1
|
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; 358:124374. [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] [MESH Headings] [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.
Collapse
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, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China.
| | - Peng Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, PR China
| | - Liyan Tian
- Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, PR China
| | - Tingyi Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin, 300387, PR China
| | - Wenmin Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Urban and Regional Ecology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, PR China
| | - Houyi Zheng
- China National Administration of Coal Geology, Beijing, 100038, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Goncharov G, Soktoev B, Farkhutdinov I, Matveenko I. Heavy metals in urban soil: Contamination levels, spatial distribution and human health risk assessment (the case of Ufa city, Russia). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 257:119216. [PMID: 38782338 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.119216] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The article examines the concentration of 9 heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Ba and V) and As in the soil cover of the urban area in one of the largest cities in Russia, Ufa (the Republic of Bashkortostan). It is compared with aggregated data of concentrations on urbanized areas in surface soils throughout the world. For elements exceeding the average background values in soils of the urban area (Cr, Ni, Cu and Co), the average concentrations in the city soils were 346, 101, 51 and 18 ppm, respectively. Using enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and concentration coefficients (CC), Cr and Ni were identified as elements entering the soil cover as a result of anthropogenic pollution. Although the level of their enrichment and contamination of soils in the most territory of the city corresponds to the moderate class, there are sites with critical threshold values. Spatial analysis of heavy metals distribution was carried out based on the results of pollution load index (PLI) and ecological risk factor (Er) calculations with the use of graphical presentation of results, which allowed specific and detailed description of sites calling for special attention. The use of cluster analysis allowed dividing the sample of chemical elements into groups with probably similar sources of entry into the environment. Monte Carlo modeling of risk calculation showed negligible non-cancer risks for both adult and child populations in most of the city. While children's exposure to Cr was of concern in the more residential part of the city, free of large industrial plants, As posed a threat with respect to cancer risks in the southern part of the city, with elevated concentrations and other HMs in vicinity of the oil refineries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gavriil Goncharov
- Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30, Lenin Avenue, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
| | - Bulat Soktoev
- Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30, Lenin Avenue, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
| | - Iskhak Farkhutdinov
- RN-BashNIPIneft, 3, Bekhtereva Str., Ufa, 450103, Russia, Vernadsky State Geological Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 11/11, Mokhovaya Str., Moscow, 125009, Russia.
| | - Irina Matveenko
- Tomsk Polytechnic University, 30, Lenin Avenue, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Belisheva NK, Drogobuzhskaya SV. Rare Earth Element Content in Hair Samples of Children Living in the Vicinity of the Kola Peninsula Mining Site and Nervous System Diseases. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:626. [PMID: 39194565 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the rare earth element (REE) content in hair samples of children living in Lovozero village, near an REE mining site, and the possible effects of REEs on the prevalence of nervous system diseases in Lovozersky District (Murmansk region, Kola Peninsula). Fifty-three school-age children were recruited for the analysis of REE content in hair samples. REE (Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) content was estimated by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The analysis of REE content in the hair of children living in Russia, Kazakhstan, and China indicated REE intake from the environment. The possible contribution of REEs to nervous system disorders is supported by the link between the REE content in hair samples of children living near REE mining areas (China) and the manifestation of cognitive disorders in these children. It is also found that the prevalence of nervous system diseases in children aged 15-17 years is higher in Lovozersky District compared to the other districts of the Murmansk region. In this paper, the possible contribution of REEs to the prevalence of episodic paroxysmal disorders (G40-G47), cerebral palsy (G80-G83), and epilepsy and status epilepticus (G40-G41) is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia K Belisheva
- Research Centre for Human Adaptation in the Arctic, Federal Research Centre "Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences" (RCHAA KSC RAS), Akademgorodok, 41a, 184209 Apatity, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Drogobuzhskaya
- Tananaev Institute of Chemistry-Subdivision of the Federal Research Centre "Kola Science Centre of the Russian Academy of Sciences", Akademgorodok, 26 a, 184209 Apatity, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ma S, Han G. Rare earth elements reveal the human health and environmental concerns in the largest tributary of the Mekong river, Northeastern Thailand. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118968. [PMID: 38643820 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118968] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The widespread application of rare earth elements (REEs) in contemporary industries and agriculture, has caused emerging contaminant accumulation in aquatic environments. However, there is a limited scope of risk assessments, particularly in relation to human health associated with REEs. This study investigated the provenance, and contamination levels of REEs, further evaluating their environmental and human health risks in river sediments from an agricultural basin. The concentrations of REEs ranged from 30.5 to 347.7 mg/kg, with showing an upward trend from headwater to downstream. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) model identified natural and anthropogenic input, especially from agricultural activities, as the primary source of REEs in Mun River sediments. The contamination assessment by the geoaccumulation index (I-geo) and pollution load index (PLI) confirmed that almost individual REEs in the samples were slightly to moderately polluted. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) showed mild to moderate risks in Mun River sediment. Regular fertilization poses pollution and ecological risks to agricultural areas, manifesting as an enrichment of light REEs in river sediments. Nevertheless, Monte Carlo simulations estimated the average daily doses of total REEs from sediments to be 0.24 μg/kg/day for adults and 0.95 μg/kg/day for children, comfortably below established human health thresholds. However, the risk of REE exposure appears to be higher in children, and sensitivity analyses suggested that REE concentration contributed more to health risks, whether the adults or children. Thus, concerns regarding REE contamination and risks should be raised considering the wide distribution of agricultural regions, and further attention is warranted to assess the health risks associated with other routes of REE exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shunrong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Frontiers Science Center for Deep-time Digital Earth, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Guilin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Institute of Earth Sciences, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China; Frontiers Science Center for Deep-time Digital Earth, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Krupnova T, Rakova O, Simakhina V. RARE-EARTH elements in the topsoils of a Russian industrial city: Sources and human health risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 357:142059. [PMID: 38653397 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142059] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Research on rare-earth elements (REEs) in urban soils of Russian industrial cities is extremely limited. This study investigates the potential sources and human health risks of REEs contained in the topsoils of the industrial Russian city of Chelyabinsk. The study also takes into account natural sources of REE as the city is located on the border of granites (Urals) and sedimentary rocks (Western Siberia). We analyzed the concentration and distribution of REEs in the soils of four types of locations: residential courtyards, city parks, roadsides, and industrial locations. The total REE concentrations ranged from 44 to 255 mg/kg, with average concentrations of 140, 124, 113 and 89 mg/kg in the courtyards, roadsides, industrial location and city parks, respectively. The REE content in courtyard soils could be influenced by poor cleaning of fallen leaves. The ratios of light REE (LREE) to heavy REE (HREE) ranged from 9.5 to 10.1, revealing an obvious fractionation between them. The fractionation of LREE and HREE, and the REE/ES (European Shale) pattern showed that REE accumulation in Chelyabinsk soils has been disturbed by human activities. It was shown that the dust from industrial emissions was the main anthropogenic source of REE accumulation in urban soil. The largest amounts of REEs are emitted from an electrometallurgical plant and zinc production plant. Fortunately, the estimated daily intakes of REE from soils for children and adults were well below the safety thresholds. At the same time, in order to prevent social tension and reduce the anthropogenic load on the urban area, it is recommended to use phytoremediation technologies, smart landscaping of industrial and residential areas, more thorough cleaning of fallen leaves and road dust. It is also recommended to move the most dangerous production processes outside the urban area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Krupnova
- Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, South Ural State University, 76 Prospect Lenina, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia.
| | - Olga Rakova
- Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, South Ural State University, 76 Prospect Lenina, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia
| | - Valeria Simakhina
- Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, South Ural State University, 76 Prospect Lenina, Chelyabinsk, 454080, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Y, Frimpong AJ, Tang J, Olayode IO, Kyei SK, Owusu-Ansah P, Agyeman PK, Fayzullayevich JV, Tan G. An explicit review and proposal of an integrated framework system to mitigate the baffling complexities induced by road dust-associated contaminants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123957. [PMID: 38631446 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123957] [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: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Road dust-associated contaminants (RD-AC) are gradually becoming a much thornier problem, as their monotonous correlations render them carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic. While many studies have examined the harmful effects of road dust on both humans and the environment, few studies have considered the co-exposure risk and gradient outcomes given the spatial extent of RD-AC. In this spirit, this paper presents in-depth elucidation into the baffling complexities induced by both major and emerging contaminants of road dust through a panorama-to-profile up-to-date review of diverse studies unified by the goal of advancing innovative methods to mitigate these contaminants. The paper thoroughly explores the correlations between RD-AC and provides insights to understand their potential in dispersing saprotrophic microorganisms. It also explores emerging challenges and proposes a novel integrated framework system aimed at thermally inactivating viruses and other pathogenic micro-organisms commingled with RD-AC. The main findings are: (i) the co-exposure risk of both major and emerging contaminants add another layer of complexity, highlighting the need for more holistic framework strategies, given the geospatial morphology of these contaminants; (ii) road dust contaminants show great potential for extended prevalence and severity of viral particles pollution; (iii) increasing trend of environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) in road dust, with studies conducted solely in China thus far; and (iv) substantial hurdle exists in acquiring data concerning acute procedural distress and long-term co-exposure risk to RD-ACs. Given the baffling complexities of RD-ACs, co-exposure risk and the need for innovative mitigation strategies, the study underscore the significance of establishing robust systems for deep road dust contaminants control and future research efforts while recognizing the interconnectivity within the contaminants associated with road dust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiao Zhang
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Alex Justice Frimpong
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China; Department of Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Jingning Tang
- National Special Purpose Vehicle Product Quality Inspection and Testing Center, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Isaac Oyeyemi Olayode
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg, P. O. Box 2028, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sampson Kofi Kyei
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Prince Owusu-Ansah
- Department of Automotive and Agricultural Mechanization Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Philip Kwabena Agyeman
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jamshid Valiev Fayzullayevich
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China; School of Automobile and Automotive Economy, Tashkent State Transport University, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Gangfeng Tan
- School of Automotive Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China; Suizhou-WUT Industrial Research Institute, Suizhou Economic Development Zone, Zengdu District, Suizhou City, Hubei Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wang W, Yang Y, Wang D, Huang L. Toxic Effects of Rare Earth Elements on Human Health: A Review. TOXICS 2024; 12:317. [PMID: 38787096 PMCID: PMC11125915 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are a new type of material resource which have attracted significant attention in recent years. REEs have emerged as essential metals in modern-day technology due to their unique functions. The long-term, large-scale mining and utilization of rare earths has caused serious environmental pollution and constitutes a global health issue, which has raised concerns regarding the safety of human health. However, the toxicity profile of suspended particulate matter in REEs in the environment, which interacts with the human body, remains largely unknown. Studies have shown that REEs can enter the human body through a variety of pathways, leading to a variety of organ and system dysfunctions through changes in genetics, epigenetics, and signaling pathways. Through an extensive literature search and critical analysis, we provide a comprehensive overview of the available evidence, identify knowledge gaps, and make recommendations for future research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lihua Huang
- School of Public Health, Baotou Medical College, Baotou 014030, China; (W.W.); (Y.Y.); (D.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shen YW, Zhao CX, Zhao H, Dong SF, Guo Q, Xie JJ, Lv ML, Yuan CG. Insight study of rare earth elements in PM 2.5 during five years in a Chinese inland city: Composition variations, sources, and exposure assessment. J Environ Sci (China) 2024; 138:439-449. [PMID: 38135409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2023.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The booming development of rare earth industry and the extensive utilization of its products accompanied by urban development have led to the accelerated accumulation of rare earth elements (REEs) as emerging pollutants in atmospheric environment. In this study, the variation of REEs in PM2.5 with urban (a non-mining city) transformation was investigated through five consecutive years of sample collection. The compositional variability and provenance contribution of REEs in PM2.5 were characterized, and the REEs exposure risks of children and adults via inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption were also evaluated. The results showed an increase in the total REEs concentration from 46.46 ± 35.16 mg/kg (2017) to 81.22 ± 38.98 mg/kg (2021) over the five-year period, with Ce and La making the largest contribution. The actual increment of industrial and traffic emission source among the three pollution sources was 1.34 ng/m3. Coal combustion source displayed a downward trend. Ingestion was the main exposure pathway for REEs in PM2.5 for both children and adults. Ce contributed the most to the total intake of REEs in PM2.5 among the population, followed by La and Nd. The exposure risks of REEs in PM2.5 in the region were relatively low, but the trend of change was of great concern. It was strongly recommended to strengthen the concern about traffic-related non-exhaust emissions of particulate matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Shen
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Chang-Xian Zhao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Shuo-Fei Dong
- Agilent Technologies Co. Ltd. (China), Beijing 100102, China
| | - Qi Guo
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China
| | - Jiao-Jiao Xie
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Mei-Ling Lv
- Agilent Technologies Co. Ltd. (China), Beijing 100102, China
| | - Chun-Gang Yuan
- Hebei Key Lab of Power Plant Flue Gas Multi-Pollutants Control, Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071000, China; MOE Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Systems Optimization, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Chen Q, Hong J, Lai G, Yang X, Chen G, Xu N, Li X, Hu K, Chen T, Song Y, Wan Y. What are exposure biomarkers of rare earth elements for the ionic rare earth occupational population? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 345:123499. [PMID: 38350535 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123499] [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] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are widely utilized in industries. However, The specific exposure features of REEs and potential biomarkers of exposure in occupational populations remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the external and internal REEs exposure levels among the participants working in the ionic rare earth smelting plant. For the external exposure, the concentrations of 14 REEs and total rare earth elements (ΣREEs) in airborne particles were significantly elevated in the REEs-exposed versus non-exposed group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of Yttrium (Y), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), and ΣREEs in urine were higher in the REEs-exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (P < 0.05). Notably, a significant positive correlation was observed between Y in both the airborne particles and urine samples as well as Gd, and the Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.53 and 0.39 respectively, both P < 0.05. Conversely, no statistically significant differences were found in the levels of 15 REEs or ΣREEs in the blood samples between the REEs-exposed group and non-exposed group. Moreover, the concentrations of ΣREEs and 9 REEs in nail samples of the exposed group were significantly higher than those of the non-exposed group (P < 0.05), and the composition ratios of REEs in the nail samples closely resembled those found in individual airborne particles. Therefore, nail and urine samples were proposed to reflect long-term and short-term exposure to ionic rare earth respectively. Exposure biomarkers confirmed by external and internal exposure characteristics accurately provide the situation of human exposure to REEs environment, and have profound significance for monitoring and evaluating the level of REEs pollution in human body. It also provides a vital basis to find out the effect biomarkers, susceptible biomarkers and the health effects of rare earth environment for the future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingfeng Chen
- School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; School of Public Health and Management, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330004, China; Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| | - Jun Hong
- School of Public Health and Management, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Guowen Lai
- School of Public Health and Management, Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, 330004, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- Department of Occupational Health and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Shuangyong Road 22, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Guoliang Chen
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China; China Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd, Zhangjiang Road 16, Ganzhou, 341001, China; Jiangxi University of Science and Technology, Kejia Road 1958, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Na Xu
- Jiangxi Center of Quality Inspection for Tungsten and Rare Earth Products, Huajian South Road 68, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Xuewei Li
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Kaibo Hu
- School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Tianci Chen
- Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China
| | - Yang Song
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yinhua Wan
- School of Resource and Environment, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330031, China; Ganjiang Innovation Academy, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ganzhou, 341000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Cao Z, Yang M, Gong H, Feng X, Hu L, Li R, Xu S, Wang Y, Xiao H, Zhou A. Association between prenatal exposure to rare earth elements and the neurodevelopment of children at 24-months of age: A prospective cohort study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 343:123201. [PMID: 38135135 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.123201] [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: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The increasing consumption of rare earth elements (REEs) has resulted in a considerable risk of environmental exposure. However, the adverse effects of prenatal REEs exposure on children's neurodevelopment are not yet fully recognized. Therefore, we investigated the individual and joint effects of prenatal exposure to 13 REEs on children's neurocognitive development based on 809 mother-child pairs from a large birth cohort in Wuhan, China. Maternal urinary concentrations of 13 REEs were repeatedly measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Children's neurodevelopment [e.g., mental and psychomotor development index (MDI/PDI)] at 24-months was assessed using Bayley Scales of Infant Development of Chinese Revision. GEE and BKMR models were applied to estimate the individual and joint effects of prenatal REE exposure on child neurodevelopment level. After controlling for typical confounders, we observed that exposure to 9 REEs during the first trimester were significantly associated with decreased MDI scores [βs and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) ranging from -2.24 (-3.86 ∼ -0.63) to -1.44 (-2.26∼ -0.26)], and 7 REEs during third trimester were significantly associated decreased PDI scores [β and 95% CIs ranging from -1.95 (-3.19 ∼ -0.71) to -1.25 (-2.34 ∼ -0.16)]. Higher quantiles of REE mixture in first and third trimester were associated with decreased MDI and PDI score. Thulium, erbium in the first trimester and cerium, lanthanum in the third trimester accounted most importance to joint effects on MDI and PDI, respectively. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to higher concentrations of REEs during the first and third trimester were negative associated with children's neurodevelopment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiang Cao
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meng Yang
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjian Gong
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Feng
- Medical Center of Cardiovascular Ultrasound, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqin Hu
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ruizhen Li
- Department of Child Healthcare, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shunqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Youjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (Incubation), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aifen Zhou
- Institute of Maternal and Children Health, Wuhan Children's Hospital (Wuhan Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital), Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Xia X, Jiang C, Hu M, Li Y. Geochemical characteristics and ecological risks of rare earth elements in river sediments of coal-grain composite area in eastern China. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:1428. [PMID: 37938430 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-12071-2] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Coal and grain complex areas influence the geochemical characterization of REEs through coal mining activities and agricultural production. However, there is a lack of relevant studies. In this study, we investigated the geochemical characterization and risk assessment of REEs in river sediments of the northern Anhui plain, a typical coal-grain composite area. The results showed that the average concentrations of ∑REE in the sediments ranged from 134.7 to 220.3 μg/g, and LREE was significantly enriched. Among the 14 REEs, Gd and Eu were the most enriched, with enrichment factors of 1.792 and 1.764, respectively. In addition, the differences in REEs content and enrichment between different rivers were related to the location of coal mines and the degree of population concentration. The average values of δCe and δEu in the sediments were 0.990 and 1.080, respectively, and most of the sampling sites showed a weak positive Ce, Eu anomaly. The results of Pearson's correlation and RDA redundancy analyses showed that Fe, Al, Mn and sand contributed more to the enrichment of REEs. The river sediments in the whole area had a slight potential ecological risk, with Eu (Er=13.05) and Lu (Er=14.07) having the highest potential risk. The ADD results also showed that the average daily dose of REEs by children was around 2.000 (μg/(kg·day)), which was significantly higher than that of adults. The results of this study can be used as a basis for the prevention and control of REEs in rivers in northern Anhui Province.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Xia
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | - Chunlu Jiang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China.
- School of Resources and Geoscience, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou, 221116, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Mingyu Hu
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Fang X, Peng B, Guo X, Wu S, Xie S, Wu J, Yang X, Chen H, Dai Y. Distribution, source and contamination of rare earth elements in sediments from lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River, China. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 336:122384. [PMID: 37586680 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122384] [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: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging micropollutants in aquatic environments. In this study, concentrations of REEs and major elements, and mineralogical compositions of sediments from lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River (China) were analyzed using ICP-MS technique. The results suggested that sediments were characterized by terrigenous compositions TiO2, SiO2, Al2O3, K2O, Na2O and P2O, and contained high concentrations of REEs with mean total REE concentrations (∑REE) of 318.7 mg/kg. REEs were moderately enriched in upper river sediments, and slightly or less enriched in downriver sediments. The normalized REE distribution pattern for sediments was characterized by flat shalelike and Eu depleted V-shape REE patterns, which indicated REEs in sediments were lithologically contributed from sedimentary rocks and granites distributed in the watershed respectively. REEs in sediments were hosted mainly in Fe-Mn oxides, and sulfide and organic matters that were characterized by middle REEs (MREE) enrichments relative to light REEs (LREE) and heavy REEs (HREE), and the distribution and differentiation of REEs in sediments were controlled by clays, Fe-Mn oxides, organic matters and finer grains; and also by accessory minerals (e.g., zircon) from granite. The distribution features of REEs in sediments and BCR extraction results suggested that the sediment REE enrichment resulted from additional REE input from anthropogenic sources, including those in discharges from sulfide-ore smelting industries at Zhuzhou city and from phosphate fertilizer plants at Xiangtan city along the river. Thus, sediments were contaminated with REEs in moderate degree in upper river area, and REE contamination was then formed by superimposing anthropogenic REEs on lithological residues. Finally, concentrations of Ce > 100 mg/kg, Gd > 8.12 mg/kg, ∑REE >274.9 mg/kg, ∑LREE >252.3 mg/kg and ∑HREE >28.8 mg/kg here were recommended as the REE contamination levels that represented as REE indices for identifying and rating REE contamination in this mining impacted river.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Fang
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; College of Geography and Tourism, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, 421002, PR China.
| | - Bo Peng
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China.
| | - Xintong Guo
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Sicheng Wu
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Shurong Xie
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; School of Earth Sciences, East China University of Technology, Nanchang, 330013, PR China
| | - Jing Wu
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Xia Yang
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Haisheng Chen
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| | - Yanan Dai
- School of Geographic Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Heavy-Metal Contamination and Ecological Remediation, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410081, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang Z, Lu X, Yu B, Yang Y, Wang L, Lei K. Ascertaining priority control pollution sources and target pollutants in toxic metal risk management of a medium-sized industrial city. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 887:164022. [PMID: 37172841 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164022] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Re-suspended surface dust (RSD) often poses higher environmental risks due to its specific physical characteristics. To ascertain the priority pollution sources and pollutants for the risk control of toxic metals (TMs) in RSD of medium-sized industrial cities, this study took Baotou City, a representative medium-sized industrial city in North China, as an example to systematically study TMs pollution in RSD. The levels of Cr (242.6 mg kg-1), Pb (65.7 mg kg-1), Co (54.0 mg kg-1), Ba (1032.4 mg kg-1), Cu (31.8 mg kg-1), Zn (81.7 mg kg-1), and Mn (593.8 mg kg-1) in Baotou RSD exceeded their soil background values. Co and Cr exhibited significant enrichment in 94.0 % and 49.4 % of samples, respectively. The comprehensive pollution of TMs in Baotou RSD was very high, mainly caused by Co and Cr. The main sources of TMs in the study area were industrial emissions, construction, and traffic activities, accounting for 32.5, 25.9, and 41.6 % of the total TMs respectively. The overall ecological risk in the study area was low, but 21.5 % of samples exhibited moderate or higher risk. The carcinogenic risks of TMs in the RSD to local residents and their non-carcinogenic risks to children cannot be ignored. Industrial and construction sources were priority pollution sources for eco-health risks, with Cr and Co being the target TMs. The south, north and west of the study area were the priority control areas for TMs pollution. The probabilistic risk assessment method combining of Monte Carlo simulation and source analysis can effectively identify the priority pollution sources and pollutants. These findings provide scientific basis for TMs pollution control in Baotou and constitute a reference for environmental management and protection of residents' health in other similar medium-sized industrial cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenze Wang
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Xinwei Lu
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China.
| | - Bo Yu
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Yufan Yang
- Department of Environmental Science, School of Geography and Tourism, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, China
| | - Lingqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Land Surface Pattern and Simulation, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Kai Lei
- School of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an 710065, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zheng B, Zhang YW, Geng Y, Wei W, Tan X, Xiao S, Gao Z. Measuring the anthropogenic cycles of light rare earths in China: Implications for the imbalance problem. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 879:163215. [PMID: 37011686 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Light rare earth elements (LREEs) are of strategic importance for low carbon transition and decarbonization. However, the imbalance between LREEs exists and a systematic understanding of their flows and stocks is lacking, which impedes the attainment of resources efficiency and exacerbates the environmental burdens. This study examines the anthropogenic cycles and the imbalance problem of three representative LREEs in China, the largest LREEs producer in the world, including cerium (the most abundant), neodymium and praseodymium (the fastest demand-growing). We find that 1) from 2011 to 2020, the total consumption of Nd and Pr increased by 228 % and 223 %, respectively, mainly attributed to the increasing demand of NdFeB, whereas that of Ce increased by 157 %; 2) the supply insufficiency of Nd and Pr under the current quota system accumulated to 138,086 tons and 35,549 tons, respectively, while the oversupply of Ce reached 63,523 tons; and 3) China has become a net importer of LREEs concentrates, and a net exporter of LREEs in the form of intermediate and final products, imposing further burdens to the domestic environment. It is clear that the imbalance of LREEs occurred during the study period, raising urgent needs to adjust the LREEs production quotas, seek other Ce applications, and eliminate illegal mining.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biao Zheng
- China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 3 Yinlian Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Yuquan W Zhang
- China-UK Low Carbon College, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 3 Yinlian Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai 201306, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Yong Geng
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Wendong Wei
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Xueping Tan
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240, China; School of Economics and Management, China University of Mining & Technology, No.1 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221116, China
| | - Shijiang Xiao
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ziyan Gao
- School of International and Public Affairs, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No.1954 Huashan Road, Shanghai 200030, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zerizghi T, Guo Q, Wei R, Ziteng W, Du C, Deng Y. Rare earth elements in soil around coal mining and utilization: Contamination, characteristics, and effect of soil physicochemical properties. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023:121788. [PMID: 37164222 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
REEs are emerging contaminants, and soils nearby coal and coal ash with high REEs composition are vulnerable to REEs contamination. Besides, coal industry alters surrounding soil characteristics. However, there is information paucity about REEs contamination and geochemical behaviors along with soil characteristics around coal industrial areas, which are essential for understanding their toxicity and mobilization. The study was conducted in soils surrounding Kriel coal-fired power plant (KCM) and Greenside coal mining in Witbank (GSCM), South Africa. Multivariate statistical analysis, pollution and fractionation indices, and BCR sequential extraction were applied. The ∑REEs in the soils were compared to abundance of ∑REEs in the upper earth's crust (UEC), and slightly higher ∑REEs were found in KCM but slightly lower in GSCM. Generally, LREEs are abundant. The REEs in the soils were normalized using the Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS) and then Eu and Gd in KCM and Gd in GSCM were >1. Contamination assessment revealed slightly to moderately contaminated soils by REEs. ∑REEs in KCM was significantly correlated with soil particle sizes of 2.00-50.00 μm, Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MnO, while with 2.00-3.00 μm and Al2O3 in GSCM. Fractionation characteristics showed a positive Ce anomaly with positive linear regressions with Fe2O3 and MnO. In contrast, a negative Eu anomaly was found with positive linear regressions with Al, Ca, and Mg-oxides. Oxidizable fractioned REEs accounted for 32.33% of the ∑REEs in GSCM and 35.85% in KCM, and their high EF suggest enrichment that could be due to coal mining and utilization. Most soil physicochemical properties appear to be negatively correlated with the exchangeable REEs. Overall, the soils are contaminated by REEs, and characteristics of the REEs are considerably influenced by the major elements oxide, U, and Th contents. Therefore, more attention should be paid to REEs contamination and impacts around coal mining and utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teklit Zerizghi
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; Hamelmalo Agricultural College, National Commission for Higher Education, Keren, P.O. Box 397, Eritrea
| | - Qingjun Guo
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; College of Resources and Environment, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China.
| | - Rongfei Wei
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Wang Ziteng
- Center for Environmental Remediation, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chenjun Du
- Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yinan Deng
- Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, 511458, China; School of Earth Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ben Y, Cheng M, Liu Y, Wang L, Yang Q, Huang X, Zhou Q. The stimulatory effect and mechanism of low-dose lanthanum on soybean leaf cells. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129924. [PMID: 36113347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129924] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Light rare earth elements (LREEs) have been long used in agriculture (i.e., mainly via aerially applied LREE fertilizers) based on the fact that low-dose LREEs promote plant growth. Meanwhile, the toxic effects of low-dose LREEs on organisms have also been found. However, the cellular and molecular mechanism of low-dose LREEs acting on organisms remain unclear. Plants are at the beginning of food chains, so it is critical to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanism of low-dose LREEs on plants. Here, lanthanum (La) and soybean were the representatives of LREEs and plants, respectively. The effects of low-dose La on soybean leaves were investigated, and the stimulatory effect and mechanism of low-dose LREEs on leaf cells were revealed. Specifically, clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) activated by low-dose La is an influx channel for La in soybean leaf cells. The intracellular La and La-activated CME jointly disturbed multiple forms of intracellular homeostasis, including metallic element homeostasis, redox homeostasis, gene expression homeostasis. The disturbed homeostasis either stimulated cell growth or caused damage to the plasma membrane of soybean leaf cells. These results provide new insights for clarifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of low-dose LREEs as a class of stimulators instead of nutrients to stimulate plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ben
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mengzhu Cheng
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongqiang Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lihong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Qing Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaohua Huang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China; State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
| | - Qing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, School of Environment and Civil Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China; Jiangsu Cooperative Innovation Center of Water Treatment Technology and Materials, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Chen H, Chai M, Cheng J, Wang Y, Tang Z. Occurrence and health implications of heavy metals in preschool children's clothing manufactured in four Asian regions. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 245:114121. [PMID: 36179449 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.114121] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Clothing may be a potential contributor to body metal burden in children. However, available information on heavy metals in children's clothing is extremely limited and the associated health risks remain poorly understood. This study investigated the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Zn, Cr, As, Cu and Ni in new preschool children's clothing manufactured in four Asian regions. The children's clothing had higher levels of Ni and Cr but lower levels of Pb and Cd in comparison to the concentrations reported in other textile products. The concentrations of Cd were higher in the black clothing than those in the white and color samples. The non-cotton samples contained higher Co concentrations. The Pb concentrations in the samples manufactured in China were significantly higher than those in the other three regions. We estimated the dermal exposure doses for these metals and calculated the associated risks. The results indicated that the health risks from exposure to these metals in the children's clothing were acceptable. However, more research is required to investigate heavy metals and the associated risks in child clothing due to the increasing complexity of their materials and manufacturing processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanzhi Chen
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China.
| | - Miao Chai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; Shandong Huankeyuan Environmental Testing Co., Ltd, Jinan 250013, China.
| | - Jiali Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition of the National Health Commission, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yuwen Wang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China; Department of Chemical Engineering, Jingmen Vocational College, Jingmen 448000, China.
| | - Zhenwu Tang
- College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Minzu University of China, Beijing 100081, China; College of Environmental Science and Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Beijing 102206, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ghani J, Nawab J, Faiq ME, Ullah S, Alam A, Ahmad I, Ali SW, Khan S, Ahmad I, Muhammad A, Ur Rahman SA, Abbas M, Rashid A, Hasan SZ, Hamza A. Multi-geostatistical analyses of the spatial distribution and source apportionment of potentially toxic elements in urban children's park soils in Pakistan: A risk assessment study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 311:119961. [PMID: 35977638 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the past few decades, contamination of urban children's parks (UCPs) with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has been attracting more and more interest; however, assessment of eco-environmental and child exposure risks particularly in developing countries remains limited. The current study investigated PTE (Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) concentrations, potential sources, and their health risk assessment in UCP soils of 12 major cities in Pakistan. The results showed that the mean concentration of Ni exceeded the SEPA-permissible limit in all UCP sites, while other PTEs were found to be within acceptable limits. The soil properties such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and soil particles size were determined in UCPs soils. The contamination factor and pollution load index results indicated low to moderate pollution levels (CF < 3) and (PLI<1) for all PTEs except Ni in some of the selected cities. Quantile-quantile (Q-Q) plotting determined the normal distribution line for all PTEs in the UCPs. Principal component analysis showed the mixed sources of contamination from industrial emissions, fossil fuel combustion, vehicular emissions, wastewater irrigation, as well as solid waste disposal and natural sources of soil parent materials in all park sites. ANOVA results showed that all the PTEs except Cd had moderate to higher contamination values than the reference site. The risk assessment study revealed that children had high exposure to the selected PTEs via all exposure pathways. The hazard index (HI) mean value (1.82E+00) of Ni for all exposure pathways was greater than 1, while total risk value of Cr (1.00E-03) had exceeded USEPA limit, indicating cancer risk. Consequently, the study of UCPs soils revealed PTEs contamination that could pose a potential health risk to the local population in the studied UCPs regions of Pakistan. Thus, the present study recommends that the influx of PTEs originating from natural and anthropogenic sources should be mitigated and government should implement strict enforcement of environmental regulations and proper management, as well as air quality monitoring guidelines for public health should be strictly adopted to reduce traffic- and industrial emission-related to PTEs in metropolitan areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junaid Ghani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, 40126, Bologna, Italy
| | - Javed Nawab
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, 26000, Pakistan.
| | - Mohammad Eshaq Faiq
- College of Marine and Life Science, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Sajid Ullah
- Department of Water and Environmental Engineering, Nangarhar University, Jalalabad, 2600, Afghanistan
| | - Arshad Alam
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Iftikhar Ahmad
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Syed Weqas Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Sardar Khan
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, 25120, Pakistan
| | - Imran Ahmad
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Asim Muhammad
- Department of Agronomy, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Syed Aziz Ur Rahman
- Department of Environmental Sciences University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Abbas
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan
| | - Abdur Rashid
- School of Environmental Sciences, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China
| | - Shah Zaib Hasan
- Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Amir Hamza
- Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Men C, Liu R, Wang Y, Cao L, Jiao L, Li L, Wang Y. Impact of particle sizes on health risks and source-specific health risks for heavy metals in road dust. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:75471-75486. [PMID: 35655016 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-21060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To analyze the impact of particle sizes on sources and related health risks for heavy metals, road dust samples in Beijing were collected and sifted into five particle sizes. The positive matrix factorization (PMF), human health risk assessment model (HHRA), and Monte Carlo simulation were used in the health risk assessment and source apportionment. Results showed that mass of particles < 74 μm occupied about 50% of the total particles, while only 8.48% of the particles were > 500 μm. Mass distribution and concentrations of heavy metals in each particle size changed in temporal. Over 85.00% of carcinogenic risks (CR) were from particles <74 μm, whereas CR from particles >250 μm were ignorable. Sources for health risks in each particle size were traffic exhaust, fuel combustion, construction, and use of pesticides and fertilizers. Proportions of sources to CR differed among particle sizes. Traffic exhaust and fuel combustion contributed over 90% to CR in particles <74 μm, whereas construction contributed the highest (31.68-54.14%) among all sources in particles 74-250 μm. Furthermore, the difference between health risks based on sifted road dust and that based on unsifted road dust was quantitatively analyzed. Source-specific health risk apportionment based on unsifted road dust was not presentative to all particle sizes, and true value of health risks could be over 2.5 times of the estimated value based on unsifted road dust, emphasized the importance of sifting of road dust.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Men
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ruimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China.
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Leiping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Lijun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing, 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ou X, Chen Z, Chen X, Li X, Wang J, Ren T, Chen H, Feng L, Wang Y, Chen Z, Liang M, Gao P. Redistribution and chemical speciation of rare earth elements in an ion-adsorption rare earth tailing, Southern China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 821:153369. [PMID: 35077788 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mining is an activity that will change the distribution and chemical speciation of rare earth elements (REEs), thus posing a serious threat to the natural environment. However, the distribution and chemical speciation of REEs in ion-adsorption rare earth tailings remain poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the contents and forms of REEs and associated geochemical behavior in rare earth tailings in southeast China. Total rare earth elements (TREEs) contents were lower while the ratios of light REEs (LREEs) to heavy REEs (HREEs) were higher in tailings than in an unmined area. In the unmined area, the distribution characteristics of TREEs and LREEs remained consistent, whereas HREEs differed with increasing depth. However, in the tailing area, the distribution characteristics of TREEs, LREEs and HREEs tended to be consistent, reflecting the outcomes of mining activities on vertical distribution characteristics of REEs. The REEs were dominated by residual and exchangeable forms in the unmined area, while residual and exchangeable REEs accounted for 80% and 20% of the TREEs, respectively, in the three tailings. Additionally, the exchangeable and carbonate-bound REEs increased but Fe/Mn oxide-bound and organic-bound REEs declined in the unmined area, whereas their distribution characteristics were irregular in the tailings. These results suggest that mining activity could curtail REEs contents and redistribute their chemical speciation, further altering geochemical behaviors in the tailings and posing serious risks to adjacent environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolin Ou
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhibiao Chen
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Xiuling Chen
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Tianjing Ren
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haibin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Liujun Feng
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yikai Wang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Chen
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meixia Liang
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Pengchang Gao
- Key Laboratory for Humid Subtropical Eco-Geographical Processes of the Ministry of Education, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China; School of Geographical Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Tao Y, Shen L, Feng C, Yang R, Qu J, Ju H, Zhang Y. Distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) and their roles in plant growth: A review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 298:118540. [PMID: 34801619 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The increasing use of rare earth elements (REEs) in various industries has led to a rise in discharge points, thus increasing discharge rates, circulation, and human exposure. Therefore, REEs have received widespread attention as important emerging pollutants. This article thus summarizes and discusses the distribution and occurrence of REEs in the world's soil and water, and briefly introduces current REEs content analysis technology for the examination of different types of samples. Specifically, this review focuses on the impact of REEs on plants, including the distribution and fractionation of REEs in plants and their bioavailability, the effect of REEs on seed germination and growth, the role of REEs in plant resistance, the physiological and biochemical responses of plants in the presence of REEs, including mineral absorption and photosynthesis, as well as a description of the substitution mechanism of REEs competing for Ca in plant cells. Additionally, this article summarizes the potential mechanisms of REEs to activate endocytosis in plants and provides some insights into the mechanisms by which REEs affect endocytosis from a cell and molecular biology perspective. Finally, this article discusses future research prospects and summarizes current scientific findings that could serve as a basis for the development of more sustainable rare earth resource utilization strategies and the assessment of REEs in the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Tao
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Lu Shen
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Chong Feng
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Rongyi Yang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Jianhua Qu
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Hanxun Ju
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Men C, Liu R, Wang Y, Cao L, Jiao L, Li L, Shen Z. A four-way model (FEST) for source apportionment: Development, verification, and application. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 426:128009. [PMID: 34923386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.128009] [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: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In studying the spatial, temporal, and particle size variations heavy metal sources, a source apportionment model for a four-way array of data is required. In this study, referencing two-way and three-way models, a four-way (particle fractions, elements, sites, and time) source apportionment model (FEST) was developed. Errors in the three-way models solving four-way problems verified the necessity of developing the FEST model. The results showed that the FEST model had a higher accuracy than the existing models, which was probably because of more constraints and input data in the FEST model. Based on the sampled data in Beijing, sources were apportioned for the four-way array of data using the FEST model, and the spatial, temporal, and particle size variations of sources were evaluated. The main sources of heavy metals were similar to those in our prior studies, whereas the contributions of sources to specific heavy metals differed. Traffic exhaust and fuel combustion contributed more to fine particles than coarse particles, indicating that the two should be controlled preferentially among all sources. The management of traffic exhaust should be focused on the central and northern areas in each season, and the control of fuel combustion should be strengthened in the southern area in winter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cong Men
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Ruimin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China.
| | - Yifan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Leiping Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lijun Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| | - Zhenyao Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, Xinjiekouwai Street, Beijing 100875, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Godwyn-Paulson P, Jonathan MP, Rodríguez-Espinosa PF, Rodríguez-Figueroa GM. Rare earth element enrichments in beach sediments from Santa Rosalia mining region, Mexico: An index-based environmental approach. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113271. [PMID: 34968827 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Baseline data on concentration, fractionation, pollution level and ecological risk index for seventeen beach sediments from Santa Rosalia mining region of Baja California Sur, Mexico were assessed. Higher concentrations of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) (mean. 341.49 μg/g) indicated that it is higher than most of the mining regions around the world. Normalization pattern showed enrichment of Eu (>4) and calculated geochemical indices revealed that light and middle REEs are moderately polluted with most of the sampling points located closer to the river discharge. Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) showed that Eu (20.2), Tb (20.88), and Lu (28.57) pose moderate ecological risk to the soil at selected stations (10, 11, 15 and 16) with a risk index value ranging from 245 to 359. Pearson's correlation matrix suggested that all REEs are highly correlated (r2 0.95) with each other having similar geochemical characteristics and indicating identical source due to continuous mining activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Godwyn-Paulson
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - M P Jonathan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico.
| | - P F Rodríguez-Espinosa
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P.07340 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - G M Rodríguez-Figueroa
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias Marinas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Avenida de IPN s/n, Col. Playa Palo de Santa Rita, Apdo. Postal 592, La Paz, Baja California Sur 23096, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhang T, Zhuo X, Shi G, Zhang M. Colorimetric recognition of lanthanide ions with a complexometric indicator array. Analyst 2021; 146:4441-4445. [PMID: 34136890 DOI: 10.1039/d1an00710f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A colorimetric sensor array based on complexometric indicators is proposed for pattern recognition of lanthanide ions. The complexometric indicators have abundant functional groups and can act as a platform for chromogenic reaction with various metal ions, including lanthanide ions. The subtle difference of the lanthanide ions' structure results in the difference of absorbance response between lanthanide ions and two chromogenic indicators (Alizarin Red and Erichrome Black T) in Tris-HCl buffer with two different pHs (i.e., pH 7.4 and pH 8.5, colorimetric sensor array). Fourteen lanthanide ions were distinguished well with the newly designed colorimetric sensor array. The sensor array has the potential to distinguish between different concentrations of lanthanide ions and their mixtures. Moreover, the results in actual samples indicate the future practical applications of this sensor array in environmental analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, Engineering Research Centre for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Xiuzhi Zhuo
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, Engineering Research Centre for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Guoyue Shi
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, Engineering Research Centre for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Multidimensional Information Processing, Engineering Research Centre for Nanophotonics and Advanced Instrument (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200241, China.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ma Y, Mummullage S, Wijesiri B, Egodawatta P, McGree J, Ayoko GA, Goonetilleke A. Source quantification and risk assessment as a foundation for risk management of metals in urban road deposited solids. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 408:124912. [PMID: 33385724 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.124912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Urban road build-up solids contain toxic metals posing potential risks to human health. Management of human health risks arising from these metals is critical in urban areas. This study collected solids build-up data from 16 study sites with various land use and traffic characteristics. Source quantification was conducted using PCA/APCS receptor model. It was found that soil and asphalt wear are the largest contributors (69.43%) to risk and mainly contribute Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn and Pb to build-up solids. Brake wear is the second largest contributor accounting for 17.20% and contributes Cd and Cu. Tyre wear is the third major contributor (11.38%) and it primarily contributes Ni, Zn and Cr. Mathematical equations were fitted to estimate the risk against daily traffic volume and land use fractions, and the uncertainty analysis highlighted that risk assessment should account for the variability in metal concentrations rather than a point value of concentrations at a given time and space. Based on source quantification and risk assessment, an integrated risk management model was developed to manage human health risks from toxic metals in build-up solids. This risk model provides guidance for urban planning and land use development to mitigate risk arising from urban road deposited solids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukun Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Water Environment Simulation, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, PR China; Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandya Mummullage
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| | - Buddhi Wijesiri
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Prasanna Egodawatta
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| | - James McGree
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| | - Godwin A Ayoko
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ashantha Goonetilleke
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), GPO Box 2434, Brisbane 4001, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Zhou H, Chun X, Lü C, He J, Du D. Geochemical characteristics of rare earth elements in windowsill dust in Baotou, China: influence of the smelting industry on levels and composition. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:2398-2405. [PMID: 33237075 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00273a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Smelting is one of the main sources of rare earth elements (REEs) in large scale smelting regions that have been neglected before. To provide experimental evidence on the influence of smelting processes on REEs in windowsill dust, this study investigated the concentration, chemical fractions, and spatial distribution of 14 REEs in windowsill dust and assessed the possible influence of smelting processes on the geochemical behavior of these REEs. A total of 46 windowsill dust samples were collected from different locations in Baotou, a typical industrial city for large-scale smelting. The fractions of REEs were analyzed by Tessier sequential extraction analysis. The enrichment factor (EF) was adopted to assess the contribution of anthropogenic emissions of REEs. The loess-normalized REE patterns of windowsill dust are similar to those of the iron ore of the Bayan Obo mine, but differ from those of the local soil. The concentrations of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, and ∑REEs in the residual fraction and total digestion decrease gradually with the increase in distance from the smelter in the downwind direction. These results suggested that the accumulation and fractionation of REEs in windowsill dust are considerably influenced by smelting. The emission of smelting is the main source of REEs for windowsill dust in Baotou.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijun Zhou
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Plateau Environment and Global Change, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China and Inner Mongolia Repair Engineering Laboratory of Wetland Eco-environment System, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China and College of Geographical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China
| | - Xi Chun
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Mongolian Plateau Environment and Global Change, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China and Inner Mongolia Repair Engineering Laboratory of Wetland Eco-environment System, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China and College of Geographical Sciences, Inner Mongolia Normal University, Hohhot 010022, China
| | - Changwei Lü
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Jiang He
- School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Dagula Du
- Environmental Monitoring Center of Inner Mongolia, Hohhot 010011, China
| |
Collapse
|