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Human Health Risk Assessment Of Heavy Metal Pollution In Soils Around Kapan Mining Area, Armenia

Authors:
Gor Gevorgyan at Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology
Gor Gevorgyan
  • Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology
Karen Ghazaryan at Yerevan State University
Karen Ghazaryan
Hasmik S. Movsesyan at Yerevan State University
Hasmik S. Movsesyan
H G Zhamharyan
H G Zhamharyan
H G Zhamharyan
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Abstract and Figures

Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of heavy metal pollution in the soils around the Kapan mining area, Armenia were investigated. The results of the study showed that the content of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb) in the soils sampled in June, 2013 may have posed non-carcinogenic and even carcinogenic risks to population, mainly children living in this territory. Cr was the main element causing human health risks in the area.
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29
National Academy of Sciences of RA
Electronic Journal of
NATURAL SCIENCES
ՀՀ Գիտությունների ազգային ակադեմիա
Էլեկտրոնային ամսագիր
ԲՆԱԿԱՆ ԳԻՏՈՒԹՅՈՒՆՆԵՐ
Национальная Академия наук РА
Электронный журнал
ЕСТЕСТВЕННЫЕ НАУКИ
2(29), 2017
Ecology
Էկոլոգիա
Экология
HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY META L POLLUTION IN SOILS
AROUND KAPAN MINING AREA, ARMENIA
G. A. Gevorgyan1, K. A. Ghazaryan2, H. S. Movsesyan2, H. G. Zhamharyan2
1Institute of Hydroecology and Ichthyology of Scientific Center of Zoology and Hydroecology of NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia
2Chair of Ecology and Nature Protection of Faculty of Biology of YSU, Yerevan, Armenia; e-mail: gev_gor@mail.ru
ABSTRACT
Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks of heavy metal pollution in the soils around the Kapan mining area, Armenia were
investigated. The results of the study showed that the content of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb) in the soils
sampled in June, 2013 may have posed non-carcinogenic and even carcinogenic risks to population, mainly children living in this
territory. Cr was the main element causing human health risks in the area.
Key words: mining industry, heavy metals, soil, human health risks
INTRODUCTION
Due to the continuous industrialization in many parts of the world, pollutants are emitted into the terrestrial
environment and pose a great threat to human health [16]. Heavy metals are a common occurrence in the environment
and have resulted in human exposure for the entire history of mankind [11]. Soil is a dynamic, natural body occurring
on the surface of the earth [2]. Soil contamination with heavy metals has severely increased over the last few decades,
mainly from industrial wastes and human activities. Soil pollution with heavy metals is a result of both natural
processes such as weathering of minerals, and anthropogenic activities, related to industries, fossil fuel burning,
emissions from vehicles, mining, agriculture and metallurgical processes and their waste disposal [13]. The degree of
soil metal contamination can pose hidden danger to human health via many different ways (e.g. oral ingestion, dermal
contact and inhalation pathways) [12]. Once absorbed by the body, heavy metals continue to accumulate in vital organs
like brain, liver, bones and kidneys, for years or decades causing serious health consequences [11].
Mining and metallurgical industries are highly developed in the Republic of Armenia and have been the driving force
behind economic development in some territories of the country, particularly in Syunik and Lori Marzes (administrative
districts) since the last decades of the twentieth century [3, 6, 8, 9]. The insufficient management of mining discharges
in these areas has become a serious threat to the environment [1, 3–9]. Kapan region in Syunik Marz is considered as
one of metallurgical industrial centers in Armenia. Mining activities in this territory are mainly expressed by heavy
metal pollution of the environment [4, 6–9].
Therefore, the investigation of the heavy metal pollution in the soils and related human health risks in this territory is
required. The aim of the present study was to assess human health risks of the heavy metal pollution in the soils around
Kapan mining area, Armenia.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The soils around the Kapan mining area located in the southeastern part of Armenia were investigated in June, 2013.
The soils in these areas belong to the type of mountain cambisol. 12 observation sites were selected around the Kapan
copper-molybdenum combine (Nos. 1–6) and the Geghanush tailing dump (Nos. 7–12). A control site was selected
4 km away from the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine.
The soil samples were obtained from a depth of 0–20 cm and transferred into the well labeled polyethylene bags for
storage and laboratory analysis. The collected samples were air-dried at room temperature. The dried samples were
grounded into powder by a laboratory mortar and pestle, sieved with 1 mm mesh sieve and stored in an air tight
container prior to analysis. The soil samples were digested by the Aqua Regia (HCl–HNO3, 3:1) digestion method [20].
The digested soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Pb) by using ELAN9000
inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS).
Health risks associated with heavy metals in soil were examined based on the risk assessment methodology adopted
from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (equations (1)–(13)) [15, 18]. The
30
non-carcinogenic chronic daily exposure doses (DEDnc) through oral ingestion (mg/kg/d), dermal absorption (mg/kg/d)
and inhalation (mg/m3) were calculated using equations (1)–(3):
where C is measured heavy metal concentration (mg/kg), IngR is the soil ingestion rate for receptor (mg/d), CF is the
unit conversion factor (kg/mg), ED is the exposure duration (year), EF is the exposure frequency (d/year), ABS is the
dermal absorption factor (unit less), AF is the soil to skin adherence factor (mg/cm2), SA is the skin surface area
available for exposure (cm2), ET is the exposure time (h/d), BW is the average body weight (kg), ATnc is the averaging
time for non-carcinogens (d), PEF is the soil-to-air particulate emission factor (m3/kg) [15, 18].
The non-carcinogenic hazard quotient (HQnc) value (unit less) of individual heavy metals was calculated by equation
(4):
...where RfD is the reference dose (mg/kg/d) through oral ingestion and dermal absorption, RfC is the reference
concentration (mg/m3) through inhalation [10, 15, 18].
The individual metal non-carcinogenic hazard index (HInc) value was calculated by equation (5):
Non-carcinogenic health risks posed by all metals, expressed as the total hazard index (THInc), were assessed by the
following equation:
The carcinogenic daily exposure doses (DEDca) for Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd were used to assess carcinogenic health risks.
DEDca through oral ingestion (mg/kg/d), dermal absorption (mg/kg/d) and inhalation (mcg/m3) were calculated using
equations (7)–(11):
where IR is soil ingestion rate-age adjusted (mg x year/kg/d), DFS is soil dermal contact factor-age adjusted (mg x
year/kg/d), ATca is averaging time for carcinogens (d) [17, 18].
The individual metal non-carcinogenic hazard index (HIca) value was calculated by the equation (12):
where CSF is the oral and dermal cancer slope factor (mg/kg/d)-1, IUR is the inhalation unit risk (mcg/m3)-1 [10, 12, 18].
The total carcinogenic hazard index (THIca) value was calculated by the following equation:
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the investigation of heavy metal contents in the soils around the Kapan mining area are given in Table 1.
The study results showed that heavy metal concentrations in the soils were conditioned by both lithogenic and
anthropogenic sources as the concentrations of different heavy metals in all the investigated observation sites excedeed
the background (control) level. The highest level of anthropogenic metal was especially registered in case of Cu and Mo
which is explained by the high concentrations of these metals in the ore of the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine
(Table 1).
31
Table 1. Some heavy metal contents (mg/kg) in the soils around the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine and
the Geghanush tailing dump.
Parameters
Mn
Ni
Cu
Zn
Mo
Soils around Kapan copper-molybdenum combine
Minimum
813.23
26.40
32.57
65.98
0.25
Maximum
1557.61
118.52
72.76
127.13
1.14
Mean
1122.41
67.35
51.21
96.82
0.65
Standard deviation
263.08
34.26
15.47
24.76
0.33
Soils around Geghanush tailing dump
Minimum
854.38
20.52
37.84
56.15
0.12
Maximum
161.15
56.05
100.42
97.67
0.53
Mean
1365.37
39.01
66.67
78.43
0.33
Standard deviation
293.11
14.50
22.79
15.64
0.14
Control
527.70
26.40
8.97
75.50
0.18
The heavy metal pollution in soil can increase human health risks through different exposure pathways. In this study,
non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks posed by oral ingestion, dermal contact and the inhalation of particulates
were investigated. The results of the study showed that the THInc values in all the observation sites were above the safe
level (THInc<1) for children living in the investigated territory (Fig. 1). Children are particularly more sensitive to the
exposure to toxic metals in soil than adults because they may absorb much more heavy metals from soil during their
outdoor play activities [6]. The cancer risk levels posed by Cr, Ni, As, Pb, Cd were mostly in the acceptable range (10-
6–10-4), however, in some cases, the THIca value was very close to and even above the safe level (Fig. 2) [19]. Such
heavy metal pollution degree in the soils around the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine and the Geghanush tailing
dump may pose non-carcinogenic and even carcinogenic health hazards affecting the activities of different tissues,
organs and organ systems such as respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, central nervous and cardiovascular systems,
blood, skin, etc. [10, 14].
Fig. 1. Values of the total non-carcinogenic chronic hazard index (THInc) of heavy metals in the soils around the Kapan copper-
molybdenum combine and the Geghanush tailing dump.
Fig. 2. Values of the total carcinogenic hazard index (THIca) of heavy metals in the soils around the Kapan copper-molybdenum
combine and the Geghanush tailing dump.
According to the individual metal non-carcinogenic hazard index (HInc) values, health hazard of individual heavy
metals was in the order of Cr>As>Mn>Ni>Pb>Cu>Cd>Zn>Mo (soils around the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine)
32
and Cr>Mn>As>Ni>Cu>Pb>Cd>Zn>Mo (soils around the Geghanush tailing dump) (Tables 2 and 3). The investigated
heavy metals can be ranked by individual metal carcinogenic risk levels as follows: Cr>As>Pb>Ni>Cd (Table 4). Cu
and Mo were the main anthropogenic heavy metals in the investigated soils, nevertheless the highest human health risks
were posed by Cr which is explained by the fact that different heavy metals don’t have the same toxicity levels and
penetration characteristics and may cause health effects at different pollution degrees. Such pollution degree of Cr in
soil may cause non-carcinogenic hazards to children (Tables 1–4) [5, 6].
Table 2. Individual metal non-carcinogenic hazard index (HInc) values in the soils around the Kapan copper-molybdenum combine.
Parameters
Cr
Mn
Ni
Cu
Zn
As
Mo
Cd
Pb
Individual metal HInc value for child
Minimum
0.5579
0.2422
0.0525
0.0113
0.0030
0.3185
0.0007
0.0128
0.0159
Maximum
3.1632
0.4610
0.2358
0.0252
0.0059
1.0446
0.0032
0.0290
0.0888
Mean
1.6690
0.3334
0.1340
0.0177
0.0045
0.5850
0.0018
0.0184
0.0494
Standard deviation
0.9904
0.0774
0.0681
0.0054
0.0011
0.2700
0.0009
0.0069
0.0255
Individual metal HInc value for adult
Minimum
0.0107
0.0206
0.0021
0.0011
0.0003
0.0318
0.0001
0.0004
0.0016
Maximum
0.0602
0.0365
0.0096
0.0025
0.0006
0.1050
0.0003
0.0009
0.0089
Mean
0.0313
0.0277
0.0055
0.0018
0.0004
0.0583
0.0002
0.0005
0.0049
Standard deviation
0.0189
0.0057
0.0028
0.0005
0.0001
0.0276
0.0001
0.0002
0.0025
Table 3. Individual metal non-carcinogenic hazard index (HInc) values in the soils around the Geghanush tailing dump.
Parameters
Cr
Mn
Ni
Cu
Zn
As
Mo
Cd
Pb
Individual metal HInc value for child
Minimum
0.5906
0.2539
0.0408
0.0131
0.0026
0.1272
0.0003
0.0067
0.0105
Maximum
1.5086
0.4762
0.1115
0.0348
0.0045
0.3608
0.0015
0.0128
0.0282
Mean
1.1434
0.4049
0.0776
0.0231
0.0036
0.2419
0.0009
0.0098
0.0189
Standard deviation
0.3794
0.0860
0.0289
0.0079
0.0007
0.0970
0.0004
0.0024
0.0080
Individual metal HInc value for adult
Minimum
0.0110
0.0214
0.0016
0.0013
0.0003
0.0128
0.0000
0.0002
0.0010
Maximum
0.0297
0.0373
0.0047
0.0035
0.0004
0.0371
0.0001
0.0004
0.0028
Mean
0.0222
0.0328
0.0032
0.0023
0.0004
0.0243
0.0001
0.0003
0.0019
Standard deviation
0.0074
0.0065
0.0013
0.0008
0.0001
0.0099
0.0000
0.0001
0.0008
Table 4. Individual metal carcinogenic hazard index (HIca) values in the soils around the Kapan copper-
molybdenum combine and the Geghanush tailing dump.
Parameters
Cr
As
Pb
Cd
Ni
Soils around Kapan copper-molybdenum combine
Minimum
1.5E-05
1.6E-05
5.2E-08
1.2E-10
2.0E-09
Maximum
8.5E-05
5.1E-05
2.9E-07
2.8E-10
9.1E-09
Mean
4.5E-05
2.9E-05
1.6E-07
1.8E-10
5.1E-09
Standard deviation
2.7E-05
1.3E-05
8.3E-08
6.5E-10
2.6E-09
Soils around Geghanush tailing dump
Minimum
1.6E-05
6.3E-06
3.4E-08
6.4E-11
1.6E-09
Maximum
4.1E-05
1.8E-05
9.2E-08
1.2E-10
4.3E-09
Mean
3.1E-05
1.2E-05
6.2E-08
9.3E-11
3.0E-09
Standard deviation
1.0E-05
4.8E-06
2.6E-08
2.2E-11
1.1E-09
CONCLUSIONS
Generally, it’s possible to state that the operation of Kapan copper-molybdenum combine caused significant soil
pollution with heavy metals which may have posed non-carcinogenic and even carcinogenic risks to population, mainly
children living in this territory. The highest human health risks were posed especially by Cr the content of which in the
soils may have caused non-carcinogenic health hazards. To mitigate such health risks, policy makers need to implement
strict regulation on mining and industry on containment and discharge of waste and byproducts and to organize soil
recultivation works.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This work was supported by the State Committee of Science MES RA, in the frame of the research project No. 13-
4C202.
33
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Full-text available
  • Nov 2023
This study evaluates the physicochemical characteristics as well as the presence of heavy metals in agricultural soils located near an industrial gold mine in Burkina Faso. To do this, two soil pollution indices were used, namely the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the enrichment factor (EF). A total of thirteen (13) soil samples were collected and analysed in the laboratory at the Bureau of Mines and Geology of Burkina Faso (BUMIGEB) using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) to determine the concentrations of Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni and Al. The physicochemical parameters were analysed at the National Soils Office (BUNASOL). The results indicate that the studied soils have high acidity, marked salinity, silty texture, as well as a satisfactory C/N ratio. Concentrations of Hg, As, Cu and Cr were found to be higher than average continental crust values. In addition, the concentrations of Hg and As exceed South African standards, while Hg also exceeds the standards set by WHO and FAO. The use of the Igeo and FE indices made it possible to demonstrate that the studied area was highly enriched in mercury, significantly enriched in arsenic and weakly to moderately enriched in copper, which suggests an influence of human activities. Arsenic seems to come mainly from mining activities, while mercury comes from both mining and agricultural activities.
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... Other similar studies in same China are those reported by (Bifeng et al., 2017;Huang et al., 2017;Qing-Long et al., 2014;Qingjie and Jun 2008). A study was reported on human health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in soils around the Kapan mining area (Gevorgyan et al., 2017). An Environmental impact assessment of uranium ore mining and radioactive waste around a storage center (Gaso et al., 2005). ...
Assessment of Nickel and Arsenic Poisoning and Estimation of Cancer Risk from Kaolin Mining Sites in Dutsin-Ma and Kankara, Katsina State
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2022
This research was carried out to assess how poisonous are Nickel and Arsenic as heavy metals contaminated around Kankara and Dutsinma Kaolin mining sites. Nine (09) samples were collected randomly from the mining sites for the study. The analysis of such elements was done using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence {EDXRF} at Central Laboratory, Umaru Musa Yar-adua Universitty, Katsina, and The health hazards were evaluated using numerous Statistical and USEPA models. The result obtained was used to calculate the risk assessment of Nickel and Arsenic in the body via inhalation, ingestion, and body contact. In which the most associated environmental and health risk of priority have Their average concentrations as 20.02, 12.59, 54.03, 1344.4, 21.94, 140.00, and NA which is not identified element in the studied area. All results were below the USEPA threshold limit for non-carcinogenic risks of 1.0 indicating that the exposed population ages are unlikely to experience any adverse non-carcinogenic risks. The overall total excess lifetime cancer risk for heavy metals was 8.5555E-06 (a maximum of 9 people/1 million may be affected) for children and 7.5773E-05 (a maximum of 8 people /1 million may be affected) for adults. These values were within the USEPA threshold of 1E-04.
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... Finally, in the smaller current EaEU states, namely Armenia, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan, environmental issues remain (see Akopova, Nursapa, and Kuderin 2018 for an excellent summary) but are nowhere near the scale seen in Russia and Kazakhstan 30 years after the demise of the Soviet Union. Armenia, as a country dependent upon mining (mainly copper and molybdenum), suffers some of the same issues as its larger Union-mates, including heavy metals in the air around capital Yerevan (Maghakyan et al. 2017) and in the soil around major mining sites (Gevorgyan et al. 2017), although there have been novel attempts to rectify these long-standing issues (Ghazaryan et al. 2019). In Belarus as well, the legacy of Soviet heavy industry, the radioactive contamination from Chornobyl, and the lack of economic restructuring have resulted in pollution in water reservoirs directly related to proximity to industrial sites (Vlasov and Gigevich 2006), although the country's lack of natural resources means it has avoided the worst of the pollution seen by other EaEU members. ...
Part of the Problem? The Eurasian Economic Union and Environmental Challenges in the Former Soviet Union
Article
  • Aug 2021
While there is a sizable body of evidence linking greater economic freedom to better environmental outcomes, there is an ambiguous relationship of trade to the environment. What occurs when trade expands among countries that already have shown that the environment is not a priority? Such an example comes from real life with the Eurasian Economic Union (EaEU), a collection of autocracies that have pursued integration but without any extensive, market-based liberalization. This paper examines the role of the EaEU in increasing trade among its member states and shows that the EaEU did indeed lead to more environmentally unfriendly production.
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Assessment of Elemental Composition of Kaolin from Kankara and Dutsinma Mine Sites, Katsina State, Nigeria
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2023
This research aimed to assess the health hazards associated with heavy metals contamination around Kankara and Dutsinma Kaolin mining sites. The analysis was done by using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) at the Central Laboratory, Umaru Musa Yar-adua University, Katsina. In which health hazards were evaluated. using numerous Statistical and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) models. Thirty nine (39) different elements were analyzed using the most associated environmental and health risk of priority in which seven (07) of them are heavy metals of interest; Among them are: Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zink (Zn), Thallium (Ti), Chromium (Cr), Lead (Pb), and Arsenic (As), with an average concentrations of 20.02, 12.59, 54.03, 1344.4, 21.94, 140.00, and Not Available Value (NA) in the studied area. The Values obtained for overall hazard index (HI) are within the accepted values by (USEPA) which indicates no cancer risk for both adults and Children. While the overall excess lifetime cancer risk for a heavy metal was 8.5555E-06 (a maximum of 9 people per 1 million may be affected) for children and 7.5773E-05 (a maximum of 8 people per 1 million may be affected) for adults.
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Investigation of Sterile Mining Dumps Resulting from Ore Exploitation and Processing in Maramures County, Romania
Article
Full-text available
  • Feb 2023
Abandoned sterile dumps can be a significant source of environmental pollution, therefore the distribution of trace elements throughout mining is vital. Monitoring environmental factors in closed mining perimeters aims to track the quality of discharged waters in the emissary and assess acid mine drainage, the quality of the soil and vegetation, stability, and the condition of the land surfaces within the perimeter of the sterile deposits. One of the primary sources of land, water and air pollution is sterile mining dumps. Knowing the source of pollution is the first step in adequately managing the affected areas. This paper investigates the physical–chemical properties and the concentrations of heavy metals in sterile dumps resulting from mining. We studied one sterile dump that was the result of ore processing and whose surface was covered with abandoned mixed ore concentrate (Pb, Zn), located in the Băiuț mining area (Romania), and a second sterile mining dump that was the result of exploration and exploitation work in the Ilba mining area (Romania). In order to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the studied sterile dumps and to determine the concentration of heavy metals, 27 sterile samples and one soil sample were taken from the Băiuț dump. Additionally, 10 sterile samples and one soil sample were collected from the Ilba dump. Aqua regia extractable concentrations of heavy metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. At the same time, using a portable XRF, we analyzed selected samples from each site for total metal concentrations. Furthermore, from each site, one sample was analyzed by FT–IR spectrometry. The pH values in both sterile dumps were highly acidic (≤3.5) and the content of heavy metals was generally increased.
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The impact of heavy metals in water from abandoned mine on human health
Article
Full-text available
  • May 2020
The present study was conducted to investigate the heavy metal (Mn, Cu, Zn, As, and Cd) concentration of surface water in Smolnik creek in Slovakia. Furthermore, the study was aimed to determine the potential environmental health risk that the heavy metal concentration poses to the public. The values of the ecological potential index for the water in the study area were more than 600, reflecting a very high risk from the water body posed by these metals. Thus, this was also the reason to examine the impact of these heavy metals on the health of the population. Based on the heavy metal concentration, health risk assessments such as the chronic daily intake and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated. Results showed that the daily intake of the heavy metals from all five samples taken from Smolnik creek was lower among adults than among children for two pathways of exposure. The non-carcinogenic hazard quotients of heavy metals in the studied area were higher among adults than among children. At all five sites, the HQ values for dermal exposure for adults were higher than 1. The HQ values for exposure through ingestion for adults and children were higher than 10 for almost all sites, indicating a disaster situation.
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AGRICULTURAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF THE HEAVY METAL AND MINERAL SALT POLLUTION OF RIVER ECOSYSTEMS IN THE VOGHJI RIVER CATCHMENT AREA, ARMENIA
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2016
The irrigation properties of the Voghji and its main tributaries-Artsvanik and Geghi rivers and their agricultural risks according to the content of some heavy metals and dissolved mineral salts were investigated. Water sampling was implemented in irrigation period (July) of 2016. The results of the study showed that waters in the Voghji river site located in the downstream from Kapan town and in the area of the Artsvanik river mouth, according to molybdenum, manganese, iron and sulfate contents, were unallowable for the use for irrigation purpose and may pose agricultural risks. Voghji river catchment basin-dissolved mineral salts-heavy metals-irrigation properties-agricultural risks Ուսումնասիրվել են Ողջի և նրա հիմնական վտակներ՝ Արծվանիկ ու Գեղի գետերի ոռոգիչ հատկությունները և դրանց գյուղատնտեսական ռիսկերը ըստ որոշ ծանր մետաղների ու լուծված հանքային աղերի պարունակության: Ջրերի նմուշառումն իրականացվել է 2016 թ. ոռոգման շրջանում (հուլիս): Հետազոտության արդյունքները ցույց են տվել, որ Ողջի գետի Կապան քաղաքից ներքև ընկած և Արծվանիկ գետի գետաբերանային հատվածի ջրերը, ըստ մոլիբդենի, մանգանի, երկաթի և սուլֆատի պարունակության, անթույլատրելի են եղել ոռոգման նպատակով օգտագործման համար և կարող են առաջացնել գյուղատնտեսական ռիսկեր: Ողջի գետի ջրահավաք ավազան-լուծված հանքային աղեր-ծանր մետաղներ-ոռոգիչ հատկություններ-գյուղատնտեսական ռիսկեր Изучены ирригационные свойства реки Вохчи и ее основных притоков-Арцваник и Гехи, и их сельскохозяйственных рисков, по содержанию некоторых тяжелых металлов и растворенных минеральных солей. Отбор проб воды осуществлялся в поливной период (июль) 2016 года. Результаты исследования показали, что воды в участке реки Вохчи распо-ложенной ниже города Капан и в устье реки Арцваник, по содержанию молибдена, марган-ца, железа и сульфата, были недопустимы для использования оросительных целей и могут создавать сельскохозяйственные риски. Водосборный бассейн реки Вохчи-растворенные минеральные соли-тяжелые металлы-ирригационные свойства-сельскохозяйственные риски
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Heavy Metal Pollution of the Soils Around the Mining Area Near Shamlugh Town (Armenia) and Related Risks to the Environment
Conference Paper
Full-text available
  • Mar 2015
The heavy metal pollution of the soils around the mining area near Shamlugh town and related risks to human health were assessed. The investigations showed that the soils were polluted with heavy metals that can be ranked by anthropogenic pollution degree as follows: Cu>Pb>As>Co>Ni>Zn. The main sources of the anthropogenic metal pollution of the soils were the copper mining area near Shamlugh town, the Chochkan tailings storage facility and the trucks transferring ore from the mining area. Copper pollution degree in some observation sites was unallowable for agricultural production. The total non-carcinogenic chronic hazard index (THI) values in some places, including observation sites in Shamlugh town, were above the safe level (THI<1) for children living in this territory. Although the highest heavy metal enrichment degree in the soils was registered in case of copper, however the highest health risks to humans especially children were posed by cobalt which is explained by the fact that heavy metals have different toxicity levels and penetration characteristics.
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The Evaluation of Heavy Metal Pollution Degree in the Soils around the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2015
The heavy metal pollution degree in the soils around the Zangezur copper and molybdenum combine in Syunik Marz, Armenia was assessed. The results of the study showed that heavy metal pollution degree in the soils mainly decreased with increasing distance from the open mine and the ore enrichment combine which indicated that the open mine and the ore enrichment combine were the main sources of heavy metal pollution. The only exception was observed in the northern part of the open mine where pollution degree in the sites (along the open mine) situated 600 meters far from the mine was higher than that in the sites located 300 meters far from the mine. This can be explained by the characteristics of relief and air currents as well as the weak vegetation cover of these sites and the characteristics of soil structure. According to geo-accumulation index (I-geo), contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cd) and pollution load index (PLI) values, the pollution degree in the soils around the open mine and the ore enrichment combine was higher than that in the soils around the tailing dumps which was due to the proper and accurate operation of the Artsvanik tailing damp and the recultivation of the Voghji tailing dump. The high Cu and Mo pollution of the soils was conditioned by the character of industrial activities, the moving direction of air currents as well as the physicochemical peculiarities of the soils.
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The Investigation of Enzymatic Activity in the Soils under the Impact of Metallurgical Industrial Activity in Lori Marz, Armenia
Article
Full-text available
  • Aug 2015
Beta-glucosidase, chitinase, leucine-aminopeptidase, acid phosphomonoesterase and acetate-esterase enzyme activities in the soils under the impact of metallurgical industrial activity in Lori marz (district) were investigated. The results of the study showed that the activities of the investigated enzymes in the soils decreased with increasing distance from the Shamlugh copper mine, the Chochkan tailings storage facility and the ore transportation road. Statistical analysis revealed that the activities of the enzymes were positively correlated (significant) to each other according to the observation sites which indicated that enzyme activities were affected by the same anthropogenic factor. The investigations showed that the soils were polluted with heavy metals (Cu, Pb, As, Co, Ni, Zn) due to copper mining activity in this territory. The results of Pearson correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between heavy metal pollution degree (Nemerow integrated pollution index) and soil enzyme activity. All of this indicated that copper mining activity in this territory causing the heavy metal pollution of the soils resulted in the inhabitation of the activities of the enzymes which are considered as biological catalysts to decompose organic materials and facilitate the cycling of nutrients.
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Environmental risks of heavy metal pollution of the soils around Kajaran town, Armenia
Article
Full-text available
  • Oct 2014
The present study was aimed at assessing the heavy metal pollution of the soils around Qajaran town, Armenia and related environmental risks. The investigations showed that the soils around the mining complex near Qajaran town were highly polluted with heavy metals (Mo, Cu, Pb, As, Zn, Ni) which was conditioned by the Zangezur copper and molybdenum combine activity. Such heavy metal pollution degree in the soils may have posed risks to agricultural production and the health of population especially children in this territory.
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SOIL POLLUTION LEVEL OF ECOLOGICALLY VULNERABLE AREAS AROUND KAJARAN TOWN AND WAYS OF THEIR IMPROVEMENT
Article
Full-text available
  • Apr 2014
Kajaran town is situated in the southeast of the Republic of Armenia in Syunik Marz. Developed mining and smelting industries can be observed in this area. This economic sphere is one of the main sources of soil pollution with heavy metals causing desertifi cation of soils. Taking into consideration the location of the main sources of pollution six the most risky sites in this area and an unpolluted site as a control were selected for the study of pollution by heavy metals. The content of metals was determined by means of ELAN 9000 ICP-MS System. Study results revealed the increase up to 17 times in contents of following metals: Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Sr, Mo, Cd, Pb, As. Based on Geoaccumulation index (I geo) classifi cation, the soils from all sites may be classifi ed between " practically uncontaminated " and " uncontaminated to moderate ". The pollution level for Cu (I geo = 0.031-2.468) was higher than for other metals. The sites adjacent to Kajaran ore-dressing and processing enterprise are classifi ed as " moderately to strongly " contaminated by Cu. Experiments have led us to the assumption that pollution of soils with heavy metals in the studied territory is conditioned by human activities, particularly by mining and smelting industry.
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Environmental Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Armenian River Ecosystems: Case Study of Lake Sevan and Debed River Catchment Basins
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2016
  • POL J ENVIRON STUD
Investigating the mechanisms behind the impact of heavy metal pollution on aquatic ecosystems is urgently required. Due to increasing growth in the mining sector, pollution has become a serious threat to water resources and aquatic biodiversity and is causing unfavorable environmental changes and human health hazards. The aim of the present study was to investigate and assess the environmental risks of heavy metal pollution of river ecosystems in the Lake Sevan and Debed River catchment basins in Armenia, and a thorough study of their qualitative and quantitative parameters. Water samples were taken from the risky river sites of the Sevan and Debed basins in May and August 2013 and 2014. Investigations showed that due to mining and metallurgical industrial activities and the insufficient management of industrial waste and wastewater, the river ecosystems in these territories were exposed to heavy metal pollution, the degree of which in some sites of the Sotq, Masrik (Lake Sevan catchment basin), Debed, Alaverdi, Akhtala, and Chochkan (Debed River catchment basin) rivers may have posed health risks to aquatic life as well as to humans (at least in the case of river water used for drinking purposes). The results of a phytoplankton community study revealed that a decrease in the species diversity of planktonic algae in the investigated rivers was mainly conditioned by the impact of heavy metal pollution induced by mining and metallurgical industrial activities in the Lake Sevan and Debed River catchment basins.
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The Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Soils in the Vicinity of Industrial Sites in Dongguan, China
Article
Full-text available
Exponential industrialization and rapid urbanization have resulted in contamination of soil by metals from anthropogenic sources in Dongguan, China. The aims of this research were to determine the concentration and distribution of various metals (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn)) in soils and identify their potential health risks for local residents. A total of 106 soil samples were collected from the vicinity of industrial sites in Dongguan. Two types of samples were collected from each site: topsoil (0-20 cm, TS) and shallow soil (20-50 cm, SS). Results showed that the soils were contaminated by metals and pollution was mainly focused on TS. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and pollution indexes (PI) implied that there was a slight increase in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb, but the metal pollution caused by industrial activities was less severe, and elements of As and Cr exhibited non-pollution level. The risk assessment results suggested that there was a potential health risk associated with As and Cr exposure for residents because the carcinogenic risks of As and Cr via corresponding exposure pathways exceeded the safety limit of 10(-6) (the acceptable level of carcinogenic risk for humans). Furthermore, oral ingestion and inhalation of soil particles are the main exposure pathways for As and Cr to enter the human body. This study may provide basic information of metal pollution control and human health protection in the vicinity of industrial regions.
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Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils from Witwatersrand Gold Mining Basin, South Africa
Article
Full-text available
The study evaluates the health risk caused by heavy metals to the inhabitants of a gold mining area. In this study, 56 soil samples from five mine tailings and 17 from two mine villages were collected and analyzed for Asernic (As), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu) and Zinc (Zn) using ICP-MS. Measured concentrations of these heavy metals were then used to calculate the health risk for adults and children. Their concentrations were such that Cr > Ni > As > Zn > Cu > Co > Pb > Hg > Cd, with As, Cr and Ni higher than permissible levels. For the adult population, the Hazard Index value for all pathways was found to be 2.13, making non-carcinogenic effects significant to the adult population. For children, the Hazard Index value was 43.80, a value >1, which poses serious non-carcinogenic effect to children living in the gold mining area. The carcinogenic risk was found to be 1.7 × 10(-4) implying that 1 person in every 5882 adults may be affected. In addition, for children, in every 2725 individuals, 1 child may be affected (3.67 × 10(-4)). These carcinogenic risk values were both higher than acceptable values.
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Soil Contamination with Heavy Metals around Jinja Steel Rolling Mills in Jinja Municipality, Uganda
Article
Full-text available
  • Dec 2015
Background. Soil contamination with heavy metals has severely increased over the last few decades, mainly from industrial wastes and human activities. Soil pollution is a source of danger to the health of people globally. Objectives. To assess the level of soil contamination with heavy metals around steel rolling mills in Jinja municipality, Uganda. Methods. Four composite soil samples were collected from each of the sides of the Jinja steel rolling mills, dried and digested. The digested solution samples were analyzed in triplicates for the levels of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni), using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer (Savant AA model 2009); the analytical process was monitored using analytical standard solutions. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 19 and Excel. Mean metal concentrations, standard deviations, medians, and skewness were obtained to describe heavy metal concentrations in the soil. Pollution load index and geo-accumulation indices were calculated to determine the level and extent of heavy metal contamination in the soil. Results. The mean concentration loads of the heavy metals in soils around the Jinja steel rolling mills were 43.15 mg/kg for Pb, 28.16 mg/kg for Zn, 0.93 mg/kg for Cd, 0.22 mg/kg for Cr, 80.96 mg/kg for Cu, and 9.40 mg/kg for Ni. The metal load distribution around the industry was in descending order: Left-hand side > Downwind side > Right-hand side > Upwind side. Results for the geo-accumulation index were 1.30 for Pb, −1.31 for Zn, 2.63 for Cd, −7.25 for Cr, 2.99 for Cu, and −1.19 for Ni. The overall pollution load index was 1.08. Conclusions. The concentration levels of heavy metals around the steel rolling mills did not appear to be of serious concern, except for copper and cadmium, which showed moderate pollution and moderate to strong pollution, respectively. All heavy metals were within the limits of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) residential soil standards and the Dutch intervention soil standards. Overall, soils around the Jinja steel rolling mills were slightly polluted with heavy metals, and measures therefore need to be taken to prevent further soil contamination with heavy metals.
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