Distribution of trace metals at two abandoned mine sites in Korea and arsenic-associated health risk for the residents

Abstract

Two abandoned mine sites in Jeongseon, Korea were investigated to determine the distribution of six trace metals such as Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As in soil, water, and rice, and to assess the health risks for the residents of the mine sites from their exposure to As via possible exposure pathways. Lead and arsenic were found to be the major contaminants. Health risk assessments conducted on As through soil ingestion, water ingestion, rice ingestion, and dermal contact with soil or water showed high non-carcinogenic (HI values of 12.8 and 8.3) and carcinogenic (risks of 22.0 10 4 and 14.3 10 4 ) at both mine sites, suggesting that the residents have high chance of developing adverse health effects from their chronic exposures. The ingestion of polished rice grown in the contaminated paddy soils accounted for 90% or higher of the total risk values. Therefore, appropriate measures need to be taken to prevent possible health effects, in particular from the ingestion of crop plants grown in the contaminated soils.

The uptake and bioaccumulation of heavy metals by food plants, their effects on plants nutrients, and associated health risk: a review

“…The common route of entrance of heavy metals to human body is through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contacts (Kim et al 2009), which results in minor to major health problems including diarrhea, nausea, lung diseases, anemia, kidney disorders, stomach problems, skin diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer (ATSDR 2007; NLM/HSDB 2012). Some of the disorders are caused by acute toxicity, while others through chronic exposure.…”

“…Similarly, consumption of As-contaminated vegetables can cause serious health risks (Batista et al 2011). Many heavy metals are potential carcinogens (Kim et al 2009;Lee et al 2006;Lim et al 2008) and can cause organ dysfunction and damage. US Department of Health and Human Services (2011), World Health Organization, International Agency for Cancer Research (2012), USEPA /IRIS (2012), and California EPA (2011) have declared As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb as human carcinogens.…”

“…In recent years, most of the studies have focused on As contamination of food chain (Gilbert-Diamond et al 2011;Huang et al 2012;Kim et al 2009) along with other heavy metals and metalloids that were found above the recommended limits (Tufuor et al 2011). Food crop irrigated with industrial effluents and wastewater is the major source of soil and crop contamination with heavy metals and metalloids Tiwari et al 2011;Sipter et al 2008).…”

“…Vegetables are the major source of human exposure to heavy metal and contribute about 90 % of the total metal intake, while the rest 10 % intake occurs through dermal contacts and inhalation of contaminated dust (Martorell et al 2011;Kim et al 2009;Ferré-Huguet et al 2008;Khan et al 2014). Food safety is a burning issue regarding human health in the recent decades because of the high demand for food.…”

Current status and management for the sustainable groundwater resources in Korea

“…The same maximum concentration of lead (Pb) (0.09 mg/l) was found in groundwater from Daduk and Kunwi mines Lee et al, 2005). Seepage of metal (Pb) from mine tailings led to Pb contamination in groundwater from Geumryeong (0.05 mg/L), Jingok (0.03 mg/L), and Dongmyung (0.02 mg/L) mines, exceeding the WHO guideline of 0.01 mg/L Kim et al, 2009;Park and Choi, 2013a). Residents living near the abandoned mines are at high risk of adverse health effects, as they use the groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes.…”