1
|
Tserendorj D, Szabó KZ, Völgyesi P, Nguyen TC, Hatvani IG, Buczkó N, Abbaszade G, Salazar-Yanez N, Szabó C. Distribution and impacts of contamination by natural and artificial radionuclides in attic dust and urban soil samples from a former industrial Hungarian city: A case study from Salgótarján. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2023; 270:107291. [PMID: 37806188 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2023.107291] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Primordial radionuclides can be found in all environmental compartments. Since coal-fired power plants (CFPP) can be a source of additional radionuclide contamination because coal contains natural radioactive isotopes such as 238U (226Ra) and 232Th. This study investigated the impact of such possible radionuclide contamination from former heavy industrial activities, namely a former local coal-fired power plant, in urban soils and attic dust in Salgótarján, Hungary. Even today, industrial by-products, e.g., coal ash, in this city represent significant threat to its residents. A total of 36 attic dust samples (family houses, kindergartens, churches and blockhouses) were collected and 19 urban soil samples (playgrounds, kindergartens, parks and others) were selected no further than 500 m from the corresponding attic dust sampling sites. Additionally, a coal ash and a brown forest soil sample were also collected to differentiate between the anthropogenic and geogenic sources in the residential area. The sampled houses, built between 1890 and 1990, are considered to be representative sampling sites for long-term accumulations of attic dust. The mean values of the total U, Th and Cs (mg kg-1) concentrations as well as those of K (m/m %) in attic dust and urban soil samples are 2.4, 3.6, 1.7 and 0.6 and 1.1, 4.4, 1.2 and 0.3, respectively, measured using ICP-MS. The mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, 40K and 137Cs in attic dust and urban soil samples are 43.3, 34.0, 534.4 and 88.5 and 25.1, 32.8, 386.4 and 5.6 Bq kg-1, respectively, by using a low-background iron chamber with a well-type HPGe and a n-type coaxial HPGe detector. The elemental compositions (U, Th) and activity concentrations (226Ra, 232Th) along with their abundances in coal ash from the CFPP increase in both studied media as the distance of the sampling sites from the CFPP decreases. Two outlier attic dust samples in particular show significantly high activity concentrations of 226Ra: 145 and 143, of 232Th: 83 and 94 Bq kg-1, which can be considered as a proxy of unweathered coal ash. The calculated total absorbed gamma dose rate (D) and annual effective dose (E) received from urban soils indicate that the presence of the CFPP, coal ash cone and slag dumps does not cause an increase in the level of background radiation in Salgótarján. However, the concentrations of the studied radionuclides are much higher (except for 232Th) and exhibit higher degree of variability in the samples of attic dustthan in those of urban soils. The study suggests that attic dust preserves the undisturbed 'fingerprints' of long-term atmospheric deposition thanks to its chemical and physical properties unlike urban soil.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davaakhuu Tserendorj
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Centre for Ecological Research Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Karolina út 29, 1113, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Zsuzsanna Szabó
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Völgyesi
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tam Cong Nguyen
- Nuclear Security Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Gábor Hatvani
- Institute for Geological and Geochemical Research, HUN-REN Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Budaörsi út 45, 1112, Budapest, Hungary; CSFK, MTA Centre of Excellence, Konkoly Thege Miklós út 15-17, H-1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Noémi Buczkó
- Nuclear Analysis and Radiography Department, HUN-REN Centre for Energy Research, Konkoly-Thege Miklós út 29-33, 1121, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gorkhmaz Abbaszade
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nelson Salazar-Yanez
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Szabó
- Lithosphere Fluid Research Laboratory, Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/C, 1117, Budapest, Hungary; Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science, HUN-REN, Csatkai E. u. 6-8, 9400, Sopron, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Duong VH, Chu TT, Nguyen TN. Factors Contributing to Accumulation of 210Po in Freshwater Fishes in Dong Thai Lake, Vietnam and Radiological Hazard Assessment. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2023; 85:314-323. [PMID: 37733035 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-01033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
210Po (polonium), one of the most toxic naturally occurring radionuclides, is well-known as a common natural radionuclide in fish species. Human consumption of 210Po-contaminated fish could result in a significant internal dose. This study determined by alpha spectrometry the 210Po activity in sixteen selected fish species with different living behaviors (pelagic, demersal), trophic positions (herbivores, carnivores, omnivorous), and masses in Dong Thai Lake, Hanoi, Vietnam. The min, max, and average of the 210Po concentration of sixteen fish species were 0.80 ± 0.44, 12.7 ± 0.20, and 3.54 ± 0.31 Bq kg-1, respectively. Regarding the different living behaviors, trophic positions, and masses, the results showed trending of 210Popelagic > 210Podemersal; 210Poherbivores < 210Pocarnivores < 210Poomnivorous and 210Po<0.2 kg > 210Po0.2-1 kg > 210Po>1 kg, respectively. The 210Po concentrations in muscle tissue were greater in fish species with a small mass, omnivorous trophic position, and pelagic living behavior relative to demersal fish with a larger mass that were herbivores or carnivores. In addition, the results showed an uneven distribution of 210Po activities in atmospheric aerosols, terrestrial soils, surface waters, and lake sediments in the study area. The primary source of 210Po could be supplied from atmospheric aerosols and/or terrestrial soils in the study area. The 210Po annual effective dose for adults due to fish consumption has been calculated with a range from 20 to 400 µSv y-1 and 111 µSv. y-1 on average, and it is far below the allowable limits of 1000 µSv y-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Van-Hao Duong
- VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Trung-Tien Chu
- VNU School of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Nam Nguyen
- VNU University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Guo L, Peng L, Li J, Zhang W, Shi B. Highly efficient U(VI) capture from nuclear wastewater by an easily synthesized lignin-derived biochar: Adsorption performance and mechanism. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 223:115416. [PMID: 36738769 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115416] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The efficient recycling of uranium (U) by adsorbents remains challenging due to the strong interference from coexisting impurities, insufficient desorption efficiency, and weak irradiation instability. In this work, a novel lignin-derived biochar (AL/BC) with high surface area and abundant functional groups was developed through a green and simple pyrolysis process, and an adsorbent for U(VI) capture was used. The optimist AL/BC-600 exhibited ultrahigh adsorption capacity for U(VI) of 4007 mg/g, possessing a wide pH range of 1-11, and powerful anti-interference ability when coexisting with various common cations and anions. In addition, AL/BC-600 showed high tolerance even under strong irradiation at a dose of 350 kGy. Most importantly, after the tenth round of the adsorption-desorption cyclic utilization, the adsorption efficiency and desorption rate of AL/BC-600 were actually over 95% and 80%, respectively. Hence, this study provides a green and simple process for synthesizing a novel adsorbent for highly efficient U(VI) capture, not only paving a path for alleviating the increasingly serious energy crisis, but also facilitating the low-carbon and circular development of lignin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Guo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China
| | - Liangqiong Peng
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China
| | - Jiheng Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China; Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China.
| | - Bi Shi
- National Engineering Laboratory for Clean Technology of Leather Manufacture, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China; Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Deonarine A, Schwartz GE, Ruhl LS. Environmental Impacts of Coal Combustion Residuals: Current Understanding and Future Perspectives. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1855-1869. [PMID: 36693217 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
On-site solid-waste impoundments, landfills, and receiving water bodies have served as long-term disposal sites for coal combustion residuals (CCRs) across the United States for decades and collectively contain billions of tons of CCR material. CCR components include fine particulate material, minerals, and trace elements such as mercury, arsenic, selenium, lead, etc., which can have deleterious effects on ecosystem functioning and public health. Effects on communities can occur through consumption of drinking water, fish, and other aquatic organisms. The structural failure of impoundments, water infiltration, leakage from impoundments due to poor construction and monitoring, and CCR effluent discharges to water bodies have in the past resulted in harmful environmental impacts. Moreover, the risks posed by CCRs are present to this day, as coal continues to account for 11% of the energy production in the United States. In this Critical Review, the legacy of CCR disposal and the concomitant risks posed to public health and ecosystems are assessed. The resiliency of CCR disposal sites in the context of increased frequency and intensity of storm events and other hazards, such as floods and earthquakes, is also evaluated. We discuss the current state of knowledge on the environmental fate of CCR-derived elements, as well as advances in and limitations of analytical tools, which can improve the current understanding of CCR environmental impacts in order to mitigate the associated risks. An assessment of the 2015 Coal Ash Final Rule is also presented, along with needs to improve monitoring of CCR disposal sites and regulatory enforcement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amrika Deonarine
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering, Texas Tech University, 911 Boston Avenue, Lubbock, Texas 79401, United States
| | - Grace E Schwartz
- Department of Chemistry, Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303, United States
| | - Laura S Ruhl
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Arkansas Little Rock, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Guo L, Peng L, Li J, Zhang W, Shi B. Simultaneously efficient adsorption and highly selective separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) by surface-functionalized lignin nanoparticles: A novel pH-dependent process. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130123. [PMID: 36270193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The simultaneous removal and selective separation of U(VI) and Th(IV) via adsorption remain challenging due to their strong mobility, reactivity, and similar chemical properties. Thus, a surface-functioned lignin nanoparticle (AL-PEI) was synthesized to adsorb U(VI)/Th(IV) in a unitary system via a pH-dependent process. In alkaline solution, AL-PEI exhibited excellent adsorption performance, and the maximum adsorption capacities for U(VI) and Th(IV) reached 392 and 396 mg/g, respectively. Discrepantly in acidic solution, the adsorption performance of AL-PEI for U(VI) could still reach a high capacity (332 mg/g), whereas highly limited adsorption capacity (less than 40 mg/g) for Th(IV) was obtained, and the separation factor of U(VI) from U(VI)-Th(IV) matrix significantly reached 6662 in 3 M of the HNO3 medium. The simultaneously efficient adsorption in alkaline solution and highly selective separation performance in acidic solution of AL-PEI also showed excellent anti-ions interference capacities, high reusability, and strong stability. This study is the first to apply lignin fabricating radiation-resistant adsorbent material, and the adsorbent displays good performance for U(VI)/Th(IV) removal and selective separation via a novel pH-dependent process, which is important to the green and sustainable development of nuclear energy and environmental protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijun Guo
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Liangqiong Peng
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Jiheng Li
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China; Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China.
| | - Bi Shi
- National Engineering Research Center of Clean Technology in Leather Industry, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China; Key Laboratory of Leather Chemistry and Engineering of Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zierold KM, Sears CG, Myers JV, Brock GN, Zhang CH, Sears L. Exposure to coal ash and depression in children aged 6-14 years old. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114005. [PMID: 35944620 PMCID: PMC10725726 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When coal is burned for energy, coal ash, a hazardous waste product, is generated. Throughout the world, over 1 billion tons of coal ash is produced yearly. In the United States, over 78 million tons of coal ash was produced in 2019. Fly ash, the main component of coal ash contains neurotoxic metal (loid)s that may affect children's neurodevelopment and mental health. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between fly ash and depressive problems in children aged 6-14 years old. METHODS Children and their parents/guardians were recruited from 2015 to 2020. Tobit regression and logistic regression were used to assess the association between coal fly ash and depressive problems. To determine fly ash presence, Scanning Electron Microscopy was conducted on polycarbonate filters containing PM10 from the homes of the study participants. Depressive problems in children were measured using the Depressive Problems DSM and withdrawn/depressed syndromic problem scales of the Child Behavior Checklist. RESULTS In covariate-adjusted Tobit regression models, children with fly ash on the filter had higher scores on the DSM Depressive Problems (3.13 points; 95% CI = 0.39, 5.88) compared with children who did not have fly ash on the filter. Logistic regression supported these findings. CONCLUSION Coal ash is one of the largest waste streams in the U.S, but it is not classified as a hazardous waste by the Environmental Protection Agency. To our knowledge, no studies have assessed the impact of coal ash on children's mental health. This study highlights the need for further research into the effects of coal ash exposure on children's mental health, and improved regulations on release and storage of coal ash.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Charlie H Zhang
- Department of Geographic & Environmental Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Petrović M, Fiket Ž. Environmental damage caused by coal combustion residue disposal: A critical review of risk assessment methodologies. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 299:134410. [PMID: 35346741 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.134410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion generates almost 40% of world's electricity. However, it also produces 1.1 billion tons of coal combustion residues (CCR) annually, half of which end up in landfills. Although current regulations require proper lining and monitoring programs, the ubiquitous old, abandoned landfills are often not lined nor included in these programs. In addition, the total number of coal ash disposal sites and their status in the world is unknown. Therefore, this article reviews the environmental damage caused by CCR and three commonly used risk assessment methodologies: leaching assessment, groundwater assessment, and toxicity testing. Leaching methods are usually the first step in coal ash risk assessment, however, a large number of methods with different parameters make a comparison of data difficult. Groundwater pollution is commonly detected near coal ash disposal sites, but other anthropogenic activities may also exist nearby. Therefore, multivariate statistical methods and isotope traces should be used to differentiate between different sources of pollution. So far, both stable (δ18O, δD, δ11B, δ34S, δ7Li) and radiogenic (87Sr/86Sr, 206Pb/207Pb) isotopes have been successfully used as coal ash pollution tracers. Coal ash also negatively affects biota, reduces the diversity of organisms, affects children's health, and increases the risk for developing various diseases. Toxicity studies are great for early screening of coal ash safety; however, they provide no insights into mechanisms causing the adverse effects. Future directions are also proposed, such as the development of new 'low-level' detection methods for coal ash pollution and sustainable and selective method for recovery of critical elements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Petrović
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Željka Fiket
- Division for Marine and Environmental Research, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička Cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vengosh A, Coyte RM, Podgorski J, Johnson TM. A critical review on the occurrence and distribution of the uranium- and thorium-decay nuclides and their effect on the quality of groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 808:151914. [PMID: 34856287 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151914] [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: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This critical review presents the key factors that control the occurrence of natural elements from the uranium- and thorium-decay series, also known as naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), including uranium, radium, radon, lead, polonium, and their isotopes in groundwater resources. Given their toxicity and radiation, elevated levels of these nuclides in drinking water pose human health risks, and therefore understanding the occurrence, sources, and factors that control the mobilization of these nuclides from aquifer rocks is critical for better groundwater management and human health protection. The concentrations of these nuclides in groundwater are a function of the groundwater residence time relative to the decay rates of the nuclides, as well as the net balance between nuclides mobilization (dissolution, desorption, recoil) and retention (adsorption, precipitation). This paper explores the factors that control this balance, including the relationships between the elemental chemistry (e.g., solubility and speciation), lithological and hydrogeological factors, groundwater geochemistry (e.g., redox state, pH, ionic strength, ion-pairs availability), and their combined effects and interactions. The various chemical properties of each of the nuclides results in different likelihoods for co-occurrence. For example, the primordial 238U, 222Rn, and, in cases of high colloid concentrations also 210Po, are all more likely to be found in oxic groundwater. In contrast, in reducing aquifers, Ra nuclides, 210Pb, and in absence of high colloid concentrations, 210Po, are more mobile and frequently occur in groundwater. In highly permeable sandstone aquifers that lack sufficient adsorption sites, Ra is often enriched, even in low salinity and oxic groundwater. This paper also highlights the isotope distributions, including those of relatively long-lived nuclides (238U/235U) with abundances that depend on geochemical conditions (e.g., fractionation induced from redox processes), as well as shorter-lived nuclides (234U/238U, 228Ra/226Ra, 224Ra/228Ra, 210Pb/222Rn, 210Po/210Pb) that are strongly influenced by physical (recoil), lithological, and geochemical factors. Special attention is paid in evaluating the ability to use these isotope variations to elucidate the sources of these nuclides in groundwater, mechanisms of their mobilization from the rock matrix (e.g., recoil, ion-exchange), and retention into secondary mineral phases and ion-exchange sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Joel Podgorski
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wang Z, Wade AM, Richter DD, Stapleton HM, Kaste JM, Vengosh A. Legacy of anthropogenic lead in urban soils: Co-occurrence with metal(loids) and fallout radionuclides, isotopic fingerprinting, and in vitro bioaccessibility. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151276. [PMID: 34717995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic lead (Pb) in soils poses risks to human health, particularly to the neuropsychological development of exposed children. Delineating the sources and potential bioavailability of soil Pb, as well as its relationship with other contaminants is critical in mitigating potential human exposure. Here, we present an integrative geochemical analysis of total elemental concentrations, radionuclides of 137Cs and 210Pb, Pb isotopic compositions, and in vitro bioaccessibility of Pb in surface soils sampled from different locations near Durham, North Carolina. Elevated Pb (>400 mg/kg) was commonly observed in soils from urban areas (i.e., near residential house foundation and along urban streets), which co-occurred with other potentially toxic metal(loids) such as Zn, Cd, and Sb. In contrast, soils from city parks and suburban areas had systematically lower concentrations of metal(loids) that were comparable to geological background. The activities of 137Cs and excess 210Pb, coupled with their correlations with Pb and co-occurring metal(loids) were used to indicate the persistence and remobilization of historical atmospherically deposited contaminants. Coupled with total Pb concentrations, the soil Pb isotopic compositions further indicated that house foundation soils had significant input of legacy lead-based paint (mean = 1.1895 and 2.0618 for 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb, respectively), whereas urban streetside soils exhibited a clear mixed origin, dominantly of legacy leaded gasoline (1.2034 and 2.0416) and atmospheric deposition (1.2004-1.2055 and 2.0484-2.0525). The in vitro bioaccessibility of Pb in contaminated urban soils furthermore revealed that more than half of Pb in the contaminated soils was potentially bioavailable, whose Pb isotope ratios were identical to that of bulk soils, demonstrating the utility of using Pb isotopes for tracking human exposure to anthropogenic Pb in soils and house dust. Overall, this study demonstrated a holistic assessment for comprehensively understanding anthropogenic Pb in urban soils, including its co-occurrence with other toxic contaminants, dominant sources, and potential bioavailability upon human exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Anna M Wade
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA
| | - Daniel D Richter
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | | | - James M Kaste
- Department of Geology, William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA 23185, USA
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Xu N, Yang Y, Peng M, Li Q, Xu C, Dai S. Toward the Threshold of Radiation Hazards of U in Chinese Coal through the CART Algorithm. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:1864-1874. [PMID: 35049288 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c07776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The high volume of coal used for combustion usually leads to a large amount of coal combustion residues (CCRs), which contain the naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) decayed from U and Th in coals. The high radioactivity of NORMs can cause potential harm to humans if the CCRs are used as building materials. The activities of CCRs not only depend on the concentrations of radionuclides but also largely depend on the variations of ash yields of coal. On the other hand, ash yields significantly vary in coal from less than 1-50%. This indicates that similar concentrations of radionuclides in coal with different ash yields generally do not result in similar activities in CCRs. Therefore, it is significant to build a threshold of U in coals with different ash yield levels. In this research, based on the data of 945 coal samples from China and the selected optimal model using the classification and regression tree algorithm, the threshold of U for the radiation hazard is determined to be 7.98 mg/kg for coals with ash yields higher than 20%, while the threshold of U for the radiation hazard is 5.28 mg/kg for coals with ash yields lower than 20%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Na Xu
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yuchen Yang
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Mengmeng Peng
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Computing, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, HKSAR, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chuanpeng Xu
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shifeng Dai
- College of Geoscience and Survey Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wang Z, Coyte RM, Cowan EA, Stapleton HM, Dwyer GS, Vengosh A. Evaluation and Integration of Geochemical Indicators for Detecting Trace Levels of Coal Fly Ash in Soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:10387-10397. [PMID: 34282893 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs), in particular, coal fly ash, are one of the major industrial solid wastes in the U.S., and due to their high concentrations of toxic elements, they could pose environmental and human health risks. Yet detecting coal fly ash in the environment is challenging given its small particle size. Here, we explore the utility and sensitivity of using geochemical indicators (trace elements, Ra nuclides, and Pb stable isotopes), combined with physical observation by optical point counting, for detecting the presence of trace levels of coal fly ash particles in surface soils near two coal-fired power plants in North Carolina and Tennessee. Through experimental work, mixing models, and field data, we show that trace elements can serve as a first-order detection tool for fly ash presence in surface soils; however, the accuracy and sensitivity of detection is limited for cases with low fly ash proportion (i.e., <10%) in the soil, which requires the integration of more robust Ra and Pb isotopic tracers. This study revealed the presence of fly ash particles in surface soils from both the recreational and residential areas, which suggests the fugitive emission of fly ash from the nearby coal-fired power plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina 28608, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zierold KM, Myers JV, Brock GN, Sears CG, Sears LL, Zhang CH. Nail Samples of Children Living near Coal Ash Storage Facilities Suggest Fly Ash Exposure and Elevated Concentrations of Metal(loid)s. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:9074-9086. [PMID: 34132542 PMCID: PMC10725724 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c01541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Children who live near coal-fired power plants are exposed to coal fly ash, which is stored in landfills and surface impoundments near residential communities. Fly ash has the potential to be released as fugitive dust. Using data collected from 263 children living within 10 miles of coal ash storage facilities in Jefferson and Bullitt Counties, Kentucky, USA, we quantified the elements found in nail samples. Furthermore, using principal component analysis (PCA), we investigated whether metal(loid)s that are predominately found in fly ash loaded together to indicate potential exposure to fly ash. Concentrations of several neurotoxic metal(loid)s, such as chromium, manganese, and zinc, were higher than concentrations reported in other studies of both healthy and environmentally exposed children. From PCA, it was determined that iron, aluminum, and silicon in fly ash were found to load together in the nails of children living near coal ash storage facilities. These metal(loid)s were also highly correlated with each other. Last, results of geospatial analyses partially validated our hypothesis that children's proximity to power plants was associated with elevated levels of concentrations of fly ash metal(loid)s in nails. Taken together, nail samples may be a powerful tool in detecting exposure to fly ash.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham 35294, Alabama, United States
| | - John V Myers
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, Ohio, United States
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, Ohio, United States
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence 02912, Rhode Island, United States
| | - Lonnie L Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville 40292, Kentucky, United States
| | - Charlie H Zhang
- Department of Geography & Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville 40292, Kentucky, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Esen AN, Haciyakupoglu S, Erenturk SA. Assessment of different hazard indices around coal-fired power plants in Turkey. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-021-07835-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
14
|
Walencik-Łata A, Smołka-Danielowska D. 234U, 238U, 226Ra, 228Ra and 40K concentrations in feed coal and its combustion products during technological processes in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, Poland. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 267:115462. [PMID: 32891046 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Hard coal is the predominant energy source in Poland. The unavoidable consequence of coal combustion is the production of huge amounts of ash which can be concentrated in radionuclides. The ashes from coal combustion are utilized or stored and may affect the quality of the environment. Therefore, the estimation of radionuclides in hard coal and by-products is of crucial importance. The analyzed samples included ashes produced in ash furnaces, power plants and individual home furnaces operating in the Upper Silesian Industrial Region, Southern Poland, during the hard coal burning. This paper presents radioactivity concentrations of 228Ra, 226Ra and 40K in hard coal, bottom and fly ash samples from Polish coal-fired power plants obtained during various technological coal combustion processes and generated in individual domestic furnaces, determined using the HPGe gamma spectrometry technique. The measurements of 234,238U concentrations were performed after sample preparation using alpha-particle spectrometer. The concentrations of the obtained radionuclides differ greatly in the fly and bottom ash samples. The lowest concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 234U, 238U were observed in bottom ashes from the co-firing of hard coal and biomass in a fluidized-bed furnace, whereas the highest concentrations of 226Ra (163 ± 6 Bq/kg), 228Ra (100 ± 2 Bq/kg) isotopes were found in the ashes from individual household furnaces. This means that both the feed coal type and combustion techniques have a direct impact on the concentration of radionuclides in ash. Hard coal silt samples may be enriched in radionuclides and the radioactive equilibrium between 226Ra and 238U even in the case of coal is not always achieved. The concentrations of the analyzed isotopes in ashes are 5-7-fold higher than in feed coal. Given that combustion by-products are utilized as construction products, it should be noted that for some ash samples, the radiological hazard indices approach or exceed the maximum permitted levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Walencik-Łata
- University of Silesia in Katowice, August Chełkowski Institute of Physics, 75 Pułku Piechoty 1, 41-500, Chorzów, Poland.
| | - D Smołka-Danielowska
- University of Silesia in Katowice, Institute of Natural Sciences, Będzińska 60, 41-200, Sosnowiec, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zierold KM, Odoh C. A review on fly ash from coal-fired power plants: chemical composition, regulations, and health evidence. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 35:401-418. [PMID: 32324165 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2019-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Throughout the world, coal is responsible for generating approximately 38% of power. Coal ash, a waste product, generated from the combustion of coal, consists of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas desulfurization material. Fly ash, which is the main component of coal ash, is composed of spherical particulate matter with diameters that range from 0.1 μm to >100 μm. Fly ash is predominately composed of silica, aluminum, iron, calcium, and oxygen, but the particles may also contain heavy metals such as arsenic and lead at trace levels. Most nations throughout the world do not consider fly ash a hazardous waste and therefore regulations on its disposal and storage are lacking. Fly ash that is not beneficially reused in products such as concrete is stored in landfills and surface impoundments. Fugitive dust emissions and leaching of metals into groundwater from landfills and surface impoundments may put people at risk for exposure. There are limited epidemiological studies regarding the health effects of fly ash exposure. In this article, the authors provide an overview of fly ash, its chemical composition, the regulations from nations generating the greatest amount of fly ash, and epidemiological evidence regarding the health impacts associated with exposure to fly ash.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Zierold
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Chisom Odoh
- Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Correlations of 226Ra and 222Rn activity concentrations in surface soil and groundwater of basement complex geological area of southwest Nigeria. SN APPLIED SCIENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s42452-020-2771-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
17
|
Assessment of the Mode of Occurrence and Radiological Impact of Radionuclides in Nigerian Coal and Resultant Post-Combustion Coal Ash Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy. MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10030241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural radionuclide concentrations in coal and coal ash can occur at levels sufficient to raise potential health and environmental concerns when (re)suspended or disposed into the environment. To evaluate such concerns, this study characterized coal and simulant coal ash samples obtained from two Nigerian coal mines (Okaba and Omelewu) using high resolution gamma spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Discrete uraninite particles were observed dispersed within the coal ash samples, alongside U and Th containing mineral grains (monazite and zircon) with monazite the most abundant radioactive mineral particles. The pitted and cracked surface morphologies of these radioactive particles (with sizes between 10 μm and 80 μm) indicate their susceptibility for disintegration into more harmful and readily inhalable PM2.5 aerosol particles, with the potential to deliver a localized dose and cause chronic respiratory diseases. The results of activity concentrations and radiological hazard indices for the coal ash samples from both mines were between three and five times higher than world average in soil, which imply that these coal ash materials should be suitably contained in slurry ponds to prevent hazards due to increased risk of prolonged indoor exposure to gamma radiation, radon gas, and inhalation of liberated radioactive particles.
Collapse
|
18
|
Aloraini DA, El-Azony KM. Measurement of natural radioactivity concentrations and chemical composition of coal and its post-combustion residues in KSA. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-019-07001-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
19
|
Dong C, Kang W, An C. A safe propylene carbonate/water hybrid electrolyte for supercapacitors. NEW J CHEM 2020. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj04541d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A novel mixed electrolyte of LiTFSI–PC/H2O has been designed and fabricated, which can provided a broad stable potential window of 2.8 V.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenhao Dong
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Porous Materials
- Institute for New Energy Material & Low-Carbon Technologies
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Tianjin University of Technology
- Tianjin 300384
| | - Wei Kang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Porous Materials
- Institute for New Energy Material & Low-Carbon Technologies
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Tianjin University of Technology
- Tianjin 300384
| | - Cuihua An
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Porous Materials
- Institute for New Energy Material & Low-Carbon Technologies
- School of Materials Science and Engineering
- Tianjin University of Technology
- Tianjin 300384
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Howard J, Weyhrauch J, Loriaux G, Schultz B, Baskaran M. Contributions of artifactual materials to the toxicity of anthropogenic soils and street dusts in a highly urbanized terrain. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 255:113350. [PMID: 31671370 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the presence of fly ash and other artifactual materials (AMs) significantly increases the toxicity of urban soil and street dust. AMs were distinguished as artifacts (artificial particles > 2 mm in size), and particulate artifacts (≤2 mm in size); street dust was the <63 μm fraction of street sediments. Reference artifacts, street dusts, and topsoils representing different land use types in Detroit, Michigan were analyzed for miscellaneous radionuclides, trace elements, magnetic susceptibility (MS), and acetic acid-extractable (leachable) Pb. Background levels were established using native glacial sediments. Street sediments were found to have a roadside provenance, hence street dusts inherited their contamination primarily from local soils. All soils and dusts had radionuclide concentrations similar to background levels, and radiological hazard indices within the safe range. Artifacts, fly ash-impacted soils and street dusts contained elevated concentrations of toxic trace elements, which varied with land use type, but none produced a significant amount of leachable Pb. It is inferred that toxic elements in AMs are not bioavailable because they are occluded within highly insoluble materials. Hence, these results do not support our hypothesis. Rather, AMs contribute to artificially-elevated total concentrations leading to an overestimation of toxicity. MS increased with increasing total concentration, hence proximal sensing can be used to map contamination level, but the weak correlation between total and leachable Pb suggests that such maps do not necessarily indicate the associated biohazard. Home site soils with total Pb concentrations >500 mg kg-1 were sporadically toxic. Thus, these results argue against street dust as the local cause of seasonally elevated blood-Pb levels in children. Lead-bearing home site soil tracked directly indoors to form house dust is an alternative exposure pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Howard
- Department of Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
| | | | - Glenn Loriaux
- Department of Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Brandy Schultz
- Department of Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mark Baskaran
- Department of Geology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Odoh C, Sears CG, Tompkins LK, Hagemeyer AN, Pfeiffer JA, Polivka BJ, Sears L, Brock GN, Zhang C, Zierold KM. Recruitment strategies and challenges: Lessons learned from a coal ash and children's health study. Res Nurs Health 2019; 42:446-457. [PMID: 31599010 PMCID: PMC10725728 DOI: 10.1002/nur.21986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to describe the approaches and recruitment strategies of a study focused on the impact of coal fly ash on neurobehavioral performance among children living in proximity to coal-burning power plants. Challenges encountered with each recruitment approach are highlighted as well as solutions used to overcome those challenges and ultimately enroll children and one of their parents or guardians. To ensure participants were distributed throughout the study area, geographical information systems were used to guide recruitment and achieve the target sample size (N = 300). Several approaches were employed to recruit the number of needed participants, including "shoe leather" or door-to-door recruitment, placement of flyers and brochures in public spaces, mailings to targeted addresses, media announcements, and local government outreach. Since September 2015, 265 participants have been enrolled in the study using a combination of the described recruitment approaches. Even with a well-designed plan, it is important to re-examine strategies at every step to maximize recruitment efforts. Researcher flexibility in adapting to new strategies is vital in facilitating recruitment efforts, and the recruitment of participants in the study remains a dynamic and evolving process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chisom Odoh
- Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, Texas
| | - Clara G. Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | | | - Abby N. Hagemeyer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Jack A. Pfeiffer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Barbara J. Polivka
- School of Nursing, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas
| | - Lonnie Sears
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Guy N. Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - C. Zhang
- Department of Geography and Geosciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Kristina M. Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Vengosh A, Cowan EA, Coyte RM, Kondash AJ, Wang Z, Brandt JE, Dwyer GS. Evidence for unmonitored coal ash spills in Sutton Lake, North Carolina: Implications for contamination of lake ecosystems. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 686:1090-1103. [PMID: 31200305 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs, also known as "coal ash") contain high concentrations of toxic and carcinogenic elements that can pose ecological and human health risks upon their release into the environment. About half of the CCRs that are generated annually in the U.S. are stored in coal ash impoundments and landfills, in most cases adjacent to coal plants and waterways. Leaking of coal ash ponds and CCR spills are major environmental concerns. One factor which may impact the safety of CCRs stored in impoundments and landfills is the storage area's predisposition to flooding. The southeastern U.S., in particular, has a large number of coal ash impoundments located in areas that are vulnerable to flooding. In order to test for the possible presence of CCR solids in lake sediments following Hurricane Florence, we analyzed the magnetic susceptibility, microscopic screening, trace element composition, and strontium isotope ratios of bottom sediments collected in 2015 and in 2018 from Sutton Lake in eastern North Carolina and compared them to a reference lake. The results suggest multiple, apparently previously unmonitored, CCR spills into Sutton Lake from adjacent CCR storage sites. The enrichment of metals in Sutton Lake sediments, particularly those with known ecological impact such as As, Se, Cu, Sb, Ni, Cd, V, and Tl, was similar to or even higher than those in stream sediments impacted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in Kingston, Tennessee, and the Dan River, North Carolina coal ash spills, and exceeded ecological screening standards for sediments. High levels of contaminants were also found in leachates extracted from Sutton Lake sediments and co-occurring pore water, reflecting their mobilization to the ambient environment. These findings highlight the risks of large-scale unmonitored spills of coal ash solids from storage facilities following major storm events and contamination of nearby water resources throughout the southeastern U.S.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Avner Vengosh
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States.
| | - Ellen A Cowan
- Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 28608, United States
| | - Rachel M Coyte
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Andrew J Kondash
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Zhen Wang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Jessica E Brandt
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| | - Gary S Dwyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Hagemeyer AN, Sears CG, Zierold KM. Respiratory Health in Adults Residing Near a Coal-Burning Power Plant with Coal Ash Storage Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193642. [PMID: 31569347 PMCID: PMC6801683 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Coal ash, the byproduct of burning coal made up of small particles, including heavy metals and radioactive elements, is discarded in open-air landfills where it can be emitted into the air, contributing to air pollution in the surrounding community. Few regulations exist regarding the storage, disposal, and transport of coal ash. There is limited research on the health impacts of coal ash exposure on communities. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among adults exposed to coal ash and non-exposed adults. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among two populations: one exposed to coal ash and one not exposed to coal ash. Perception of health (p-Value < 0.0001), cough (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 5.30, 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) = 2.60-11), shortness of breath (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.56-4.31), hoarseness (AOR = 4.02, 95% CI = 2.45-6.60), respiratory infections (AOR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.14-2.89), and mean overall respiratory health score (p-Value < 0.0001) were all statistically significantly greater in exposed adults (N = 231) when compared to non-exposed adults (N = 170). Adults residing near the coal ash facility were more likely to report respiratory symptoms than the non-exposed population. More research on the health impact of coal ash and storage regulations needs to be conducted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abby N Hagemeyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA
| | - Clara G Sears
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Kristina M Zierold
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
The Role of Mineral Matter in Concentrating Uranium and Thorium in Coal and Combustion Residues from Power Plants in Poland. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9050312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Based on the results of tests on feed coal from the Lublin Coal and Upper Silesian Coal Basin and its fly ash and slag carried out using X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence analysis, atomic emission spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, it was found that in feeds, coal Th is associated with phosphates and U with mineral matter. The highest Th content was found in anhedral grains of monazite and in Al-Si porous particles of fly ash of <0.05 mm size; whereas in the slag, Th is concentrated in the massive Al-Si grains and in ferrospheres. U is mainly concentrated in the Al-Si surface of porous grains, which form a part of fly ash of <0.05 mm size. In the slag, U is to be found in the Al-Si massive grains or in a dispersed form in non-magnetic and magnetic grains. Groups of mineral phase particles have been identified that have the greatest impact on the content of Th and U in whole fly ash and slag. The research results contained in this article may be important for predicting the efficiency of Th and U leaching from furnace waste storage sites and from falling dusts to soils and waters.
Collapse
|
25
|
Radioactivity of Five Typical General Industrial Solid Wastes and its Influence in Solid Waste Recycling. MINERALS 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/min9030168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The level of radionuclides is an important index for the preparation of building materials from industrial solid waste. In order to investigate the radiological hazard of five kinds of typical general industrial solid wastes in Guizhou, China, including fly ash (FA), red mud (RM), phosphorus slag (PS), phosphogypsum (PG), and electrolytic manganese residue (EMR), the radiation intensity and associated radiological impact were studied. The results show that concentrations of 238U, 235U, 232Th, 226Ra, 210Pb, and 40K for different samples vary widely. The concentration of 238U was both positively correlated with 235U and 226Ra, and the uranium contents in the measured samples were all of natural origin. The radiation levels of PG, EMR, EMR-Na (EMR activated by NaOH), and EMR-Ca (EMR activated by Ca(OH)2) were all lower than the Chinese and the world’s recommended highest levels for materials allowed to be directly used as building materials. The values of the internal and external illumination index (IRa and Iγ, respectively) for FA and RM were higher (IRa > 1.0 and Iγ > 1.3 for FA, IRa > 2.0 and Iγ > 2.0 for RM). The radium equivalent activity (Raeq), indoor and outdoor absorbed dose (Din and Dout, respectively), and corresponding annual effective dose rate (Ein and Eout) of RM, PS, and FA were higher than the recommended limit values (i.e., 370 Bq/kg, 84 nGy/h, 59 nGy/h, 0.4 mSv/y, and 0.07 mSv/y, respectively), resulting from the higher relative contribution of 226Ra and 232Th. The portion of RM, FA, and PS in building materials should be less than 75.44%, 29.72%, and 66.01%, respectively. This study provides quantitative analysis for the safe utilization of FA, RM, PS, PG, and EMR in Guizhou building materials.
Collapse
|
26
|
Habib MA, Basuki T, Miyashita S, Bekelesi W, Nakashima S, Techato K, Khan R, Majlis ABK, Phoungthong K. Assessment of natural radioactivity in coals and coal combustion residues from a coal-based thermoelectric plant in Bangladesh: implications for radiological health hazards. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 191:27. [PMID: 30591983 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7160-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
To study the level of radioactivity concentrations from a coal-based power plant (Barapukuria, Bangladesh) and to estimate the associated radiological hazards, coal and associated combustion residuals from the power plant were analyzed by gamma-ray spectrometry with high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The results reveal that the mean radioactivity (Bq kg-1) concentrations in feed coal samples are 66.5 ± 24.2, 41.7 ± 18.2, 62.5 ± 26.3, and 232.4 ± 227.2 for U-238, Ra-226, Th-232, and K-40, respectively, while in coal combustion residuals (CCRs), they are 206.3 ± 72.4, 140.5 ± 28.4, 201.7 ± 44.7, and 232.5 ± 43.8, respectively. With the exception of K-40, all the determined natural radionuclides are considerably higher in the investigated feed coal and associated combustion residues as compared with the world soil and world coal mean activities. On the average, CCRs contains 3.10-3.37 times more natural radionuclides than the feed coal, except for K-40. The radioactivity of fly ash and bottom ash is fractionated, and ratio ranges from 1.40 to 1.57. The mean values of the radiological hazard indices in the coal and their associated residuals are 153.1 and 446.8 Bq kg-1 for radium equivalent activity, 0.41 and 1.21 for the external hazard index, 70 and 200.1 nGy h-1 for the absorbed gamma dose rate, 0.09 and 0.25 mSv year-1 for the annual effective dose rate, and 3.0 × 10-4 and 8.6 × 10-4 Sv-1 for the excess lifetime cancer risk, respectively, most of which exceed the UNSCEAR-recommended respective threshold limits. The outcome of this study suggests a potential radiological threat to the environment as well as to the health of occupational workers and nearby inhabitants from the examined samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ahosan Habib
- Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Triyono Basuki
- Radioactivity Environmental Protection Course, Phoenix Leader Education Program, Hiroshima University, 1-1-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8524, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Sunao Miyashita
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Wiseman Bekelesi
- Radioactivity Environmental Protection Course, Phoenix Leader Education Program, Hiroshima University, 1-1-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8524, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Satoru Nakashima
- Radioactivity Environmental Protection Course, Phoenix Leader Education Program, Hiroshima University, 1-1-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8524, Japan
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, Hiroshima University, 1-3-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
- Natural Science Center for Basic Research and Development, Hiroshima University, 1-4-2 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima, 739-8526, Japan
| | - Kuaanan Techato
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Rahat Khan
- Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, Savar, Dhaka, 1349, Bangladesh
| | | | - Khamphe Phoungthong
- Environmental Assessment and Technology for Hazardous Waste Management Research Center, Faculty of Environmental Management, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand.
- Center of Excellence on Hazardous Substance Management (HSM), Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Fusion power plants, fission and conventional power plants. Radioactivity, radiotoxicity, radioactive waste. FUSION ENGINEERING AND DESIGN 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fusengdes.2018.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
28
|
Assessment of tree bark as a biomonitor of anthropogenic thorium and radium contamination. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10967-018-6066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
|
29
|
Towle KM, Jacobs NFB, Keenan JJ, Monnot AD. The Cancer Risk Associated with Residential Exposure to Soil Containing Radioactive Coal Combustion Residuals. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:1107-1115. [PMID: 29098707 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion residuals (CCRs) are composed of various constituents, including radioactive materials. The objective of this study was to utilize methodology on radionuclide risk assessment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to estimate the potential cancer risks associated with residential exposure to CCR-containing soil. We evaluated potential radionuclide exposure via soil ingestion, inhalation of soil particulates, and external exposure to ionizing radiation using published CCR radioactivity values for 232 Th, 228 Ra, 238 U, and 226 Ra from the Appalachia, Illinois, and Powder River coal basins. Mean and upper-bound cancer risks were estimated individually for each radionuclide, exposure pathway, and coal basin. For each radionuclide at each coal basin, external exposure to ionizing radiation contributed the greatest to the overall risk estimate, followed by incidental ingestion of soil and inhalation of soil particulates. The mean cancer risks by route of exposure were 2.01 × 10-6 (ingestion), 6.80 × 10-9 (inhalation), and 3.66 × 10-5 (external), while the upper bound cancer risks were 3.70 × 10-6 (ingestion), 1.18 × 10-8 (inhalation), and 6.15 × 10-5 (external), using summed radionuclide-specific data from all locations. The upper bound cancer risk from all routes of exposure was 6.52 × 10-5 . These estimated cancer risks were within the EPA's acceptable cancer risk range of 1 × 10-6 to 1 × 10-4 . If the CCR radioactivity values used in this analysis are generally representative of CCR waste streams, then our findings suggest that CCRs would not be expected to pose a significant radiological risk to residents living in areas where contact with CCR-containing soils might occur.
Collapse
|
30
|
210Pb and 210Po in Geological and Related Anthropogenic Materials: Implications for Their Mineralogical Distribution in Base Metal Ores. MINERALS 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/min8050211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
31
|
Almahayni T, Vanhoudt N. Does leaching of naturally occurring radionuclides from roadway pavements stabilised with coal fly ash have negative impacts on groundwater quality and human health? JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 349:128-134. [PMID: 29414744 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We assessed the potential impact of using coal fly ash to stabilise roadway pavements on groundwater quality and human health. The leaching potential of naturally occurring radionuclides (NORs) typically present in the fly ash was assessed with the HYDRUS-1D code and data representative of a segment of the Wisconsin State Trunk Highway 60 as a case study. Our assessment suggests that the impact would be mainly from the chemical toxicity of uranium (U). In our particular case study, U concentration in the leachate exceeded the maximum contaminant level for this element (MCL = 30 μg L-1) in almost all the scenarios. In the groundwater, the MCL was only exceeded under conditions of high leaching and low dilution in the aquifer. The radiological toxicity from the consumption of the contaminated groundwater by a hypothetical adult, however, was at maximum 43% of the individual dose criterion (IDC = 0.1 mSv y-1). The results also highlight the need to consider site-specific conditions such as climate and hydrogeology when assessing the environmental impacts of utilising fly ash in roadway construction applications since they could have profound effects on the assessment findings. There is also a pressing need for reliable and representative data to support realistic assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Almahayni
- Biosphere Impact Studies Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium.
| | - N Vanhoudt
- Biosphere Impact Studies Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lauer N, Vengosh A, Dai S. Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Uranium-Rich Coals and Associated Coal Combustion Residues from China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:13487-13493. [PMID: 29116764 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.7b03473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Most coals in China have uranium concentrations up to 3 ppm, yet several coal deposits are known to be enriched in uranium. Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in these U-rich coals and associated coal combustion residues (CCRs) have not been well characterized. Here we measure NORM (Th, U, 228Ra, 226Ra, and 210Pb) in coals from eight U-rich coal deposits in China and the associated CCRs from one of these deposits. We compared NORM in these U-rich coals and associated CCRs to CCRs collected from the Beijing area and natural loess sediments from northeastern China. We found elevated U concentrations (up to 476 ppm) that correspond to low 232Th/238U and 228Ra/226Ra activity ratios (≪1) in the coal samples. 226Ra and 228Ra activities correlate with 238U and 232Th activities, respectively, and 226Ra activities correlate well with 210Pb activities across all coal samples. We used measured NORM activities and ash yields in coals to model the activities of CCRs from all U-rich coals analyzed in this study. The activities of measured and modeled CCRs derived from U-rich coals exceed the standards for radiation in building materials, particularly for CCRs originating from coals with U > 10 ppm. Since beneficial use of high-U Chinese CCRs in building materials is not a suitable option, careful consideration needs to be taken to limit potential air and water contamination upon disposal of U- and Ra-rich CCRs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Lauer
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Avner Vengosh
- Division of Earth and Ocean Sciences, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University , Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Shifeng Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology , China
- School of Resources and Geosciences, China University of Mining and Technology , Xuzhou 221116, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Vaasma T, Kaasik M, Loosaar J, Kiisk M, Tkaczyk AH. Long-term modelling of fly ash and radionuclide emissions as well as deposition fluxes due to the operation of large oil shale-fired power plants. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 178-179:232-244. [PMID: 28910626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2017.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Two of the world's largest oil shale-fired power plants (PPs) in Estonia have been operational over 40 years, emitting various pollutants, such as fly ash, SOx, NOx, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds as well as radionuclides to the environment. The emissions from these PPs have varied significantly during this period, with the maximum during the 1970s and 1980s. The oil shale burned in the PPs contains naturally occurring radionuclides from the 238U and 232Th decay series as well as 40K. These radionuclides become enriched in fly ash fractions (up to 10 times), especially in the fine fly ash escaping the purification system. Using a validated Gaussian-plume model, atmospheric dispersion modelling was carried out to determine the quantity and a real magnitude of fly ash and radionuclide deposition fluxes during different decades. The maximum deposition fluxes of volatile radionuclides (210Pb and 210Po) were around 70 mBq m-2 d-1 nearby the PPs during 1970s and 1980s. Due to the reduction of burned oil shale and significant renovations done on the PPs, the deposition fluxes were reduced to 10 mBq m-2 d-1 in the 2000s and down to 1.5 mBq m-2 d-1 in 2015. The maximum deposition occurs within couple of kilometers of the PPs, but the impacted area extends to over 50 km from the sources. For many radionuclides, including 210Po, the PPs have been larger contributors of radionuclides to the environment via atmospheric pathway than natural sources. This is the first time that the emissions and deposition fluxes of radionuclides from the PPs have been quantified, providing the information about their radionuclide deposition load on the surrounding environment during various time periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taavi Vaasma
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Marko Kaasik
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Jüri Loosaar
- School of Engineering, Department of Energy Technology at Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Madis Kiisk
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Alan H Tkaczyk
- Institute of Physics, University of Tartu, W. Ostwaldi 1, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Nelson AW, Eitrheim ES, Knight AW, May D, Wichman MD, Forbes TZ, Schultz MK. Polonium-210 accumulates in a lake receiving coal mine discharges-anthropogenic or natural? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOACTIVITY 2017; 167:211-221. [PMID: 27914777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2016.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Coal is an integral part of global energy production; however, coal mining is associated with numerous environmental health impacts. It is well documented that coal-mine waste can contaminate the environment with naturally-occurring radionuclides from the uranium-238 (238U) decay series. However, the behavior of the final radionuclide in the 238U-series, i.e., polonium-210 (210Po) arising from coal-mine waste-water discharge is largely unexplored. Here, results of a year-long (2014-2015) field study, in which the concentrations of 210Po in sediments and surface water of a lake that receives coal-mine waste-water discharge in West Virginia are presented. Initial measurements identified levels of 210Po in the lake sediments that were in excess of that which could be attributed to ambient U-series parent radionuclides; and were indicative of discharge site contamination of the lake ecosystem. However, control sediment obtained from a similar lake system in Iowa (an area with no coal mining or unconventional drilling) suggests that the levels of 210Po in the lake are a natural phenomenon; and are likely unrelated to waste-water treatment discharges. Elevated levels of 210Po have been reported in lake bottom sediments previously, yet very little information is available on the radioecological implications of 210Po accumulation in lake bottom sediments. The findings of this study suggest that (Monthly Energy Review, 2016) the natural accumulation and retention of 210Po in lake sediments may be a greater than previously considered (Chadwick et al., 2013) careful selection of control sites is important to prevent the inappropriate attribution of elevated levels of NORM in lake bottom ecosystems to industrial sources; and (Van Hook, 1979) further investigation of the source-terms and potential impacts on elevated 210Po in lake-sediment ecosystems is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A W Nelson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Chemistry Building, 251 North Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - E S Eitrheim
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Chemistry Building, 251 North Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - A W Knight
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Chemistry Building, 251 North Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - D May
- Interdisciplinary Human Toxicology Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Research Park, State Hygienic Laboratory 2490, Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52242, United States.
| | - M D Wichman
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Iowa, 145 N. Riverside Drive, 100 CPHB, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - T Z Forbes
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Chemistry Building, 251 North Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| | - M K Schultz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Chemistry Building, 251 North Capitol Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; Interdisciplinary Human Toxicology Program, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States; University of Iowa State Hygienic Laboratory, Research Park, State Hygienic Laboratory 2490, Crosspark Road, Coralville, IA 52242, United States; Departments of Radiology and Radiation Oncology, Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program, University of Iowa, ML B180 FRRB, 500 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Sinitsky MY, Minina VI, Gafarov NI, Asanov MA, Larionov AV, Ponasenko AV, Volobaev VP, Druzhinin VG. Assessment of DNA damage in underground coal miners using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Mutagenesis 2016; 31:669-675. [DOI: 10.1093/mutage/gew038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
|
36
|
Kolo MT, Khandaker MU, Amin YM, Abdullah WHB. Quantification and Radiological Risk Estimation Due to the Presence of Natural Radionuclides in Maiganga Coal, Nigeria. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158100. [PMID: 27348624 PMCID: PMC4922655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the increasing demand of coal for power generation, activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides were determined in Nigerian coal using the gamma spectrometric technique with the aim of evaluating the radiological implications of coal utilization and exploitation in the country. Mean activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K were 8.18±0.3, 6.97±0.3, and 27.38±0.8 Bq kg-1, respectively. These values were compared with those of similar studies reported in literature. The mean estimated radium equivalent activity was 20.26 Bq kg-1 with corresponding average external hazard index of 0.05. Internal hazard index and representative gamma index recorded mean values of 0.08 and 0.14, respectively. These values were lower than their respective precautionary limits set by UNSCEAR. Average excess lifetime cancer risk was calculated to be 0.04×10−3, which was insignificant compared with 0.05 prescribed by ICRP for low level radiation. Pearson correlation matrix showed significant positive relationship between 226Ra and 232Th, and with other estimated hazard parameters. Cumulative mean occupational dose received by coal workers via the three exposure routes was 7.69 ×10−3 mSv y-1, with inhalation pathway accounting for about 98%. All radiological hazard indices evaluated showed values within limits of safety. There is, therefore, no likelihood of any immediate radiological health hazards to coal workers, final users, and the environment from the exploitation and utilization of Maiganga coal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Tikpangi Kolo
- Department of Physics, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger state, Nigeria
| | | | - Yusoff Mohd Amin
- Department of Physics, University of Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|