RESUMO
Potentially toxic constituents in traditional medicines remain a concern due to health risks posed to consumers. Thirty-six traditional medicines (TM) consisting of 14 Indian Ayurvedic Medicines, 11 Chinese Traditional Medicines and eleven Ghanaian Traditional Medicines were evaluated using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (T-XRF) after microwave assisted acid digestion. Physiologically Based Extraction Test (PBET) was used to obtain bioaccessible elemental concentrations. Merck XVI multi-element standard were used to evaluate the accuracy of the analytical method. The concentrations of the elements were quantified in (mg kg-1): Cr (0.01-698), Mn (0.01-1140), Fe (15-73300), Ni (1-1340), Cu (3-8160), Zn (0.01-224). The greatest bioaccessible concentrations of arsenic was 0.80 mg kg-1 and 0.44 mg kg-1 in the gastric and intestinal phases respectively. In order to evaluate the human health risks from ingesting these TM, the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) was calculated for each medicine based on element-specific bioaccessibility-adjusted concentrations and results compared with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Reference Dose (RfD) limits. The Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) values for risks were within the USEPA RfD. Hazard quotients (HQ) of TM were < 1, meaning elemental concentrations do not pose non-carcinogenic risks to adult consumers. In summary the methods applied in the study gives a new insight on human health risks of potentially toxic and essential micronutrients elements in TM.
Assuntos
Arsênio , Metais Pesados , Oligoelementos , Estados Unidos , Adulto , Humanos , Micronutrientes , Gana , Arsênio/toxicidade , Oligoelementos/análise , Medição de Risco/métodosRESUMO
Characterizing the distribution of biota in response to contaminants is a critical element of site risk assessments. In this study we investigated the spatial distributions of biota and soil chemistry data in surface soil from Sunny Corner, a legacy base metal sulfide mine, Australia. Our results showed that copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in the surface soil exceeded Australian national soil quality guidelines and posed risks to the environment. Environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding of prokaryote and eukaryote composition confirmed the suggestion of environmental risk posed by these elements collectively explaining 72.9 % and 60.5 % of the total variation in the composition of soil prokaryotes and eukaryotes, respectively. Prokaryotic taxa from the phyla Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia and Deinococcus-Thermus showed similar spatial patterns to As and Pb, and were positively correlated. Eukaryotic taxa from the phylum Chlorophyta had similar positive correlations with As and Pb in the soil. In contrast, Amoebozoa and Cercozoa, were sensitive to metals and metalloids, having higher relative abundances in soils with lower concentrations of contaminants. Our study shows that metabarcoding is a promising ecological approach for rapid, large scale assessment of contaminated and potentially impacted sites.
Assuntos
DNA Ambiental , Metais Pesados , Poluentes do Solo , Austrália , Biota , Monitoramento Ambiental , Metais Pesados/análise , Medição de Risco , Solo , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) from legacy mines can negatively impact the biota in sediments and waters for tens of kilometers downstream. Here we used environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding to assess the impacts of metal contaminants on biota in sediment and water downstream of a legacy base metal sulfide mine in southeastern Australia, as exemplar of similar mines elsewhere. Concentrations of metals in water were below Australian water quality guideline values at 20 km downstream for copper (Cu), 40 km downstream for zinc (Zn) and 10 km downstream for lead (Pb). Sediment metal concentrations were below national guideline concentrations at 10 km downstream for Cu, 60 km downstream for Zn and 20 km downstream for Pb. In contrast, metabarcoding showed that biological communities from sediment samples at 10 km and 20 km downstream were similar to sites close to the mine and thus indicative of being impacted, despite metal concentrations being relatively low. As we illustrate, when combined with sediment and water chemistry, metabarcoding can provide more ecological robust perspective on the downstream effects of legacy mines, capturing the sensitivities of a diverse range of organisms.
Assuntos
DNA Ambiental , Metais Pesados , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Austrália , Monitoramento Ambiental , Sedimentos Geológicos , Metais Pesados/análise , Metais Pesados/toxicidade , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidadeRESUMO
Mining and processing metalliferous ores can degrade the environment well beyond the footprint of the mine, particularly where on-site containment and post-mining remediation has been insufficient to prevent releases of solid and aqueous mine wastes. In this study, we investigated the potential of sediment and water chemistry coupled with environmental (e)DNA metabarcoding to evaluate discrete and cumulative ecological impacts of two legacy base metal (copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb)) mines (Peelwood and Cordillera) which discharge metals via ephemeral tributaries into perennial Peelwood Creek. Although the two mine streams exceeded Australian guidelines for sediment and freshwater quality for Cu, Zn and Pb, Peelwood Creek had relatively low sediment and water metal concentrations, suggesting a low potential for environmental toxicity. Although sediment and water chemistry defined the extent of biological impacts, metabarcoding showed that Peelwood and Cordillera mines had discrete impacts and Peelwood mine was the main source of contamination of Peelwood Creek. Metabarcoding showed that prokaryotes can be good indicators of metal contamination whereas eukaryotes did not reflect contamination impacts in Peelwood Creek. Metabarcoding results showed that benthic communities downstream of Cordillera mine were less impacted than those below Peelwood mine, suggesting that Peelwood mine should be considered for further remediation.
Assuntos
DNA Ambiental , Metais Pesados , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Austrália , Monitoramento Ambiental , Metais Pesados/análise , Metais Pesados/toxicidade , Mineração , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/toxicidadeRESUMO
Most legacy mines contributed to contamination of the environment before and after cessation of mining. Contamination from waste rock, slag and tailings can introduce large concentrations of metals and metalloids to the surface soil and downstream sediments. Since ants are able to accumulate metals in their bodies, we investigated the possibility of using the elemental compositions of ants as indicators of metals at legacy mines developed on ores rich in copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), silver (Ag) and lead (Pb). Our results showed the concentrations of manganese (Mn) and Cu in ants were not significantly different between mine and reference samples and only Zn was significantly different between contaminated and reference areas. Crematogaster spp. and Notoncus spp. from reference areas accumulated larger concentrations of metals in their bodies compared to ants from the mine. Ants accumulated metals in different parts of their bodies. The abdomen was the main site for accumulation of Mn, iron (Fe) and Zn. Mandibles were only associated with accumulation of Zn. Copper and Pb showed no area of preferential accumulation and traces were detected in the whole body of the ants. Ants from five genera had similar regions for metal accumulation. The exoskeleton did not contribute to accumulation of metals; instead all metals were stored in internal organs. Not all genera were suitable for use as indicators; only Iridomyrmex spp. and Ochetellus spp. accumulated larger amount of metals in mine samples compared to reference samples.
Assuntos
Formigas , Metais Pesados , Poluentes do Solo , Animais , Monitoramento Ambiental , Metais Pesados/análise , Mineração , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
The carcass of a critically endangered, juvenile female grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus, Rafinesque 1810) was recovered from a south-eastern Australian beach and subjected to necropsy. The 1.98-m-long shark exhibited advanced cachexia with its total weight (19.0 kg) and liver weight (0.37 kg) reduced by 60% and 89%, respectively, compared with a healthy individual of the same length. Marked tissue decomposition was evident preventing histopathology and identification of a definitive cause of death. At necropsy, the abdominal organs were abnormally displaced and showed marked reductions in size compared with a healthy individual of the same size. Importantly, a hook-shaped enterolith (HSE), with a rough surface and cream in colour, was found within the spiral valve of the intestine and is to the authors' knowledge, the first description of such in any marine animal. X-ray diffractometry showed that the HSE comprised the minerals monohydrocalcite (Ca[CO3].H2O; ~70 wt%) and struvite (Mg [NH4 ] [PO4 ]. [H2 O]6 ; ~30 wt%). A CT scan showed concentric lamellate concretions around a 7/o offset J-hook that formed the nidus of the HSE. Nylon fishing line attached to the hook exited the HSE and was evident in the abdominal cavity through a perforation in the intestinal wall where the posterior intestinal artery merges. The most parsimonious reconstruction of events leading to enterolithiasis and secondary cachexia in this shark was the consumption of a hooked fish and subsequent hook migration causing perforations of the cardiac stomach wall followed by the thin, muscular wall of the apposed, sub-adjacent intestine.
Assuntos
Caquexia/diagnóstico , Cálculos/complicações , Doenças dos Peixes/diagnóstico , Tubarões , Animais , Caquexia/etiologia , Caquexia/patologia , Cálculos/diagnóstico , Cálculos/etiologia , Cálculos/patologia , Feminino , Doenças dos Peixes/etiologia , Doenças dos Peixes/patologia , New South WalesRESUMO
Metal contaminants in Antarctic soils are typically found around research stations which are concentrated in ice-free coastal areas. The risk of these contaminants to the Antarctic environment is not well understood, given Antarctica's unique organisms and climate. This study assessed the use of diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT), a passive sampler that measures fluxes of labile metals from soils to porewaters, in Antarctic soils. DGT-labile measurements were compared to three chemical extractants of increasing strength including high-purity water, dilute acid (1 M HCl), and concentrated acids (3:1 v/v HNO3:HCl), to understand differences in contaminant geochemistry that may affect environmental risk. One site had high lead concentrations measured with dilute (114 ± 4 mg kg-1) and concentrated (150 ± 10 mg kg-1) acids, while DGT-labile concentrations were below the method detection limit (0.5 µg L-1), indicating that the lead species has low solubility or lability. Another site had low concentrations of zinc measured by dilute (36.2 ± 0.5 mg kg-1) or concentrated (76 ± 6 mg kg-1) acid extracts, but had high DGT-labile concentrations (350 ± 80 µg L-1). This reflects an active source of zinc supplied from soil to pore water over time. Copper was found to be acid extractable, water-soluble, and DGT-labile, with DGT-labile concentrations of up to 12 µg L-1. Despite the soil and metal-specific geochemical differences, any of the extracts could be used with statistical clustering techniques to identify differences in sites with elevated metal concentrations. This study shows that the DGT-method can identify contaminated sites comparably to chemical extracts but provides environmentally relevant measurements of metal contaminant lability in Antarctic soils.
Assuntos
Poluentes do Solo , Solo , Regiões Antárticas , Monitoramento Ambiental , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Zinco/análiseRESUMO
We launched the VegeSafe program in 2013 to assist Australians concerned about exposure to contaminants in their soils and gardens. VegeSafe analyses garden soils provided by citizens for trace metals at our laboratory at little to no cost, with easy-to-follow guidance on any intervention required. The response was overwhelming-Australians submitted 17,256 soils from 3,609 homes, and in turn VegeSafe researchers now have unparalleled household-scale data, providing new insights into urban trace metal contamination. The results are sobering, with 35% of homes, particularly those that are older, painted and located in inner cities having soils above the Australian residential guideline (300 mg/kg) for the neurotoxic trace metal lead (Pb). Exposure pathway, blood Pb concentration and vegetable uptake modelling showed the communities in these locations were most at risk. VegeSafe is transformative: 94% of participants better understood contaminants, 83% felt safer in their home environment and 40% undertook remedial action based on their results. The two-way nature of this program enables education of citizens about environmental contaminants, advances public health, and delivers impactful science.
Assuntos
Ciência do Cidadão , Metais Pesados , Poluentes do Solo , Austrália , Cidades , Monitoramento Ambiental , Jardins , Humanos , Metais Pesados/análise , Solo , Poluentes do Solo/análiseRESUMO
Environmental impacts associated with mining can be important even after cessation of ore extraction, particularly where sites are abandoned and unremediated. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) is a common concern in such legacy mines where sulfide ores were extracted. AMD can introduce large concentrations of heavy metals to aquatic systems and contaminate the environment for many kilometres downstream of old mines. Understanding the pattern and history of contamination from legacy mines can help environmental managers make better management decisions. Meta-analysis is a statistical tool that can help determine the significance of changes in metal contamination over the years since cessation of mining. Here we use meta-analysis to examine metal contamination at and downstream of Sunny Corner silver (Ag)-lead (Pb)-zinc (Zn) mine in eastern Australia. Copper (Cu), Zn and Pb concentrations in water increased from 1978 to 2018 within 2 km downstream of the main mine adit, whereas for stream sediment, only Zn concentrations increased significantly over the same period. In contrast, Pb concentrations in surface soil decreased over the years from 2000 to 2018.
RESUMO
Human driven changes such as increases in oceanic CO2, global warming, petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals may negatively affect the ability of marine calcifiers to build their skeletons/shells, especially in polar regions. We examine spatio-temporal variability of skeletal Mg-calcite in shallow water Antarctic marine invertebrates using bryozoan and spirorbids as models in a recruitment experiment of settlement tiles in East Antarctica. Mineralogies were determined for 754 specimens belonging to six bryozoan species (four cheilostome and two cyclostome species) and two spirorbid species from around Casey Station. Intra- and interspecific variability in wt% MgCO3 in calcite among most species was the largest source of variation overall. Therefore, the skeletal Mg-calcite in these taxa seem to be mainly biologically controlled. However, significant spatial variability was also found in wt% MgCO3 in calcite, possibly reflecting local environment variation from sources such as freshwater input and contaminated sediments. Species with high-Mg calcite skeletons (e.g. Beania erecta) could be particularly sensitive to multiple stressors under predictions for near-future global ocean chemistry changes such as increasing temperature, ocean acidification and pollution.
Assuntos
Organismos Aquáticos/metabolismo , Carbonato de Cálcio/metabolismo , Magnésio/metabolismo , Esqueleto/metabolismo , Regiões Antárticas , Geografia , Análise Espaço-TemporalRESUMO
Contamination of soils by metals and metalloids is an important environmental problem in many residential and industrial sites around the world. Lead is a common contaminant, which enters the soil through mining, industrial activities and waste disposal. A range of technologies can be used to remediate soil lead, however most remediation technologies adversely affect the environment and particularly soil biota. We have assessed the efficacy of vermiremediation (the use of earthworms for remediation) to reduce water extractable lead concentrations in soil. Earthworms were introduced to a sandy soil spiked with the common lead minerals cotunnite (PbCl2), cerussite (PbCO3), massicot (PbO) or galena (PbS) at 1000 mg (Pb) kg-1. Lead concentrations in pore water extracted during the experiment were not significantly different in contaminated soil with and without worms. However, concentrations of lead in water from a deionised water extraction (washing) of contaminated soil were significantly lower in soil with earthworms than in soil without. Earthworms accumulated on average (±1 standard deviation) 276 ± 118, 235 ± 66, 241 ± 58 and 40 ± 30 mg kg-1 (dry weight of earthworms) of lead in their bodies, in PbCl2, PbCO3, PbO and PbS-dosed soils, respectively. During the experiment, earthworms lost weight in all contaminated soils, except those containing PbS.
Assuntos
Chumbo/toxicidade , Oligoquetos/fisiologia , Poluentes do Solo/toxicidade , Animais , Biota , Carbonatos/toxicidade , Metaloides , Minerais , Oligoquetos/efeitos dos fármacos , Solo , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Sulfetos/toxicidade , Testes de Toxicidade , ÁguaRESUMO
A post-rehabilitation audit of the derelict Conrad base metal mine, eastern Australia, indicates ongoing environmental hazard regarding acid mine drainage and concentrations of arsenic and lead to 3 wt% in the soil and sediment. In order to rehabilitate remote contaminated sites effectively, on-site analyses should be carried out to ensure that the materials used to rehabilitate the site are not contaminant-bearing. Understanding the geomorphic setting of the rehabilitated areas is also important in understanding where, and for what period, contaminated materials might be stored in fluvial systems downstream of mine workings. Chemical and geomorphic audits should form a fundamental part of all rehabilitation works to ensure favourable environmental outcomes.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Sedimentos Geológicos , Metais Pesados/análise , Mineração , Arsênio/análise , Cobre/análise , Exposição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Guias como Assunto , Concentração de Íons de Hidrogênio , Chumbo/análise , New South Wales , Oxirredução , Solo/análise , Poluentes do Solo/análise , Água/química , Zinco/análiseRESUMO
The Talbragar Fish Bed is one of Australia's most important Jurassic deposits for freshwater fishes, land plants and aquatic and terrestrial insects. The site has yielded many well preserved fossils, which has led to the formal description of numerous new species and higher taxa. The excellent preservation of many fossils has allowed detailed anatomical studies, e.g. of the early teleost fish Cavenderichthys talbragarensis (Woodward, 1895). Here we report on the fluorescent characteristics and mineral composition of a range of Talbragar fossils. Most specimens fluoresce under ultraviolet, blue and green light. Elemental and mineralogical analyses revealed that the Talbragar fossils consist predominantly of quartz (SiO2), a mineral that is likely to account for the observed fluorescence, with trace kaolinite (Al2Si2O5(OH)4) in some of the fish fossils. Rock matrices are predominantly composed of quartz and goethite (FeO(OH)). Closer inspection of a plant leaf (Pentoxylon australicum White, 1981) establishes fluorescence as a useful tool for the visualisation of anatomical details that are difficult to see under normal light conditions.
Assuntos
Peixes/anatomia & histologia , Fósseis , Insetos/anatomia & histologia , Folhas de Planta/anatomia & histologia , Plantas/anatomia & histologia , Animais , Austrália , Evolução Biológica , História Antiga , Insetos/química , Compostos de Ferro/análise , Compostos de Ferro/química , Compostos de Ferro/história , Caulim/análise , Caulim/química , Caulim/história , Medições Luminescentes , Metais Pesados/análise , Metais Pesados/química , Metais Pesados/história , Minerais/análise , Minerais/química , Minerais/história , Folhas de Planta/química , Plantas/química , Quartzo/análise , Quartzo/química , Quartzo/história , Espectrometria de FluorescênciaRESUMO
Detecting anthropogenic metal contamination in regional surveys can be particularly difficult when there is a lack of pre-disturbance data, especially when trying to differentiate low to moderate levels of contamination from background values. Furthermore, comparisons with other regional studies are confounded by differing analytical methods used and variations in sediment properties such as grainsize. Several types of geochemical technique, including weak acid partial extraction, strong acid extractions and total digestion have been used. Attempts have been made to overcome the influence that grainsize has on chemical concentrations in heterogeneous environments by analysing the fines, typically the mud fraction (<63 microm), in an attempt to improve the detection of anthropogenic contamination. Here we compare a weak acid partial extraction using 1M HCl and total digestion methods for a regional survey of reference and impacted sites in Antarctica using both whole sediment (<2 mm) and mud (<63 microm) fractions. The 1M partial extraction on whole sediment (<2 mm) most closely distinguished weakly, or moderately, impacted sites from reference locations. It also identified small scale within-location spatial variation in metal contamination that the total digest did not detect. Compared with total digests or analysis of the <63 microm fraction alone, this method minimised the possibility of a Type II statistical error in the regional survey - that is, failing to identify a site as being contaminated when it has elevated metal concentrations. To allow inter-regional comparison of sediment chemistry data from elsewhere in Antarctica, and also more generally, we recommend a 1M HCl partial extraction on whole sediment (<2 mm).
Assuntos
Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Sedimentos Geológicos/análise , Metais/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , Animais , Regiões Antárticas , Disponibilidade Biológica , Sedimentos Geológicos/química , Humanos , Ácido Clorídrico/química , Movimentos da ÁguaRESUMO
Transportable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers allow the elemental composition of coins to be measured at collections, enhancing security while maximizing access to historically important material. We assessed 10 silver coins, using five XRF spectrometers. We found no systematic differences between analyses using Mo- and Rh-anode tubes, and no substantial advantage using He flush over air for elements heavier than Ti. Higher voltage X-ray tubes enhanced analytical precision. Understanding patina composition made a numerical correction possible, allowing an approximation of the underlying coin metal with good results for metals including Cu, Ag, Au, Pb, and Bi.
RESUMO
This study investigates X-ray intensity and dispersion around handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments during the measurement of a range of sample matrices to establish radiation exposure risk during operation. Four handheld XRF instruments representing three manufacturers were used on four smooth, flat-lying materials of contrasting matrix composition. Dose rates were measured at 10, 20, 30, and 40 cm intervals every 30° around the instrument at 0 and 45° from the horizontal, as well as vertically from the instrument screen. The analysis of polyethylene recorded dose rates 156 times higher (on average) than steel measurements and 34 times higher than both quartz sand and quartz sandstone. A worst-case exposure scenario was assumed where a user analyses a polyethylene material at arms reach for 1 h each working day for one year. This scenario resulted in an effective body dose of 73.5 µSv, equivalent to three to four chest X-rays (20 µSv) a year, 20 times lower than the average annual background radiation exposure in Australia and well below the annual exposure limit of 1 mSv for non-radiation workers. This study finds the advantages of using handheld XRF spectrometers far outweighs the risk of low radiation exposure linked to X-ray scattering from samples.
Assuntos
Exposição Ocupacional/análise , Exposição à Radiação/análise , Espectrometria por Raios X/instrumentação , Desenho de Equipamento , Humanos , Risco , Espalhamento de Radiação , Raios XRESUMO
This paper reviews the environmental problems, impacts and risks associated with the generation and disposal of produced water by the emerging coal seam gas (CSG) industry and how it may be relevant to Australia and similar physical settings. With only limited independent research on the potential environmental impacts of produced water, is it necessary for industry and government policy makers and regulators to draw upon the experiences of related endeavours such as mining and groundwater extraction accepting that the conclusions may not always be directly transferrable. CSG is widely touted in Australia as having the potential to provide significant economic and energy security benefits, yet the environmental and health policies and the planning and regulatory setting are yet to mature and are continuing to evolve amidst ongoing social and environmental concerns and political indecision. In this review, produced water has been defined as water that is brought to the land surface during the process of recovering methane gas from coal seams and includes water sourced from CSG wells as well as flowback water associated with drilling, hydraulic fracturing and gas extraction. A brief overview of produced water generation, its characteristics and environmental issues is provided. A review of past lessons and identification of potential risks, including disposal options, is included to assist in planning and management of this industry.
Assuntos
Resíduos Industriais , Campos de Petróleo e Gás , Eliminação de Resíduos Líquidos/métodos , Austrália , Carvão Mineral , Água Subterrânea , Gás Natural , Poluentes da ÁguaRESUMO
Freeze-thaw cycling may influence the chemistry, mineral stability and reaction rate during metal orthophosphate fixation. This study assessed the formation and stability of Cu-, Pb-, and Zn-phosphates in chemically simple laboratory systems during 240 freeze-thaw cycles (120 days) from +10 to -20 °C, using X-ray diffractometry. In single heavy metal systems, chloro- and hydroxy-pyromorphite (Pb(5)(PO(4))(3)(Cl,OH)), sodalite (Na(6)Zn(6)(PO(4))(6)·8H(2)O), chiral zincophosphate (Na(12)(Zn(12)P(12)O(48))·12H(2)O), and copper phosphate hydrate (Cu(3)(PO(4))(2)·3H(2)O) were the primary phosphate minerals that formed, and were typically stable during the experiment. Zinc and Cu-phosphate formation was reduced in multi heavy metal systems, and was substantially lower in abundance than chloropyromorphite. Successful Cu-, Pb- and Zn-phosphate formation can be expected in cold and freezing environments like the polar regions. However, field implementation of orthophosphate fixation needs to consider competing ion effects, concentration of the phosphate source, and the amount of free-water.
Assuntos
Metais Pesados/química , Fosfatos/química , Poluentes do Solo/química , Congelamento , Cinética , Metais Pesados/análise , Minerais/análise , Minerais/química , Modelos Químicos , Fosfatos/análise , Poluentes do Solo/análise , TemperaturaRESUMO
Low temperatures and frequent soil freeze-thaw in polar environments present challenges for the immobilisation of metals. To address these challenges we investigated the chemical forms of Pb, Zn and Cu in an Antarctic landfill, examined in vitro reaction kinetics of these metals and orthophosphate at 2 and 22 °C for up to 185 days, and subjected the products to freeze-thaw. Reaction products at both temperatures were similar, but the rate of production varied, with Cu-PO(4) phases forming faster, and the Zn- and Pb-PO(4) phases slower at 2 °C. All metal-orthophosphate phases produced were stable during a 2.5 h freeze-thaw cycle to -30 °C. Metal immobilisation using orthophosphate can be successful in polar regions, but treatments will need to consider differing mineral stabilities and reaction rates at low temperatures.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/química , Metais Pesados/química , Transição de Fase , Fosfatos/química , Regiões Antárticas , Regiões Árticas , Cobre/análise , Cobre/química , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Chumbo/análise , Chumbo/química , Metais Pesados/análise , Modelos Químicos , Fosfatos/análise , Compostos de Zinco/análise , Compostos de Zinco/químicaRESUMO
Orthophosphate fixation of metal contaminated soils in environments that undergo freeze-thaw cycles is understudied. Freeze-thaw cycling potentially influences the reaction rate, mineral chemical stability and physical breakdown of particles during fixation. This study determines what products form when phosphate (triple superphosphate [Ca(H(2)PO(4))(2)] or sodium phosphate [Na(3)PO(4)]) reacts with lead (PbSO(4) or PbCl(2)) in simple chemical systems in vitro, and assesses potential changes in formation during freeze-thaw cycles. Systems were subjected to multiple freeze-thaw cycles from +10 °C to -20 °C and then analysed by X-ray diffractometry. Pyromorphite formed in all systems and was stable over multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Low temperature lead orthophosphate reaction efficiency varied according to both phosphate and lead source; the most time-efficient pyromorphite formation was observed when PbSO(4) and Na(3)PO(4) were present together. These findings have implications for the manner in which metal contaminated materials in freezing ground can be treated with phosphate.