The Environmental Impact of the Platinum Group Elements (Pt, Pd, Rh) Emitted by the Automobile Catalyst Converters

Abstract

The present paper deals with an extensive review of literature concerning the platinum group elements (PGEs), and their impact on the environment. The increased number of cars and vehicles fitted with catalytic converters, has been linked with the wide spread in the environment of the PGEs, i.e. Pt, Pd and Rh. Numerous studies present compelling evidence that the catalytic converters, do not only minimize the pollution caused by the car exhaust fumes, but also they release in the environment particulate matter containing the above noble elements, which accumulate in the soil, and plants, or remain suspended in the air, being transported to large distances. Indeed, the concentration of these noble elements in the soil and plants has increased significantly during the last 10-15 years, especially along the road side of high ways. Assessment of the PGEs health risk was originally based on measuring the body fluid in Pt, Pd and Rh content of occupationally involved people, as well as of the general population. Recent results based on cellular studies show that the PGEs are related to respiratory sensitization, allergic reactions, dermatitis, urticaria, damage of the epithelial lung cells, asthma, rhinoconjuctivitis, lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine release and possibly to cancer. In spite of the progress attained, more work is necessary for an accurate health risk assessment.

Medical geochemical investigations in taking precautionary measures against diseases. Protection and human health

“…al., 2006). Other studies have shown increase in the concentrations of the (PGEs) =element group both in the soils and crops located in the vicinity of main roads (Kalavrouziotis and Koukoulakis, 2009). Therefore it is necessary that remediation methods should be applied on such soils and other precaution measures should be taken to prevent the pollutants to get into the food chain and protect the human health.…”

Removal of Platinum and Palladium from Wastewater by Means of Biosorption on Fungi Aspergillus sp. and Yeast Saccharomyces sp.

“…The emission of these metals into the environment is connected with the operation of vehicle catalysts and their recycling. Elevated concentrations of Pt and Pd have been found in samples of airborne particulate matter, road and tunnel dust, and soil close to the roads [4][5][6]. Discharges of anthropogenic contamination to surface waters include both atmospheric deposition and stormwater runoff.…”

“…Discharges of anthropogenic contamination to surface waters include both atmospheric deposition and stormwater runoff. Analysis of sewage sludge, surface waters, and ditch sediments demonstrated that the anthropogenic activity has resulted in elevated concentrations of these elements in such samples [6][7][8]. Globally, Nuss and Blengini [9] have found that anthropogenic precious metals from different wastewater samples (sewage and road run-off water).…”

Appraisal of Biosorption for Recovery, Separation and Determination of Platinum, Palladium and Rhodium in Environmental Samples

“…Analysis of airborne particulate matter, road and tunnel dust, soil, sewage sludge, urban river and lake waters, and sediment cores demonstrated that the anthropogenic activity has resulted in elevated concentrations of these elements in such samples (Jackson et al 2010;Kalavrouziotis and Koukoulakis 2009;Rauch et al 2000;Zereini and Alt 2000). Determination of PGE in environmental samples requires application of sensitive and selective analytical techniques, such as atomic absorption and emission spectrometry (AAS, OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP MS).…”