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Traore M, Zhang M, Gong A, Wang Y, Liu Y, Qiu L, Zhang Y, You Y, Bai Y, Gao G, Zhao W, Traore M, Hassan MA. Assessment of rare earth elements variations in five water systems in Beijing: Distribution, geochemical features, and fractionation patterns. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118842. [PMID: 38583656 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) within the Beijing water system, specifically examining the Yongding, Chaobai, Beiyun, Jiyun, and Daqing rivers. Results indicate that the Beiyun River exhibits the highest REE concentrations, ranging from 35.95 to 59.78 μg/mL, while the Daqing River shows the lowest concentrations, ranging from 15.79 to 17.48 μg/mL. LREEs (La to Nd) predominate with a total concentration of 23.501 μg/mL, leading to a notable LREE/HREE ratio of 7.901. Positive Ce anomalies (0.70-1.11) and strong positive Eu anomalies (1.38-2.49) were observed. The study suggests that the Beijing water system's REEs may originate from geological and anthropogenic sources, such as mining and industrial activities in neighboring regions, including Inner Mongolia. These findings underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and effective water management strategies to address REE-related environmental concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mory Traore
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Min Zhang
- Baotou Water Quality Detection Technology Co., Ltd, Baotou 014000, China
| | - Aijun Gong
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Yiwen Wang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Lina Qiu
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuli Zhang
- School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yueyi You
- School of Economics and Management, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuzhen Bai
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Ge Gao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Weiyu Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Science and Application of Functional Molecular and Crystalline Materials, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mariame Traore
- Guinean Agency of Environmental Evaluation (AGEE), Ministry of Environment and Durable Development, Conakry 761, Guinea
| | - Mahamat Abderamane Hassan
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
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Hu J, Wang P, Li J, Zhang Q, Tian L, Liu T, Ma W, Zheng H. Hazard profiles, distribution trends, and sources tracing of rare earth elements in dust of kindergartens in Beijing. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024:124374. [PMID: 38906400 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Children, the most vulnerable group in urban populations, are susceptible to the effects of pollution in urban environments. It is significant to evaluate the influence of rare earth elements (REEs) from kindergartens dust (KD) in Beijing on children's health. This study collected surface dust from 73 kindergartens in 16 districts of the mega-city of Beijing, and the concentrations of 14 REEs in KD, including La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, were detected. The contamination levels, source apportionment, and health exposure risk of REEs were comprehensively investigated. The results indicate that the contamination levels of 14 REEs are within the acceptable range. Nevertheless, Eu, Ce, La, Pr, Nd, Gd, and Sm show high enrichment due to anthropogenic influence. Besides, KD is rich in light rare earth elements (LREEs) (90.97 mg kg-1) compared to heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) (8.65 mg kg-1). The distribution parameter patterns of REEs suggest that complicated anthropogenic sources influence the enrichment of REEs in KD. The main sources of REEs in KD include natural sources (40.64%), mixed high-tech industries and construction (33.89%), and mixed coal-fired, historical industrial, and transportation sources (26.47%). The primary pathway for daily intake of REEs in children is through ingestion, which presents a low but not negligible health risk. This study provides guidance for the effective risk management of REEs in KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hu
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China.
| | - Peng Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Jun Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, P.R. China
| | - Liyan Tian
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P.R. China
| | - Tingyi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, P.R. China
| | - Wenmin Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, P.R. China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, P.R. China
| | - Houyi Zheng
- China National Administration of Coal Geology, Beijing 100038, P.R. China
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da Costa Alves Filho PP, da Silveira Pereira WV, Dias YN, Ferreira de Moraes AL, Rodrigues FHS, Ramos SJ, Santos de Souza E, Fontes do Amaral AM, Fernandes AR. Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:1201-1214. [PMID: 38573351 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-024-01964-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology, Belém, Pará, 66055-090, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Edna Santos de Souza
- Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, São Félix do Xingu, Pará, 68380-000, Brazil
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Li Y, Saparov G, Zeng T, Abuduwaili J, Ma L. Geochemical behavior of rare earth elements in agricultural soils along the Syr Darya River within the Aral Sea Basin. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2024; 196:493. [PMID: 38691227 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-024-12647-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The widespread use of rare earth elements (REEs) across various industries makes them a new type of pollutant. Additionally, REEs are powerful indicators of geochemical processes. As one of the two main rivers in the Aral Sea, identifying the geochemical behavior of REEs in agricultural soils of the Syr Darya River is of great significance for subsequent indicative studies. In this study, the geochemical characteristics, influencing factors, and potential application significance of REEs in agricultural soils from three sampling areas along the Syr Darya River were analyzed using soil geography and elemental geochemical analyses. The results showed that the highest total concentration of REEs in the agricultural soil was in Area I, with a mean value of 142.49 μg/g, followed by Area III with a mean value of 124.56 μg/g, and the lowest concentration was in Area II with a mean value of 122.48 μg/g. The agricultural soils in the three regions were enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs), with mean L/H values of 10.54, 10.13, and 10.24, respectively. The differentiation between light and heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) was also high. The concentration of REEs in agricultural soil along the Syr Darya River was primarily influenced by minerals such as monazite and zircon, rather than human activities (the pollution index of all REEs was less than 1.5). The relationship between Sm and Gd can differentiate soils impacted by agricultural activities from natural background soils. The results of this study can serve as a basis for indicative studies of REEs in Central Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Galymzhan Saparov
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- Kazakh Research Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry Named After U. U. Uspanov, Almaty, 050060, Kazakhstan
| | - Tao Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jilili Abuduwaili
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Long Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Desert and Oasis Ecology, Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Urumqi, 830011, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Water Cycle and Utilization in Arid Zone, Urumqi, 830011, China.
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Lin Z, Zhang Y, Liang X, Huang G, Fan F, Yin X, Chen Z. Spatial distribution of rare earth elements and their impact factors in an area with a high abundance of regolith-hosted deposits. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 352:141374. [PMID: 38342144 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141374] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Despite the widespread occurrence of regolith-hosted rare earth elements (REEs) across South China, their spatial distribution characteristics in soils and their impact factors remain largely uncertain. This knowledge gap impedes the exploration of regolith-hosted REE deposits and the assessment of the environmental risks associated with REEs. To address this issue, 180 soil samples were collected from Meizhou City, Guangdong Province, a region known for its high abundance of regolith-hosted REEs. Subsequently, the correlations between REE enrichment/fractionation and various factors, i.e., topography, climate conditions, land use, and landform were analysed using the geo-detector method. The results revealed a highly uneven spatial distribution of REEs and their fractionation features with some regions displaying distinct spatial patterns. Elevation was the dominant factor influencing this distribution, and showed strong correlations with the concentrations of REEs, light REEs (LREEs) and heavy REEs (HREEs); the LREE/HREE ratio; and the positive Ce anomaly (δCe). The negative Eu anomaly (δEu) showed a good correlation with rock type. The enrichment and fractionation of REEs indicated a coupling among the abovementioned factors. For REE enrichment, areas with elevations of 138-148 m, precipitation levels of 1553-1574 mm, annual average land surface temperatures of 30.4-30.5 °C, leaf area index values of 22-29 and surface cutting degree of 21.5-29.9 m showed the highest average abundance within each type (scope) of the predominant factors. These findings highlight the key factors affecting REE distribution, thereby aiding the efficient utilization of regolith-hosted REE resources and the evaluation of their environmental risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoling Lin
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China; Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yaduo Zhang
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China
| | - Xiaoliang Liang
- Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Mineral Physics and Material Research & Development, Guangzhou, 510640, PR China.
| | - Guangqing Huang
- Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Fenglei Fan
- School of Geography, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, PR China.
| | - Xiaoling Yin
- Guangdong Public Laboratory of Geospatial Information Technology and Application, Guangzhou Institute of Geography, Guangdong Academy of Sciences Guangzhou, 510070, PR China
| | - Zhihao Chen
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, PR China
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Zhang Y, Su B, Shao S, Li N, Jiao H, Dan Y, Zhang H, Gao C. Geochemical behavior and source analysis of rare earth elements in intensive agriculture soils through high-resolution sampling. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167777. [PMID: 37848147 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are crucial for a low-carbon economy but overuse pollutes ecosystems. Studying their behavior and source in agricultural soils provides vital insights for soil management. To address this, we collected an extensive dataset comprising 2901 topsoil and 733 subsoil samples from an agriculturally dominant region in eastern China, characterized by uniform parent material. This comprehensive dataset enabled a thorough examination of the geochemical behavior and sources of REEs in the region. Our findings revealed the feasibility of utilizing La, Ce, and Y to predict ΣREE, LREE, HREE, and LREE/HREE ratios, thereby enhancing the REEs database for eastern China. The average ΣREE concentration in the study area measured 193.0 μg/g, with LREEs constituting 89 % of this total, representing a slight enrichment relative to the Upper Continental Crust. Notably, the electron-donating ability of Ce exhibited a correlation with Mn, indicating its potential as an indicator of redox reactions. The results obtained through structural equation modeling and random forest analysis identified Al, Ti, and K as the most influential environmental factors affecting ΣREE concentrations. Additionally, the indirect impact of K on ΣREE through pH was established. The strong correlation observed between major elements and Heavy Rare Earth Elements (HREEs) shed light on the mechanisms responsible for the notable fractionation of REEs in topsoil. Furthermore, our investigation underscored the substantial influence of pedogenetic processes on the enrichment and leaching of REEs. Source analysis pinpointed significant contributors to REEs, including fertilizers, pesticides, domestic wastewater, coal fly ash, and the native soil parent material. In conclusion, our study emphasizes the pressing need for judicious control of anthropogenic REE inputs. This step is pivotal not only for ensuring the sustainable utilization of soil but also for ultimately safeguarding ecosystems and environmental quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalu Zhang
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Baowei Su
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuangshuang Shao
- School of Resource and Environment, Henan University of Engineering, Zhengzhou 451191, Henan, China
| | - Ning Li
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - He Jiao
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yang Dan
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- School of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chao Gao
- School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Pereira WVDS, Ramos SJ, Melo LCA, Dias YN, Martins GC, Ferreira LCG, Fernandes AR. Human and environmental exposure to rare earth elements in gold mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 340:139824. [PMID: 37586491 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Rudimentary methods are used to exploit gold (Au) in several artisanal mines in the Amazon, producing hazardous wastes that may pose risks of contamination by rare earth elements (REEs). The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of REEs and assess their environmental and human health risks in artisanal Au mining areas in the northeastern Amazon. Thus, 25 samples of soils and mining wastes were collected in underground, colluvial, and cyanidation exploration sites, as well as in a natural forest that was considered as a reference area. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and the results were used to estimate pollution indices and risks associated with the contaminants. All REEs showed higher concentrations in waste deposition areas than in the reference area, especially Ce, Sc, Nd, La, Pr, Sm, and Eu. Pollution and enrichment levels were higher in the underground and cyanidation mining areas, with very high contamination factors (6.2-27) for Ce, Eu, La, Nd, Pr, Sm, and Sc, and significant to very high enrichment factors (5.5-20) for Ce, La, Nd, Pr, and Sc. The ecological risk indices varied from moderate (167.3) to high (365.7) in the most polluted sites, but risks to human health were low in all areas studied. The results of this study indicate that artisanal Au mining has the potential to cause contamination, enrichment, and ecological risks by REEs in the northeastern Amazon. Mitigation measures should be implemented to protect the environment from the negative impacts of these contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendel Valter da Silveira Pereira
- Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Federal Rural University of the Amazon, 66077-830, Belém, Pará, Brazil; Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
| | - Sílvio Junio Ramos
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Leônidas Carrijo Azevedo Melo
- Department of Soil Science, School of Agricultural Sciences, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-900, Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Yan Nunes Dias
- Vale Institute of Technology - Sustainable Development, 66055-090, Belém, Pará, Brazil
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Liu Q, Shi H, An Y, Ma J, Zhao W, Qu Y, Chen H, Liu L, Wu F. Source, environmental behavior and potential health risk of rare earth elements in Beijing urban park soils. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 445:130451. [PMID: 36444807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) have been increasingly diffused to the environment due to their extensive use and application in industries, agriculture, and high-tech devices, which have been regarded as emerge pollutants. However, the study concerning REEs in urban soils is still limited. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the potential source and risk of REEs in urban environment. We analyzed the concentration and distribution of REEs in urban park soils, and performed a combination of micro geochemical method and random forest method to characterize the pollution sources of REEs. The results showed that the ΣREE concentrations in Beijing urban park soils ranged from 117.19 to 198.09 mg/kg. Spatial distribution indicated that the high concentrations of REEs were mainly concentrated in the west of Beijing near an industrial area. The geochemical parameters, micro spherules and random forest results confirmed the anthropogenic pollution sources from industry and traffic. Risk assessment showed that the average daily doses of total REEs for children and adults were far below the reference threshold with values of 0.08 and 0.02 µg/kg/day, respectively. Our study has exhibited that though the reconstruction of parks from abandoned industrial sites showed an accumulation of REEs, the health risk of REEs for human beings are negligible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiyuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Huading Shi
- Technical Centre for Soil, Agricultural and Rural Ecology and Environment, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yanfei An
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Jin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Wenhao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yajing Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Haiyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lingling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Fengcheng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
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Ion A, Cosac A. Rare earth elements distribution in topsoil from Ditrău Alkaline Massif area, eastern Carpathians, Romania. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13976. [PMID: 36915555 PMCID: PMC10006540 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13976] [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: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper gives an overview of the REEs distribution in topsoil from Ditrău Alkaline Massif area under influence of basic natural factors (parent material and soil acidity). Seventy-six soil samples were collected in accord with the most representative bedrock types and concentrations of the elements were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The ΣREEs contents in soil developed on alkaline rocks ranges from 52.59 to 579.20 μg/g, with an average value of 235.76 μg/g, significantly higher than the average value of Earth's crust (179.7 μg/g). Y content varies between 5.50 and 58.80 μg/g with an average of 21.67 μg/g. The soils are enriched in LREEs (La to Eu) and depleted in HREEs (Gd to Lu) and Y. This trend is expressed by the wide variations of the LREEs/HREEs, (La/Yb)ch, (La/Sm)ch and (Gd/Yb)ch ratios. The REE chondrite - normalized plots show for most soils strongly negative anomalies for cerium and europium and positive anomalies for gadolinium and dysprosium. The pH of soils is generally acidic to weakly acidic and has an insignificant role in REEs fractionations in soil. The spatial distribution of REEs is strongly related to the lithology of the study area, displaying minor to negligible effects of enrichment factors and a low geoaccumulation index, corresponding to the lack of anthropic contamination. The distribution of the elements in topsoil tends to mimic elemental accumulation in the parental bedrock, with a potential to highlight mineralized zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Ion
- Geological Institute of Romania, Radiometry Laboratory, 1 Caransebes st., RO-012271, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana Cosac
- Geological Institute of Romania, Radiometry Laboratory, 1 Caransebes st., RO-012271, Bucharest, Romania
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Lian Z, Han Y, Zhao X, Xue Y, Gu X. Rare earth elements in the upland soils of northern China: Spatial variation, relationships, and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:136062. [PMID: 35981620 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
While global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) is rapidly growing, recent studies have suggested that REEs are pollutants of emerging concern. In this study, the spatial distribution and risk assessments of REEs in the upland soils of northern China were comprehensively investigated. The total REE concentrations ranged from 81 to 180 mg/kg, with average concentrations of 123, 128, and 98.3 mg/kg in the northwestern, northern, and northeastern zones, respectively. The decreasing trend of REE contents from northwest to northeast might be influenced by variation in the REE metallogenic belt distribution, mining activities, and precipitation intensity in these regions. The ratio of light rare elements (LREEs) to heavy rare elements (HREEs) ranged from 5.04 to 9.06, revealing obvious fractionation between them in upland soils and indicating that LREEs enrichment was common in northern China. The significantly positive correlations between the REEs indicated that REEs might frequently coexist and share similar sources in the upland soils of northern China. Based on a modified ecological risk index (eRI), REEs were estimated to pose relatively low ecological risks to current environmental residues, with eRI values ranging from 0.564 to 0.984. Fortunately, the estimated daily intakes of REEs from soils for children (1.08-2.41 μg/kg/day) and adults (0.119-0.312 μg/kg/day) were well below the safety thresholds. However, the health risks posed by REEs in upland soils were estimated to be higher for children. Thus, the continuous monitoring of REE abundance in soils is essential to avoid potential health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongmin Lian
- College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yixuan Han
- Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Xumao Zhao
- College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yinglan Xue
- Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Planning and Policy Simulation, Chinese Academy of Environmental Planning, Beijing, 100012, China.
| | - Xiang Gu
- School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
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11
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Dai Y, Sun S, Li Y, Yang J, Zhang C, Cao R, Zhang H, Chen J, Geng N. Residual levels and health risk assessment of rare earth elements in Chinese resident diet: A market-based investigation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 828:154119. [PMID: 35227721 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The widespread use of rare earth elements (REEs) in agriculture and high-tech industry resulted in significant release of REEs into the environment. However, there is a scarcity of studies focusing on the presence of REEs in the food worldwide. The present study investigated the residual levels of REEs in 14 representative food categories collected from 33 major cities of China. The measured total REEs (ΣREE) levels in the foods of aquatic origin were 174.97 μg kg-1 wet weight (ww), which was 6.35 times higher than those of terrestrial origin. It is interesting to observe a trophic dilution effect for REEs in both terrestrial and aquatic food samples. REEs in food samples at low trophic levels exhibited relatively high REEs levels; while for high trophic level food, relatively low REEs levels were observed. The distribution patterns of REEs varied across the different food categories and regions, with Ce being the most abundant REEs in all food samples, followed by La, Nd and Sm. High levels of ΣREE in food samples were observed in Midland, while low levels were found in the Northeast. Cereals was the dominant contributor to the estimated daily intake of REEs. The health risk of REEs by daily food consumption in China was acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubing Dai
- Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 117004, China
| | - Shuai Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yun Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Jiajia Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China; Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056010, China
| | - Chengbin Zhang
- Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056010, China
| | - Rong Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Haijun Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Jiping Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China
| | - Ningbo Geng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, China.
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12
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Ferreira MDS, Fontes MPF, Lima MTWDC, Cordeiro SG, Wyatt NLP, Lima HN, Fendorf S. Human health risk assessment and geochemical mobility of rare earth elements in Amazon soils. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151191. [PMID: 34710416 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a grouping of elements that encompasses lanthanides, yttrium and scandium due to their similar chemical properties and occurrence in ore deposits. Over the past few decades, economic interest in REEs has increased due to their use in several types of industries such as high-tech, medicine and agriculture. Extraction of REEs has been followed, in general, by incorrect disposal of tailing and waste, creating hazardous conditions in several countries. However, the magnitude of the possible impacts on ecosystem and human health are relatively unknown, especially in tropical systems. Thus, the objectives of this study were to assess the geochemical mobility and the bioaccessibility of REEs based on a series of chemical extractions and in vitro essay. We also tested two promising simple protocols (0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2 and 0.43 mol L-1 HNO3) for measuring REE bioaccessible fractions through a single extraction. Our findings show that the bioavailable fractions represent less than 20% of the ΣREEs fraction in all soil samples examine. Similarly, the oral bioaccessibility obtained by two in vitro methods (Gastric protocol and Gastric-Intestinal protocol) and by the single extraction tests represented less than 20% of the ΣREE contents. The non-carcinogenic risks and the carcinogenic risks associated to REEs oral exposure were low for children and adults. The extractions with 0.01 mol L-1 CaCl2 showed great potential as a method for measuring the REEs bioaccessible fraction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suellen Geronimo Cordeiro
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Espirito Santo 29075-910, Brazil
| | | | - Hedinaldo Narciso Lima
- Department of Agricultural Engineering and Soils, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas 69080-900, Brazil.
| | - Scott Fendorf
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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13
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Cheng M, Wang X, Ben Y, Zhang S, Wang L, Zhou Q, Huang X. Enrichment process of lanthanum as a nonessential trace element in leaf cells of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). J RARE EARTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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14
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Bispo FHA, de Menezes MD, Fontana A, Sarkis JEDS, Gonçalves CM, de Carvalho TS, Curi N, Guilherme LRG. Rare earth elements (REEs): geochemical patterns and contamination aspects in Brazilian benchmark soils. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 289:117972. [PMID: 34426210 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements have been increasingly used in modern societies and soils are likely to be the final destination of several REE-containing (by)products. This study reports REE contents for topsoils (0-20 cm) of 175 locations in reference (n = 68) and cultivated (n = 107) areas in Brazil. Benchmark soil samples were selected accomplishing a variety of environmental conditions, aiming to: i) establishing natural background and anthropogenic concentrations for REE in soils; ii) assessing potential contamination of soils - via application of phosphate fertilizers - with REE; and, iii) predicting soil-REE contents using biomes, soil type, parent material, land use, sand content, and biomes-land use interaction as forecaster variables through generalized least squares multiple regression. Our hypotheses were that the variability of soil-REE contents is influenced by parent material, pedogenic processes, land use, and biomes, as well as that cultivated soils may have been potentially contaminated with REE via input of phosphate fertilizers. The semi-total concentrations of REE were assessed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) succeeding a microwave-assisted aqua regia digestion. Analytical procedures followed a rigorous QA/QC protocol. Soil physicochemical composition and total oxides were also determined. Natural background and anthropogenic concentrations for REE were established statistically from the dataset by the median plus two median absolute deviations method. Contamination aspects were assessed by REE-normalized patterns, REE fractionation indices, and Ce and Eu anomalies ratios, as well as enrichment factors. The results indicate that differences in the amounts of REE in cultivated soils can be attributed to land use and agricultural sources (e.g., phosphate-fertilizer inputs), while those in reference soils can be attributed to parent materials, biomes, and pedogenic processes. The biomes, land use, and sand content helped to predict concentrations of light REE in Brazilian soils, with parent material being also of special relevance to predict heavy REE contents in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ademir Fontana
- Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation - Soil Science Division, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Nilton Curi
- Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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15
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Yuan Y, Liu S, Wu M, Zhong M, Shahid MZ, Liu Y. Effects of topography and soil properties on the distribution and fractionation of REEs in topsoil: A case study in Sichuan Basin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148404. [PMID: 34412407 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In order to investigate how topographic factors and soil physicochemical properties influenced the distribution and fractionation of rare earth elements (REEs) in soil, Jiangjin district of Sichuan Basin, an area with mountainous topography, was selected as a study area. The concentration of REEs, pH and organic matter (OM) and major elements in 156 topsoil samples were measured and analyzed. The topographic factors considered were elevation, slope, and topographic wetness index (TWI), which were extracted by using the digital elevation model (DEM). The median concentration of total REEs in topsoil of the study area was 147 mg/kg, lower than the Chinese soil background value (164 mg/kg). The concentration of LREEs and HREEs, and the ratio of LREEs/HREEs and LaN/YbN indicated that the distribution and fractionation patterns of REEs in topsoil were LREEs-enriched. Significant Eu negative anomalies and weak Ce negative anomalies were observed in topsoil according to the median values of δEu (0.57) and δCe (0.89). The coefficient of weathering and eluviation (BA), an important factor affecting the distribution and fractionation of REEs, was substantially correlated with δEu (r = 0.344, p < 0.01), δCe (r = -0.252, p < 0.01), ∑REEs (r = 0.135, p < 0.01), and LREEs/HREEs (r = -0.281, p < 0.01) in topsoil. Soil pH and OM had some influence on the distribution and fractionation of REEs. Under the geographical environment of the study area, Ce was positive anomaly with the elevation and slope increasing. The enrichment of LREEs was more significant than HREEs as elevation increased. The findings revealed that topographical attributes and soil physicochemical properties integratedly influenced the distribution and fractionation of REEs in topsoil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyang Yuan
- Zunyi Normal University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Shuling Liu
- The Key Laboratory of GIS Application Research, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; Geography and Tourism College, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Mei Wu
- The Key Laboratory of GIS Application Research, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; Geography and Tourism College, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China
| | - Mingyang Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Exogenic Mineralization and Mine Environment, Chongqing Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources, Chongqing 400042, China
| | | | - Yonglin Liu
- The Key Laboratory of GIS Application Research, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China; Geography and Tourism College, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing 401331, China.
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