Mineral Exploitation Research Articles

Source-oriented probabilistic health risk assessment of soil potentially toxic elements in a typical mining city.

Identifying potential sources of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and developing source-oriented health risk assessments in typical mining cities are key for pollution prevention and risk management. To this end, a case study was conducted to explore the pollution characteristics, potential sources, and human health risks of PTEs in Daye City, China. Indices, including the pollution factor (PF), pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo), were applied to assess PTE pollution. Cd had the highest value among the detected PTEs, and 82.93% of the sampling sites had moderate pollution levels, with the highest mean Igeo value for Cd (2.30). Four potential sources were determined. Cr and Ni originated mainly from natural sources. Zn (91.5%) was exclusively and then Cd (33.1%) was moderately derived from industrial activities. The mixed source of various mineral exploitation smelting, and coal-fired traffic emissions leaded to the accumulation of As, Cd, and Pb. Cu was associated with Cu-related mining and smelting activities. The probabilistic health risk assessment indicated that the non-carcinogenic risks for populations were negligible. Overall, this work provides scientific information for environmental managers to manage soil PTE pollution through the effective management of anthropogenic sources with limited resources and costs.

The Role of Oxygenated Functional Groups on Cadmium Removal using Pyrochar and Hydrochar Derived from Guadua angustifolia Residues

In the Ecuadorian Amazonia, there is a concern about the presence of high concentrations of cadmium (Cd) in rivers and sediments because of changes in land use and anthropogenic activities, e.g., mining and oil exploitation. Hence, the research related to water treatment processes to meet environmental standards has gained relevance. The use of biochar (BC) as adsorbent is considered a promising and low-cost alternative to improve the water quality in developing countries. In this work, lignocellulosic wastes from Guadua angustifolia were transformed through thermochemical treatments, into a promising carbonaceous material, such as BC. BC samples were prepared by pyrolysis (termed pyrochar, PC) and hydrothermal carbonization (termed hydrochar, HC). Their physicochemical properties were correlated with the Cd adsorption removal performance, analyzing the effect of adsorbent dosage, initial solution pH, adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherms. HC showed the highest Cd adsorption performance, due to the presence of a higher number of oxygenated functional groups, as confirmed by FTIR, XPS and Raman spectroscopy. This research has proposed a sustainable alternative for the recovery of an available waste, contributing to mitigate the effects of the presence of metals on the health and economy of the most vulnerable sectors of society.

Discovery of anomalous molybdenum enrichment in Ordovician and Silurian stone coal: Relevance, origin and recommendations

Molybdenum (Mo) is a strategic element but has a notably low concentration at the Earth's surface. Consequently, competition for molybdenum resources at the national strategic level has begun to emerge, and in recent years, large-scale mining has led to the gradual depletion of molybdenum deposit resources. Here, thirty-four element enrichment patterns of Ordovician and Silurian stone coals in central China are reported. Molybdenum is the most enriched element, with an average of 208 mg/kg (58.2–440 mg/kg), which is 99 times the global hard coal average, and this molybdenum enrichment is associated with Ba–Ga–U–Cr–Na–K–-Cu–Se–Zn enrichment and elevated SiO2, CaO, K2O, MgO, Na2O, MnO and P2O5 concentrations. These analyses reveal four stone coal samples with molybdenum concentrations of 260, 312, 403 and 440 mg/kg, which meet the grade for the molybdenum mineral exploitation formulated standard, indicating that the Ordovician and Silurian stone coal deposits should be considered promising alternative sources of molybdenum. The crude reserve estimate of molybdenum is approximately 29.2 × 104 tons. The anomalous molybdenum in the studied stone coal was sourced from a complex combination of hydrothermal fluids, original biomass and terrigenous materials. The unique paleogeographic location and geological structure in central China resulted in the anomalous molybdenum concentrations in the stone coal forming at that time, producing a unique type of coal-hosted molybdenum deposit. Future studies will consider the ecological effects of the molybdenum extraction mode and the cost savings effects of extracting molybdenum from stone coal. A comprehensive utilization plan is also needed. Next, a thorough study of molybdenum exploration related to black rock series must be performed to increase the total molybdenum resources and support Chinese international competitiveness.

Explaining the persistence of hazardous chemicals in the Doce River (Brazil) by multiple sources of contamination and a major environmental disaster

High concentrations of hazardous chemicals may be introduced into aquatic ecosystems during episodes of acute and chronic environmental contamination. This study aimed to quantify inorganic and organic contaminants along the Doce River Basin (DRB), evaluate spatial and temporal variations of their concentrations, and their associations with the respective potential anthropogenic sources, considering the cumulative effects of a tailing dam rupture event. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher levels of trace elements in the Upper DRB were related to its proximity to the mining activities in this region, while organic contaminants such as PAHs are probably introduced by industrial effluents and urban centers along the DRB. In addition, seasonal variation showed to be an important factor influencing the distribution of chemicals, with wet season increasing levels of trace elements in the water. Despite the contribution of natural geological features in the Upper DRB, it becomes clearer that intense mineral exploitation for decades, combined with the dam failure disaster are responsible for the increased levels and spread of these inorganic contaminants along the DRB. Furthermore, other sources of organic contaminants contribute to this contamination scenario, resulting in complex mixtures of chemicals and increasing the ecological risks in the region.

The Impact of the Mining Equipment, Technological Trends, and Natural Resource Demand on Climate Change in Congo

Mining exploitation and its impact on global warming have become significant problems. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of mining industry equipment and natural resource demand on global warming in Congo. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2021 to July 2022, using a self-administered questionnaire. The survey was carried out with 1360 respondents from Congo who worked in the mining sector for 18 years and above. For our research, we used the Partial least squares structural equation modeling approach (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS software to analyze data. The results show that technological trends are the strongest predictor of global warming in Congo. Equipment was also the most significant predictor of climate change in Congo. Faced with this danger, we are sounding the alarm and asking for urgent intervention from the government. Moreover, all the scientific evidence on this subject is now irrefutable. Even if the climate of Congo may prove less worrying for the moment, the probability that it survives seems very low. However, the Congolese government must take immediate possible precautions to prevent Congo from finding itself in the same challenge currently faced by developed countries.

Quantitative interpretation of coal industrial components using a gray system and geophysical logging data: A case study from the Qinshui Basin, China

The content of industrial components of coalbeds, one of the main parameters of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs, is crucial in the entire coal mine resource exploration and exploitation process. Currently, using geophysical logging data to determine the content of industrial components is the most widely implemented method. In this study, the PZ block in the Qinshui Basin was employed as a target block to evaluate ash (Aad), fixed carbon (FCad), volatile matter (Vdaf), and moisture (Mad) under the air-dry (AD) base condition based on the autocorrelation between the geophysical logging curves and industrial component contents combined with the OBGM (1, N) model. The results indicate that 1) the geophysical logging curves combined with the OBGM (1, N) model can accurately predict the Aad and FCad contents and an increase in geophysical logging curve types can effectively improve the model performance, compared to using a single geophysical logging curve for prediction. 2) When predicting the Vdaf content, using the geophysical logging curves combined with Aad and FCad contents had the highest prediction accuracy. Further, prediction bias does not exist, compared to using only the geophysical logging curve or the autocorrelation between the industrial component contents. The entire evaluation process begins with an assessment of the Aad and FCad contents. Then, the Vdaf content was assessed using the content of these two industrial components combined with geophysical logging data. Finally, the Mad content was calculated using the volumetric model. Accurate application results were obtained for the verification of new wells, demonstrating the efficacy of the method and procedure described in this study. 3) The OBGM (1, N) model has the highest prediction accuracy compared with the multiple regression and GM (0, N) models, which have the same computational cost. The geophysical logging interpretation model of the proposed coalbed industrial component contents is simple to calculate and suitable for small samples, providing a new method for the evaluation process of industrial component contents.

Comparative Analysis of Water Extraction Mechanism in Roman Mines

The removal of water from mines was one of the key issues that former miners had to deal with. Roman colonists brought new technology to the Iberian Peninsula that addressed this problem. However, they did not invent this technology because it had already been applied to the growth of other endeavours in the Hellenistic society throughout the Eastern Mediterranean. In the mine, the Archimedes screw, waterwheels, bucket pulleys, and Ctesibius pumps were the primary drainage systems. In this essay, the primary characteristics, and modes of operation of machines are examined. Without leaving out the most significant finds made in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula, one of the regions with the longest history of mining exploitation. To serve as a foundation for future research in this field, this work compares the primary mining mechanisms in ancient Huelva on a qualitative and quantitative level by the implementation of a TOPSIS methodology, a multi-criteria decision analysis method.

AGROCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF AREAS CLOSE TO MINE ORES OF MARTAKERT REGION OF ARTSAKH

The agro-chemical and physicochemical properties of the soils of the areas adjacent to the iron ores of Artsakh were studied. And despite the fact that mine exploitation did not negatively affect the agrochemical indicators of the soils of the surrounding areas and minor differences observed in the control and adjacent areas are due to the relief, location and other ecological factors of the area. The results of the research show that the soils have less favorable agrochemical and physicochemical properties for plant growth and development and complex application of mineral and organic fertilizers is necessary to obtain high and ecologically clean crops.

Legal framework for recultivation of degraded areas caused by mining exploitation

During the exploitation of coal, both surface and underground exploitation systems damage larger or smaller areas of land. Experiences show that land damage is significantly greater with the surface exploitation system, where the content of the space is degraded not only in the contour of the mine and the surrounding area, but changes are made in the natural flows and conditions as well. The article presents the results of a study of the regulatory framework the issues of reclamation in some world countries also in Serbia. Practical experience of reclamation has shown that utilisation and devastation by mining activities present not only danger to affected areas but also an opportunity to correct negative developments and to plan in accordance with the expectations of the population and respected to laws.

INVESTIGATIONS ON STRESS-DEPENDENT THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF FRACTURED ROCK BY FRACTAL THEORY

Stress field is a key external factor affecting the thermodynamic properties of rock in many scientific and engineering fields ranging from geoscience to practical problems in geothermal resources, oil and gas exploitation, mineral exploitation, etc. In this work, the stress-dependent models for the effective thermal conductivity of fractured rock are proposed by combining the fractal geometry theory and the two-part Hooke’s model. The proposed model for the effective thermal conductivity is a function of the effective stress and structure-parameters and physical parameters of fractured rock, such as porosity ([Formula: see text], fracture orientations ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] as well as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The results show that thermal conductivity increases nonlinearly with increasing stress at low stress range due to the closure of fractures, then, it exhibits an almost linear behavior of pressure dependence at high stress range for most fractures closing completely. The proposed thermal conductivity model coupled with stress is evaluated by comparison with the available experimental data. The model predictions show a good agreement with the available experimental data. A more detailed investigation of the essential influence of structures parameters of a set of fractures on the dimensionless stress-dependent thermal conductivity is performed. The proposed model may provide a good quantitative understanding of the stress effect on thermal conductivity of fractured rock.

Sulfate Reducing Bacteria: A Way Forward Towards Sustainable Mining

Mineral exploitation and mining are expanding with increasing industrialization, and as exploitation increases, so will their enormous environmental impact. The biological technique was found to be a suitable alternative for treating mine wastes and recovering toxic heavy metals. Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) or Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) is the most wellknown mining waste laden with heavy metals that remains untreated. Microorganisms help in detoxification and thereby facilitate the extraction of pollutants from mine waste. Sulfate Reducing Bacteria (SRB), among all known microorganisms, play an important role in mine waste treatment by neutralizing acidity and reviving alkalinity. The use of microorganisms in treating overburden dumps helps reduce the amount of waste, augment natural resources via metal recovery, and maintain a healthy environment. Such a technique picks up momentum due to its low cost, easy availability of ingredients, and eco-friendly nature. Such a treatment system may or may not be capable of removing toxicity. Therefore, it is advisable to use the same along with other techniques depending upon site conditions, the nature of the deposit, and the availability of essential requisites. This paper attempted to highlight potential thrust areas requiring this technique as well as limiting factors.

Effects of High Temperature Treatments on Strength and Failure Behavior of Sandstone under Dynamic Impact Loads

With the increasing demand for resource consumption, the mining depths gradually increase, resulting in increases of temperature at tens or even hundreds of degrees. High temperature could damage to interior structures and alter the mechanical properties of rock mass. Therefore, studying the effects of temperature on dynamic mechanical properties and failure behaviors are of great significance for deep resources exploitation. In this study, to study the effects of high temperature treatment on the strength and failure behavior of typical sandstones, specimens were prepared and heated to different degrees. The longitudinal wave velocity, volume, and density of specimens before and after high-temperature treatment were examined. Then, the Thomas Hopkinson (SHPB) test was conducted on specimens with different air pressures and the dynamic stress-strain curve, peak stress, peak strain, and other dynamic characteristics were obtained. The variations regulations and failure behavior of sandstone under the effects of high-temperature treatments and different impact loads were analyzed and discussed from the aspects of stress-strain, peak strength, and peak strain. It was observed that with the increase of heating temperature, the average density, average wave velocity, peak strength, and average elastic modulus of the sandstone specimens all showed a decreasing trend and the highest decreasing rated occurred at the temperature between 600 °C and 800 °C. The obtained results provided a certain theoretical basis for deep mine exploitation, especially for mines with high temperature.

Analyzing of land subsidence by Sentinel-1 time-series images using PSInSAR method: A case study of Thai Nguyen, Vietnam

Natural disasters and human activities are now causing an increase in land subsidence, or surface displacement. The effects of land subsidence cause landslides and construction cracking. PSInSAR (Persistent Scatter Interferometry) was identified to estimate surface displacement from a time series of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images. This technique is a subset of the DInSAR (Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) method. In this article, the authors determined and analyzed land subsidence in Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam, using time series Sentinel-1A data with VV polarization from July 2019 to December 2020 and the PSInSAR method. There are numerous mineral exploitation mines in Thai Nguyen Province. It is one of the causes of an unusual amount of land subsidence in the region. According to the results determined by the InSAR technique, the velocity of displacement along the line of sight (LOS) of the study area ranges from -23.2 mm per year to +21.0 mm per year. The analysis of time-series SAR images reveals anomalous land subsidence at persistent scatter (PS) points. By analyzing the time-series displacement at PS points using the StaMPS Visualizer tool, the land subsidence during the image acquisition period and surface displacement trends over time were determined. According to this, coal mining regions have the highest land subsidence values ranging from -40 mm to -60 mm. The city and mine regions of Thai Nguyen, where operations have stopped, are largely stable. In addition, the time-series analysis at PS points will allow us to identify unusual displacement points, enabling the implementation of early warning plans.

Environmental Impact Assessment of the Subsurface in a Former W-Sn Mine: Integration of Geophysical Methodologies

Associated with the exploitation of metallic minerals in Europe during the 20th century, several mining areas were abandoned without adequate environmental intervention. Furthermore, these areas lack studies to characterize the impact of pollution on the hydrogeological system. The area surrounding the tungsten mine of Regoufe, in northern Portugal, is one such area exploited during the Second World War. The accumulation of sulfide-rich tailings may have caused an acid mine drainage (AMD), where the leaching processes caused by seepage water led to soil contamination, evidenced by its acid character and anomalous concentrations of some Potentially Toxic Elements (PTE) reported in previous studies. The present research proposes an innovative approach that seeks the integration of different geophysical techniques to characterize the impact of mining activity on the subsurface. Electrical resistivity (ER) and electromagnetic (EM) were used to measure subsurface electrical properties. In addition, seismic refraction and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) were performed to characterize the geometry, depth, and geomechanical behavior of the soil and rock bodies. The integration of these techniques allowed the interpretation of hydrogeological sections and a 3D resistivity volume to gain insight into the distribution of potentially contaminating fluids and tailings material present in the mining valley.

Two-phase effects of environmentally relevant lanthanum on life-history traits of Daphnia magna and transgenerational bioenergetic profiles: Implications for nutritional and environmental consequences

The versatile applicability of rare earth elements (REEs) especially lanthanum (La) in diverse fields, has led to large-scale mineral exploitation globally, inevitably resulting in substantial release of La into environment. As emerging anthropogenic environmental contaminant, La-induced toxicological effects and potential ecotoxicological implications in relation to realistic levels of La in aquatic ecosystems are becoming major concerns. To address these issues, Daphnia magna was selected as a prototype, and toxicity tests were conducted to explore the effects of La exposure on life-history characteristics and fecundity fitness, as showcased by quantitative variations from the individual level to population scale. In parallel, to further denote transgenerational caloric impacts of parental La exposure, bioenergetic profiles on newborn neonates were concurrently determined by measuring macromolecule forms in terms of proteins, glycogens and lipids to quantify nutritional alterations at progeny level. The results revealed that low-dose La exposure slightly stimulated the demographic potential and nutritional responses, exhibiting dose-dependent hormesis-like effects and promising non-toxicological potential to Daphnia, whereas high-dose La exposure of greater than 59.2 µg La L − 1, conspicuously imposed detrimental effects on quantity and quality of offspring, i.e. not only reducing body size, lifespan expectancy and reproductive output in a concentration-dependent way and resulting in lower population fitness by a dynamic life-table analysis, but eventually leading to the decrease of nutritional qualities and caloric contents on neonates. Taken together, these two-phase findings regarding the dose-related shift from hormesis to inhibition not only provided valuable insights into the complicated biological outcomes of La effects on environmentally-relevant organisms, but experimentally highlighted the significant implications of considering environmental and nutritional consequences in ecologically assessing the La-triggered risk at environmentally realistic occurrences, particularly on gradient scenarios crossing upstream and downstream of highly complex mining watersheds.

DASAR PERTIMBANGAN MAJELIS HAKIM DALAM MEMUTUS PERKARA TINDAK PIDANA MELAKUKAN USAHA PENAMBANGAN TANPA IZIN USAHA (STUDI KASUS PUTUSAN NOMOR 30/PID.B/LH/2019/PN PTI)

As stated in the relevant law, Mining is part or all of the stages of activity in the context of research, management and exploitation of minerals or coal which includes general investigations, exploration, feasibility studies, construction, mining, processing and/or refining, or development and / or utilization, transportation and sale, as well as post-mining activities. The research method used is a normative research method that focuses on library research to obtain secondary data from legal materials. The normative approach is carried out by reviewing the applicable provisions or laws and regulations. The results of the study show that the basis for the consideration of the panel of judges in deciding the case number Decision Number 30/Pid.B/LH/2019/PN Pti is based on the legal facts that were revealed at trial in the form of statements of witnesses, documentary evidence, and the statement of the accused associated with appropriate evidence, the elements in the article as indicted by the public prosecutor, namely Article 158 in conjunction with Article 37 of Law Number 4 of 2009 concerning Mineral and Coal Mining, all of these elements have been fulfilled.

PEG2009 PRE-SYMPOSIUM FIELD TRIP GUIDE: EASTERN BRAZILIAN PEGMATITE PROVINCE (MINAS GERAIS)

Pegmatite gemstones became officially known in the Brazil history since the last decades of the 17th century, when green tourmalines were found in the central-northeastern Minas Gerais region by Fernão Dias Paes Leme, one of the most famous leaders of Brazilian colonizers. Later, pioneer naturalists and geologists of the 19th century first decades, such as von Eschwege, von Spix & von Martius and Saint-Hilaire, referred to pegmatite gem deposits and/or trading of coloured gems in regions of the Araçuaí, Jequitinhonha, Doce and Mucuri river valleys. However, only in the 20th century, particularly during and after the Second World War, pegmatites became important mineral deposits in Brazil owing to efforts to increase the production of mica, beryl and quartz for the USA military industry. This mining development was accompanied by pioneer geologic studies and several new mineral specimens were discovered. Accordingly, the Brazilian pegmatite populations were grouped into the Eastern, Northern and Southern Brazilian pegmatite provinces. These provinces were defined mainly based on the geographical distribution of pegmatites, because at that time Brazil lacked geological maps even for a regional approach. This guide was elaborated for a pre-symposium field trip held before 2009 PEG - 4th International Symposium on Granitic Pegmatites, and focused on different aspects of pegmatites located in three important districts of the Eastern Brazilian Pegmatite Province (EBPP), namely São José da Safira, Conselheiro Pena and Araçuaí pegmatite districts. The field trip included from primitive garimpos for mineral exploitation to a very organized mine, showing pegmatites with different mineral (beryl, phosphate, spodumene or tourmaline) specializations that are related to distinct geologic settings and genetic conditions. A visit to a quarry for dimension stone on a pegmatite body was also scheduled. This guide also presents a synthesis on the geologic setting of the main EBPP pegmatite districts and their main features, followed by brief descriptions of the field trip stops. Those were the Ipê Pegmatite in Governador Valadares town, Sapucaia Pegmatite in the town of Galileia, Boa Vista and Cigana Pegmatites in the town of Conselheiro Pena, K2 Ornamental Pegmatite Quarry in Itinga town, CBL Spodumene Mine in Araçuaí town, Água Santa Mine and a pegmatite swarm which occurs along a road cut of the BR-342, both located in the town of Coronel Murta.

The Reaction of Airways of Employees Working in the Environments Polluted with Heavy Metals in Mine Kosovo

This paper is studied the respiratory function as a result of the impact of air pollution in the environment of the sector of exploitation of heavy minerals such Pb, Zn, Au, Ag, Bi, Cd, PM in the mines of Trepça, Kosovo. Lung function parameters are determined by Body plethysmography. Airway resistance (Raw) was recorded and Intra-Thoracic Gas Volume (ITGV) was measured and specific resistance (SRaw) and airway specific conductance (SGaw) were calculated. The research was done in two groups, the control group and the experimental one. The control group consisted of 24 healthy people, while the experimental one is made up of 52 mining workers for the exploitation of minerals in the Trepçamine, Kosovo. The results obtained from this research indicate that the mean value of specific resistance (SRaw) is significantly higher in the experimental group (p<0.01), compared to the control group (p>0.1). Also, in this study it was confirmed that smoking favors the negative effects of air contamination in the mineral exploitation sector, the changes are significant (p<0.01). Respiratory system parameters of the control group and the experimental group were measured before and after bronchoprovocation with histamine-aerosol (1 mg/ml). The differences between these two groups after provocation were statistically significant (p<0.01). Respiratory changes from air pollution with noxae in mines where metals are mined, it takes a long time for changes in respiratory function to appear. Therefore, exposure of workers to these conditions poses a risk to their health, causing bronchial reactivity, bronchial asthma or, obstructive pulmonary syndrome.

Mining terms in the history of English

Mining is a broad and complex field. The search for and exploitation of minerals is unceasing in many countries worldwide. Before its collapse towards the close of the 20th century, coal mining in the United Kingdom, for instance, which dates back to Roman antiquity, occurred in various regions of the country, such as Northumberland and Durham, North and South Wales, Yorkshire, Kent, and the East and West Midlands. An essential aim of the present paper is to give an overview of the plethora of mining terms in English which have been coined due to progress and advance in this field over time, ranging from terms associated with boring, drilling and extraction, to ventilation, pipelines and hauling. The Oxford English Dictionary Online (Murray et al., 1884–; henceforth referred to as the OED) and specific sources such as Elsevier's Dictionary of Mining and Mineralogy (Dorian, 1993) constitute valuable tools to identify these types of lexical items. This study relies on the analysis of a comprehensive lexicographical sample of 217 mining terms documented in English.

Neuroecotoxicology: Effects of environmental heavy metal exposure on the brain of African giant rats and the contribution of vanadium to the neuropathology.

Increased exploitation of minerals has led to pollution of confined environments as documented in Nigeria Niger Delta. Information on the effects on brain of such exposure is limited. Due to its exploratory activities, the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus) (AGR) provides a unique model for neuroecotoxicological research to determine levels of animal and human exposure to different pollutants. This study aims to unravel neuropathological features of AGR sampled from three agro-ecological zones of Nigeria. Fifteen AGR were sampled according to previously determined data on heavy metal exposure: high vanadium, high lead, and low metals. Eighteen AGR were collected from low metal zone and divided into two groups. Control group received vehicle while SMV exposed group received 3mg/kg sodium metavanadate (SMV) intraperitoneally for 14days. Brain immunohistochemical analyses were conducted, and ultrastructural changes were studied in experimentally exposed group. Results showed significant loss of tyrosin hydroxylase, parvalbumin, orexin-A and melanin concentration hormone containing neuronal populations in brains obtained from high vanadium and high lead zones and in experimentally intoxicated SMV groups. Similarly, significant decrease numbers of dendritic arborations; extracellular matrix density, perineuronal nets; astrocytes and microglia activations are documented in same groups. Ultrastructural studies revealed mass denudation, cilia loss, disintegration of ependymal layer and intense destructions of myelin sheaths in SMV exposed group. These are the first "neuroecotoxicological" findings in distinct neuronal cells. The implications of these findings are highly relevant for human population living in these areas, not only in Nigeria but also in similarly polluted areas elsewhere in the world.