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Atmospheric deposition of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc near an operating and an abandoned lead smelter
Citation:
Xing, W., H. Yang, J. Ippolito, Q. Zhao, Y. Zhang, Kirk G. Scheckel, AND L. Li. Atmospheric deposition of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc near an operating and an abandoned lead smelter. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY. American Society of Agronomy, MADISON, WI, 49(6):1667-1678, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1002/jeq2.20151
Impact/Purpose:
Non-ferrous metal mining and smelting is a main source of environmental heavy metal pollution. Because of the co-existence of different metals in smelting ores, non-ferrous metal mining and smelting often results in environmental contamination of multi-elements, commonly including Cd, Pb and Zn. This study investigated atmospheric depositional fluxes of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn near an operating and an abandoned lead smelter, to help further understand heavy metal risks near these two different sources. Depositional materials were also subjected to scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersal X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to ascertain morphological and additional chemical composition information. Atmospheric deposition at both an operating and abandoned Pb smelter site were likely due to re-suspended particles from the ground or soil surface, with those re-suspended particles enriched with heavy metals from Pb smelting activities. Both operating and abandoned Pb smelter facilities contributed to elevated atmospheric depositional Pb and Cd concentrations. This conclusion was supported by correlations between Pb and Cd concentrations in atmospheric depositional samples, and similar monthly depositional flux variations near these two sites. Meteorological factors, and especially wind events, likely affected/increased monthly deposition fluxes during colder and drier seasons (January to April). Finding means by which ground/soil surface particulate re-suspension can be decreased will be imperative for reducing further heavy metal environmental degradation.
Description:
Atmospheric deposition samples were collected over 15 mo at several locations near an operating smelter and an abandoned Pb smelter to investigate the contribution of Pb smelting to depositional fluxes and potential local air quality degradation. Samples were analyzed for As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn and subjected to scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Concentrations of Cd and Pb at both sites were greater than at the control site (p < .05), and significant correlations existed between Cd and Pb concentrations at both sites (p < .05). Monthly depositional flux variations at both sites were similar, with greater deposition during cold and dry periods. Heavy metal(loid)s deposition during these periods was correlated with wind speed. Greater Cd depositional flux differences were found between the smelter and control sites compared with other elements.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Atmospheric deposition of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc near an operating and an abandoned lead smelter
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