scholarly journals Environmental studies in the Qaumarujuk and Agfardlikavsâ fjords, Umanak district, central West Greenland

1974 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
J Bondam ◽  
G Asmund

Early in 1972 Greenex NS obtained a license for mining operations of the zinc-Iead occurrence at Marmorilik in the Umanak district of central West Greenland. Tailings from the flotation plant, totalling approximately 450 000 tons/year, are dumped in the fjord Agfardlikavsa (fig. 4). Understandably the local population demanded assurance that no toxic effects would harm their main source of living - fishery of prawn and fish, and prior to mining the Ministry for Greenland set stringent limits for the levels of waste products permissible. In order to gain some knowledge of the natural background level of, in particular, heavy metals in an area so far unaffected by mining operations or industrial pollution, it was decided to investigate the natural environment before mining operations started in the autumn of 1973.

1976 ◽  
Vol 80 ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
G Asmund ◽  
H.J Bollingberg ◽  
J Bondam

The results of studies of the heavy metal background level in the natural environment ofthe Qaumarujuk and Agfardlikavså fjords, adjacent to the lead-zinc mine Sorte Engel (= Black Angel) near Mârmorilik (71°07'N, 51°16'W), have been briefly communicated by Bondam & Asmund (1974), Asmund (1975), Bohn (1975) and BoIlingberg (1975). FuHdetails of the analyticaI results of these surveys have been reported in Danish elsewhere. (Vandkvalitetsinstituttet 1972; Grønlands Fiskeriundersøgelser et al., 1974; GGU et al., 1975). Since then, renewed sampling has been carried out, both in February and August 1974, and in April and September 1975, in order to follw closely the environmental dissemination of some heavy metals in the fjord region, due to disposal of tailings from the flotation plant adjacent to Agfardlikavsåfjord (fig. 18). This short communication deals with the content of certain heavy metals of bottom sediments, biological tissues and samples of sea water in the fjord regime after full production started in October 1973.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-59
Author(s):  
Monika Tomczyk ◽  
Grzegorz Zaguła ◽  
Czesław Puchalski ◽  
Małgorzata Dżugan

AbstractThe transfer of toxic metals from soil to honey was studied based on two different areas of the Podkarpackie region located in the south-east part of Poland: U-urbanized and E-ecologically pure. The metal content was determined using the ICP-OES method with prior microwave mineralization of the soil, plant (goldenrod, dandelion, rapeseed, tilia and fir), bee bodies and honey samples collected from 10 sampling points (U-5 and E-5). The impact of soil pH on heavy metal mobility was also evaluated. It was found that Podkarpackie soils are less contaminated with heavy metals as compared to other regions of Poland and only in the case of cadmium an enhancement of the natural background level was observed. The migration of heavy metals, especially cadmium, in the soil-plant-bee-honey food chain was accelerated by soil acidity (p<0.05). The influence of human activity (region development) on heavy metals concentrations was not significant (p>0.05). Based on bioaccumulation factors, goldenrod and dandelion plants were confirmed as cadmium accumulators. It was also confirmed that the bodies of bees act as an effective barrier to the migration of heavy metals from the environment to honey, due to this, honey is free from these metals and safe for human consumption.


Author(s):  
Annu Reetha Thomas

Discharging of wastes and toxic pollutants produced by the industrial activities into the natural environment which consist of air, water and land implies the term Industrial Pollution. It has serious consequences on human life and its health along with several ways of negative impacts on the environment and nature. As far as our nation is concerned most of the major cities are filled with these large-scale industries which place a crucial role financial development of a country. Strictly hindering the development of industries cannot be done as it is vital for the Socio-Economic progress of a country. Yet it is our duty to protect our natural environment by limiting the pollution due to industries. This Study consist of the issues occurred in Eloor- Kadungalloor region as result of the industrial pollution followed by policies for a development plan to enhance the natural and environmental conditions with a planning approach at micro study level. As far as the Kerala context is considered, the major spot which is mostly affected by the industrial pollution is the ‘Edayar Industrial belt’ which is the largest industrial belt in Kerala. This became one of most noted spot because of the continuous dumping of dangerous chemical pollutants from adjacent industries (pesticide and fertilizer manufacturing). It has also resulted in health issues for the inhabitants of the site. Though many complaints have been filed against the companies, there has no proper laws or schemes for taking measures for reduction of pollution have come up so far. Hence this paper deals with the application of technical solutions and strategies for an Environment Improvement plan development for an industrial as well as studying on the issues of sire and its inhabitants.


Author(s):  
Eshetu Shifaw

Background. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil and potential risks to the environment and public health are receiving increased attention in China. Objectives. The objective of this paper is to review and analyze heavy metals soil contamination in urban and agricultural areas and on a national scale in China. Methods. Initially, data on soil heavy metals concentration levels were gathered from previous studies and narratively analyzed. A further statistical analysis was performed using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI), mean, standard deviation (SD), skewness and kurtosis. Pollution levels were calculated and tabulated to illustrate overall spatial variations. In addition, pollution sources, remedial measures and impact of soil contamination as well as limitations are addressed. Results. The concentration level of heavy metals was above the natural background level in most areas of China. The problem was more prevalent in urban soils than agricultural soils. At the national level, the soil in most of the southern provinces and Beijing were heavily polluted. Even though the pollution condition based on Igeo was promising, the Nemerow integrated pollution level was the most worrisome. The soils in about 53% of the provinces were moderately to heavily polluted (NIPI&gt;2). The effects were noticed in terms of both public and ecological health risks. The major sources were waste gas, wastewater, and hazardous residuals from factories and agricultural inputs such as pesticides. Efforts have been made to reduce the concentrations and health risks of heavy metals, including policy interventions, controlling contamination sources, reducing the phytoavailability of heavy metals, selecting and rearing of grain cultivars with low risk of contamination, paddy water and fertilizer management, land use changes, phytoremediation and engineering techniques. Conclusions. China is experiencing rapid economic and technological advancements. This increases the risk of heavy metals contamination of soil. If serious attention is not paid to this problem, soil toxicity and biological accumulation will continue to threaten the sustainability of China's development. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (27) ◽  
pp. 200911
Author(s):  
Aung Zaw Tun ◽  
Pokkate Wongsasuluk ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong

Background. Artisanal and small-scale mining activities are widely practiced globally. Concentrations of heavy metals associated with gold, such as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) can increase in the environment as a result of mining activities, leading to environmental pollution and pose toxicity risks to humans and animals. Objectives. The aim of the present study was to investigate soil concentrations of toxic heavy metals in placer small-scale gold mining operations in Myanmar. Methods. Soil samples were collected from three placer small-scale gold mining sites: Site A located in the Hmawbon public protected forest, Site B and Site C, situated in the Nant-Kyin reserved forest around Nar Nant Htun village. At each site, soil samples were collected from four gold mining stages (ore processing, sluicing, panning, and amalgamation). Atomic absorption spectroscopy was utilized to examine the concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Hg. Results. The highest heavy metal concentrations were generally found in the amalgamation stages across all the gold mining sites. Across the three mining sites, the maximum heavy metal concentrations in the amalgamation stage were 22.170 mg.kg−1 for As, 3.070 mg.kg−1 for Cd, 77.440 mg.kg−1 for Hg, and 210.000 mg.kg−1 for Pb. Conclusions. The present study examined the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg and Pb in the soil of several small-scale gold mining sites in Banmauk Township, Myanmar. The results demonstrated the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals in the soil of the gold mining sites. Miners in this area work without proper personal protective equipment, and frequent exposure to heavy metals in the soil may cause adverse health effects. The present study provides baseline data for future risk assessment studies of heavy metal contamination in gold mines. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests


Author(s):  
Olha Bohomaz ◽  
◽  
Оlena Zavialova ◽  

Purpose. The aim of the work is to quantify the indicators of the environmental impact of mining enterprises on the state of the natural environment during the operation of a mining enterprise and after its liquidation. Method. The paper uses a computational and analytical research method. Results. Based on the calculations performed, it was established that the specific assessment of the environmental impact on the biosphere components of the Mining Enterprise PJSC "MM "Pokrovskoe" for the entire estimated period of the mine's existence: lithosphere – 0.071; hydrosphere – 0.02; atmosphere – 0.77; biota – 0.009; physical fields – 0.13. After the liquidation of the mine, due to the termination of coal mining operations from methane-free coal seams, the absence of emergency gas emissions, as well as a decrease in noise and heat pollution, the specific impact on the atmosphere (0) and physical fields (0.0004) is significantly reduced, but at the same time, the impact on the hydrosphere (0.26) and lithosphere (0.72) significantly increases, which is associated with changes in the hydrological regime of water and the deterioration of mine discharges of water quality in the hydrographic network due to pumping mine effluents to the daytime surface, with the dry method closing the mine, and waterlogging of the territory with a wet and combined method of closing the mine. The indicator of specific impact on the biota (0.009) does not change. Scientific novelty. A methodology for calculating indicators of the environmental impact of mining enterprises on the state of the natural environment is proposed. Practical significance. The obtained indicators of environmental impact on the components of the biosphere can serve as a basis for developing measures to reduce the negative manifestations of mining enterprises on the state of the natural environment. Key words environmental risk, mining enterprise, biosphere components, environmental impact.


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