Radioecological impacts of tin mining

Abstract

The tin mining activities in the suburbs of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, have resulted in technical enhancement of the natural background radiation as well as higher activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides in the topsoil of mining sites and their environs. Several studies have considered the radiological human health risks of the mining activity; however, to our knowledge no documented study has investigated the radiological impacts on biota. Hence, an attempt is made to assess potential hazards using published data from the literature and the ERICA Tool. This paper considers the effects of mining and milling on terrestrial organisms like shrubs, large mammals, small burrowing mammals, birds (duck), arthropods (earth worm), grasses, and herbs. The dose rates and risk quotients to these organisms are computed using conservative values for activity concentrations of natural radionuclides reported in Bitsichi and Bukuru mining areas. The results suggest that grasses, herbs, lichens, bryophytes and shrubs receive total dose rates that are of potential concern. The effects of dose rates to specific indicator species of interest are highlighted and discussed. We conclude that further investigation and proper regulations should be set in place in order to reduce the risk posed by the tin mining activity on biota. This paper also presents a brief overview of the impact of mineral mining on biota based on documented literature for other countries.

Life-cycle assessment on food waste valorisation to value-added products

“…As mentioned above (Section 3.2), exposure to organic solvents through different routes has been revealed to cause human health threats, such as cancer and fatality. The excavation activity of tin mining and the disposal of tailings change the radionuclide compositions in soil, thus increasing the chance of radiological exposure of mine workers and nearby residents (Arogunjo et al 2009;Aliyu et al 2015). During bauxite mining for AlCl 3 catalyst production, the excavation activities release air pollutants, such as dust and fine particulate matters, that harm the respiratory and cardiovascular systems after inhalation (Abdullah et al 2016).…”

Health Risks for a Rural Community in Bokkos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Exposed to Potentially Toxic Elements from an Abandoned Tin Mine

“…Scientific studies have shown that abandoned mining sites on the Jos Plateau act as potential sources of PTEs and could be present in the human food chain causing subsequent exposure (Aliyu et al 2015;. Recent studies focused mainly on environmental contamination of the Jos Plateau in the Northern, Southern, and Barkin-Ladi LGA regions (Gyang and Ashano 2010;Daniel et al 2012).…”

Radiological Impact Assessment of Class 3 Landfill of TENORM Waste from Tin Industry in Bangka Island

“…The waste contaminated the surrounding environment and caused exposure to the biosphere through the leaching process. Regulation regarding tailings waste management is needed to protect humans and the environment (Aliyu et al, 2015).…”