Metal Industry Research Articles

Who is living near different types of US Superfund sites: A latent class analysis considering site contaminant profiles.

Millions of people in the United States live near Superfund sites and may be exposed to hazardous chemicals from those sites. However, there is limited research on chemicals present at sites and the demographics of nearby communities. We aimed to identify subgroups of Superfund sites with similar contaminant profiles and evaluate whether sociodemographic characteristics vary by type of site. We used US Environmental Protection Agency Superfund data to identify sites active in the year 2000. Census tract centroids located within 3 miles of every Superfund site were identified and a weighted average of census tract-level sociodemographics using the 2000 US Census was calculated. Superfund sites with similar contaminant profiles were identified using latent class analysis. We compared the median sociodemographic characteristics, overall and by contaminant latent class, with those of the overall 2000 US Census. We identified seven latent classes based on 12 contaminant categories from 1332 Superfund sites active in 2000. Overall, there were few differences in sociodemographics observed by the presence of any Superfund site compared with the overall US Census. After stratifying by contaminant profile, we observed evidence of disparities for two classes of sites, defined by (1) high diversity of chemical exposure and lumber industry and (2) batteries and metals, which were more likely to have higher hazard scores and to be near communities with higher proportions of non-White individuals, lower socioeconomic status, and higher social vulnerability. Disadvantaged communities, with higher social vulnerability, were more likely to be near certain Superfund sites with higher hazard scores.

Comprehensive treatment of waste salts from electrolytic manganese metal industry and recovery of manganese, magnesium, and ammonium.

A large amount of water-soluble waste salts is produced from traditional electrolytic manganese metal industry (EMMWS), and landfill treatment of the EMMWS increases the risk of pollution of the surrounding water and soil. The EMMWS mainly comprises sulphates with highly active components that can be recycled as secondary resources. Herein, a simple and efficient process comprising four-stage precipitation and separation, two-stage crystallisation, molten salt treatment, and water-leaching is proposed for comprehensive treatment of the EMMWS, as well as the recovery of manganese, magnesium, and ammonium, systematically investing the feasibility of this strategy. The results indicate that 95.3% Mn in the saturated EMMWS solution containing NH3 can be selectively oxidised to Mn oxides by O2(g), and the residual Mn can be thoroughly removed to 0.31mg/L with (NH4)2S2O8 oxidation. 92.78% Mg in the solution after Mn removal can be precipitated as 4MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·4H2O with NH4HCO3 and NH3·H2O, and the 98.81% of residual Mg can be removed as struvite with concentrated H3PO4. (NH4)2SO4 product can be obtained by crystallisation after Mn and Mg separation. 97.49% Mn in the Mn oxides can be converted into MnSO4 via (NH4)2SO4 molten salt treatment, and a light pink MnSO4·H2O product is obtained with water-leaching and crystallisation operations. Following the proposed process, the Mg, Mn, and NH4+/NH3 in EMMWS are recycled as 4MgCO3·Mg(OH)2·4H2O, struvite, MnSO4·H2O, and (NH4)2SO4 products. All the products obtained meet the relevant national standards. Economic analysis shows that a profit of US$282.45 might be achieved for each ton of EMMWS treated. This process is of great significance for the effective treatment of EMMWS and the recovery of manganese, magnesium, and ammonium resources.

The effect of obstructive sleep Asghari on hearing impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study among Noise-Exposed Workers

Purpose. The principal goal of this investigation was to assess how obstructive sleep apnea affects hearing impairments in workers who are regularly exposed to occupational noise. Materials and methods. In this investigation, we assessed 920 noise-exposure workers in one of the metal industries in Iran. Noise-induced, high-frequency, and low-frequency hearing loss were classified based on the mean hearing thresholds of more than 25 dB at 500–2000 Hz, 300–8000 Hz, and 4000 Hz, respectively. We used the STOP-Bang questionnaire for screening for sleep apnea, and a score of ≥3 indicated a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the correlation between hearing impairment and obstructive sleep apnea risk. Results. The mean hearing thresholds at 3000–8000 Hz and specifically at 4000 Hz were significantly higher among workers at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea compared to those at low risk (p-value <0.05). Following the multivariate logistic regression analysis and the confounding factor adjustment, individuals with high obstructive sleep apnea risk showed a higher incidence of noise-induced hearing loss (p = 0.002, OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.28–2.36) and high-frequency hearing loss (p = 0.02, OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.28–2.16) compared to those with low risk. Limitations. The cross-sectional design and use of a subjective screening method instead of objective methods such as polysomnography for evaluating obstructive sleep apnea are weaknesses of this study. Conclusion. The current study showed obstructive sleep apnea in noise-exposed workers increased the risk of developing high-frequency hearing loss and hearing impairment from noise. So, identifying and managing workers with obstructive sleep apnea risk, early hearing screening, and periodic audiometry can help to prevent hearing loss in the primary stage.

Overview of historical occupational exposure to trichloroethylene in China.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a carcinogen that has been causally linked to kidney cancer and possibly other cancer sites including the liver and lymphatic system. Its use in China has increased since the early 1990s due to the growing metal and electronic industries. We aimed to summarize the major sources of occupational exposure to TCE over time in China. Occupational TCE exposure assessments were extracted from both the Chinese and English scientific literature, as well as from industrial hygiene surveys performed in Guangdong, Tianjin, and Hong Kong. Weighted mean concentrations were summarized by occupation and industry. We extracted over 12,412 measurements from 55 industries and 35 occupations across China since 1976, of which at least 201 were from case reports. More than half of the measurements were derived from 4 industries, including "manufacture of footwear" (29%), "manufacture of electronic components and boards" (17%), "manufacture of games and toys" (14%), and "manufacture of fabricated metal products, except machinery and equipment" (13%). Several occupations, including "electronic-equipment assemblers," "metal-, rubber-, and plastic-products assemblers," "metal finishing-, plating-, and coating-machine operators," "precision-instrument makers and repairers," "printing-machine operators," and "ore and metal furnace operators" were identified as having high risks of TCE exposure, with either pooled weighted mean task-based or full-shift concentrations over 150mg/m3 over the years. TCE exposure levels varied across different occupations and changed over time. In 1990 and earlier, 1991 to 2000, the exposure levels were at their highest with pooled weighted mean task-based concentrations of 202.8 and 242.9mg/m3, respectively. Subsequently, the level decreased to 118.7mg/m3 from 2001 to 2010 before increasing again to 216.0mg/m3 from 2011 onwards. This overall trend was also observed for "electronic-equipment assemblers" and "metal finishing-, plating-, and coating-machine operators." However, for "precision-instrument makers and repairers," the exposure levels consistently declined over the years. Over the past few decades, degreasing-related occupations, such as "electronic-equipment assemblers" and "metal finishing-, plating-, and coating-machine operators" have been consistently identified as being at high risk of significant TCE exposure and continued to warrant attention. Identifying high-risk industries and occupations can inform the development of targeted interventions and regulations to mitigate TCE exposure. Furthermore, enhancing the quality and coverage of exposure measurement data in occupational settings will advance epidemiological investigations in occupational health.

Significance of stochastic programming in addressing production planning under uncertain demand in the metal industry sector

One of the most important disciplines for businesses is production planning. Production planning involves various cost elements such as labor, equipment, raw materials, and inventory while significantly impacting strategic aspects like sales, profit, and market share. Mathematical models used in production planning often address problems of cost minimization or profit maximization. However, besides deterministic-based linear programming applications, it is known that the effect of randomness also plays a significant role in production planning. When parameters are stochastic, meaning random, mathematical models must be capable of generating solutions under the influence of these random parameters. Stochastic modeling developed for problems affected by random parameters can yield the desired results. This study addresses the issue of production planning using stochastic modeling for a company that manufactures industrial-type pipe clamps and has two main product groups. The model that minimizes costs under demand uncertainty uses the Sample Average Approximation (SAA) approach. Initially, a deterministic model was established to obtain the solution when randomness was not included. Subsequently, the stochastic model was solved by creating different scenario sets using SAA, and comparison results were presented.

Echoes from Benin: The unrecognized profits of the German heavy metal industry from the transatlantic slave trade – a provocation

ABSTRACT The study “German brass for Benin Bronzes,” published in 2023 with my colleagues, revealed how German metals played a significant role in the production of the Benin Bronzes, one of the most controversial cultural heritage issues of recent years. 1 However, the extensive discussion surrounding the restitution of the stolen artworks completely ignored the historical data that explained the presence of German metals in the Bronzes. In view of the sensitivity and topicality of the debates on de-colonialization and German profits from the transatlantic slave trade, this is unacceptably problematical. This provocation challenges this lacuna in reference to the Benin Bronzes as a symptom of a repressed narrative about the German metal export economy to Africa and aims to provoke further studies of the larger contextualization of the German entanglement in the global metal trade well into the twentieth century. 2

Strong inorganic acid mists and respiratory tract cancers: a meta-analysis.

Exposure to strong inorganic acid mists (SIAMs) in the workplace has been linked to respiratory tract cancers. We conducted a meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies examining the association between occupational SIAMs and respiratory tract cancers other than laryngeal cancer, which is already established. Studies mentioned in the 1992 IARC Monograph on carcinogenicity of SIAMs were combined with later studies identified from a systematic search of Scopus, PubMed and Embase. Forest plots of relative risks (RR) and odds ratios were constructed for the 34 identified studies. A random-effects model was used to address heterogeneity. An association between the roles associated with occupational SIAMs exposure and risk of lung (RR = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.05-1.32), and nasal cancers (RR = 3.30, 95% CI = 1.16-9.41) was found. The risk of oral and pharyngeal cancer was also associated with SIAMs exposure-related roles (RR = 1.59, 95% CI = 0.98-2.57). Results did not differ by study design, gender or outcome for all three cancers. A positive association for lung cancer was found with chemical (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.13-1.38), and metal and steel industries (RR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.04-1.37), as well as for oral and pharyngeal cancer with chemical industry (RR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.57-1.89). We checked publication bias for lung (p = 0.35), oral and pharyngeal (p = 0.02) and nasal cancer (p = 0.40). Our study showed an association between occupational SIAM exposure and risk of lung, nasal, and possibly oral and pharyngeal cancers. However, weaknesses in the recording of confounding and exposure data in the currently available literature were found.

Analyzing the Relationship Between Environmental Variables, Job Demands, Emotional Fatigue, and Job Stress in the Metal Industry of Southern Peninsular Malaysia

Analyzing the Relationship Between Environmental Variables, Job Demands, Emotional Fatigue, and Job Stress in the Metal Industry of Southern Peninsular Malaysia

Magnesium is at a crossroads: An industrial metal or a technology metal?

Magnesium is at a crossroads: An industrial metal or a technology metal?

Impact of automobiles and industrial metal pollution on photosynthetic attributes of selected wild and crop plant species

Impact of automobiles and industrial metal pollution on photosynthetic attributes of selected wild and crop plant species

The association between the serum levels of Molybdenum and Cadmium with the development of urolithiasis

Background. Kidney stones have increased globally and become a public health problem. The association between kidney stone risk and environmental heavy metal exposure was examined in some observational studies. Environmental and industrial metal contaminants commonly found include excess molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd). The objective of this study is to examine the correlation between the presence of kidney stones in a group of adults and the levels of these two metals in their blood serum. Methods. In this study, 44 patients with renal stones were taken against 44 healthy subjects from Basra Governate in Iraq. We employ the Agilent Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS Agilent 7500/USA) technique to quantify the concentrations of molybdenum (Mo) and Cadmium (Cd). Results. The results indicate a significant difference in patients' molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) levels. Molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) levels in the patient group were (179 ppb, 2.86 ppb) and in the healthy group (156 ppb, 1.22 ppb), respectively. The study also includes the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, xanthine oxidase, and superoxidase dismutase), which may be affected by increased heavy metal levels and significant differences between the patient and healthy groups. We use the enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) technique to assay antioxidant enzymes. The study also assesses the function of the liver and kidneys (serum uric acid, urea, serum creatinine, total serum bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin, GOT, GPT, and ALP). The patient and the healthy group significantly differed in liver and renal function parameters. Conclusion. The study determined that both molybdenum (Mo) and cadmium (Cd) are identified as risk factors for the formation of kidney stones. Elevated blood Mo and Cd exposure has been linked to increased urolithiasis in adults, and urolithiasis may be predisposed to high serum Mo and Cd levels.

Behavior and Mechanisms of Antimony Precipitation from Wastewater by Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria Desulfovibrio desulfuricans.

The development of the non-ferrous metal industry is generating increasingly large quantities of wastewater containing heavy metals (e.g., Sb). The precipitation of heavy metals by microorganisms involves complex mechanisms that require further investigation to optimize bioremediation technologies. In this study, we employed a sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) strain Desulfovibrio desulfuricans CSU_dl to treat the antimony (Sb)-containing wastewater; the behavior of Sb and mechanisms underlying precipitation were investigated by characterizing the precipitates. The results showed that the abiotic factors constraining SRB bacterial growth greatly affect Sb forms and precipitation. For instance, Sb precipitation maximumly occurred at pH 6 and 7, or C:N ratio of 10:1 and 40:3 for Sb(III) and Sb(V), respectively, resulting in a maximum Sb removal rate of 94%. Interestingly, we found that substantial antimonate and antimonite were adsorbed on the SRB cell surface, indicating that cell surface is a critical reaction site of Sb transformation and precipitation. Sb was adsorbed to the cell surface by C-C and C=O groups, and was further precipitated by forming Sb2S3 and Sb2S5 or was coprecipitated with the P-containing group. Partial Sb(V) reduction was also observed on the SRB cell surface. These results provided a deep insight into the Sb bio-transformation and were an advancement with respect to understanding bioremediation of Sb-contaminated wastewater.

Application of a near real-time technique for the assessment of atmospheric arsenic and metals emissions from a copper smelter in an urban area of SW Europe.

Emissions of metals and metalloids as a result of industrial processes, entail a great risk to human health. A high time resolution study on arsenic levels in PM10 in the city of Huelva (SW Spain) was carried out between September 2021 and September 2022. Hourly data obtained with a near real-time technique based on X-ray fluorescence were inter-compared with other offline analytical instrumentation. The results showed that the main origin of As and other metal(loid)s such as Zn and Pb, was the copper smelter located southwest to the city. Although the mean concentration of As during the study period (2.8 ng m-3) was lower than the target value (6 ng m-3) proposed by the European Directive 2004/107/EC, hourly peaks of up to 311 ng m-3 were measured. The highest concentrations of arsenic were reached in the early afternoon, related to the influence of breeze. A source apportionment study has identified five major sources of PM10: mineral, marine, combustion, regional and industry. The industrial source is characterized by high concentrations of As, Cu, Pb and Zn, contributing 1% of the total concentration of PM10 and related to copper smelter emissions. In addition, the analysis of two extreme North African dust outbreak events that affected southwestern Europe in March 2022, showed that this natural source contributed slightly to arsenic levels. The need to carry out high time resolution studies is demonstrated to better understand the variability in exposure to industrial metal(loid)s by the population, compared to conventional 24-h studies.

Fermatean Fuzzy MOORA-based Approach for Hazard Analysis in An Aluminium Company

Introduction/Objective: Hazard analysis as one of the main study subjects in ergo-nomics and occupational health and safety (OHS) risk assessment is a critical requirement for ensuring the health and safety of workers in work environments. Current hazard analysis ap-proaches in the literature may have some shortcomings. This study aims to provide more relia-ble assessments in the hazard analysis process by overcoming the shortcomings of classical ap-proaches. Methods: This study proposes a new hazard analysis approach based on the integration of the Fermatean Fuzzy set and the multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method MOORA. Results: The proposed approach is used to perform a hazard analysis of a company operating in the metal industry, which is one of the sectors where occupational accidents and occupational diseases most often occur. As a result of the application, the hazards and associated risks in the aluminum metal company are prioritized. Conclusion: This study provides an advanced risk assessment technique for ergonomists and OHS professionals to make better decisions in hazard analysis studies.

Functional Group Effects on the Interfacial Adsorption of Arylquinoline-3-Carbonitriles on Iron: A DFT-D3 Investigation of Surface Interaction Mechanisms.

Reliable corrosion inhibition systems are crucial for extending the lifespan of industrial metal structures. Quinolines, with their high adsorption capacity and protective efficiency, are promising next-generation inhibitors. However, the impact of substitutions on their coordination with iron surfaces requires deeper understanding. Herein, we investigate the influence of various functional groups on the adsorption behavior of three 2-amino-4-arylquinoline-3-carbonitriles (AACs) on iron surfaces using first-principles density functional theory calculations. Results reveal that nitrophenyl and hydroxyphenyl significantly enhance the adsorption strength of AACs on the Fe(110) surface, facilitated by donor-acceptor interactions. Neutral molecules were more stable than their protonated counterparts. Key results show strong adsorption energies, with values ranging from -2.005 to -1.809 eV for the AACs, along with significant electron gains across carbon atoms as indicated by Bader charge analysis. These strong interactions result in notable charge redistribution and bond formation, as shown by projected density of states and electron density difference iso-surfaces. Furthermore, electron localization function analysis indicates that van der Waals interactions, influenced by multiple nitrogen atoms, play a crucial role in stabilizing the adsorbed molecules. Stronger adsorption through electron donation and retro-donation mechanisms suggests enhanced corrosion protection efficiency of these substituted quinolines. The conductor-like screening model for real solvents analysis provides complementary insights into the solvation characteristics. Overall, the findings demonstrate the specific role functional groups play in the coordination of arylquinoline-3-carbonitriles with iron surfaces.

The Relationship Between Occupational Accidents and Near-Miss Accidents and Occupational Safety Climate in a Metal Industry Workplace

Objective: The aim of the research is to determine the relationship between occupational safety climate and occupational accidents and near-miss accidents in a workplace producing in the metal industry. Material and methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted between 15 July and 30 August 2024 in an enterprise engaged in production in the metal sector in Balikesir province with a research group of 387 people. The dependent variables of the study are occupational accidents and near misses. Results: During their working lives, 37.2% of the participants had a near-miss accident and 34.1% had a work-related accident. The results of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that those who had a near-miss accident had low scores in the dimensions of Management safety priority, commitment and competence (OR: 0.56 CI: 0.38-0.82), Management safety justice (OR: 0.69, CI: 0.48-1), Workers’ safety commitment (OR: 0.62, CI: 0.42-0.93), Workers’ safety priority and risk non-acceptance (OR: 0.4 CI: 0.27-0.61) and safety communication, learning, and trust in co-worker safety competence (OR: 0.65, CI: 0.45-0.94). According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, those who had a work accident had a significantly lower score on the dimension of Workers’ safety priority and risk non-acceptance (OR: 0.46, CI: 0.30-0.70). Conclusion: In the study, one in three people had a work accident or near-miss accident during their working life and the level of work safety climate was quite good. It was determined that the history of near miss accidents and work accidents was significantly related to the dimensions of occupational safety climate.

Mondia whitei fruit extract abates cadmium chloride-induced nephrotoxicity via the suppression of oxidative stress in rats

Cadmium (Cd) is an industrial heavy metal that causes toxic effects to several body organs including the kidney. Medicinal plants are used in managing various diseases caused by environmental toxicants. This study aimed to evaluate the protective ability of Mondia whitei fruit extract (MWE) against nephrotoxicity induced by CdCl₂ exposure in Wistar rats. Twenty-five male Wistar rats of 90 to 130 g body weight (b.w) were used in this study. The animals were indiscriminately assigned to five groups of five animals per group. The control group were rats in group I, whereas group II to V rats were orally administered CdCl₂ (5 mg/kg body weight (b.w)) for 5 days. Simultaneously, the rats in group III to V were co-treated with 70 mg/kg b.w of silymarin, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w of MWE, respectively. The CdCl2 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the levels of serum renal biomarkers such as urea and creatinine, total protein and albumin. Furthermore, a substantial (p < 0.05) elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and a concomitant (p < 0.05) reduction in the kidney activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione transferase (GST), and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) were observed in the CdCl2-intoxicated rats. Alterations in the kidney's histology were also noted. Nonetheless, treatment with MWE markedly returned to normal the levels of serum kidney parameters and tissue NO and MDA. In addition, the MWE significantly (p < 0.05) elevated tissue antioxidant levels and restored the kidney histology. The result of this study suggest that MWE could potentially serve as an alternative therapy in managing CdCl2-induced nephrotoxicity.

Organizational Resilience Opacity in the Prism of Circular Strategy—Metal Industry Manufacturing Practice

This study investigates the impact of circular economy (CE) strategies on organizational resilience (OR) within the metal industry, focusing on a case study of a forging department in a large manufacturing company. The idea of the paper is to link the macroeconomic topic of circular economy (CE) with microeconomic and practical activities in the organization, exploring how CE principles can improve resource efficiency, sustainability, and organizational resilience. A systematic literature review and case study methodology were used to assess the relationship between CE and OR. The findings reveal that companies with higher circularity demonstrate better resilience, both in normal operations and during crises. Specifically, in the case study, the closure of the forging department, following a detailed analysis using the Inputs–Mediators–Outputs (IMO) model, emerged as the most sustainable option, yielding financial, environmental, and operational benefits. This decision aligned with the company’s long-term goals of energy efficiency and carbon neutrality. The research highlights the significance of integrating CE strategies with business processes to not only achieve sustainability but also to build a more adaptable and resilient organization. Future research should explore broader applications of this framework across different industries to strengthen the links between circular economy practices and organizational resilience.

Machine efficiency assessment based on OEE indicator analysis

This work presents a comparative analysis of the technological process before and after its modernization. The aim of the work was a comparative analysis based on the assessment of the OEE total effectiveness indicator on the example of one of the metal industry companies. The research conducted in this work took into account both the company's technical capabilities and issues related to technological process management. The work contains the characteristics of defined problems and the scope of corrective actions aimed at reducing or completely eliminating them.

An Analysis of Key Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Metrics in Several Important Manufacturing Segments of India

The worldwide environmental issues present an unending cycle of transition and with it comes an increasing prevalence of environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure initiatives which serve as a path towards encouragement of ethical and sustainable business operations and influencing the long-term viability of business. By disclosing ESG aspects, firms can increase their credibility and interest to investors who value sustainable investments. India’s manufacturing sector has consistently contributed over 15% of the country’s GDP. In response to the acute need for diversification of the economy and employment generation, the Indian government has implemented significant efforts to enhance manufacturing opportunities and this industry must gradually adopt sustainable manufacturing practices. This study has primarily focused on the leading manufacturing sub-sectors, namely oil, chemical, cement, metal and automobile industries. The study identifies those sub-sectors which are more progressive towards sustainability. Non-parametric tests, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test, Dunn’s test (post hoc test) and the Wilcoxon signed rank test have disclosed significant variations in ESG performances within the manufacturing sectors. These findings will be valuable to potential investors in identifying those segments that do align with their investment decisions and will also encourage companies to recognize and address their ESG performance gaps.