Article
Environmental Sciences
Paulo Cesar Basta, Ana Claudia Santiago de Vasconcellos, Gustavo Hallwass, Decio Yokota, Daniel De Oliveira d'El Rei Pinto, Danicley Saraiva de Aguiar, Ciro Campos de Souza, Marcelo Oliveira-da-Costa
Summary: Mercury contamination in the Amazon has increased in recent years, especially due to gold-mining activities. Our study found that more than one-fifth of fish sold in urban centers had mercury levels above safe limits. The risk of mercury contamination was 14 times higher in carnivorous fish compared to noncarnivorous fish. The analysis showed that the daily mercury intake from fish consumption exceeded recommended levels in all population groups, especially in women of childbearing age and young children. Different types of fish carry different risks, requiring appropriate nutritional guidelines.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Do-Yeong Kim, Hyewon Jeon, Han-Seung Shin
Summary: The purpose of this study was to quantify heavy metals in Korean fishery products and assess their health risk. The results showed that the heavy metal concentrations in the products were lower than the standards and the risk to human health was very low.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tongping Su, Chao He, Aiwu Jiang, Zhidong Xu, Eben Goodale, Guangle Qiu
Summary: A study in a large-scale Hg mining district and a non-mining district in Guizhou, southwest China, found no evidence of decreased breeding in spite of elevated concentrations of Hg. Even with some adult birds having blood levels above those considered harmful, no population-level reproductive effects were detected.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kunting Xie, Nangeng Xie, Zhiyang Liao, Xiaoshan Luo, Weijie Peng, Yong Yuan
Summary: This study examined the feasibility of deriving Soil Environment Criteria (SEC) using the bio-accessibility of pollutants. Soil samples from 33 locations at 12 mining/smelting sites in China were collected and analyzed for soil properties, chemical fraction distributions, and bioaccessibilities of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and arsenic (As). The measured and predicted bioaccessibilities of these potentially hazardous trace elements (PHEs) were found to be feasible for deriving SEC. This research will contribute to the development of regional soil environmental standards for mining/smelting soils contaminated with Cd, Pb, and As based on bioaccessibility.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James Wright, Eric Cathcart, Suzanne Walther, Bethany O'Shea
Summary: This study found ultra-enriched arsenic concentrations near an abandoned mine in San Diego, with arsenic predominantly partitioning into the least mobile phase in sediments. Although dissolved arsenic transport occurs, arsenic concentrations in sediment and water decrease to background levels within 1,000 meters of the mines.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cristiano Ballabio, Martin Jiskra, Stefan Osterwalder, Pasquale Borrelli, Luca Montanarella, Panos Panagos
Summary: Mapping of surface soil mercury concentrations at continental scale using Deep Neural Network models revealed an increase in mercury concentrations with latitude and altitude in European soils. The study found correlations between soil mercury concentrations and vegetation activity, NDVI, and soil organic carbon content, indicating the importance of atmospheric uptake by plants and soil organic matter on mercury distribution. Additionally, the research identified hotspots of mercury contamination, with some associated with mining areas and others potentially related to unmined geological mercury or industrial pollution.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Konrad Mielcarek, Patryk Nowakowski, Anna Puscion-Jakubik, Krystyna J. Gromkowska-Kepka, Jolanta Soroczynska, Renata Markiewicz-Zukowska, Sylwia K. Naliwajko, Monika Grabia, Joanna Bielecka, Anita Zmudzi, Justyna Moskwa, Elzbieta Karpinska, Katarzyna Socha
Summary: The aim of this study was to assess contamination levels of arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury in freshwater fish from Poland. The results showed that the selected species of fish, especially smoked fish products, had high levels of heavy metal contamination, posing potential health risks.
Article
Environmental Studies
Simon Appah Aram, Patrick Osei Lartey, Samuel Kofi Amoah, Augustine Appiah
Summary: The study found that the cultural attributes of artisanal medium scale gold miners were the main reasons for the knowledge gap between them and artisanal small scale gold miners. Education level had the most significant impact on the knowledge gap, with highly educated artisanal medium scale gold miners having relatively higher levels of knowledge.
Article
Thermodynamics
Hongmei Shu, Naiping Li, Longjun Dong, Qiaomu Luo, Ashley Ruvimbo Sabao
Summary: As underground resource extraction goes deeper, the working conditions in deep mines become harsh, posing a threat to workers' health and mine safety. To assess the risks of extreme hot and humid environments in underground mining, a multi-indicator grading model was proposed. This model, based on eight factors affecting high heat and humidity, was developed using the uncertainty measurement theory. The model was proven effective in practical engineering.
CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jun Xu, Qian Zhang, Shengli Wang, Zhongren Nan, Song Long, Yining Wu, Suhang Dong
Summary: Sewage irrigation solves the shortage of agricultural water but increases heavy metal(loid) content in the soil-crop system, harming human health. This study investigates the distribution and transfer of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) and assesses the toxicological effects and contamination in the soil-corn system.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abdol-samad Abedi, Hedayat Hoseini, Fatemeh Mohammadi-Nasrabadi, Negar Rostami, Fatemeh Esfarjani
Summary: This study assessed the concentration of heavy metals (arsenic and mercury) in hen eggs collected in Iran and estimated the probability of carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic consequences. The results showed that the concentrations of arsenic and mercury in the eggs were low, indicating no significant carcinogenic risk. Therefore, policymakers should prohibit the establishment of chicken farms in heavily polluted urban areas and regularly monitor the presence of heavy metals in groundwater and chicken feed, while also raising public awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy diet.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Alex Kwasi Saim
Summary: The artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Ghana continues to grow, but the impacts caused by mercury use are becoming increasingly severe. Despite previous bans and increased monitoring efforts, the country has not been successful in significantly reducing mercury use and its associated impacts. The lack of mercury alternatives, funding, and education support makes addressing this issue more challenging.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Noelia S. La Colla, Sandra E. Botte, Pia Simonetti, Vanesa L. Negrin, Analia V. Serra, Jorge E. Marcovecchio
Summary: This study provides an integrated assessment of the distribution of Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb in dissolved water, sediments, and fish muscle tissues in the Bahia Blanca estuary, Argentina. Concentrations of Hg and Pb in the water fraction were below the limit of detection.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sijie Liu, Yao Fu, Mao Shi, Hui Wang, Jinzhi Guo
Summary: "The study revealed that some mushroom samples had concentrations of cadmium and arsenic exceeding the standard, indicating light pollution levels. More attention should be paid to arsenic contamination in Tricholoma matsutake and Pleurotus eryngii in Jilin Province, China."
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yessenia Martinez-Ruiz, Diego Fernando Manotas-Duque, Howard Ramirez-Malule
Summary: In this study, a financial risk assessment is conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of implementing a DCS in a residential complex. The results show that the average cooling tariff for apartments and common areas is 50.59 COP/kWh and 55.56 COP/kWh, respectively. In the riskiest conditions, implementing a DCS can save end-users up to 61% and 57% of the costs compared to traditional cooling alternatives. The findings of this research can contribute to further research and investments in centralized technologies in Latin American countries.
Article
Environmental Sciences
E. De Miguel, F. Barrio-Parra, M. Izquierdo-Diaz, J. Fernandez, J. E. Garcia-Gonzalez, R. Alvarez
ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Efren Garcia-Ordiales, German Flor-Blanco, Nieves Roqueni, Stefano Covelli, Pablo Cienfuegos, Rodrigo Alvarez, Giorgio Fontolan, Jorge Loredo
Article
Spectroscopy
C. Mendez-Lopez, R. alvarez-Garcia, C. Alvarez-Llamas, L. J. Fernandez-Menendez, C. Gonzalez-Gago, J. Pisonero, N. Bordel
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Leon Higueras, Raimundo Jimenez-Ballesta, Jose Maria Esbri, Rosario Garcia-Gimenez, Eva Maria Garcia-Noguero, Rodrigo Alvarez, Jesus Daniel Peco, Carolina Garcia-Noguero, Juan Antonio Campos
Summary: Monazite is a rare and strategic mineral that is not frequently found in mineable ore deposits. This study assessed the occurrence and risks associated with concentrations of monazite in Mediterranean red soil and found that it is poor in radioactive elements, concentrated in the top soil layers, and potentially immobilized in other minerals. Further research is needed to better understand the speciation of Rare Earth Elements in soils.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hector Alvarez, Guillermo Dominguez, Almudena Ordonez, Javier Menendez, Rodrigo Alvarez, Jorge Loredo
Summary: Mine water and voids can be utilized to design an underground pumped hydroelectric energy storage system, in conjunction with a wind energy generation facility, to improve system efficiency and generate economic benefits. Additionally, the system can reduce CO2 emissions and bring social benefits to traditional mining areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lorena Sanz-Prada, Efren Garcia-Ordiales, German Flor-Blanco, Nieves Roqueni, Rodrigo Alvarez
Summary: International institutions have established baseline levels for heavy metal concentrations in marine sediments to assess pollutant risks, but the accuracy of these values may vary when used in different areas. This study aims to determine more precise baseline levels for the Bay of Biscay and highlights the importance of defining specific baselines and threshold levels for environmental assessments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Alvarez-Quintana, Almudena Ordonez, Efren Garcia-Ordiales, Rodrigo Alvarez
Summary: Sequential extraction procedures are commonly used in environmental studies to determine the forms of pollutants in soils and sediments. However, these methods have limitations and can lead to subjective interpretations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Mohammed Laraba, Roula Abdelmalek, Juan Maria Menendez-Aguado, Rodrigo Alvarez Garcia
Summary: The aim of this research is to study the impact of WHIMS parameters on the improvement process of a local kaolin. The results showed that WHIMS is an effective process for removing impurities and improving the quality of the kaolin. The dimensions of matrix balls, intensity of applied magnetic field, and grain sizes are key factors that influence the recovery of iron and manganese particles. The findings provide guidance for optimizing the process of kaolin improvement.
MINING METALLURGY & EXPLORATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Mangas-Suarez, Efren Garcia-Ordiales, Julio Antonio Perez, Rodrigo Alvarez, Alberto Villa, Almudena Ordonez, Nieves Roqueni
Summary: This research examines the geochemical and environmental status of coastal and estuarine sediments in the city of Aviles, Spain. The findings indicate that estuarine sediments have high concentrations of heavy metals, distinguishing them from coastal sediments and suggesting that the estuary acts as a sink for pollution. The resulting contamination poses a potential ecological risk to the ecosystem.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
A. Matas-Escamilla, R. Alvarez, F. Garcia-Carro, L. Alvarez-Alonso, P. Cienfuegos, J. Menendez, A. Ordonez
Summary: Mine water can be used as a renewable and cost-effective source of geothermal and hydraulic energy. A study in NW Spain evaluated various technologies and factors such as temperature, water treatment, investment, customers, and capacity to determine the most advantageous option. An open-loop geothermal system using water from a mountain mine was found to be the best choice for supplying heating and hot water to nearby public buildings. The use of mine water can help areas affected by the closure of mines and has the added benefit of reducing CO2 emissions.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jessica Alvarez-Quintana, Rodrigo Alvarez, Almudena Ordonez
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2020)