Evaluation of the Pollution by Toxic Elements around   the Small-Scale Mining Area, Boroo, Mongolia

Oyuntsetseg, Bolormaa; Kawasaki, K.; Watanabe, Makiko; Batkhishig, Ochirbat

doi:10.5402/2012/153081

Cited by 8 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…However, the authors pointed out that the waste material may be a source of future contamination. Later, Oyuntsetseg et al 55 found Cu, As and Pb enrichment in soils at the Boroo small-scale mining area that exceeded the standard in As (167 mg/kg) and Cu (109 mg/kg) in the gold washing location. In Zaamar Goldfield, Jarsjö et al 56 found elevated soil contents of As (13 mg/kg), Ni (28 mg/kg), Cu (25 mg/kg) and Cr (69 mg/kg) compared to nonlocal backgrounds; however, no metal(loid) exceeded the current standard.…”

Section: Soil Pollution In Mongolian Mining Areasmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impacts of mining on soil pollution with metal(loid)s in resource-rich Mongolia

Pecina

Juřička

Hedbávný

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

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As Mongolia is considered one of the most resource extraction-dependent countries globally, significant mining-related environmental and human health risks are expected. The aim of this study was to (I) assess the impacts of mining on soil pollution with metals in Mongolia's key coal mining towns (Baganuur, Nalaikh and Sharyn Gol) and (II) review the current knowledge on soil pollution with metal(loid)s and related health risks in Mongolia. The results showed predominantly low soil contents of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn and a related absence of severe pollution and potential health risk in the coal mining towns. Urban design, rather than the presence of mines, controlled the pollution distribution. Despite the methodological shortcomings of several studies on soil pollution in Mongolia, their results suggest a similarly low threat in the three largest cities (Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet) and several mining areas. While the generally highlighted risk of As seems like an artificially escalated issue, the content of Cr in urban soil may be a neglected threat. Further pollution research in Mongolia should focus on street dust and drinking water pollution.

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Section: Soil Pollution In Mongolian Mining Areasmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impacts of mining on soil pollution with metal(loid)s in resource-rich Mongolia

Pecina

Juřička

Hedbávný

et al. 2023

Sci Rep

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“…However, recent reports indicate that these mining activities are often major sources of heavy metal and arsenic pollution in both river water and sediment (Hofmann et al 2010;Enkhdul et al 2010;Oyuntsetseg et al 2012;Brumbaugh et al 2013;Pfeiffer et al 2014). Mercury is known to have been used extensively in the Boroo River subcatchment by the thousands of illegal small-scale, artisanal miners who have used and released Hg into the environment during the gold amalgamation process (Grayson et al 2004;Steckling et al 2011).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Regional patterns of heavy metal exposure and contamination in the fish fauna of the Kharaa River basin (Mongolia)

et al. 2016

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Past and present gold mining operations scattered throughout the Kharaa River basin, Mongolia, have been identified as a major source of heavy metal and metalloid contamination. However, the potential accumulation of toxic contaminates including Cr, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, Cu, Ni and Pb in the resident fish fauna and the subsequent human health risks associated with their consumption have previously not been quantified. In the current study, contaminates in water, sediment and five consumed fish species (Leuciscus baicalensis, Thymallus baicalensis, Brachymystax lenok, Lota lota and Silurus asotus) were examined. The results indicated that concentrations of As and Hg exceeded the national permissible limits for drinking water in the Gatsuurt tributary of 10 lg L -1 and 0.05 lg L -1 respectively, while Hg contents detected in the sediment of the Boroo tributary were highly elevated (0.78 lg g -1 ). Heavy metal and arsenic accumulation was evident in all five fish species sampled across the basin, with maximum muscle contents of Cr, As, Hg and Pb detected in several species caught in the middle and lower river reaches, while Zn was highly elevated in B. lenok collected in the upper tributaries. Elevated median contents of Cr, Cu, Hg and Pb increased with trophic level, with Hg accumulation posing the greatest threat to humans as 10.7 % of all fish sampled in the study exceeded the internationally recommended threshold for Hg in consumable fish tissue. Although recreational fishing is rapidly growing throughout Mongolia, the overall level of fish capture and consumption remains relatively low. However, increasing pollution and accumulation in resident fish species could lead to chronic heavy metal intoxication in people who consume them regularly from the most polluted regions of the basin, while additionally being exposed to other sources of contamination.

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“…The frequent outbreak of fires at the mining sites have a serious impact on environment and health of people as these fumes contain Sulphur compounds laced with heavy metals like mercury, lead and arsenic, Bolormaa Oyuntsetseg et al, (2012). 2 Also they contain high concentrations of volatile organic compounds like Benzene, toluene and xylene which are known to cause cancer. Dust which is observed at these mining sites is a major source of Particulate Matter (PM)10 pollutants.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sustainable Coal Mining and Electricity Generation: With Special Reference to Dahanu Thermal Power Station

Tajane

Kamthan

2020

Curr. World Environ

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Mining Industry is often tagged as a polluting sector since it involves since it involves extensive resource exploitation by unsustainable methods. The techniques involved in mining cause tremendous destruction to the environment and health of people living in nearby areas. There is a growing consensus on sustainable and efficient mineral development which will avoid the clash between economic and environmental interests. Deployment of advanced and sustainable technological solutions in the entire mining process, fixing the gaps in its regulatory mechanisms and learning from the successes of specific domestic and international mining operations are certain solutions that have the capacity this sector more productive. The paper provides insights into the problems of mining sector and possible solutions to overcome these problems. It also provides examples of certain best practices adopted by mining corporations for sustainable coal mining. The paper also explores various methods and technologies which can be adopted by Thermal Power Plants to reduce their emissions and simultaneously conserve environment. An empirical study of Dahanu Thermal Power Station located in state of Maharashtra of India has been undertaken for this purpose to study the modern technologies adopted by them to lower their emission levels.

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Evaluation of the Pollution by Toxic Elements around the Small-Scale Mining Area, Boroo, Mongolia

Cited by 8 publications

References 18 publications

The impacts of mining on soil pollution with metal(loid)s in resource-rich Mongolia

The impacts of mining on soil pollution with metal(loid)s in resource-rich Mongolia

Regional patterns of heavy metal exposure and contamination in the fish fauna of the Kharaa River basin (Mongolia)

Sustainable Coal Mining and Electricity Generation: With Special Reference to Dahanu Thermal Power Station

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