Heavy Metal Emissions Research Articles

Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metal Emissions in Residential, Commercial and Industrial Areas Adjacent to a Scrap Metal Shredder in Winnipeg, Canada

A spatial analysis of air pollution in the South St. Boniface (SSB) and Mission Industrial Areas (MIA) of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, Canada, was conducted by mapping the results for 23 composite snow samples. Heavy metals were analyzed in the snow samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Higher concentrations closer to the shredder were significant for every metal, but, not for arsenic, in regression modeling R squared (0.585 for Cd, 0.462 for Pb, 0.423 for Zn, 0.343 for Cr, 0.343 for Ni, 0.244 for Mn, and 0.069 for As). Heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher in the industrial zone, with the next highest being the roadside zone, then the commercial zone and finally the residential/parkland zone, at p-value < 0.01 statistical significance levels according to the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis H- test. The metals concentrations mapped on Arc-GIS with ArcMap 10.6 using kriging interpolation, display that all toxic metal concentrations, but particularly Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, and Hg, are highest proximate to the scrap metal shredder. Furthermore, pollution indices, specifically contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DOC), and pollution load index (PLI), were undertaken registering high contamination. The CF registered high for lead, zinc, and nickel in all areas compared to the background levels, but the highest levels were nearby to the scrap metal shredder. The DOC values showed that the industrial contamination is nearly five times greater than that for the road or commercial areas and almost 20 times more contaminated compared to the residential/parkland. With PLI levels above 1 considered contaminated, the shredder (4.1), roadside (2.2), and commercial areas (1.9) were polluted. These findings point to the shredder as the cause of present-day contamination for all areas, including residential/parkland, traffic, and commercial areas. High levels of toxic metal air pollution emissions warrant further study of human exposure and health risk posed by multiple sources from the air, water, and land. Enforcement and enclosure of the outdoor shredder should be considered to reduce heavy metal exposure to the public.

Environmental Footprints of High-Speed Railway Construction in China: A Case Study of the Beijing-Tianjin Line.

The environmental footprints of China’s high-speed railway (HSR) have attracted much attention nationally and internationally. Although there is some research focusing on CO2 emissions, a comprehensive environmental impacts assessment of HSR construction is still lacking. In this study, the emissions of the Beijing–Tianjin intercity HSR line was calculated using a hybrid input–output life cycle assessment method to quantify the environmental impacts of HSR throughout its construction. The environmental footprints during the construction stage were analyzed in terms of different subsystems and sectors. The results showed that bridges contribute the largest environmental footprints at approximately 60%, followed by rail and electric multiple unit (EMU) systems. The top three sectors that contribute to pollutant emissions are the metal smelting and rolling industry, transport equipment manufacturing, and non-metallic mineral production. CO2 and NOx are the major pollutants directly emitted by site equipment operation. More chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and petroleum are emitted in EMU production than in rail construction, while NH3-N is emitted more in rails instead. Cd, Pb, As, and Hg are the significant pollutants in the metal smelting and rolling industry, whereas Cr, Cu, and Zn are the main heavy metal emissions in the transport equipment manufacturing sector. Heavy metals are the main types of environmental footprints in bridges, stations, and electric systems. Water pollutants are the main environmental impacts for rail and EMU systems, and the emissions of air pollutants are significant in subgrades. The production efficiency of upstream materials, desulfurization and denitration in fossil combustion, and the length of the bridge construction should be considered for an HSR under construction, in order to become environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Metallic elements in human hair from residents in smelting districts in northeast China: Environmental factors and differences in ingestion media

The health of residents in Huludao City is affected by the emissions of heavy metals from smelting, diet and atmospheric precipitation. This study investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn in scalp hair samples from 259 residents of different ages and genders from five districts in Huludao City and examined the main factors for heavy metal exposure. Cd and Pb concentrations in hair samples exceeded the normal concentration ranges for human hair (Cd < 0.3 mg/kg; Pb < 9.3 mg/kg), and the highest Pb concentrations were found in subjects in the age range 0–15 years. Samples from men were higher in Cd and Pb compared to those for women. Workers from the Huludao zinc plant (HZP) had higher concentrations of all metals in their hair relative to other occupations except for Cu. Geographically, the highest Cd and Pb concentrations in hair were found for residents living in Daochi district (DCD) and the Zn plant district (ZPD), respectively. In smelting regions, the effects of dust ingestion on heavy metal exposure were more important than in non-smelting regions.

Historic development of heavy metal contamination into the Firth of Thames, New Zealand

Near-coastal marine sediments often provide high-resolution records of various anthropogenic influences such as the release of heavy metals, which pose a potentially negative influence on aquatic ecosystems because of their toxicity and persistence. In places, the gradual onset of man-made heavy metal emission dates back to ~ 4500 years BP and is difficult to distinguish from potential natural sources. New Zealand offers a perfect setting for studies on anthropogenic impact due to its well-defined three-step development: pre-human era (until ~ 1300 CE), Polynesian era (~ 1300–1800 CE) and European era (since ~ 1840 CE). However, hardly any information exists about the degree of heavy metal input to New Zealand’s coastal areas and the ‘pristine’ natural background values. This study determines the natural background contents of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in marine sediments of the Firth of Thames, a shallow marine embayment on New Zealand’s North Island, and investigates anthropogenic inputs in historic times. Eight sediment cores were analysed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for their element composition and temporally resolved by a pollen and radiocarbon-based stratigraphic framework. Sharp increases in Pb and Zn contents occurred simultaneously with the onset of goldmining activities (1867 CE) in the nearby catchment area. The contents of Zn (Pb) increase from very stable values around 60 (13) ppm in the older sediments, interpreted to reflect the natural background values, to an average maximum of 160 (60) ppm near the core top, interpreted to reflect a significant anthropogenic input. These findings unravel the history of contamination in the Firth of Thames and provide an urgently needed database for the assessment of its current ecological state.

Daily exposure to toxic metals through urban road dust from industrial, commercial, heavy traffic, and residential areas in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia: a health risk assessment.

Human health is threatened by significant emissions of heavy metals into the urban environment due to various activities. Various studies describing health risk analyses on soil and dust have been conducted previously. However, there are limited studies that have been carried out regarding the potential health risk assessment of heavy metals in urban road dust of < 63-μm diameter, via incidental ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation exposure routes by children and adults in developing countries. Therefore, this study evaluated the health risks of heavy metal exposure via ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation of urban dust particles in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. Heavy metals such as lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) were measured using dust samples obtained from industrial, high-traffic, commercial, and residential areas by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis showed the dominance of these metal concentrations at sites associated with anthropogenic activities. This was suggestive of industrial, traffic emissions, atmospheric depositions, and wind as the significant contributors towards urban dust contamination in the study sites. Further exploratory analysis underlined Cr, Pb, Cu, and Zn as the most representative metals in the dust samples. In accommodating the uncertainties associated with health risk calculations and simulating the reasonable maximum exposure of these metals, the related health risks were estimated at the 75th and 95th percentiles. Furthermore, assessing the exposure to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals in the dust revealed that ingestion was the primary route of consumption. Children who ingested dust particles in Petaling Jaya could be more vulnerable to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, but the exposure for both children and adults showed no potential health effects. Therefore, this study serves as an important premise for a review and reformation of the existing environmental quality standards for human health safety.

Concentrations, enrichment, and sources of metals in PM2.5 in Beijing during winter

Serious haze-fog problems in Beijing have aroused considerable concern. The objectives of this study are to determine elemental concentrations in PM2.5, assess their enrichment in PM2.5, and identify their sources during winter in Beijing. Daily PM2.5 samples were collected at the Beijing Normal University campus from January 28 to February 27, 2014. Twenty-three metal elements were determined following digestion by using inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The daily PM2.5 concentration ranged from 21.8 to 474.3 μg m−3, with a mean of 172 μg m−3. The daily PM2.5 concentration exceeded 75 mg m−3 (China ambient air quality standards: grade II) for 23 days of the month; therefore, ambient air pollution was severe. The median of daily elemental concentrations in the air decreased in the order of K, Na, and Al (> 103 ng m−3); Ca, Fe, Mn, Mg, Zn, Pb, and Cu (> 102 ng m−3); Ba, P, Ti, and Sr (> 10 ng m−3); and Rb, Sb, Ga, V, Ce, Cd, Tl, Li, La, and Co (> 1 ng m−3). Average and median values of enrichment factors were > 100 for Cd, Sb, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Tl but < 10 for Sr, V, K, Co, Na, Li, Rb, La, Mg, Ce, Ca, Fe, and Al. Enrichment factor, correlation, and principal component analyses demonstrated that Cd, Sb, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Tl in PM2.5 mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, whereas V, Co, Na, Li, Rb, La, Ce, Fe, and Al mainly originated from lithogenic sources. However, the ignition of fireworks during Spring Festival resulted in three pronounced peaks of Ba, K, Mg, Sr, and Cu concentrations. Therefore, national and local governments should continue controlling atmospheric emissions of toxic heavy metals and prohibit firework displays in megacities during Spring Festival.

Study on combustion characteristics and the migration of heavy metals during the co-combustion of oil sludge char and microalgae residue

Recycling of waste biomass energy has attracted more and more attention. Oil sludge char (OS char) combustion blended with microalgae residue (MR) is a clean, effective method for recycling energy. The co-combustion and kinetics analysis were conducted on a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The simulation calculation and potential toxicity of heavy metals in the co-combustion process were investigated. Results showed that adding MR could improve the combustion performance of OS char. The average activation energy of OS char, MR and the mixture was 121.28 kJ mol−1, 153.43 kJ mol−1, and 142.24 kJ mol−1, respectively. The KAS and Starink methods were more accurate than the FWO method. Besides, the risk assessment results indicated the risk index (RI) values of MR and fly ash at 1100 °C were at a considerable risk level of 140.33 and 109.50, respectively. Simulation results demonstrated that the synergistic removal of arsenic (As) and nitrogen (N) could be achieved by moderately controlling temperature. Furthermore, MR addition could significantly reduce the content of chlorine (Cl) in the mixture, decreasing the generation of gaseous ZnCl2 and PbCl2. The results will supply essential data and theoretical support for the high-value utilization and low heavy metal emissions of biomass waste.

Addressing organic viticulture environmental burdens by better understanding interannual impact variations

Consumer demand and state incentives in certain EU countries are driving the rapid development of organic viticulture. However, compared with conventional viticulture, it has shown higher interannual variability in its environmental impacts. Improved understanding of this variability would help organic winegrowers better address their environmental impacts. This two-part study examined interannual variability of environmental impacts of four vineyards with contrasting pedoclimatic and technical production conditions. First, life cycle assessments were performed on each of these four vineyards for two contrasted years in terms of both climate and pest and disease pressure. Next, for one of these vineyards located in Mediterranean conditions, life cycle assessments were completed on a chronosequence of six consecutive years. Life cycle assessments of organic wine grapes were calculated based on detailed inventories of data from the eight real vineyard situations. Interannual variations were considered to be the deviation between the impact results of two production years. In all the vineyards, diesel combustion was the main impact contributor. For the four vineyards, the impacts that varied most were generally freshwater ecotoxicity, soil ecotoxicity, marine eutrophication, freshwater eutrophication and metal depletion. The intensity/range of interannual variations differed between plots. The main agricultural operations contributing to impact variations were from disease management of climate-related disease pressures. The 6-year chronosequence analysis showed that certain years were very similar in terms of impact results. The impact that varied most was surprisingly terrestrial acidification. The chronosequence analysis brought to light that the choice of active ingredient could be a greater source of impact variations than interannual climatic conditions and disease pressure. This study provides an overview of the hotspots and variability of organic viticulture environmental impacts in contrasted climate years and a climatic chronosequence. The main pathways for environmental performance improvements are (i) reducing fuel consumption by either limiting the number of operations, using more fuel-efficient machines or different energy sources or/and adjusting tractor speed; (ii) reducing the doses and emissions of copper products and choosing the less impacting types of copper; and (iii) limiting nitrogen and heavy metal emissions through the choice of fertiliser type and management.

Impact of a Coal-Fired Power Plant Shutdown Campaign on Heavy Metal Emissions in China.

Recently, China has committed to decommissioning the heavy metal (HM) intensive coal-fired power plants (CFPPs), small units especially, yet a quantitative assessment for the impact on HM emissions remains poorly understood. This study, for the first time, compiles a plant-specific inventory for six HMs (Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, and Cr) avoided by CFPPs decommissioned in China during the 12th Five Year Plan period. The reduced HM amounts to 271.58 t (9.19 t Hg, 45.84 t As, 60.76 t Se, 85.30 t Pb, 1.74 t Cd, and 68.75 t Cr), accounting for 12.71% of the total emissions from all China's CFPPs in 2010. Small units which have low boiler efficiency and lack air pollutant control devices are more than tenfold HM-intensive as the large units. The detailed HM emission factors for each CFPP decommissioned in each provincial region are also identified. HM content in the coal consumed is a key parameter to determine their corresponding emission factors, while the capacity of decommissioned coal plants plays a decisive role in the reduced emissions. The high-resolution inventory not only verifies China's progress in alleviating HM pollution, but also provides basis for further investigation into HM relevant environmental and human health impact.

The influence of the usage of secondary fuels for Portland clinker production on the emission value of heavy metals from cement and concrete

The influence of secondary fuels components used for Portland clinker production on emission value of heavy metals is presented in this paper. Analyses and studies of hazardous substances emission (heavy metals) from cements and concretes were conducted according to standards developed by Technical Committee CEN TC 351. The contents of following heavy metals were analyzed: Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu, Sr, Ba and P in secondary fuels used by cement industry in Poland for Portland clinker production. Total heavy metal contents in cements and their leaching from cements CEM I were studied. Leaching of heavy metals from CEM I-based concretes to environment was also determined. Obtained tests results allow to conclude that changes in technology of cement clinker production leading to the usage of waste materials and secondary fuels does not cause an increase in heavy metals emission in level, which requires qualifying cement as material, which has to be regularly controlled for harmfulness on man and natural environment.

Carbon Dioxide Emission by Soils as a Criterion for Remediation Effectiveness of Industrial Barrens Near Copper-Nickel Plants in the Kola Subarctic

Technogenic barren lands formed under the influence of sulfur dioxide and heavy metal emissions near nonferrous metallurgy enterprises on the Kola Peninsula are characterized by inhibited CO2 emission from soils (10–30 mg C m–2 h–1, or 12–26 g C m–2 summer–1). Remediation of barrens promotes the growth of plant roots and microorganisms, the respiration of which accelerates the flow of CO2 from the soil by half at chemophyto stabilization and five times at application of the fertile layer; at this, the proportion of root respiration increases from 0 to 40–60%. The intensity of CO2 emissions by soils and the structure of its production can be used as criteria for remediation effectiveness of technogenic barren lands.

Behavior of Pb During Coal Combustion: An Overview

Despite the progress in understanding heavy metals behavior during coal combustion, mitigation of heavy metals emissions is still a tough challenge due to a complex character of this phenomenon. Several lists of potentially toxic elements have been presented; in most cases, Pb belongs to the elements with the greatest environmental and human-health concern. The review paper is focused upon the behavior of Pb during coal combustion. with particular attention paid to decreasing its emissions. It summarizes the dominant parameters affecting its redistribution among coal combustion streams. As gaseous emissions can quite easily pass through the particulate control device, attention was paid primarily to Pb distribution between condensed and volatilized phases. A crucial factor enhancing Pb volatility is the presence of organic or inorganic chlorides, which is discussed in detail, including their chlorination mechanisms and interactions with other fuel/flue gas species. Components decreasing Pb volatility and promoting the formation of condensed phases are also discussed (higher levels of moisture, Na, O2 etc.). Factors enhancing Pb volatility, as well as factors facilitating Pb retention, are discussed with the view of fluidized-bed combustion, pulverized-fuel combustion, or co-combustion of coal with wastes.

Assessment of short-term changes in street dust pollution with heavy metals in Lublin (E Poland)\u2014levels, sources and risks

Street dust forms as a result of the interaction of the atmosphere, lithosphere (pedosphere) and anthroposphere and can be regarded as an index of the condition of the environment in urban areas. At the end of the twentieth century, there was a significant decrease in heavy metal emissions in Europe, but not so intensive in Poland. The question arises: Is the intensity of pollution still decreasing? The study objective was to assess changes in street dust pollution with heavy metals in Lublin (E Poland) in the years 2013 and 2018. The sample collection sites (68) were located within streets with a varying intensity of motor traffic. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations were determined in two dust fractions, 63–200 μm and < 63 μm, by means of an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. The levels of street dust pollution with heavy metals, expressed both in absolute concentrations and geochemical indices, were lower in 2018 than those in 2013. The clearest decrease of concentration levels occurred within the main roads, in the 63–200 μm fraction for Cu and Cd, and in both fractions for Pb. The mean concentrations of the investigated metals, normalised to the background values, are in the following order for both fractions in 2013 and 2018: Zn > Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni. Metals form the following order for Igeo and EF: Zn > Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni. This order is slightly different for the ecological risk factor: Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn > Cr > Ni. In general, street dust in Lublin does not show contamination with Cr, Ni and Pb. Igeo and EF indices show moderate levels of pollution with Cu, Cd and Zn.

Deciphering past and present atmospheric metal pollution of urban environments: The role of black crusts formed on historical constructions

Abstract Construction materials affected by black crusts (BCs) can be subjected to restoration, demolition, recycling or even to their management as waste products. Therefore, the determination of their chemical features should be considered a crucial step before undertaking any action. In this work, we present the development of an analytical methodology useful to be implemented as a routine screening tool to detect recent and past atmospheric emissions of heavy metals, nowadays superficially deposited or even encapsulated in BCs. For its development, BCs together with the underneath original substrate/construction material were sampled from the historical construction Punta Begona Galleries (Getxo, Basque Country, North of Spain). In order to detect quickly and in a cost-effective way the stratification of the metallic deposits in the BCs over time (surface or external/recent and internal/past), thin sections were analyzed by elemental spectroscopic imaging techniques (SEM-EDS and μ-ED-XRF). In the external part of the BCs, iron particles were mainly identified, whereas in the inner areas (past deposition events) of the most exposed BCs to the atmosphere, lead accumulations together with zinc and copper were identified. Additional Raman imaging studies allowed to perform the molecular speciation study of lead, identifying mainly laurionite (PbClOH) together with hydrocerussite (Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2). The presence of the mentioned lead chloride hydroxide confirms the role of the marine aerosol (chloride input) in the formation of the metallic compounds. These experimental evidences were used to assist the chemical equilibrium models developed to explain the reactivity pathway, which lead to the formation of the identified compounds. Through ICP-MS and lead isotopic ratio analysis, more than 3000 mg kg−1 of lead were quantified in the BCs, probably coming from the old emissions conducted by the old power station close to the construction,. That lead content can be high enough to consider those crusts as a source of metallic contamination and a possible risk to the environment and human health.

Emission of Heavy Metals from Galvanic Production Sludge in Water Objects and Soil

Emission of Heavy Metals from Galvanic Production Sludge in Water Objects and Soil

Thermodynamic possibilities of flue gas dry desulfurization, de-HCl, removal of mercury, and zinc compounds in a system with Na2CO3, Ca(OH)2, sulfur, and HBr addition

Dry methods of flue gas cleaning are usually based on calcium hydroxide or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), which is “in situ” decomposed to active soda (Na2CO3). Together with acid gases also emissions of volatile heavy metals (e.g., mercury and some Zn-compounds) have to be reduced. Removal of both main forms of mercury (Hg0 and Hg2+) from the flue gas is dependent on chemical reactions and sorption processes at the temperatures below approx. 300 °C. In this theoretical study, attention was concentrated on the thermodynamics of gas–solid reactions (de-HCl and desulfurization), reactions of Hg/HgCl2 vapours and Zn-compounds, with soda and Ca(OH)2 in the presence of acid gases, and on effects of elemental sulfur and HBr addition. Influence of sorbents/additives and conditions (temperature, gas phase composition) on the equilibrium concentrations of gaseous and solid species was studied at temperatures 400–560 K (127–287 °C). Two types of alkaline solid sorbents have been theoretically analyzed: Na2CO3 and Ca(OH)2. The thermodynamic analyses involved systems with computations of gas/solid phase composition on a basis of assumption of solid phases with unit activities (stable, basic state). Application of the minimization of Gibbs energy for the chosen systems was used for the determination of equilibrium composition of gas and solid phases.

Life cycle assessment of rare earths recovery from waste fluorescent powders – A case study in China

Life cycle assessment of recycling rare earths from waste fluorescent powders was conducted, including the uncertainty and sensitivity analyses. Three scenarios were set in this study, namely, recycling with/without final disposal and waste fluorescent powders landfill. Recycling with final disposal presented lower environmental burden than that without final disposal due to the significant reduction of direct emissions. The evident impacts from chemicals and energy production stages were considered the main contributors to the overall environmental burden of recycling with final disposal due to their relatively high emissions of particulates matter, sulfur dioxide, heavy metals, and carbon dioxide as well as the use of fossil fuel. Compared with landfills, rare-earth recycling shows the highest environmental benefits because of the substitution of primary rare earths. To relieve the high demand of rare earths and reduce the overall environmental burden, governments are highly recommended to increase recycle rate, create a complete management system, improve energy consumption and wastewater treatment efficiency, and build an adequate recycle standard.

Virtual flows of aquatic heavy metal emissions and associated risk in China

Heavy metal pollution is posing a serious threat to ecosystem and human health in China. In addition to being emitted into the atmosphere, heavy metals generated by industrial processes are also emitted into water bodies. However, there is a lack of research exploring trade-induced aquatic heavy metals (AHM) emissions hidden in cross-regional supply chain networks. Such information can provide both consumer and producer perspectives on stakeholders' responsibility and involve them in pollution control along the entire supply chain including influencing consumption choices. Using a bottom-up AHM emission inventory (including mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb)) in 2010, we firstly accounted for production- and consumption-based AHM emissions and their virtual flows between China's 30 provinces. Additionally, we developed an integrated index, i.e. Equal Risk Pollution Load, to measure the risk associated with five AHM based on the corresponding reference dose. We found that richer provinces Guangdong, Jiangsu and Zhejiang through their consumption of metal products caused aquatic Hg, Cd, As and Pb pollution in provinces with nonferrous-metallic mineral resources such as Hunan, Yunnan, and Inner Mongolia. However, virtual aquatic Cr emissions were incurred in richer coastal regions (e.g. Guangdong, Zhejiang) for producing and exporting high value added products (electroplated products, printed circuit board and leather products) to less developed inland provinces. Finally, we propose measures from a supply chain perspective to mitigate aquatic pollution.

Presence of heavy metals in the soil of urban areas of Lukavac and Kalesija and malignant disease prevalence

The development of industry, agriculture, transport and urbanization has resulted in excessive emissions of heavy metals into the environment, which due to their bioaccumulative properties express negative effects on the environment and living organisms as a whole. In this work the presence of heavy metals in the soil samples of the urban area of Lukavac and Kalesija municipality and their effect on the health of the population were studied. Soil samples were collected in October 2017 at five locations in the urban area of Lukavac municipality and two urban locations in Kalesija municipality. Concentrations of chromium (Cr) copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the soil samples were determined. The results indicated that in some locations the concentration of heavy metals exceeded the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). MPC value for chromium was exceeded at four locations in the urban area of Lukavac, whereas MPC value for nickel and cadmium was exceeded at all locations. In Kalesija, MPC value was exceeded for chromium and nickel at one location, while cadmium MPC was exceeded at both locations. The negative impact of heavy metals on the health of the population is the cause of many malignant diseases. Statistical analysis of the number of patients with malignant diseases in the area of the Lukavac and Kalesija revealed significantly higher prevalence of malignant diseases of the lungs, breast, skin and cervix in the Lukavac (p&lt;0,05) in comparisson to Kalesija municipality.

Spatial-temporal analysis of selected industrial aquatic heavy metal pollution in China

Abstract Heavy metal pollution has become a global environmental issue. The control of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions is especially crucial in China. This study constructed a high-resolution grid dataset (at 1 km × 1 km scale) of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions (Hg, Cd, Cr(VI), Pb, and As) in China during 1998–2010, using a bottom-up approach. The environmental impacts of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions, including human health impacts and ecosystem quality impacts, were estimated based on ReCiPe2016. Subsequently, the spatial-temporal characteristics of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions and their environmental impacts were revealed at the grid scale. The results show that the top 10% of grids with the largest environmental impacts contributed over 85% of the total environmental impacts, but only 40%–45% of the total industrial outputs during 2000–2010. The areas with large environmental impacts were mainly located in the Pearl River Delta, the Yangtze River Delta, and Hunan Province in 2010. A reduction in the impact intensities of the five major polluting sectors in the top 10% of the grids to the average sectoral level could decrease the human health impacts by 44% and the ecosystem quality impacts by 41%. The grid dataset can provide detailed information on the spatial distribution of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions that can be used to refine aquatic heavy metal pollution control in China. It can also be used to analyze the environmental impacts and socioeconomic drivers of industrial aquatic heavy metal emissions.