Significant Amounts Of Lead Research Articles

Neutron tomography of sealed copper alloy animal coffins from ancient Egypt

Animal mummification was commonplace in ancient Egypt, with the remains of many animals placed inside statues or votive boxes with representations of animals or hybrid human–animal creatures. Votive boxes were made from a variety of materials and often sealed; some boxes are still preserved in this state in museum collections. A prior study of sealed copper alloy votive boxes from the collection of the British Museum used X-ray computed tomography to search for animal remains, where poor image quality resulted due to attenuation from the boxes and apparent dense metals inside. In this study, neutron tomography was applied to six of the votive boxes previously examined. Animal remains, likely from lizards, and fragments of textile wrappings were discovered inside three of the boxes. Evidence of the manufacturing process and subsequent repairs of the boxes were uncovered by neutrons. Significant quantities of lead were also identified in three boxes. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of neutron tomography for the study of mummified remains inside sealed metal containers, and give evidence linking the animal figures represented on top of votive boxes to the concealed remains.

Microstructural and Analytical Study of Uncommon Corrosion Features on Archaeological Cu-As Alloys from Tappeh Graziani in Southeastern Iran.

The morphology and composition of the corrosion products of archaeological arsenical copper alloys buried in a specific environment for a long time were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analyses demonstrated that the alloy composition of the artifacts was copper-arsenic (Cu-AS) with significant amounts of lead in some samples. Cuprite, malachite, and copper (II) hydroxychlorides were observed on a completely mineralized matrix. The surface of the objects was covered by two main corrosion layers formed on the internal cuprous oxide. However, several successive layers of corrosion products were recognized on the artifacts in some cases. Furthermore, phosphatic corrosion products including, mimetite [Pb5(AsO4)3Cl], and pyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl] were identified. Conichalcite [CaCu(AsO4)](OH), which grew in the form of Liesegang rings, was also identified as a corrosion product of one of the objects. As and Pb exhibited some enrichment in the corrosion crusts of the artifacts. Environmental changes in burial conditions, particularly due to seasonal streams and consequent changes in soil corrosivity, vicinity of objects to bone material, along with the migration of alloy elements, especially lead and arsenic, can explain the morphological features of these archaeological objects.

New data on the chemical composition of the non-ferrous metal products of the X–XVIII centuries on the territory of Northern and Central Belarus

The article presents the results of analysis of new data on the elemental composition of non-ferrous metal products on the territory of certain archaeological sites in Northern and Central Belarus. The author distinguishes two main stages in the non-ferrous metalworking of the region: the X–XIII centuries and XIV–XVIII centuries. It is noted that the period of the X–XIII centuries is characterized by a significant predominance of copper-zinc alloys with average and high concentrations of zinc in metal. Meanwhile, bronze alloys also play an important role, accounting for 35 % of the total number of the items studied. Samples made of copper-zinc and bronze alloys are also characterized by a significant amount of lead. As a result of the analysis of the data on the elemental composition of non-ferrous metal products of the XIV–XVIII centuries, it is concluded that non-ferrous metalworking of this period is characterized by the continuity of traditions with handicraft production of the previous period, which manifested itself in the widespread use of copper-zinc alloys, as well as of tin-lead and multicomponent bronzes. At the same time, a significant difference is the increase in the proportion of alloys with high concentrations of alloying components.

Lead Isotopic Characteristics and Metal Sources for the Jewelry in the Medieval Rural Settlements from the Suzdal Region (Kievan Rus’)

The article considers the results of the study of lead isotope composition of 38 non-ferrous artifacts discovered at medieval rural sites of the Suzdal Region (Kievan Rus’). The copper-alloy, silver and pewter artifacts were compared with reference data from geographically and temporally diverse medieval artifacts and ore deposits and revealed differing source regions and supply networks within and between metal types. The identification in some cases was difficult due to the conformity of the lead isotopic composition of deposits of some regions. The copper-alloys, represented mostly by crosses made of high-tin bronze, show close isotopic parallels to contemporary copper alloys from Southern Scandinavia, Westphalia and Lower Saxony. Since the copper alloys contain significant quantities of lead, this lead may have entered the metal by alloying with lead-tin alloys, by smelting mixed copper-lead ore, or through haphazard alloying with lead. The lead isotope ratios for nearly all copper alloys are consistent with deposits in Cornwall and Devon and remobilized ore from the Rhenish Massif. For silver and lead-tin alloy objects, lead isotope analyses point to wide ranging sources. Most silver objects are consistent with mid-to-late 10th century silver stocks circulating in the Baltic area and 10th century Volga-Bulgar silver dirham imitations probably representing mixtures of 9th-10th century Islamic silver. The silver shows a heavy reliance on 10th century mixed stocks and there are little indications of Central and Western European silver, which was common in the 11th century Baltic region. The pewter and lead, however, indicate other sources. Lead isotope ratios are consistent with sources connected to Mediterranean and Baltic networks, some being consistent with sources in England, but it is possible that the lead found in some pewter objects could come from the Olkusz lead district in southern Poland.

Tap Water Lead Levels in Madrid (Spain): Degree of Compliance and Health Risk Assessment

Lead is one of few substances known to have a direct impact on health through the drinking water supply. Significant amounts of lead can be infiltrated in tap water as a result of leaching in distribution and plumbing system. This research was conducted to characterize Pb in tap water in the 21 districts of Madrid city over a long period of 12 years (2007–2018) and to assess the children health risks generated by the exposure to lead in the water supply. A total of 2308 first-flush water samples were collected from various types of buildings and analyzed for Pb using electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy. The sampling was carried out considering different factors: year, district and type of building. Tap water in most samples (96%) complied with the legislation throughout the study period. More cases of non-compliance were observed in 2014 because the impact of stricter regulations entry in force in December 2013 (10 μg/L). It was also significantly higher in the oldest districts located in the central area of Madrid and in households compared to other types of buildings (p 1 and average loss of Intelligent quotient (IQ loss) < 1 in 89.9% of the samples, however, the possibility of an adverse effect for infants and young children could not be excluded for a small percentage of samples exceeding 5 µg/L or 10 µg/L respectively corresponding to old households in the central area. The results point to the need of control of water supply including strategies such as the prioritization of inspections in the buildings of that area and the replacement of old pipes.

Simulation of X-ray fluorescence spectra from a medieval parchment with red ink writing

Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence spectra were simulated using the Geant4 software package to quantify the elemental composition of a red ink contained in a medieval parchment. From comparison of the spectra emitted from a blank spot and a spot with the writing we have found that the ink contains significant amounts of lead and mercury. This allowed us to hypothesize that the ink was based on a natural mineral pigment minium with an admixture of cinnabar.

Lead acetate produced from lead-acid battery for efficient perovskite solar cells

Lead-acid batteries contain significant amount of lead that is an important material for emerging perovskite solar cells. Here, we successfully recovered lead from lead-acid battery. Anode and cathode lead mud reacted with acetic acid (CH3COOH), and the produced high purity lead acetate (Pb(Ac)2) was tested with FTIR and XRD. The simple synthetic path is efficient and causes no secondary pollution. Furthermore, the recovered lead acetate was used to fabricate normal planar heterojunction perovskite solar cells (PerSCs) with a power conversation efficiency reaching 17.83%. In addition to lead acetate, CH3COOH was also found in the product of cathode mud. CH3COOH is beneficial for a compact and crystalline perovskite film and improves the device performance. Fabrication of perovskite solar cells with lead from spent batteries reduces the environmental impact of battery waste and promotes the development of new energy technology.

Garbage waste induced heavy metals on roaming cattle

Emerging evidence has shown that municipal garbage waste contains higher amount of heavy metals and increases health and environmental hazards. Little is known, however, about such wastes use as animal food to fate in products level, in dairy cattle roaming freely. To address these, garbage waste as cattle feed, feces and milk samples from roaming dairy cattle were collected from four areas and simultaneously assess heavy metals concentrations. The study areas were Aqua Morolbari (AM; used as control area), Kachijuli Bazar (KB), Machua Bazar (MB), and Mymensingh Medical College (MMC). Emerging evidence has shown that municipal garbage waste contains higher amount of heavy metals and increases health and environmental hazards. Although faeces and milk samples expressed similar trends, feces samples was solely maintained higher chromium concentrations than to garbage waste and milk samples. A significant changes of zinc (Zn) concentrations was observed in collected garbage waste of MB and MMC than to AM and KB. Milk samples showed similar results. In contrast, an increased zinc concentration was found in areas of KB, MB and MMC feces samples as compared to AM. Compared to Aqua Morolbari area, Machua Bazar and Mymensingh Medical College area’s garbage contained significant amount of lead (Pb) levels. There was an increase amount of lead presence in feces and milk samples compared to the control zone. A significant amount of cadmium (Cd) was found in KB, MB and MMC compared to AM. Feces samples were responded similarly. In contrast, both MB and MMC showed a higher concentration of cadmium in milk samples than rest of the two sites. From the results, it was clearly revealed that roaming cattle were daily consumed garbage wastes which possessed heavy metals such as Cr, Zn, Pb, and Cd, to a major extent, resulting in introduction of trace elements in the human food chain.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (1): 24-28

English

Electronic fast food premiums were investigated for their ability to leach toxic metals into the environment. Low levels of the metals barium, cadmium, chromium, and mercury were detected. Significant quantities of lead were found, up to 177 mg/L, over thirty five times the permissible levels. Key words: Waste, management, toxic, metal, leachate, lead, toys.

There is no safe threshold for lead exposure: Α literature review.

Lead was and still is an environmental factor that increases neurologic and psychiatric morbidity. It also causes developmental disorders, especially in deprived areas. Prevention should be the single most important way of dealing with lead poisoning.

The use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as enhancing agent for the remediation of a lead polluted soil

Resultfor Pb extraction experiments from a contaminated soil performed with citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Na2EDTA) indicate that Na2EDTA is much more efficient. The Pb removal after 5 successive extractions using 24mL of 0.1M Na2EDTA solutions and 8g of soil is close to 100%. Other non-toxic metals such as Ca and Mg, that are present in important concentrations in this soil, are also solubilized, but important differences in the behavior of each metal are observed. A local equilibrium model is used for the interpretation of the results of these batch experiments; the experimental and the model results are in a fairly good agreement.From these results it is concluded that Na2EDTA presents almost ideal characteristics for its use as enhancing agent for an electrokinetic remediation of the soil. Therefore, experiments were performed, in which the pH value is controlled at both electrode-compartments using Na2EDTA at the cathode and NaOH at the anode, aiming to the recovery of PbEDTA2–at the anode. Nevertheless, no significant amounts of lead are recovered. The possible negative effects of the electric current over the performance of Na2EDTA are studied using a two-compartment cell for electrodialytic remediation with an important electrical current and comparing the results with those obtained under identical conditions without current. It is concluded that the electric current produce no negative effects. Therefore, the cancelling effects of the electromigration and the electroosmotic movement are considered as the most probable explanation for the experimental results.

Lead exposure from aluminum cookware in Cameroon

Blood lead levels have decreased following the removal of lead from gasoline in most of the world. However, numerous recent studies provide evidence that elevated blood lead levels persist in many low and middle-income countries around the world at much higher prevalence than in the more developed countries. One potential source of lead exposure that has not been widely investigated is the leaching of lead from artisanal aluminum cookware, which is commonly used in the developing world.Twenty-nine samples of aluminum cookware and utensils manufactured by local artisans in Cameroon were collected and analyzed for their potential to release lead during cooking. Source materials for this cookware included scrap metal such as engine parts, radiators, cans, and construction materials. The lead content of this cookware is relatively low (<1000ppm by X-ray fluorescence), however significant amounts of lead, as well as aluminum and cadmium were released from many of the samples using dilute acetic acid extractions at boiling and ambient temperatures. Potential exposures to lead per serving were estimated to be as high as 260μg, indicating that such cookware can pose a serious health hazard. We conclude that lead, aluminum and cadmium can migrate from this aluminum cookware during cooking and enter food at levels exceeding recommended public health guidelines. Our results support the need to regulate lead content of materials used to manufacture these pots. Artisanal aluminum cookware may be a major contributor to lead poisoning throughout the developing world. Testing of aluminum cookware in other developing countries is warranted.

Nanoparticle emissions from traditional pottery manufacturing.

Traditional pottery manufacturing involves firing of the ceramics in kilns, a process that leads to high concentrations of airborne particles that are harmful to human health. In order to assess the associated exposure levels and the involved risks, here, for the first time, we investigate the size, the concentration and the elemental composition of the particles emitted during the different stages of the ceramic firing process. Number size distributions of the emitted particles, having diameters in the range from 10 nm to 20 μm, were measured in a traditional small-sized pottery studio using a Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer (SMPS) and an Optical Particle Counter (OPC). The measurements showed dominance of the nanoparticle mode (i.e., particles smaller than 100 nm) when the kiln reached temperatures above 600 °C. The mean size of the particles ranged from 30 to 70 nm and their peak number concentration was 6.5 × 10(5) cm(-3) during the first stage of the firing process where the ceramics were unpainted and unglazed. During the second stage of the firing process, where the ceramics were painted and glazed, the mean particle size ranged from 15 to 40 nm and their number concentration peaked at 1.2 × 10(6) cm(-3). Elemental analysis of individual particles collected during the two firing stages and studied by Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy showed that the emitted nanoparticles contain significant amounts of lead. These findings provide new information for understanding the health impacts of traditional pottery manufacturing, and underline the need for adopting adequate measures to control nanoparticle emissions at the source.

Bioweathering of lead blast furnace metallurgical slags by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Lead blast furnace (LBF), one of the processes used in non-ferrous metallurgy, generates huge amounts of primary smelting slags which are often directly landfilled. The slags sampled from the industrial basin of Nord-Pas-de-Calais (northern France) still contain significant quantities of lead and zinc and are exposed to weathering conditions at their disposal site. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate metal leachability when LBF slags come into contact with ultrapure water, sterile growth media or growth media inoculated with a heterotrophic bacterium (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The changes in the surface morphology of slag prior and after the alteration experiments as well as the formation of secondary mineral phases has been monitored by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX). P. aeruginosa was shown to play a significant role in LBF slags weathering by enhancing the leaching and solubility of toxic elements (Zn and Pb) present in LBF slags. Sorption of Zn and Pb onto bacterial cells and complexation of these toxic metals by siderophores is expected to dramatically enhance the solubility, and therefore the mobility of these metals. Leached out elements were further complexed either with phosphate present in the growth medium or with carbonate which led to the formation of secondary Zn or Pb precipitates.

Investigation into the cause of the exfoliation of ferroelectric PZT films from the substrate by auger electron spectroscopy

It is shown that film exfoliation in a PZT(400 nm)/Ir(50 nm)/TiO2(10 nm)/Ti(10 nm)/SiO2/Si system upon annealing in air at 650°C for 20 min occurs at the PZT/Ir interface along a thin intermediate oxide layer (Pb, Ir)O x containing a significant amount of lead as compared to PZT. This layer is not continuous and exists below the PZT film at sites where the flaking does not occur. The thickness of the intermediate layer estimated by the time of ion sputtering is about 20 nm. This value and the layer composition do not change with increasing annealing time.

Lead contamination of surgical gloves by contact with a lead hand.

Background. “Lead hands” are frequently used to maintain hand and finger position in hand surgery. The malleability and strength of lead make it ideal for this purpose. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of lead transferred to a surgeon's glove during handling of a lead hand. Method. Sterile surgical gloves were wiped over the surface of a lead hand. The number of wipes was varied, the gloves were then sent to a trace elements laboratory, and the lead content transferred to each glove was determined. Results. The amount of lead transferred to each glove increased with increasing exposure to the lead hand. After twenty wipes, up to 2 mg of lead was transferred to the surgeon's glove. Covering the lead hand with a sterile drape markedly reduced the lead transferred to the surgeon's glove. Conclusion. Significant amount of lead is transferred on to the gloves after handling a lead hand. This risks wound contamination and a foreign body reaction. Covering the lead hand with a sterile drape may minimise the risk of surgical wound contamination.

Structural ceramics made with clay and steel dust pollutants

Electric arc furnace steel dust is a by-product of the steelmaking process and contains high amounts of the iron and zinc and significant amounts of lead, chromium, and cadmium. Metal recycling however, is not always economically feasible, especially due to the complex mineralogical composition of this material. In this study an application of this material is presented. Ceramics were produced with clay and variable amounts of steel dust. The bulk material was fired between 800 and 1100 °C. The influence of the composition and the processing temperature on the mechanical strength, linear shrinkage, water absorption, apparent density and bending strength and metal leaching of the ceramic samples was investigated. A blend of clay with up to 20% dust yielded ceramics with limited metal contamination risk and may thus be used for structural ceramics production.

Industrial wastewater pre-treatment for heavy metal reduction by employing a sorbent-assisted ultrafiltration system

This work examined the adoption of a sorbent-assisted ultrafiltration (UF) system for the reduction of Pb(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) from industrial wastewater. In such a system metals were removed via several processes which included precipitation through the formation of hydroxides, formation of precipitates/complexes among the metal ions and the wastewater compounds, adsorption of metals onto minerals (bentonite, zeolite, vermiculite) and retention of insoluble metal species by the UF membranes. At pH = 6 the metal removal sequence obtained by the UF system was Pb(II) > Cu(II) > Zn(II) > Ni(II) in mg g −1 with significant amount of lead and copper being removed due to chemical precipitation and formation of precipitates/complexes with wastewater compounds. At this pH, zinc and nickel adsorption onto minerals was significant, particularly when bentonite and vermiculite were employed as adsorbents. Metal adsorption onto zeolite and bentonite followed the sequence Zn(II) > Ni(II) > Cu(II) > Pb(II), while for vermiculite the sequence was Ni(II) > Zn(II) > Cu(II) > Pb(II) in mg g −1. The low amount of Pb(II) and Cu(II) adsorbed by minerals was attributed to the low available lead and copper concentration. At pH = 9 the adoption of UF could effectively reduce heavy metals to very low levels. The same was observed at pH = 8, provided that minerals were added. The prevailing metal removal process was the formation of precipitates/complexes with wastewater compounds.

Lead poisoning from use of bronze drinking vessels during the late Chinese Shang dynasty: an in vitro experiment

Introduction. Bronze drinking vessels famous for their intricate carvings and used by the aristocracy in the Chinese Shang dynasty (1555–1145 BCE) are known to have been fabricated with alloys containing soft metallic lead. The contribution of lead leaching from such vessels into the fermented grain wines drunk by the Chinese nobility in ancient times has not been previously estimated. Methods. Three bronze vessels containing 8% lead by weight were fabricated to resemble the late Shang bronze goblets. Shaoxing drinking rice wine was purchased locally and placed in the vessels, using a white grape wine and water as comparisons. Sampling was performed at baseline, 2 min, and then at days 1, 2, 4, and 7. Lead concentrations in the liquid matrix were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results. Significant amounts of lead leached into the liquid within one day: 13,900 μg/L in water, 45,900 μg/L in rice wine, and 116,000 μg/L in white wine. Lead continued to leach into both the grape and rice wines with the passage of time. Discussion. Significant lead contamination of Shaoxing rice wine was detected when it was left in bronze goblets fabricated to resemble the Shang dynasty vessels. If a liter of contaminated wine was drunk daily, the daily intake of lead could have been as high as 85 mg. Such a high degree of contamination could cause chronic lead poisoning, affecting the health of the Shang nobility who used bronze beverage containers, before lead was excluded from the manufacture of bronze.

Safety of some calcium supplements questioned.

Optimal calcium intakes are desirable for prevention or treatment of osteoporosis, but the safety and efficacy of some calcium supplements used to achieve such intakes have been questioned. Lead contamination is not restricted to bone-meal and dolomite; significant amounts of lead, and also aluminum, have been found in calcium carbonate supplements labeled "oyster shell" or "natural source." While no evidence for in vivo toxicity has emerged, chronic use of these supplements may constitute unnecessary metal exposure.