Assessment of leachable elements in volcanic ashfall: a review and evaluation of a standardized protocol for ash hazard characterization

Stewart, Carol; Damby, David E.; Tomašek, Ines; Horwell, Claire J.; Plumlee, Geoffrey S.; Armienta, M. A.; Hinojosa, Maria Gabriela Ruiz; Appleby, Moya; Delmelle, Pierre; Cronin, Shane J.; Ottley, Christopher J.; Oppenheimer, Clive; Morman, Suzette A.

doi:10.1016/j.jvolgeores.2019.106756

Cited by 43 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 87 publications

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“…Yet, compared to the other adsorbed hazards usually analysed on volcanic ash (e.g. potentially toxic elements such as As, Fe, Pb, F) (Stewart et al 2020), the presence of persistent organic pollutants on ash surfaces and their potential impact on the health hazard have been poorly investigated, to date. Only a limited number of studies have identified PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PAHs adsorbed onto volcanic ash, which were shown to originate from anthropogenic sources (Lamparski et al 1990;Takizawa et al 1994;Stracquadanio et al 2003;Guiñez et al 2020), but none has considered their in situ reactivity and the consequential impact of exposure to such particles on human (and environmental) health.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: implications for human health hazard

et al. 2021

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Exposure to volcanic ash is a long-standing health concern for people living near active volcanoes and in distal urban areas. During transport and deposition, ash is subjected to various physicochemical processes that may change its surface composition and, consequently, bioreactivity. One such process is the interaction with anthropogenic pollutants; however, the potential for adsorbed, deleterious organic compounds to directly impact human health is unknown. We use an in vitro bioanalytical approach to screen for the presence of organic compounds of toxicological concern on ash surfaces and assess their biological potency. These compounds include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dlPCBs). Analysis of ash collected in or near urbanised areas at five active volcanoes across the world (Etna, Italy; Fuego, Guatemala; Kelud, Indonesia; Sakurajima, Japan; Tungurahua, Ecuador) using the bioassay inferred the presence of such compounds on all samples. A relatively low response to PCDD/Fs and the absence of a dlPCBs response in the bioassay suggest that the measured activity is dominated by PAHs and PAH-like compounds. This study is the first to demonstrate a biological potency of organic pollutants associated with volcanic ash particles. According to our estimations, they are present in quantities below recommended exposure limits and likely pose a low direct concern for human health.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the biological reactivity of organic compounds on volcanic ash: implications for human health hazard

et al. 2021

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“…Acidified rainfall from persistent degassing can leach lead from plumbing fittings or roofing materials into roof catchment rainwater tanks (Macomber 2020). Ash deposition into water supplies can raise concentrations of fluoride and other potentially toxic elements (e.g., copper, manganese) as well as elements that impart an unpleasant taste or color to the water (Stewart et al 2006(Stewart et al , 2020.…”

Section: Volcanic Emission Hazardsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Leachate analyses can determine concentrations of readily soluble elements on fresh ash particles relevant to inhalation or ingestion pathways. These methods may require adaptation for ash from hydrothermal system eruptions which typically contain fluoride in slowly soluble forms (Cronin et al 2014;Stewart et al 2020). Ash can also scavenge biologically potent organic pollutants from the atmosphere (Tomašek et al 2021a).…”

Section: Hazard and Exposure Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The International Volcanic Health Hazard Network (IVHHN) 2 has developed methods and protocols for rapid, standardized screening of ash samples (Le Blond et al 2009;Horwell 2007;Horwell et al 2007;Stewart et al 2020;Tomašek et al 2021b), which have been applied during various eruption crises. Table 1 presents post-2000 studies that have determined health-relevant characteristics of ash samples and whether they have used IVHHN methods or not.…”

Section: Hazard and Exposure Assessmentmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Volcanic air pollution and human health: recent advances and future directions

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Volcanic air pollution from both explosive and effusive activity can affect large populations as far as thousands of kilometers away from the source, for days to decades or even centuries. Here, we summarize key advances and prospects in the assessment of health hazards, effects, risk, and management. Recent advances include standardized ash assessment methods to characterize the multiple physicochemical characteristics that might influence toxicity; the rise of community-based air quality monitoring networks using low-cost gas and particulate sensors; the development of forecasting methods for ground-level concentrations and associated public advisories; the development of risk and impact assessment methods to explore health consequences of future eruptions; and the development of evidence-based, locally specific measures for health protection. However, it remains problematic that the health effects of many major and sometimes long-duration eruptions near large populations have gone completely unmonitored. Similarly, effects of prolonged degassing on exposed populations have received very little attention relative to explosive eruptions. Furthermore, very few studies have longitudinally followed populations chronically exposed to volcanic emissions; thus, knowledge gaps remain about whether chronic exposures can trigger development of potentially fatal diseases. Instigating such studies will be facilitated by continued co-development of standardized protocols, supporting local study teams and procuring equipment, funding, and ethical permissions. Relationship building between visiting researchers and host country academic, observatory, and agency partners is vital and can, in turn, support the effective communication of health impacts of volcanic air pollution to populations, health practitioners, and emergency managers.

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“…Batch water leachate tests allow assessing environmental geochemical risks of ash fall, by examining the release of soluble ash compounds into the environment. Such releases can cause short-term though potentially significant impacts on the environment (Ruggieri et al, 2011;Stewart et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%