scholarly journals Assessing Health Risk Associated with Uranium in Rietspruit Water, Far West Rand Goldfield, South Africa

Author(s):  
Iyioluwa Busuyi Raji ◽  
Emile Hoffmann ◽  
Ewald Erasmus ◽  
Adeline Ngie ◽  
Frank Winde

Abstract Uranium, U, as a toxic element has detrimental radiological and chemical impacts on human health when ingested at elevated concentration in water. The establishment of gold mining operations upstream to the Rietspruit is assumed to be a source of uranium into this water body which flows through residential and agricultural land. Water samples from the stream were collected and analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to determine the concentration of U. Uranium concentrations above South African regulatory limit were recorded in the stream water which is used for domestic, agricultural and religious activities as observed during field visits. Results from calculations showed that the maximum annual effective dose within this mining environment was above 1 mSv/year for all age groups. Furthermore, the probability of radiological risk is lower than the chemical risk which is due to the ingestion of U in the Rietspruit water. The chemical risk analysis showed that within 24 km of this mining environment, stream users are in danger of U chemical toxins therefore, it is important to educate the stream users about their health risk of U and recommend adequate interventions by relevant government agencies to this effect.

Author(s):  
O. A Omotoso

This study was carried out to establish health impacts of some trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in Asa-river, using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer technique for the chemical analysis. Laboratory results show that Al, Fe and Mn average concentrations are higher than prescribed limits unlike others. The Contamination Indexes reveal that the elements are heavily loaded in the water. The exposure dose in both adults and children ranges from 0.021 in As to 181 in Fe (in adults) and from 0.068 in As to 576 in Fe (in children). The average Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for adults and children are generally lower than one except Mn that has average value greater than one in both age groups. However, for children, individual HQ in Fe in some of the locations are >1. The Hazard Index (HI)for adults and children ranged from low to high. The average values of Chronic Daily Intake (CDI) are generally <1. However, in children, values for Fe in some locations are >1. The average Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cr and Pb computed for adults and children indicated that the values are greater than the risk limit of 10-6 and 10-4. This could result in potential health risk to the consumers. The sources of these trace elements are largely from various anthropogenic activities and slightly from weathering of rocks in the study area. It is recommended that adequate and well monitored precautions need to be taken to safeguard the health of the consumers especially the children with low immunity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayan De ◽  
Deepanjan Mridha ◽  
Iravati Ray ◽  
Madhurima Joardar ◽  
Antara Das ◽  
...  

The present study investigates the magnitude of fluoride (F−) contamination in agricultural land soil and food crops from F− endemic regions of Bankura and Purulia districts in West Bengal. Mean fluoride level in agricultural soil was 114 ± 59 mg/kg (n = 41) and 126 ± 65 mg/kg (n = 47) in Bankura and Purulia districts, respectively. Considering the food crops cultivated in Bankura (n = 79) and Purulia (n = 108), the mean fluoride concentration in nonleafy vegetables (18.1 ± 6.51 mg/kg and 15.6 ± 5.93 mg/kg) and leafy vegetables (12.8 ± 2.8 mg/kg and 18.4 ± 6.33 mg/kg) from the two studied districts was comparatively higher than that in the cereal (2 ± 1.05 mg/kg and 2.01 ± 1.01 mg/kg) and pulses (3.35 ± 1.42 mg/kg and 4.82 ± 1.19 mg/kg). The BCF values of fluoride in food crops (n = 27) from Bankura (range: 0.007–0.377) and Purulia (range: 0.005–0.319) were much lower than the optimum value of 1. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of fluoride was the highest for children in both Bankura (EDIcumulative = 0.0291 mg/kg bw/day) and Purulia (EDIcumulative = 0.0326 mg/kg bw/day) among all the studied age groups. The nonleafy vegetables contributed the highest exposure of fluoride (approximately 55.5%) to EDIcumulative among all the food crops. The uncertainty analysis for assessment of probabilistic health risk was carried out for all the studied age groups through hazard index (HI), total hazard index (THI), and lifetime noncarcinogenic risk (HILTNR). However, HI value was found to be &lt;1 for all the age groups resulting in no such kind of potential health risk of fluorosis through consumption of individual food crops, and the trend of THI from all the food crops was found in the order of children &gt; adults &gt; adolescents &gt; teenagers from both districts. The lifetime noncarcinogenic risk (HILTNR) of fluoride with percentile doses from P5 to P95 (exploring the model of Monte Carlo simulation) in all the studied age groups (4–70 years) was found to be &gt;1 indicating that the inhabitants were more vulnerable for their total lifetime period of fluoride exposure through consumption of food crops.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 7023
Author(s):  
Vannini Andrea ◽  
Martina Grattacaso ◽  
Giulia Canali ◽  
Francesco Nannoni ◽  
Luigi Antonello Di Lella ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to provide, for the first time, data on the concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils and bulbs of elephant garlic (Allium ampeloprasum L.) cultivated in Valdichiana, a traditional agricultural area of Tuscany, Italy. Bulbs of elephant garlic and soil samples were collected in four cultivation fields and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine the concentrations of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, Tl, U, V, Zn. The concentrations of these PTEs in bulbs and cultivation soils were used to calculate geochemical, ecological and health risk indices. The results of this study suggest that, although bulbs of elephant garlic from the Valdichiana area may present slightly high concentrations of Cd, Ni and Pb, the associated health risk based on the daily intake is absolutely negligible. Cultivation soils had somewhat high Cu concentrations probably due to the diffuse use of Cu-based products in agriculture, but showed overall a very low ecological risk.


Author(s):  
Georges-Ivo Ekosse ◽  
George Elambo Nkeng ◽  
Nenita Bukalo ◽  
Olaonipekun Oyebanjo

This study assessed the mineralogical and geochemical characteristics of geophagic clays sold in some markets in Cameroon to ascertain their provenance, contamination status and human health risk. To achieve this, 40 samples from 13 markets in Cameroon were purchased and analysed using X-ray diffractometry, X-ray fluorescence and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for their mineralogy and geochemistry, respectively. The geophagic clays were dominantly made up of kaolinite and quartz. Their chemistry was dominated by SiO2, Al2O3 and LOI with means of 48.76 wt%, 32.12 wt% and 13.93 wt%, respectively. The major, trace and rare earth elements data showed that these geophagic clays were predominantly derived from felsic rocks. The contamination assessment indicated no enrichment of metals from anthropogenic sources, except for Zn in samples from Acacia, Madagascar and Mfoudi markets. The index of geo-accumulation indicated no contamination to moderate contamination of the clays. The non-carcinogenic index values for Fe, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were generally less than 1, suggesting no non-carcinogenic risk exposure to children and adults consuming the geophagic clays from these metals. The carcinogenic risk index (TCR) for Ni and Cr were above 10−6, which implies that children and adults are vulnerable to minimal carcinogenic health risk. The TCR values from Ni posed the highest risk, especially to children consuming clays from some markets.


Toxics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Christine Joy M. Agarin ◽  
Doreen R. Mascareñas ◽  
Ronnel Nolos ◽  
Eduardo Chan ◽  
Delia B. Senoro

This paper elaborates on the potential toxicants detected in inland water, freshwater crustaceans, and tilapia in an island that experienced mining disasters in 1993 and 1996. Specimen samples were collected in six municipalities of the island province in 2019 and presence of metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). Potential ecological risks analysis followed the Hakanson approach. Canonical correspondence analysis PAST Version 3.22, IBM SPSS 25.0, and Pearson correlation were employed for statistical analysis, and GIS Pro 2.5 for mapping of sampling locations and spatial distribution. Results showed that Mn and Zn concentration was highest in surface water (SW) and groundwater (GW), respectively. All metal concentration values exceeded the maximum permissible limit by regulatory international organizations. Elevated concentration of Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was detected in both crustaceans and tilapia. The calculated health hazard indices were greater than one, which means potential high adverse effects on public health when ingested. The municipality of Sta. Cruz and Torrijos recorded higher potential ecological risk among the six municipalities. Results of the correlation analysis suggested that metals in SW and GW have a similar origin, mutual dependence, and identical behavior during transport.


2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 4513-4525 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Wohlfart ◽  
J.-F. Exbrayat ◽  
K. Schelde ◽  
B. Christen ◽  
T. Dalgaard ◽  
...  

Abstract. The surrounding landscape of a stream has crucial impacts on the aquatic environment. This study pictures the hydro-biogeochemical situation of the Tyrebækken creek catchment in central Jutland, Denmark. The intensively managed agricultural landscape is dominated by rotational croplands. The small catchment mainly consist of sandy soil types besides organic soils along the streams. The aim of the study was to characterise the relative influence of soil type and land use on stream water quality. Nine snapshot sampling campaigns were undertaken during the growing season of 2009. Total dissolved nitrogen (TDN), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations were measured, and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) was calculated for each grabbed sample. Electrical conductivity, pH and flow velocity were measured during sampling. Statistical analyses showed significant differences between the northern, southern and converged stream parts, especially for NO3− concentrations with average values between 1.4 mg N l−1 and 9.6 mg N l−1. Furthermore, throughout the sampling period DON concentrations increased to 2.8 mg N l−1 in the northern stream contributing up to 81% to TDN. Multiple-linear regression analyses performed between chemical data and landscape characteristics showed a significant negative influence of organic soils on instream N concentrations and corresponding losses in spite of their overall minor share of the agricultural land (12.9%). On the other hand, organic soil frequency was positively correlated to the corresponding DOC concentrations. Croplands also had a significant influence but with weaker correlations. For our case study we conclude that the fractions of coarse textured and organic soils have a major influence on N and DOC export in this intensively used landscape. Meanwhile, the contribution of DON to the total N losses was substantial.


Author(s):  
Zhongqiang Chen ◽  
Lang Liu ◽  
Xueyuan Qi ◽  
Junjun Geng

In this paper, the main problem in present mining engineering teaching was analyzed. Based on the analysis, the study of bringing digital mining technology into mining engineering teaching was presented. Furthermore, a new mining engineering teaching mode that includes mining knowledge demonstration, mining expertise building, mining environment modeling, and creative mining thought was also presented. In the teaching mode, 3D digital mining technology was used to model the mining environment. The modeled environment facilitated a systematic mining teaching system that helped students understand both mining concepts and mining operations. Thus, the instructor, student, and mining workers were essential to the teaching mode. The use of digital mining technology and relevant multimedia made mining teaching vivid and easy to be understood. Digitized primary data in mining engineering were readily and visually understood by students. Simulated 3D mining scenario generated with the data helped students understand theory and practice. Meanwhile, application of distant information technology helped mining workers in the abovementioned mining engineering teaching mode to be involved, thereby providing first-hand experience for classroom mining teaching. Hence, the digital mining based mining engineering teaching mode shows considerable promise in raising teaching effectiveness and efficiency.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fatheya Al Awadi ◽  
Mohamed Hassanein ◽  
Hamid Y. Hussain ◽  
Heba Mohammed ◽  
Gamal Ibrahim ◽  
...  

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The health and social burdens of diabetes mellitus (DM) are steadily increasing worldwide, reflecting the impact of urbanization, industrial transitions, and shifting to nonhealthy, sedentary life patterns’, as well as the high sugar, low-fiber food consumptions. All these factors have contributed to the global increase in the prevalence of DM and metabolic disorders. <b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objective is to study the prevalence of DM among adult cohorts in Dubai and the extent of behavioral health risk factors associations. <b><i>Methodology:</i></b> A cross-sectional household health survey with multistage, stratified cluster random sample of 9,630 participants including 2,496 households was carried out in Dubai 2019. About 5,371 non-United Arab Emirates (UAE) national, 2,245 UAE-nationals, of different age-groups, gender, education, nationality, smoking, and marital status were included in the survey. The survey questionnaire was adapted from the one used in the World Bank’s Living Standards Measurement Surveys (LSMSs) and the WHO’s World Health Surveys (WHSs). Self-reported diabetes was considered as well as newly diagnosed diabetes based on HbA1C results. About 75 well-trained surveyors, 25 well-trained nurses, and other laboratory technicians conducted the survey. SPSS 21 and Stata 12 software was used for data management. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The data indicate that the prevalence of diabetes among Dubai Emiratis is much higher than Dubai expats (19.3 vs. 12.4% <i>p</i> = 0.000). The association between diabetes and age was evident regardless of nationality. Rates of diabetes were higher in males (15.4%) compared to females (11.8%) (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.001). About 11.2% of those considered overweight have DM, while the prevalence is 21.5% in obese people (<i>p</i> = 0.000). Physical inactivity, smoking, and hypertension (HTN) were strongly associated with higher rates of DM. Regardless of nationality, lower levels of education were statistically significantly associated with the prevalence of DM (<i>p</i> = 0.000), while single marital status was associated with the lowest rate of DM. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Dubai household health survey 2019 indicated that the prevalence of DM among Dubai adults was still high as an overall estimation. Higher rates of diabetes were significantly associated with Emirati nationality, older age-groups, male gender, physical inactivity, high BMI, HTN, smoking<b>,</b> marital status of divorced, separated or divorced as well as low educational level groups.


2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jolanta Burda ◽  
Aleksandra Gawęda ◽  
Urs Klötzli

Abstract Detailed cathodoluminescence (CL) imaging of zircon crystals, coupled with Laser Ablation Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-MC-ICP-MS) U-Pb zircon dating was used to develop new insights into the evolution of granitoids from the High Tatra Mountains. The zircon U-Pb results show two distinct age groups (350±5 Ma and 337±6 Ma) recorded from cores and rims domains, respectively. Obtained results point that the last magmatic activity in the Tatra granitoid intrusion occurred at ca. 330 Ma. The previously suggested age of 314 Ma reflects rather the hydrothermal activity and Pb-loss, coupled with post-magmatic shearing.


Author(s):  
A. J. Anifowose

Heavy metals which are released to the soil are found to be deleterious to environment and biota. Such soil quality, particularly in residential proximities, must be assessed periodically. This study investigated nine (9) heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, Zn, As, Mn, Ni) in the surface soil of an agrarian land for Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, with a view to establishing their potential threat. They were measured in twenty (20) composite soil samples of the site by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the average concentrations of Cu (6.5 mg/kg), Pb (5.4 mg/kg), Fe (5831 mg/kg), Cr (22 mg/kg), Zn (14.8 mg/kg), As (1.4 mg/kg), Mn (575 mg/kg), Ni (2.6 mg/kg) were within the permissible range and posed no ecological risk. However, Cd ranging 0.1–1.3 mg/kg (average, 0.6 mg/kg) moderately posed ecological risk due to its positive geo-accumulation index and constituted 86.5% of risk index of all the metals. Applications of agrochemicals, fertilizers in the previous agricultural activities could be the primary sources of the elevated concentration of Cd measured in the soil. The overall pollution assessment of the surface soil indicated moderate pollution of the site soil by the heavy metals.


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