| Autor: |
Matschullat, J., Birmann, K., Borba, R. P., Ciminelli, V., Deschamps, E. M., Figueiredo, B. R., Gabrio, T., Haßler, S., Hilscher, A., Junghänel, I., de Oliveira, N., Raßbach, K., Schmidt, H., Schwenk, M., de Oliveira Vilhena, M. J., Weidner, U. |
| Zdroj: |
Arsenic in Soil & Groundwater Environment: Biogeochemical Interactions, Health Effects & Remediation; 2007, p365-382, 18p, 1 Diagram, 3 Charts, 2 Graphs, 3 Maps |
| Abstrakt: |
To answer the question whether up to 250 years of continual gold mining, and related industrial activities in parts of the Iron (Fe) Quadrangle, Brazil, have lead to As-pollution problems, a comprehensive research project was launched in 1998. Within this project, air, soil, surface and groundwater, suspended particulates, and fresh unconsolidated sediments were sampled and investigated together with homegrown vegetables, home dust, human urine and hair, and private water supplies. All sampling, sample processing, and analytical work have been done by the same people using the same methods applying strict quality control measures. Elevated to very high soil As-concentrations (50-1000 mg As/kg) in living quarters, and extremely high (percentage range) As-values on derelict industrial sites, including old tailings surfaces, characterize the areas. Soil dust, As-enriched vegetables, and partly As-contaminated water from private wells and unauthorized surface sources explained the partially high As-load, particularly in children of the area (up to 60 mg As/l urine). This load was successfully lowered over the past few years, although the exposure levels of some families could not be decreased. Following the results, additional action to improve the situation is being suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Supplemental Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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