated for the first time in this study. For uncontrollable pollution discharge which was approximately 130% of the river's assimilation capacity, as long as the duration of contact (Tc) was considered as a constraint, by releasing 30% of the base flow of the river from the upstream dilution reservoir, the unallowable pollution could be treated. Moreover, when the affected distance (Xc) was selected as a constraint, the required detention time that the rubber dam should detained the water to be treated was equal to 187% of the initial duration of contact.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gholamreza Azizyan
- Civil Engineering Department, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Dept. of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210011, Tucson, AZ, USA; National University of Singapore, NUS Environmental Research Institute (NERI), 5 A Engineering Drive 1, T-Lab Building, #02-01, Singapore 117411, Singapore.
| | - John P Giesy
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences and Toxicological Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
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