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Chen DT, Roy A, Li YQ, Bogush A, Au WY, Stegemann JA. Speciation of toxic pollutants in Pb/Zn smelter slags by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy in the context of the literature. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 460:132373. [PMID: 37703727 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Pb/Zn smelter slag is a hazardous industrial waste from the Imperial Smelting Process (ISP). The speciation of zinc, lead, copper and arsenic in the slag controls their recovery or fate in the environment but has been little investigated. X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) was applied to this complex poorly crystalline material for the first time to gain new insights about speciation of elements at low concentration. Zn, Cu, As K-edge and Pb L3-edge XAS was carried out for a Pb/Zn slag from a closed ISP facility in England, supported by Fe, S and P K-edge XAS. Results are presented in the context of a full review of the literature. X-ray fluorescence showed that concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu and As were 8.4, 1.6, 0.48 and 0.45 wt%, respectively. Wüstite (FeO) was the only crystalline phase identified by X-ray diffraction, but XAS provided a more complete understanding of the matrix. Zn was found to be mainly present in glass, ZnS, and possibly solid solutions with Fe oxides; Pb was mainly present in glass and apatite minerals (e.g., Pb5(PO4)3OH); Cu was mainly speciated as Cu2S, with some metallic Cu and a weathering product, Cu(OH)2; As speciation was likely dominated by arsenic (III) and (V) oxides and sulfides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Ting Chen
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), University of College London (UCL), Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Amitava Roy
- Louisiana State University Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices, Baton Rouge, LA 70806, USA
| | - Yu Qian Li
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), University of College London (UCL), Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anna Bogush
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), University of College London (UCL), Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Wing Yin Au
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), University of College London (UCL), Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Julia A Stegemann
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering (CEGE), University of College London (UCL), Chadwick Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Jiang Z, Guo Z, Peng C, Wang X, Zhou Z, Xiao X. Model development and probabilistic risks of cadmium transport in slag-soil-groundwater systems with heterogeneous conditions. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 895:165160. [PMID: 37379937 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Prediction of the long-term risk of trace metals leaching from soils at smelting sites is essential for groundwater protection. Herein, a mass balance-based stochastic model was developed to simulate the transport and probabilistic risks of trace metals in heterogeneous slag-soil-groundwater systems. The model was applied to a smelting slag yard with three stacking scenarios, including (A) fixed stacking amount, (B) stacking amount increasing yearly, and (C) slag removal after 20 years. The simulations suggested that the leaching flux and net accumulation of Cd in soils of the slag yard and abandoned farmland were greatest for scenario (B), which was followed by scenarios (A) and (C). In the slag yard, a plateau occurred in the Cd leaching flux curves, followed by a sharp increase. After 100 years of leaching, only scenario (B) had a high probabilistic risk (>99.9 %) of threatening groundwater safety under heterogeneous conditions. <11.1 % of the exogenous Cd may leach into groundwater under the worst scenario. The key parameters affecting Cd leaching risk include runoff interception rate (IRCR), input flux from slag release (I), and stacking time (ST). The simulation results were consistent with the values measured in a field investigation and laboratory leaching experiments. The results should help guide remediation objectives and measures to minimize the leaching risk at smelting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhichao Jiang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Zhaohui Guo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Chi Peng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Ziruo Zhou
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
| | - Xiyuan Xiao
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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Ke W, Zeng J, Zhu F, Luo X, Feng J, He J, Xue S. Geochemical partitioning and spatial distribution of heavy metals in soils contaminated by lead smelting. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119486. [PMID: 35595002 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Heavy metals (HMs) pollution is a universal and complex problem at lead smelting sites. Further understanding on the distribution, coexistence relationship and occurrence form of multi-metals in soils should be taken prior to restoration on the contaminated sites. In this study, 222 soil samples in a typical abandoned lead smelting site were investigated to understand the spatial distribution and geochemical partitioning of HMs. The results showed that soil quality was seriously threatened by As, Pb and Cd, which expressed high spatial heterogeneity. Integration of sequential extraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and mineral liberation analysers were employed to qualify the geochemical partitioning of HMs. The data showed that Pb and As were mainly partitioned in the reducible phase and residue phase, where the maximum of As were 18% and 79%, and the maximum of Pb were 31% and 64%, respectively, whilst Cd was mainly partitioned with residue phase (about 25%) and weakly acid soluble phase (about 18%). Paulmooreite was the major important mineral host for Pb and As, whereas Cd predominantly existed in willemite. These minerals containing HMs could usually with Fe reside in the octahedral layer of clay minerals such as montmorillonite, and may also reside in the interlayer. Quartz, montmorillonite and goethite were closely associated with HMs minerals in contaminated soils, which limited vertical migration of HMs and potential risks to groundwater. The results enhanced the understanding of spatial distribution and occurrence behavior of HMs, whilst providing potential benefits to heavy metal stabilization and risks control at abandoned non-ferrous metal smelting sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshun Ke
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jiaqing Zeng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Feng Zhu
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Xinghua Luo
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jingpei Feng
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Jin He
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China
| | - Shengguo Xue
- School of Metallurgy and Environment, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China; Chinese National Engineering Research Center for Control and Treatment of Heavy Metal Pollution, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, PR China.
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Helser J, Vassilieva E, Cappuyns V. Environmental and human health risk assessment of sulfidic mine waste: Bioaccessibility, leaching and mineralogy. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 424:127313. [PMID: 34597925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.127313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfidic mine waste can pose environmental and human health risks, especially when it contains high levels of mobile metal(loid)s. To assess the environmental and health risks of mine waste originating from three historic and active sulfidic Pb-, Zn- and/or Cu-mines in Europe, mineralogical and chemical characterizations were conducted in combination with in vitro bioaccessibility tests, sequential extractions and leaching tests. Results indicated that most samples contained highly elevated levels of metal(loid)s and key minerals consisting of pyrite, sphalerite and cerussite. The orally bioaccessible fraction varied amongst samples: Cd (13-100%), Zn (9-69%), Pb (4-67%), Cu (8-41%) and As (1-11%). Given these bioaccessible levels, the human health risk assessment indicated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for most investigated samples in a worst-case exposure scenario. The leaching tests revealed a high mobility of metal(loid)s, especially Pb, posing potential environmental risks. The sequential extractions coupled with mineralogical analyses highlighted the highly mobile levels of Cd, Pb and Zn, posing environmental and health risks. Cerussite dissolved in the easily exchangeable fraction, releasing elevated levels of Pb, while pyrite never completely dissolved. In conclusion, the studied wastes pose environmental and health risks, but the high mobility of some elements also provides opportunities for the valorization of the waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Helser
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Research Center for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON), 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Elvira Vassilieva
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Valérie Cappuyns
- KU Leuven, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 3001 Leuven, Belgium; KU Leuven, Research Center for Economics and Corporate Sustainability (CEDON), 1000 Brussels, Belgium.
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Meng W, Li XX, Wu P. New Insights into Selenium Enrichment in the Soil of Northwestern Guizhou, Southwest China. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2021; 107:1095-1102. [PMID: 34003318 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-021-03256-x] [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: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animals and plants. Se in soil has an important influence on the Se intake by animals and plants. To explore the source of Se in soils of the zinc-smelting area in northwest Guizhou, China, 271 topsoils and 50 deep soil samples were collected, and the concentration, speciation and distribution of Se in soils were analysed. The results showed that the concentration of Se in topsoils ranged from 0.2 mg/kg to 1.79 mg/kg, with an average of 0.84 mg/kg, which was more than 2 times of that in deep soil. These observations indicated that Se was enriched in the surface layer of soil. In terms of spatial distribution, high-Se topsoils (> 1.0 mg/kg) were mainly distributed near the zinc smelting area, and topsoil samples with relatively low content of Se were mainly distributed in areas with less human activities influence. The Se occurrence species in topsoils were in the order of residue, organic-binding, humic-acid binding, water-soluble, Fe/Mn/Al oxide-binding, carbonate-binding and ion-exchange. The contribution of residual Se to total Se in topsoil was decisive, and the content of other species of selenium changed slightly. The Se speciation that was residual in soil is difficult for plants to utilize, which is consistent with previous studies on seleniferous soils caused by zinc smelting. These results indicated that the main reason for Se enrichment in the topsoils of northwest Guizhou Province was indigenous zinc smelting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Meng
- Guizhou Academy of Geological Survey, Guiyang, 550005, China
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Xue-Xian Li
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China
- College of Agriculture, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Pan Wu
- College of Resource and Environmental Engineering, Guizhou University, Guiyang, 550025, China.
- Key Laboratory of Karst Environment and Geohazard Prevention, Ministry of Education, Guiyang, 550025, China.
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Ettler V, Štěpánek D, Mihaljevič M, Drahota P, Jedlicka R, Kříbek B, Vaněk A, Penížek V, Sracek O, Nyambe I. Slag dusts from Kabwe (Zambia): Contaminant mineralogy and oral bioaccessibility. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 260:127642. [PMID: 32683030 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The former Pb-Zn mining town of Kabwe in central Zambia is ranked amongst the worst polluted areas both in Africa and in the world. The fine dust particles from the ISF and Waelz slags deposited in Kabwe represent a health risk for the local population. Here, we combined a detailed multi-method mineralogical investigation with oral bioaccessibility testing in simulated gastric fluid (SGF; 0.4 M glycine, pH 1.5, L/S ratio of 100, 1 h, 37 °C) to evaluate the risk related to the incidental dust ingestion. The slag dust fractions contain up to 2610 mg/kg V, 6.3 wt% Pb and 19 wt% Zn. The metals are mainly bound in a slag glass and secondary phases, which formed during the slag weathering or were windblown from nearby tailing stockpiles (carbonates, Fe and Mn oxides, phosphates, vanadates). The bioaccessible fractions (BAFs) are rather high for all the main contaminants, with the BAF values generally higher for the ISF slags than for the Waelz slags: Pb (24-96%), V (21-100%) and Zn (54-81%). The results clearly indicate the potential risks related to the incidental slag dust ingestion. Even when a conservative value of the dust daily intake (100 mg/day) is considered, the daily contaminant intake significantly exceeds the tolerable daily intake limits, especially for Pb ≫ V > Zn. At higher ingestion rates, other minor contaminants (As, Cd) also become a health risk, especially for children. The slag heaps in Kabwe should be fenced to prevent local people entering and should be covered to limit the dust dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - David Štěpánek
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Drahota
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Radim Jedlicka
- Institute of Petrology and Structural Geology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Kříbek
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00, Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Penížek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondra Sracek
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc, 17. Listopadu 12, 771 46, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Imasiku Nyambe
- Department of Geology, University of Zambia, School of Mines, P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia
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Tuhý M, Hrstka T, Ettler V. Automated mineralogy for quantification and partitioning of metal(loid)s in particulates from mining/smelting-polluted soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115118. [PMID: 32623271 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Topsoils near active and abandoned mining and smelting sites are highly polluted by metal(loid) contaminants, which are often bound to particulates emitted from ore processing facilities and/or windblown from waste disposal sites. To quantitatively determine the contaminant partitioning in the soil particulates, we tested an automated mineralogy approach on the heavy mineral fraction extracted from the mining- and smelting-polluted topsoils exhibiting up to 1920 mg/kg As, 5840 mg/kg Cu, 4880 mg/kg Pb and 3310 mg/kg Zn. A new generation of automated scanning electron microscopy (autoSEM) was combined and optimized with conventional mineralogical techniques (XRD, SEM/EDS, EPMA). Parallel digestions and bulk chemical analyses were used as an independent control of the autoSEM-calculated concentrations of the key elements. This method provides faster data acquisition, the full integration of the quantitative EDS data and better detection limits for the elements of interest. We found that As was mainly bound to the apatite group minerals, slag glass and metal arsenates. Copper was predominantly hosted by the sulfides/sulfosalts and the Cu-bearing secondary carbonates. The deportment of Pb is relatively complex: slag glass, Fe and Mn (oxyhydr)oxides, metal arsenates/vanadates and cerussite were the most important carriers for Pb. Zinc is mainly bound to the slag glass, Fe (oxyhydr)oxides, smithsonite and sphalerite. Limitations exist for the less abundant contaminants, which cannot be fully quantified by autoSEM due to spectral overlaps with some major elements (e.g., Sb vs. Ca, Cd vs. K and Ca in the studied soils). AutoSEM was found to be a useful tool for the determination of the modal phase distribution and element partitioning in the metal(loid)-bearing soil particulates and will definitely find more applications in environmental soil sciences in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Tuhý
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Hrstka
- Institute of Geology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Rozvojová 269, 165 00, Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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Towards Identification of Zircon Populations in Permo-Carboniferous Rhyolites of Central Europe: Insight from Automated SEM-Mineral Liberation Analyses. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10040308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Zircon is a main mineral used for dating rhyolitic magmas as well as reconstructing their differentiation. It is common that different populations of zircon grains occur in a single rhyolitic sample. The presence of both autocrystic and antecrystic zircon grains is reflected in their strongly varied chemical compositions and slight spread of ages. However, postmagmatic processes may induce lead loss, which is also recorded as a spread of zircon ages. Therefore, new approaches to identify different zircon populations in rhyolitic rocks are needed. In this study, we suggest that detailed examination of zircon positions in the thin sections of rhyolitic rocks provides valuable information on zircon sources that can be used to identify autocrystic and antecrystic zircon populations. Automated Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses are of great applicability in determining this, as they return both qualitative and quantitative information and allow for quick comparisons between different rhyolite localities. Five localities of Permo-Carboniferous rhyolites related to post-Variscan extension in Central Europe (Organy, Bieberstein, Halle, Chemnitz, Krucze) were analyzed by automated SEM (MLA-SEM). The samples covered a range of Zr whole rock contents and displayed both crystalline and glassy groundmass. Surprisingly, each locality seemed to have its own special zircon fingerprint. Based on comparisons of whole rocks, modal composition and SEM images Chemnitz ignimbrite was interpreted as containing mostly (or fully) antecrystic zircon, whereas the Bieberstein dyke was shown to possibly contain both types, with the antecrystic zircon being associated with disturbed cumulates. On the other hand, Organy was probably dominated by autocrystic zircon, and Krucze contained dismembered, subhedral zircon in its matrix, whereas Halle zircon was located partly in late veins, filling cracks in laccolith. Both localities may, therefore, contain zircon populations that represent later stages than the crystallization of the main rhyolitic body.
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He J, Strezov V, Kan T, Weldekidan H, Asumadu-Sarkodie S, Kumar R. Effect of temperature on heavy metal(loid) deportment during pyrolysis of Avicennia marina biomass obtained from phytoremediation. BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY 2019; 278:214-222. [PMID: 30703639 DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2019.01.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Slow pyrolysis of heavy-metal(loid)-contaminated Avicennia marina biomass obtained from phytoremediation was conducted to investigate the deportment of 12 heavy metal(loid)s in pyrolysis products (biochar, bio-oil, gas) at temperatures from 300 to 800 °C. The results indicated that different heavy metal(loid)s showed diverse volatilities, while all elements tended to transform into volatile products with the increase of pyrolysis temperature. Cd was found highly volatile, while Fe and Cu were non-volatile elements. The leaching analysis of biochars showed that pyrolysis was effective in reducing the mobility and bioavailability of the heavy metal(loid)s in biochars. Moreover, the risk assessment of biochars showed that the biochars derived from polluted biomass can be used as a potential soil amendment. Considering the energy consumption and risk of contaminant emission, pyrolysis temperatures of 400 to 500 °C were considered to be the optimum option for pyrolysis of this biomass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing He
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - Vladimir Strezov
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tao Kan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Haftom Weldekidan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Samuel Asumadu-Sarkodie
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Ravinder Kumar
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Ettler V, Cihlová M, Jarošíková A, Mihaljevič M, Drahota P, Kříbek B, Vaněk A, Penížek V, Sracek O, Klementová M, Engel Z, Kamona F, Mapani B. Oral bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s in dust materials from mining areas of northern Namibia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 124:205-215. [PMID: 30654327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Ore mining and processing in semi-arid areas is responsible for the generation of metal(loid)-containing dust, which is easily transported by wind to the surrounding environment. To assess the human exposure to dust-derived metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb, Zn), as well as the potential risks related to incidental dust ingestion, we studied mine tailing dust (n = 8), slag dust (n = 5) and smelter dust (n = 4) from old mining and smelting sites in northern Namibia (Kombat, Berg Aukas, Tsumeb). In vitro bioaccessibility testing using extraction in simulated gastric fluid (SGF) was combined with determination of grain-size distributions, chemical and mineralogical characterizations and leaching tests conducted on original dust samples and separated PM10 fractions. The bulk and bioaccessible concentrations of the metal(loid)s were ranked as follows: mine tailing dusts < slag dusts ≪ smelter dusts. Extremely high As and Pb bioaccessibilities in the smelter dusts were caused by the presence of highly soluble phases such as arsenolite (As2O3) and various metal-arsenates unstable under the acidic conditions of SGF. The exposure estimates calculated for an adult person of 70 kg at a dust ingestion rate of 50 mg/day indicated that As, Pb (and also Cd to a lesser extent) grossly exceeded tolerable daily intake limits for these contaminants in the case of slag and smelter dusts. The high risk for smelter dusts has been acknowledged, and the safety measures currently adopted by the smelter operator in Tsumeb are necessary to reduce the staff's exposure to contaminated dust. The exposure risk for the local population is only important at the unfenced disposal sites at Berg Aukas, where the PM10 exhibited high levels of bioaccessible Pb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic.
| | - Markéta Cihlová
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Alice Jarošíková
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Drahota
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Bohdan Kříbek
- Czech Geological Survey, Geologická 6, 152 00 Prague 5, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Vaněk
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Vít Penížek
- Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Ondra Sracek
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University in Olomouc, 17. listopadu 12, 771 46 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Mariana Klementová
- Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Husinec-Řež 1001, 250 68 Řež, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Engel
- Department of Physical Geography and Geoecology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Fred Kamona
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Ben Mapani
- Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Windhoek, Namibia
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11
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Understanding Heterogeneity of a Slag-Derived Weathered Material: The Role of Automated SEM-EDS Analyses. MINERALS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/min8110513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Slag heaps over years may evolve into complexly weathered zones, which are a challenging material for analyses as they contain phases from numerous sources and at different stages of weathering. However, the weathered zones are important parts of slag heaps, because they contain both primary and secondary phases enriched in metal(oid)s that may become soluble under specific conditions. The weathering reactions related to metal release or precipitation may be recorded in a heavy mineral fraction as the fraction contains predominately minerals with elevated toxic elements concentrations. Therefore, an automated SEM analysis on a polished section of included heavy mineral particles was applied in this paper for a rapid recognition of phases in a complex setting and their classification into detrital, primary and secondary phases. The approach was applied to a slag heap in Świętochłowice (Upper Silesia, Poland) and it consisted of analyzing magnetic and non-magnetic heavy mineral fractions from three distinct horizons noted A, B and C. Materials had been previously interpreted as being sourced from the heap itself (lowermost horizon C) and from artificially added materials used later for superficial site remediation (upper horizons A and B). Instead, automated SEM analysis demonstrated that horizon C is derived from the slag heap weathering, horizon B is derived predominately from the artificially added materials, whereas horizon A is a mixture of the B and C horizons. Additionally, when slag particles in horizons A and C are compared, the lowermost horizon C contains more slag-derived secondary phases, whereas horizon A contains more primary slag phases. Therefore, horizon A remains the most prone to releasing toxic elements because, considering its position as the uppermost horizon, it can be submitted to climatic solicitation (fast water circulation).
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Ettler V, Polák L, Mihaljevič M, Ratié G, Garnier J, Quantin C. Oral bioaccessibility of inorganic contaminants in waste dusts generated by laterite Ni ore smelting. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2018; 40:1699-1712. [PMID: 27629409 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-016-9875-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The laterite Ni ore smelting operations in Niquelândia and Barro Alto (Goiás State, Brazil) have produced large amounts of fine-grained smelting wastes, which have been stockpiled on dumps and in settling ponds. We investigated granulated slag dusts (n = 5) and fly ash samples (n = 4) with a special focus on their leaching behaviour in deionised water and on the in vitro bioaccessibility in a simulated gastric fluid, to assess the potential exposure risk for humans. Bulk chemical analyses indicated that both wastes contained significant amounts of contaminants: up to 2.6 wt% Ni, 7580 mg/kg Cr, and 508 mg/kg Co. In only one fly ash sample, after 24 h of leaching in deionised water, the concentrations of leached Ni exceeded the limit for hazardous waste according to EU legislation, whereas the other dusts were classified as inert wastes. Bioaccessible fractions (BAF) of the major contaminants (Ni, Co, and Cr) were quite low for the slag dusts and accounted for less than 2 % of total concentrations. In contrast, BAF values were significantly higher for fly ash materials, which reached 13 % for Ni and 19 % for Co. Daily intakes via oral exposure, calculated for an adult (70 kg, dust ingestion rate of 50 mg/day), exceeded neither the tolerable daily intake (TDI) nor the background exposure limits for all of the studied contaminants. Only if a higher ingestion rate is assumed (e.g. 100 mg dust per day for workers in the smelter), the TDI limit for Ni recently defined by European Food Safety Authority (196 µg/day) was exceeded (324 µg/day) for one fly ash sample. Our data indicate that there is only a limited risk to human health related to the ingestion of dust materials generated by laterite Ni ore smelting operations if appropriate safety measures are adopted at the waste disposal sites and within the smelter facility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vojtěch Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic.
| | - Ladislav Polák
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Mihaljevič
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, Prague 2, 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - Gildas Ratié
- UMR 8148 GEOPS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Rue du Belvédère, Bât. 504, 91405, Orsay, France
- University of Brasilia, UnB, Campus Universitario Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-970, Brazil
| | - Jérémie Garnier
- University of Brasilia, UnB, Campus Universitario Darcy Ribeiro, Brasilia, DF, 70910-970, Brazil
| | - Cécile Quantin
- UMR 8148 GEOPS, Univ. Paris-Sud, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Rue du Belvédère, Bât. 504, 91405, Orsay, France
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Lidelöw S, Mácsik J, Carabante I, Kumpiene J. Leaching behaviour of copper slag, construction and demolition waste and crushed rock used in a full-scale road construction. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2017; 204:695-703. [PMID: 28963970 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 09/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The leaching behaviour of a road construction with fayalitic copper slag, recycled concrete and crushed rock as sub-base materials was monitored over ten years. All studied materials used in the road construction, including crushed rock, contained concentrations of several elements exceeding the guideline values recommended by the Swedish EPA for total element concentrations for waste materials used in constructions. Despite that, leaching from the road construction under field conditions in general was relatively low. The leachates from the recycled materials contained higher concentrations of several constituents than the leachates from the reference section with crushed rock. The leaching of the elements of interest (Cr, Mo, Ni, Zn) reached peak concentrations during the second and fourth (Cu) years and decreased over the observation period to levels below the Swedish recommended values. Carbonation of the concrete aggregates caused a substantial but short-term increase in the leaching of oxyanions such as chromate. The environmental risks related to element leaching are highest at the beginning of the road life. Ageing of materials or pre-treatment through leaching is needed prior to their use in construction to avoid peak concentrations. Also, the design of road constructions should be adjusted so that recycled materials are covered with low-permeability covers, which would minimize the exposure to atmospheric precipitation and weathering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Lidelöw
- Waste Science and Technology, Department of Civil, Mining & Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Josef Mácsik
- Ecoloop AB, Brännkyrkagatan 35, SE-118 22 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ivan Carabante
- Waste Science and Technology, Department of Civil, Mining & Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden
| | - Jurate Kumpiene
- Waste Science and Technology, Department of Civil, Mining & Environmental Engineering, Luleå University of Technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden.
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Harvey PJ, Rouillon M, Dong C, Ettler V, Handley HK, Taylor MP, Tyson E, Tennant P, Telfer V, Trinh R. Geochemical sources, forms and phases of soil contamination in an industrial city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 584-585:505-514. [PMID: 28129903 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This study examines current soil contamination in an Australian industrial city, Newcastle. Public (roadside verges and parks) and private (homes) surface soils (n=170) contained metal(loid)s elevated above their respective Australian Health Investigation Levels (HIL). Lead (Pb), the most common contaminant in the city, exceeds the HIL for residential soils (HIL-A, 300mg/kg) in 88% of private soils (median: 1140mg/kg). In-vitro Pb bio-accessibility analysis of selected soils (n=11) using simulated gastric fluid showed a high affinity for Pb solubilisation (maximum Pb concentration: 5190mg/kg, equating to 45% Pb bio-accessibility). Highly soluble Pb-laden Fe- and Mn-oxides likely contribute to the bio-accessibility of the Pb. Public and private space surface soils contain substantially less radiogenic Pb (range: 208Pb/207Pb: 2.345-2.411, 206Pb/207Pb: 1.068-1.312) than local background soil (208Pb/207Pb: 2.489, 206Pb/207Pb: 1.198), indicating anthropogenic contamination from the less radiogenic Broken Hill type Pb ores (208Pb/207Pb: 2.319, 206Pb/207Pb: 1.044). Source apportionment using Pb isotopic ratio quantification and soil mineralogy indicate the city's historic copper and steel industries contributed the majority of the soil contaminants through atmospheric deposition and use of slag waste as fill material. High-temperature silicates and oxides combined with rounded particles in the soil are characteristic of smelter dust emissions. Additionally, a preliminary investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils, sometimes associated with ferrous metal smelting, coal processing or burning of fossil fuels, shows that these too pose a health exposure risk (calculated in comparison to benzo(a)pyrene: n=12, max: 13.5mg/kg, HIL: 3mg/kg).
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Harvey
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia.
| | - M Rouillon
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - C Dong
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - V Ettler
- Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Albertov 6, Prague 2 128 43, Czech Republic
| | - H K Handley
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - M P Taylor
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - E Tyson
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - P Tennant
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - V Telfer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - R Trinh
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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