Health Risk Assessment of Post-mining Hg-As-Contaminated Soil: Implications for Land Remediation

Wcisło, Eleonora; Bronder, Joachim; Rodríguez-Valdés, Eduardo; Gallego, José Luis

doi:10.1007/s11270-022-05712-8

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 49 publications

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“…However, some parameters like AT ca could partly influence the final risk calculation. Overall, this integrated analysis of the calculations might support the risk assessment of the contaminated sites with favorable advancement and technical guidance. − …”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 77%

Multifaceted Insight into Sensitivity Analysis and Environmental Impact on Human Health of Soil Contamination Risk Assessment

Zhang,

Du,

Yuan

et al. 2023

Environ. Health

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Sensitivity analysis is a valuable method for evaluating the impact of model parameters on health risk characterization, thereby supporting the prediction of critical uncertainty factors. However, limitations arise in terms of cross-disciplinary discussions and in-depth analyses of previous research. To overcome these limitations, a systematic and multifaceted approach was introduced for analyzing the parameter sensitivities in soil contamination risk assessment. This approach specifically targeted the 12 main parameters associated with 65 soil contaminants for health risk assessment, employing detailed authoritative statistics for risk assessment. Screening analysis revealed that identified heavy metals and organics were influenced by key parameters, such as PM10, body weight of adults (BWa), daily air inhalation rate of adults (DAIRa), air exchange rate (ER), and typical soil parameters. PM10 showed a positive 100% correlation with inorganics and metals, but BWa and DAIRa exhibited different impacts on different chemicals, with an increase in potential risk observed with higher BWa and lower DAIRa. Furthermore, incorporating soil parameters in the analysis showed that compact soil could improve the protection against vapor organic compounds for human health. This refined study presents a comprehensive strategy for sensitivity analysis in health risk assessment of soil contamination, thereby offering substantial support for the protection and preservation of human health. A logical framework also was provided for addressing the limitations of sensitivity analysis and facilitating an understanding of the complex relationships between model parameters and the health risk of soil contamination.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 77%

Multifaceted Insight into Sensitivity Analysis and Environmental Impact on Human Health of Soil Contamination Risk Assessment

Zhang,

Du,

Yuan

et al. 2023

Environ. Health

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“…Conducting the study required data on the concentration of As and Hg in the soil and the concentration of gaseous Hg in the air. If there is no prior knowledge of an area, sampling could be conducted by defining 25 × 25 m grids and following the methodology of the US EPA, as carried out by Wcislo et al [12].…”

Section: Sampling Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Only in Case 9 (related to the Terronal Mine in Spain) was there a comparable situation to that of La Soterraña concerning the elevated CR and HI index values. When comparing the CR values associated with arsenic from La Soterraña Mine (Table 7) with Terronal Mine in Mieres (Asturias) [12], notable differences emerge. In Terronal, there are two areas (25 × 25 m) with CR levels of 2.5 × 10 −1 , which is significantly higher than the maximum observed at La Soterraña, although it is still within the same order of magnitude as the chimneys, which register levels of 1.4 × 10 −1 .…”

Section: < Hi < 1000mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A large number of articles focused on assessing human health risks in sites contaminated with PTEs due to various industrial activities has recently been published. Examples of this include the works of Wu et al [6], Gruszecka-Kosowska et al [7], Xia et al [8], Custodio et al [9], Wcislo [10], Wcislo and Bronder [11], Wcislo et al [12], and Wu et al [13]. These publications summarise the research on the dangers that heavy metal contamination poses to human health in a variety of environmental contexts.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks

Rodríguez,

Garcia-Gonzalez,

Hernández

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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This study investigates the environmental and occupational health risks associated with arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) contamination in a specific industrial site: a mercury mine site that contains a metallurgical plant within its premises. Utilising a comprehensive sampling and analysis approach, As and Hg concentrations in the soil and air across various zones within the site were assessed. The results revealed elevated levels of both contaminants, particularly in areas proximal to industrial processes such as metal smelting and waste disposal. Risk assessment using the Cancer Risk (CR) and Hazard Index (HI) indices demonstrated significant health hazards that exceed regulatory thresholds, indicating potential carcinogenic effects from As exposure and risks of non-cancerous occupational diseases. Three distinct risk areas were identified based on the CR and HI indices, guiding the formulation of tailored risk management strategies. While some zones may permit limited industrial activities under specific conditions, others require stringent safety measures and specialised personal protective equipment (PPE) due to exceptionally high contaminant concentrations. Overall, the findings underscore the critical need for robust safety protocols and regulatory compliance to mitigate the health risks associated with As and Hg exposure in industrial settings, ensuring the protection of worker health, environmental stewardship, and the promotion of sustainable mining practices.

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“…Nevertheless, investigations in this field are scarce. However, there have been very relevant studies carried out recently, for example, those by Eckley et al [21], Wcislo et al [22,23], and Wu et al [18].…”

Section: Mercury Contamination In Abandoned Mining Facilitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Empirical Model of Gaseous Mercury Emissions for the Analysis of Working Conditions in Outdoor Highly Contaminated Sites

2022

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The project SUBproducts4LIFE is a LIFE-funded research project that aims to demonstrate innovative circular economy concepts by repurposing industrial subproducts/waste (coal ash and gypsum from coal power plants, blast furnace slag, and steelmaking slag from steel factories) for the remediation of contaminated soils and brownfield areas associated with Hg mining on a large scale. Within the project, one of the objectives is related to worker safety by developing protocols and elaborating a guide of good practices to work under in these highly contaminated areas. The present research aims to assess the working conditions in an abandoned mine facility in terms of gaseous mercury in the environment, evaluating the main areas of the mine to ensure the health and safety of all workers and visitors. The study developed an empirical model for estimating the gaseous mercury concentration at any temperature with the target of scheduling the work to avoid occupational hazards. The research concluded that working without restrictions for temperatures under 15 °C in all the mine’s facilities is possible.

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Health Risk Assessment of Post-mining Hg-As-Contaminated Soil: Implications for Land Remediation

Cited by 5 publications

References 49 publications

Multifaceted Insight into Sensitivity Analysis and Environmental Impact on Human Health of Soil Contamination Risk Assessment

Multifaceted Insight into Sensitivity Analysis and Environmental Impact on Human Health of Soil Contamination Risk Assessment

Tackling Arsenic and Mercury Contamination: Implications for Sustainable Mining and Occupational Health Risks

Empirical Model of Gaseous Mercury Emissions for the Analysis of Working Conditions in Outdoor Highly Contaminated Sites

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