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Li H, Yao J, Min N, Sunahara G, Zhao Y, Duran R. Considering the bioavailability and bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s for risk assessment of soils affected by different non-ferrous metal activities in Southwest China. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 472:134527. [PMID: 38735184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.134527] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Toxic metal(loid)s released into the soil by non-ferrous metal mining and smelting activities pose a serious threat to residents and the surrounding ecosystem. Considering only total metal(loid) concentrations likely overestimates routine (eco)toxicological risk assessment of soil. We hypothesize that considering metal(loid) bioavailability/accessibility will improve the accuracy of risk assessment. To test this hypothesis, four mining areas in Southwest China, including mining and surrounding sites, were studied. Bioavailability was determined considering metal(loid)s leached by a simulated strong acid rain (SSAR) treatment. In the four areas, the mining site showed higher cumulative releases of metal(loid)s under SSAR treatment than the agricultural field located in the surrounding sites. Thus, the bioavailable metal(loid)s contents were continuously being released during SSAR treatment and likely increased the environmental risk. Ecological and health risk assessment of soil, calculated using total metal(loid)s content, was corrected considering bioavailable/accessible metal(loid)s, which was determined by the heavy metal(loid)s forms and in vitro simulated intestinal stages. Although the corrected indices indicated that the risk of metal(loid)s-contaminated soil was reduced, unfavorable ecological and health risks remained in the four areas. Our study provides new perspectives to better predict the risk of bioavailable/accessible metal(loid)s in non-ferrous metal contaminated and surrounding soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China.
| | - Ning Min
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Geoffrey Sunahara
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China; Department of Natural Resource Sciences, McGill University, 21111 Lakeshore Drive, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec H9X 3V9, Canada
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China
| | - Robert Duran
- School of Water Resources and Environment, Research Center of Environmental Science and Engineering, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), 29 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, 100083 Beijing, China; Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S-UPPA, IPREM 5254, BP 1155, 64013 Pau Cedex, France
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Mao L, Ren W, Tang Y, Liu X, He M, Sun K, Zhang BT, Lin C, Ouyang W. Comprehensive insight into mercury contamination in atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems surrounding a typical antimony-coal mining district. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133880. [PMID: 38430592 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
This study comprehensively investigated mercury (Hg) contents of various environmental compartments in a typical antimony-coal mining area with intensive industrial activities over the past 120 years to analyze Hg environmental behaviors and evaluate Hg risks. The total mercury (THg) contents in river water, sediments, soils, PM10, dust falls, vegetables and corns were 1.16 ± 0.63 µg/L, 2.01 ± 1.64 mg/kg, 1.87 ± 3.88 mg/kg, 7.87 ± 18.68 ng/m3, 13.01 ± 14.53 mg/kg, 0.30 ± 0.34 mg/kg and 3.11 ± 0.51 µg/kg, respectively. The δ202Hg values in soils and dust falls were - 1.58 ∼ 0.12‰ and 0.25 ∼ 0.30‰, respectively. Environmental samples affected by industrial activities in the Xikuangshan (XKS) presented higher THg and δ202Hg values. Binary mixing model proved that atmospheric deposition with considerable Hg deposition flux (0.44 ∼ 6.40, 3.12 ± 2.20 mg/m2/y) in the XKS significantly contributed to Hg accumulations on surface soils. Compared with soils, sediments with more frequent paths and higher burst probabilities presented higher dynamic Hg risks. Children were faced higher health risk of multiple Hg exposure than adults. Furthermore, the health risk of THg by consuming leaf vegetables deserved more attention. These findings provided scientific basis for managing Hg contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wenbo Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Yang Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Ore Deposit Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 550081 Guiyang, China
| | - Xitao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Mengchang He
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ke Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Bo-Tao Zhang
- College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Chunye Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Wei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Advanced Interdisciplinary Institute of Environment and Ecology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
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Zhang C, Xia T, Zhang L, Chen Z, Zhang H, Jia X, Jia L, Zhu X, Li G. Mercury pollution risks of agricultural soils and crops in mercury mining areas in Guizhou Province, China: effects of large mercury slag piles. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2024; 46:53. [PMID: 38245580 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-023-01841-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The historical large mercury slag piles still contain high concentrations of mercury and their impact on the surrounding environment has rarely been reported. In this study, three different agricultural areas [the area with untreated piles (PUT), the area with treated piles (PT), and the background area with no piles (NP)] were selected to investigate mercury slag piles pollution in the Tongren mercury mining area. The mercury concentrations of agricultural soils ranged from 0.42 to 155.00 mg/kg, determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry of 146 soil samples; and mercury concentrations in local crops (rice, maize, pepper, eggplant, tomato and bean) all exceeded the Chinese food safety limits. Soil and crop pollution trends in the three areas were consistent as PUT > PT > NP, indicating that mercury slag piles have exacerbated pollution. Mercury in the slag piles was adsorbed by multiple pathways of transport into soils with high organic matter, which made the ecological risk of agricultural soils appear extremely high. The total hazard quotients for residents from ingesting mercury in these crops were unacceptable in all areas, and children were more likely to be harmed than adults. Compared to the PT area, treatment of slag piles in the PUT area may decrease mercury concentrations in paddy fields and dry fields by 46.02% and 70.36%; further decreasing health risks for adults and children by 47.06% and 79.90%. This study provided a scientific basis for the necessity of treating large slag piles in mercury mining areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Tianxiang Xia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
| | - Lina Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China.
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Zhuo Chen
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Haonan Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoyang Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Lin Jia
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhu
- National Engineering Research Center of Urban Environmental Pollution Control, Beijing Key Laboratory for Risk Modeling and Remediation of Contaminated Sites, Beijing Municipal Research Institute of Eco-Environmental Protection, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Guangbing Li
- Tongren Environmental Science and Technology Consulting Center, Tongren, 554399, China
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Basu N, Bastiansz A, Dórea JG, Fujimura M, Horvat M, Shroff E, Weihe P, Zastenskaya I. Our evolved understanding of the human health risks of mercury. AMBIO 2023; 52:877-896. [PMID: 36790578 PMCID: PMC10073381 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-023-01831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is a chemical of health concern worldwide that is now being acted upon through the Minamata Convention. Operationalizing the Convention and tracking its effectiveness requires empathy of the diversity and variation of mercury exposure and risk in populations worldwide. As part of the health plenary for the 15th International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP), this review paper details how scientific understandings have evolved over time, from tragic poisoning events in the mid-twentieth century to important epidemiological studies in the late-twentieth century in the Seychelles and Faroe Islands, the Arctic and Amazon. Entering the twenty-first century, studies on diverse source-exposure scenarios (e.g., ASGM, amalgams, contaminated sites, cosmetics, electronic waste) from across global regions have expanded understandings and exemplified the need to consider socio-environmental variables and local contexts when conducting health studies. We conclude with perspectives on next steps for mercury health research in the post-Minamata Convention era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niladri Basu
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - Ashley Bastiansz
- McGill University, 204 CINE Building, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, Montreal, QC H9X 3V9 Canada
| | - José G. Dórea
- Faculdade de Ciencias da Saude, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, 70919-970 Brazil
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- National Institute for Minamata Disease, Minamata, Kumamoto 867-0008 Japan
| | - Milena Horvat
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emelyn Shroff
- Public Health Authority of Seychelles, Mont Fleuri, Mahe, Seychelles
| | - Pál Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Sigmundargøta 5, 100 Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Irina Zastenskaya
- WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, Platz Der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany
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Saeedi M, Malekmohammadi B. Contribution of Bayesian networks as a robust tool in risk assessment under sustainability considerations, a case study of Bandarabbas refinery. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15264. [PMID: 37113791 PMCID: PMC10126859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Refineries are among the industrial centers that supply the energy and raw materials to downstream industries. To achieve sustainable development goals, creating appropriate balance between economical and environmental goals has always been the focus of managers and policy makers in the societies. Bayesian Network model has become a robust tool in the field of risk assessment and uncertainty management in refineries. The focus of this research is to prioritizing different units from the point of view of social and ecological aspects for facilitating the decision making process in the context of waste material treatment in Bandarabbas refinery in line with the sustainable development goals. Materials and methods The methodology of this research is based on risk assessment with the aid of Bayesian Networks. To this end, first material flow analysis of the processes procured risk identification, subsequently influence diagram and Bayesian Network structure were designed. After completing conditional probability tables, finally risk factors were prioritized. What is more, sensitivity analysis of the model performed by applying three approaches namely predictive, diagnostic, and considering only one risk. Conclusion According to the risk assessment results, Amine treatment and Fuel units were classified as the most significant risk factors, whereas Pipelines and Plant air & instrument air system were identified as the most environmental friendly units. In addition, sensitivity analysis of the model provided appropriate framework to shed some light on the circumstances of determining dominant risk factors whether only one or concurrently all of the endpoints are evaluated.
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Chu Q, Li Y, Wang X. Bayesian inference of heavy metals exposure in crayfish for assessing human non-carcinogenic health risk. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 173:113595. [PMID: 36608734 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Contaminant concentrations often presented left censorship that below the limit of detection (LOD), which may contain true zero values because of no residue. In this study, we analyzed the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr) in 391 crayfish samples collected from 24 provinces of China, modelled the concentrations with two different models in a Bayesian framework, and evaluated health risk by estimating the target hazard quotient (THQ). The highest concentration was associated with Cr in Northwest China (0.1753 ± 0.1520 mg/kg w. w.), and the minimum concentration was Cd in Southwest China (0.0052 ± 0.0144 mg/kg w. w.), all heavy metal concentrations were below their safety limits. The posterior means of not detect rates P0 of Pb, Cd, Hg, As, and Cr obtained with two models were both nearly equal to the observed not detect rates (51.15%, 36.83%, 27.37%, 64.71%, and 43.73%, respectively). The posterior probabilistic density lines for Pb, Hg, and Cd concentrations obtained with two models were similar, and fitted the empirical distributions well. The posterior density lines of THQs showed that the non-carcinogenic risk of As and Hg were significant high. Moreover, Bayesian approach presented a better understanding of the percentage of population exposed to potential risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Chu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Ying Li
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Xueli Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China.
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Guzmán-Martínez F, Arranz-González JC, Tapia-Téllez A, Prazeres C, García-Martínez MJ, Jiménez-Oyola S. Assessment of potential contamination and acid drainage generation in uranium mining zones of Peña Blanca, Chihuahua, Mexico. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:386. [PMID: 36764975 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-10965-9] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Potential pollution of mining environmental liabilities' locations can be preliminarily and efficiently assessed by the potential generation of acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. This research evaluates the potential pollution by potentially toxic elements at locations with uranium mining liability evidence, using the net acid generation test and determining the background values to estimate acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. Sixty soil samples were collected, and the mineralogy and potentially toxic elements' total contents were determined by x-ray diffraction and optical spectrometry. The findings suggest that the soils related to a specific lithology might not present potential acid mine drainage generation but potential soil and sediment contamination. Future research is recommended on applying leaching tests to identify which potentially toxic elements are effectively being solubilized. Finally, it can be concluded that the study area's potential contamination is relatively low overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy Guzmán-Martínez
- Mexican Geological Survey (SGM), Felipe Angeles Blvd., Km. 93.50-4, 42083, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico.
- School of Mining and Energy, Department of Energy and Fuels, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Ríos Rosas Str. 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Alfredo Tapia-Téllez
- Mexican Geological Survey (SGM), Felipe Angeles Blvd., Km. 93.50-4, 42083, Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico
| | - Cátia Prazeres
- Portuguese National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG), Mineral Resources and Geophysics Unit, Estrada da Portela Str. 999, 7586, Amadora, Portugal
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- School of Mining and Energy, Department of Energy and Fuels, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Ríos Rosas Str. 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL), Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de La Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 Vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Moriarity RJ, Tsuji LJS, Liberda EN. A probabilistic hazard and risk assessment of exposure to metals and organohalogens associated with a traditional diet in the Indigenous communities of Eeyou Istchee (northern Quebec, Canada). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:14304-14317. [PMID: 36152091 PMCID: PMC9908690 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23117-2] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hunting, trapping, and fishing are part of an Indigenous lifestyle in subarctic Canada. However, this lifestyle may be a route of exposure to contaminants and may pose a risk for the people who rely on a subsistence diet. Monte Carlo simulations for the chemical concentration of eight game species and one fish species were carried out by randomly sampling 10,000 samples from the contaminant measures for each species. We then calculated a probabilistic non-carcinogenic hazard quotient or carcinogenic risk values to estimate the human health risk of exposure to contaminants. Of the species examined, ducks were of concern for potential carcinogenic risk. There was a modeled probabilistic 95th-percentile risk associated with the consumption of ducks and polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) congener 153 in boys, women, and men (1.09 × 10-6, 1.57 × 10-6, and 2.17 × 10-6, respectively) and, to a lesser extent, with geese and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener 153 in men (1.19 × 10-6). Contaminant concentration in the intake rate (food consumption) for PBB congener 153 exposure risk was more important than that for PCB congener 153, where intake rate had greater relevance. The consumption of waterfowl may increase the exposure to organohalogens; however, there are health and wellness benefits associated with the harvesting and consumption of subsistence foods that must also be considered. We recommend follow-up species-specific studies focused on ducks to clarify and elucidate the results in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Moriarity
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Leonard J S Tsuji
- Department of Health and Society, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric N Liberda
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lv D, Wu Q, Ouyang D, Wen M, Zhang G, Wang S, Duan L. Differentiated emission control strategy based on comprehensive evaluation of multi-media pollution: Case of mercury emission control. J Environ Sci (China) 2023; 123:222-234. [PMID: 36521986 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In order to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impact of multi-media mercury pollution under differentiated emission control strategies in China, a literature review and case studies were carried out. Increased human exposure to methylmercury was assessed through the dietary intake of residents in areas surrounding a typical coal-fired power plant and a zinc (Zn) smelter, located either on acid soil with paddy growth in southern China, or on alkaline soil with wheat growth in northern China. Combined with knowledge on speciated mercury in flue gas and the fate of mercury in the wastewater or solid waste of the typical emitters applying different air pollution control devices, a simplified model was developed by estimating the incremental daily intake of methylmercury from both local and global pollution. Results indicated that air pollution control for coal-fired power plants and Zn smelters can greatly reduce health risks from mercury pollution, mainly through a reduction in global methylmercury exposure, but could unfortunately induce local methylmercury exposure by transferring more mercury from flue gas to wastewater or solid waste, then contaminating surrounding soil, and thus increasing dietary intake via crops. Therefore, tightening air emission control is conducive to reducing the comprehensive health risk, while the environmental equity between local and global pollution control should be fully considered. Rice in the south tends to have higher bioconcentration factors than wheat in the north, implying the great importance of strengthening local pollution control in the south, especially for Zn smelters with higher contribution to local pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Minneng Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Gehui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lei Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
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Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM): Management and Socioenvironmental Impacts in the Northern Amazon of Ecuador. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14116854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Mining is one of the oldest economic activities of mankind. Within this activity, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is one of the most studied sectors due to its high level of environmental contamination and the social problems it causes. In recent years, ASGM in the northern Amazon of Ecuador has increased significantly, and studies that describe its current situation and impact are scarce. In this sense, the present study aimed to analyze the current status and socioenvironmental impacts caused by ASGM gold mining activities in the Cascales canton in the province of Sucumbíos in northeastern Ecuador. The methodological tools used in the present study were a literature review of scientific and gray literature, field visits to assess perceived impacts and an expert judgment to discuss the results and establish challenges. The main results indicate that illegal and informal activities continue to be carried out in the upper zone of the Cascales and Duvino rivers; 90% of local miners still use mercury in this activity, although it is legally prohibited. Among the main impacts evidenced are the contamination of water bodies, soil and atmosphere due to the use of mercury and disturbance to flora and fauna due to the use of machinery in the exploration process. Finally, the government should focus efforts on strengthening public policies to socialize the importance of good environmental practices in ASGM and the effects of the impacts on human health and environmental issues, all this with the support of social actors, such as ministries, universities, NGOs, ASGM associations and private enterprise.
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11
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Wang Z, Zhang GY, Pei HX, Sun ZB, Cheng JL, Zhou T, Geng CX, Lei KN, Zheng CL. Selection of optimal models for predicting growth stress in Artemisia desertorum by comparison of linear regression and multiple neural networks: Take the construction of a green mine in the Bayan Obo mine as an example. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 235:113400. [PMID: 35325607 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, more and more countries are focusing on the control of mining sites and the surrounding ecological environment, and the new environmental concept of green mines has been proposed. By investigating the ecological background of a mine site, pollution and ecological imbalances in the mine can be predicted, managed or transformed. This study investigated the effects of rare earth elements on plant growth in the Baotou Bayan Obo Rare Earth Mine and evaluated soil contamination and subsequent remediation through the measured plant height. Using linear regression, BP(Back Propagation) neural networks, GA-BP(Genetic Algorithm- Back Propagation) neural networks, ELM(Extreme Learning Machine) and GA-ELM(Genetic Algorithm- Extreme Learning Machine) model prediction instruments, the different rare earth solution concentrations were set as input values and the heights of Artemisia desertorum, which as the model plant, were set as output values in the prediction. The results showed that the linear regression predicted the standard error of single La(III), Ce(III) solution and compound La(III) + Ce(III) solution for Artemisia desertorum growth stress was on the high side, 7.02%- 8.92%; the efficiency range of each group of models under BP neural network, GA-BP neural network and ELM neural network were 1.15%- 2.53%, 0.85%- 1.28%, 1.76%- 3.53%; while the efficiency range under GA-ELM neural network was 0.59%- 0.68%, with average error values and predicted values close to the true values. Among them, the MAPE of GA-ELM neural network are significantly lower than other models, and the error decreases with increasing concentration of the compound solution. So GA-ELM neural network can be used as an efficient, fast and reasonable optimal model for predicting the growth stress of Artemisia desertorum in Bayan Obo mining area. The experimental results can provide a theoretical basis for assessing the risk of soil rare earth contamination in the area, evaluating the expectation of later remediation, and provide a degree of new ideas for the construction of green mines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China; Engineering Research Center of Evaluation and Restoration in the Mining Ecological Environments, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Guang-Yu Zhang
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Hai-Xia Pei
- School of Life Science and Technology, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Sun
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Jun-Li Cheng
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Cheng-Xin Geng
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Kai-Neng Lei
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Chun-Li Zheng
- School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China; Engineering Research Center of Evaluation and Restoration in the Mining Ecological Environments, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, Inner Mongolia, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Carbon Neutral, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China; Collaborative Innovation Center of Integrated Exploitation of Bayan Obo Multi-Metal Resources, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China.
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12
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Li J, Xiang Y, Ma W, Fu X, Huang Y, Li G. Gold particles decorated reduced graphene oxide for low level mercury vapor detection with rapid response at room temperature. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 228:112995. [PMID: 34801924 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Rapid and sensitive detection of mercury vapor is of great significance for environmental protection and human health. But the detection method enabling low detection limitation and rapid response at room temperature simultaneously has rarely been reported. In this work, we propose a gold particles decorated reduced graphene oxide sensor for mercury vapor detection. After adding the gold particles, the reduced graphene oxide sensors' response sensitivity increase by more than 16 times and the response time significantly decreases, which is far less below the results reported by others. The sensor performance improvement should attribute to the distribution of the decorated gold particles, which insert into the layered graphene sheets, as demonstrated by the SEM and XRD results. The increased layer spacing of graphene sheets is conductive to the faster entry/exit of mercury vapor and increases the effective sensing area of graphene. What's more, the first-principles calculation results confirm the mercury-philicity of gold particles, which also contributes to the increased sensitivity. We further test more performance of the gold particles decorated reduced graphene oxide sensor to mercury vapor, which shows a linear response, low detection limit and good repeatability. The proposed sensor shows rapid response/recovery (6/8 s), low detection limit (0.01 ng/mL), linear response, good repeatability and room temperature detection simultaneously, which shows great application potential for mercury vapor detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Li
- College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yi Xiang
- College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Weibin Ma
- College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xinglan Fu
- College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Yuehua Huang
- College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
| | - Guanglin Li
- College of Engineering and Technology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China.
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13
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Jiménez-Oyola S, García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Chavez E, Romero P, García-Garizabal I, Bolonio D. Ecological and probabilistic human health risk assessment of heavy metal(loid)s in river sediments affected by mining activities in Ecuador. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:4459-4474. [PMID: 33881675 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-021-00935-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Gold mining is a significant source of metal(loid)s released into the environment. It is an issue of concern due to the potential adverse health effects associated with exposure to toxic elements. This study aimed to assess the ecological and human health risk caused by heavy metal(loid)s exposure in river sediments in Ponce Enríquez, one of the most important mining sites in Ecuador. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were evaluated in 172 sediment samples to determine the Potential ecological risk (RI) and the carcinogenic (CR) and non-carcinogenic risk (HQ). The human exposure to polluted sediments during recreational activities was computed using Bayesian probabilistic models. Residents were randomly surveyed to adjust the risk models to the specific population data. More than 68% of the sampling stations pose a severe As and Cd ecological risk index ([Formula: see text] > 320). Likewise, residents exposed to river sediments showed a non-acceptable carcinogenic risk by incidental ingestion, being As the primary contributor to overall cancer in both children and adults receptors. Moreover, non-carcinogenic risk through the incidental ingestion of sediments was above the safe limit for children. This is the first study conducted in a mining region in Ecuador that reveals the severe levels of ecological and human health risk to which the population is exposed. These results can be applied as a baseline to develop public health strategies to monitor and reduce the health hazards of the residents of mining communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eduardo Chavez
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Paola Romero
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Iker García-Garizabal
- Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - David Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
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14
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González-Valoys AC, Esbrí JM, Campos JA, Arrocha J, García-Noguero EM, Monteza-Destro T, Martínez E, Jiménez-Ballesta R, Gutiérrez E, Vargas-Lombardo M, Garcia-Ordiales E, García-Giménez R, García-Navarro FJ, Higueras P. Ecological and Health Risk Assessments of an Abandoned Gold Mine (Remance, Panama): Complex Scenarios Need a Combination of Indices. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9369. [PMID: 34501959 PMCID: PMC8431601 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18179369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The derelict Remance gold mine is a possible source of pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTEs). In the study area, diverse mine waste has been left behind and exposed to weather conditions, and poses risks for soil, plants and water bodies, and also for the health of local inhabitants. This study sought to perform an ecological and health risk assessment of derelict gold mining areas with incomplete remediation, including: (i) characterizing the geochemical distribution of PTEs; (ii) assessing ecological risk by estimating the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI); (iii) assessing soil health by dehydrogenase activity; and iv) establishing non-carcinogenic (HI) and carcinogenic risks (CR) for local inhabitants. Soil health seems to depend on not only PTE concentrations, but also on organic matter (OM). Both indexes (PLI and RI) ranged from high to extreme near mining and waste accumulation sites. As indicated by both the HI and CR results, the mining area poses a health risk for local inhabitants and particularly for children. For this reason, it will be necessary to set up environmental management programs in the areas that are most affected (tailings and surrounding areas) and accordingly establish the best remediation strategies to minimize risks for the local population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cristina González-Valoys
- Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Technological University of Panama, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama;
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Castilla-La Mancha University, EIMI Almadén, Plaza Manuel Meca 1, Almadén, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.M.E.); (E.M.G.-N.); (P.H.)
- Department of Geology & Geochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, University City of Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.J.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - José María Esbrí
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Castilla-La Mancha University, EIMI Almadén, Plaza Manuel Meca 1, Almadén, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.M.E.); (E.M.G.-N.); (P.H.)
| | - Juan Antonio Campos
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos de Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Ronda de Calatrava 7, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.A.C.); (F.J.G.-N.)
| | - Jonatha Arrocha
- Centro Experimental de Ingeniería, Technological University of Panama, Vía Tocumen, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama;
| | - Eva María García-Noguero
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Castilla-La Mancha University, EIMI Almadén, Plaza Manuel Meca 1, Almadén, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.M.E.); (E.M.G.-N.); (P.H.)
| | - Tisla Monteza-Destro
- Departamento de Geotecnia, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Technological University of Panama, Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso University Campus, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama; (T.M.-D.); (E.G.)
| | - Ernesto Martínez
- Dirección de Investigación, Vicerrectoría de Investigación, Postgrado y Extensión, Technological University of Panama, Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso University Campus, Panamá City 0819-07289, Panama;
| | - Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta
- Department of Geology & Geochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, University City of Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.J.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - Eric Gutiérrez
- Departamento de Geotecnia, Facultad de Ingeniería Civil, Technological University of Panama, Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso University Campus, Panama City 0819-07289, Panama; (T.M.-D.); (E.G.)
| | - Miguel Vargas-Lombardo
- Facultad de Ingeniería de Sistemas Computacionales, Technological University of Panama, Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, Dr. Víctor Levi Sasso University Campus, Panamá City 0819-07289, Panama;
- SNI-SENACYT Sistema Nacional de Investigación-Secretaria Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación, Clayton, Ciudad del Saber Edif.205, Panama City 0816-02852, Panama
| | - Efrén Garcia-Ordiales
- Mining Exploration and Prospecting Department, University of Oviedo, Independencia Street, 13, 33004 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Rosario García-Giménez
- Department of Geology & Geochemistry, Autonomous University of Madrid, University City of Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (R.J.-B.); (R.G.-G.)
| | - Francisco Jesús García-Navarro
- Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Agrónomos de Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha University, Ronda de Calatrava 7, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.A.C.); (F.J.G.-N.)
| | - Pablo Higueras
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Castilla-La Mancha University, EIMI Almadén, Plaza Manuel Meca 1, Almadén, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (J.M.E.); (E.M.G.-N.); (P.H.)
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15
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Jiménez-Oyola S, Chavez E, García-Martínez MJ, Ortega MF, Bolonio D, Guzmán-Martínez F, García-Garizabal I, Romero P. Probabilistic multi-pathway human health risk assessment due to heavy metal(loid)s in a traditional gold mining area in Ecuador. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 224:112629. [PMID: 34399125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Mining operations are important causes of environmental pollution in developing countries where mining waste management is not adequate. Consequently, heavy metal(loid)s are easily released into the environment, being a potential risk to human health. This study carries out a Bayesian probabilistic human health risk assessment, related to multi-pathway exposure to heavy metal(loid)s in a gold mining area in Southern Ecuador. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in tap water, surface water, and soil samples, were analyzed to assess the potential adverse human health effects based on the Hazard Index (HI) and Total cancer risk (TCR). Adults and children residents were surveyed to adjust their exposure parameters to the site-specific conditions. Exposure to heavy metal(loid)s resulted in unacceptable risk levels for human health in the two age groups, both carcinogenic (TCR > 1 × 10-5) and non-carcinogenic (HI > 1) through ingestion of tap water and incidental ingestion of surface water. Sensitivity analysis showed that As concentration in waters and exposure frequency were the main contributors to risk outcome. Exposure to soil via accidental ingestion and dermal contact was below the safety limit, not posing a risk to human health. These findings can provide a baseline for the environmental management of the mining area and indicate the need for further research on As pollution in water and its implications on the health of the inhabitants of mining communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Jiménez-Oyola
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador; Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Eduardo Chavez
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - María-Jesús García-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Bolonio
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Fredy Guzmán-Martínez
- Department of Energy and Fuels, E.T.S. Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Ríos Rosas 21, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Mexican Geological Survey, Boulevard Felipe Angeles Km. 93.50-4, 42083 Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Iker García-Garizabal
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
| | - Paola Romero
- Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral, ESPOL, Facultad de Ingeniería en Ciencias de la Tierra, Campus Gustavo Galindo km 30.5 vía Perimetral, P.O. Box 09-01-5863, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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16
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Viso S, Rivera S, Martinez-Coronado A, Esbrí JM, Moreno MM, Higueras P. Biomonitoring of Hg 0, Hg 2 and Particulate Hg in a Mining Context Using Tree Barks . INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5191. [PMID: 34068268 PMCID: PMC8153109 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The biomonitoring of atmospheric mercury (Hg) is an important topic in the recent scientific literature given the cost-benefit advantage of obtaining indirect measurements of gaseous Hg using biological tissues. Lichens, mosses, and trees are the most commonly used organisms, with many standardized methods for some of them used across European countries by scientists and pollution regulators. Most of the species used the uptake of gaseous Hg (plant leaves), or a mixture of gaseous and particulate Hg (mosses and lichens), but no method is capable of differentiating between main atmospheric Hg phases (particulate and gaseous), essential in a risk assessment. The purpose of this work was to evaluate different uptake patterns of biological tissues in terms of atmospheric Hg compounds. To accomplish this, the feasibility of two plant tissues from a tree commonly found in urban environments has been evaluated for the biomonitoring of gaseous Hg species in a Hg mining environment. Sampling included leaves and barks from Platanus hispanica and particulate matter from the atmosphere of the urban area around Almadén (south-central Spain), while analytical determinations included data for total Hg concentrations in biological and geological samples, Hg speciation data and total gaseous Hg (TGM). The results allowed us to identify the main Hg compounds in leaves and bark tissues and in atmospheric particulate matter, finding that leaves bioaccumulated only gaseous Hg (Hg0 and Hg2+), preferably during daylight hours, whereas the barks accumulated a combination of TGM and particulate bound Hg (PBM) during the day and at night. Subsequent merging of the atmospheric Hg speciation data obtained from leaves and barks allowed indicative maps of the main sources of TGM and PBM emissions to be obtained, thereby perfectly delimiting the main TGM and PBM sources in the urban area around Almadén. This method complements TGM biomonitoring systems already tested with other urban trees, adding the detection of PBM emission sources and, therefore, biomonitoring all Hg species present in the atmosphere. Scenarios other than mining sites should be evaluated to determine the utility of this method for Hg biospeciation in the atmosphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Viso
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Sofía Rivera
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.V.); (S.R.)
| | | | - José María Esbrí
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.V.); (S.R.)
| | - Marta M. Moreno
- Escuela Técnica de Ingenieros Agrónomos, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13071 Ciudad Real, Spain;
| | - Pablo Higueras
- Instituto de Geología Aplicada, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 13400 Ciudad Real, Spain; (S.V.); (S.R.)
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17
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Human Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Potentially Toxic Elements in Polluted Rivers in the Ecuadorian Amazon. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13050613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anthropogenic activities performed in the Ecuadorian Amazon have released potentially toxic elements (PTEs) into the rivers, causing severe environmental pollution and increasing the risk of exposure to the residents of the surrounding areas. This study aims to carry out a human health risk assessment using deterministic and probabilistic methods to estimate the hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) related to multi-pathway human exposure to PTEs in polluted rivers. Concentrations of Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface water and sediment samples from rivers on the Ecuadorian Amazon were considered to assess the potential adverse human health effects. As a result, deterministic and probabilistic estimations of cancer and non-cancer risk through exposure to surface waters and sediments were above the safety limit. A sensitivity analysis identified the concentration of PTEs and the exposure duration (ED) as the two most important variables for probabilistic health risk assessment. The highest risk for receptors was related to exposure to polluted sediments through incidental ingestion and dermal contact routes. According to the deterministic estimation, the human health risk through ingestion of water was above the threshold in specific locations. This study reveals the potential health risk to which the population is exposed. This information can be used as a baseline to develop public strategies to reduce anthropogenic pollution and exposure to PTEs in Ecuadorian Amazon rivers.
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18
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Xu Z, Lu Q, Xu X, Feng X, Liang L, Liu L, Li C, Chen Z, Qiu G. Multi-pathway mercury health risk assessment, categorization and prioritization in an abandoned mercury mining area: A pilot study for implementation of the Minamata Convention. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127582. [PMID: 32758782 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This is a systematic study of human health risk assessment (HHRA) and risk categorization for inorganic mercury (IHg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Hg mining areas. A multi-pathway exposure model coupled with Monte Carlo simulation was constructed for the Wanshan Hg mining area (WSMM), Southwestern China, with consideration of oral ingestion (foodstuffs, water and soil), dermal contact (water and soil), and inhalation (gaseous Hg and particulate Hg). The results show that dietary intake (food and water), gaseous Hg inhalation, oral ingestion of soil particles, dermal contact, and particulate Hg inhalation comprised 88.3-96.3%, 3.49-6.14%, 0.14-5.3%, 0.02%, and <0.01% of total IHg ingestion, respectively. As expected, rice consumption contributed the highest proportion (86.3-92.7%) of MeHg. The study shows that the elevated MeHg exposure risk is the most significant issue in Hg mining areas. In addition, Hg risk categorization and prioritization in the WSMM are established for the first time based on rice-based exposure doses of IHg and MeHg. Target areas for future treatment and/or remediation are characterized according to thresholds of reference dose and provisional tolerable weekly intake for exposure doses, as well as risk screening values and risk control values for contaminated soil. The proposed multi-pathway exposure model is strongly recommended for the HHRA of Hg-contaminated sites worldwide and helps facilitate the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhidong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qinhui Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaohang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinbin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Longchao Liang
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chan Li
- School of Chemical and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- School of Chemical and Materials Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang, China
| | - Guangle Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
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19
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Guzmán-Martínez F, Arranz-González JC, Ortega MF, García-Martínez MJ, Rodríguez-Gómez V. A new ranking scale for assessing leaching potential pollution from abandoned mining wastes based on the Mexican official leaching test. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 273:111139. [PMID: 32768761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) present in abandoned mining wastes (AMW) are of great concern because of potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Indices of contamination (IC) applied to mining wastes are calculated using the total concentration of PTEs and comparing them with regional geochemical backgrounds. However, determining the total content of heavy metals is insufficient to assess the hazard of mining wastes. Therefore, in addition to total concentration, the potential risk is also evaluated through water mobility of elements. Accordingly, leaching procedures are useful tools for the geochemical characterization of soluble constituents that are mobilized. In this study, the solubility of PTEs from different types of mining wastes is comparatively assessed using three standard leaching methods (European; U.S. Geological Survey and; Mexican). The Hazard Average Quotient (HAQ) was calculated to assess the potential Toxicity Factor (TF). TF is an indicator of the relative potential toxicity of wastes and is the basis for the classification of AMW. A comparative assessment provides evidence that there are no statistically significant differences in PTEs solubility by the three leaching methods and it was also found that the pH of the eluates was dictated by the type of waste. Results suggest that the IC gives an indicator of the potential contamination of soils and sediments by erosive processes, or a long-term measure, whereas TF assesses the possibility of contaminating water in the short term. The most significant finding is the new ranking scale of TF, as a function of HAQ, applied to the Mexican standard leaching test. This factor, together with other considerations relating to risk-generating processes, might then be applied in places having large amounts of recorded AMW, such as the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, where effective management is required to rank sites, based on preliminary environmental and human risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredy Guzmán-Martínez
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Ríos Rosas, 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain; Mexican Geological Survey, Boulevard Felipe Angeles Km. 93.50-4, 42083, Pachuca, Mexico.
| | | | - Marcelo F Ortega
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Ríos Rosas, 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús García-Martínez
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Minas y Energía, Ríos Rosas, 21, 28003, Madrid, Spain
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