Recycling arsenic-containing bio-leaching residue after thermal treatment in cemented paste backfill:Structure modification,binder properties and environmental assessment

The substantial arsenic(As)content present in arsenic-containing bio-leaching residue(ABR)presents noteworthy environ-mental challenges attributable to its inherent instability and susceptibility to leaching.Given its elevated calcium sulfate content,ABR exhibits considerable promise for industrial applications.This study delved into the feasibility of utilizing ABR as a source of sulfates for producing super sulfated cement(SSC),offering an innovative binder for cemented paste backfill(CPB).Thermal treatment at varying temperatures of 150,350,600,and 800℃ was employed to modify ABR’s performance.The investigation encompassed the examination of phase transformations and alterations in the chemical composition of As within ABR.Subsequently,the hydration characteristics of SSC utilizing ABR,with or without thermal treatment,were studied,encompassing reaction kinetics,setting time,strength development,and microstructure.The findings revealed that thermal treatment changed the calcium sulfate structure in ABR,consequently impacting the resultant sample performance.Notably,calcination at 600℃ demonstrated optimal modification effects on both early and long-term strength attributes.This enhanced performance can be attributed to the augmented formation of reaction products and a densified micro-structure.Furthermore,the thermal treatment elicited modifications in the chemical As fractions within ABR,with limited impact on the As immobilization capacity of the prepared binders.

Arsenic and fluoride co-enrichment of groundwater in the loess areas and associated human health risks:A case study of Dali County in the Guanzhong Basin

This study aims to reveal the occurrence and origin of typical groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area of the Guanzhong Basin—a Neogene faulted basin.Key findings are as follows:(1)Groundwater samples with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations collected from the loess area and the terraces of the Weihe River accounted for 26%and 30%,respectively,of the total samples,with primary hydrochemical type identified as HCO_(3)-Na.The karst and sand areas exhibit relatively high groundwater quality,serving as preferred sources for water supply.It is recommended that local governments fully harness groundwater in these areas;(2)groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in the loess area and the alluvial plain of rivers in Dali County is primarily distributed within the Guanzhong Basin,which represents the drainage zone of groundwater;(3)arsenic and fluoride in groundwater originate principally from natural and anthropogenic sources;(4)the human health risk assessments reveal that long-term intake of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations pose cancer or non-cancer risks,which are more serious to kids compared to adults.This study provides a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of groundwater with high arsenic and fluoride concentrations in loess areas.

Feasibility Evaluation of Using Biochar-based Permeable Reactive Barrier for the Remediation of Mercury and Arsenic Composite Polluted Water Bodies

This study employed a modified biochar material to construct a permeable reactive barrier(PRB)for the treatment of water bodies polluted with mercury and arsenic.The experimental results demonstrated that the addition of goethite-modified biochar significantly enhanced the remediation efficiency of As(III),achieving a maximum removal rate of 100%.Conversely,pure biochar exhibited high efficiency in the removal of Hg(II),with a maximum removal rate approaching 100%.Furthermore,the pH level of the water significantly influenced the adsorption efficiency of heavy metal ions,with the optimal removal performance observed at a pH of 6.0.The PRB system demonstrated excellent removal rates under low concentrations of heavy metals.However,as the concentration increased,the remediation efficiency exhibited a slight decrease.In summary,the findings of this study provide compelling evidence for the use of modified biochar in the construction of PRBs for the remediation of mercury and arsenic-polluted water bodies.Furthermore,the study reveals the mechanism by which pH and heavy metal concentration influence remediation efficiency.

Distribution and Contamination of Arsenic in Fish, Gastropods and Bivalves in the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in East of Ivory Coast

Lagoons are ecosystems for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The main objective of the study was to analyze the variability of arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves in the Aby and Tendo lagoons, taking into account spatial, seasonal and hydrological variations. The study was carried out in four stages spread over two successive hydroclimatic cycles, including two seasons during the rainy season and two more during the dry season. The samples were taken in two areas of the Aby and Tendo lagoons. Arsenic levels were measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that mean arsenic concentrations in the muscles of organisms in Aby Lagoon ranged from 0.01 to 1.26 μg As/g, with a mean and median of 0.17 and 0.06 μg As/g, respectively. Fish had the highest levels of arsenic, followed by crustaceans, while molluscs and plants had lower and comparable concentrations of As. Arsenic concentrations in tilapia and jawbones varied significantly between sites and seasons, with higher concentrations at Tendo and during the rainy season. Arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves were significantly higher than those of other species, with averages of 0.74 and 1.03 mg As/kg, respectively.

Roles of Aqueous Extract of Marigold on Arsenic-Induced Oxidative Damage in Pancreatic Islet β-Cells

Roles of Marigold extracts (ME) on arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced oxidative damage to pancreatic β-cells need to be further elucidated. In this study, NIT-1 cells were treated with different concentrations of and/or ATO, following by the cell viability was detected by CCK8 assay. Then, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxide (MDA) contents and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured with a fluorescence probe method and colorimetric assay, respectively. The apoptosis rate and morphology was detected and observed with hoechst 33,258 staining assay. The mRNA levels and protein expressions of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein immunoblotting assay, respectively. Our results indicated that Co-treatment with ME and ATO exacerbated the cell viability decreasing reduced by ATO, while the addition of ME after ATO treatment effectively promote the recovery of ATO reduced survival rates. The ATO group increased apoptosis (P P β-cells by modulating the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Geminivirus-associated betasatellites: exploiting chinks in the antiviral arsenal of plants

With the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,the research team led by Prof.Zhou XuePing(周雪平)at the State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests,Institute of Plant Protection,Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences,revealed the counter-defensive strategies deployed by geminivirus-associated betasatellites to overcome the antiviral arsenal of plants,which has been published in Trends in Plant Science(2019,http://doi.org/10/1016/j.tplants.2019.03.010).

Review and Analysis: Evaluation of the Impacts and Consequences of Using Agricultural Herbicides as Military Chemical Weapons in Second Indochina War

The legacy of the human misery caused by the application of the herbicides including Agent Purple and Agent Orange contaminated with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD and Agent Blue, the arsenic-based herbicide, sprayed over the jungles, rice fields, and hamlets of Vietnam is still haunting us today. Why did this happen? Could it have been prevented? Was it necessary United States military strategy? Was it an intentional decision to inflict this blight on the enemy soldiers and the Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian civilians, to poison their land and cause generations of harm? Alternatively, was it an unpreventable accident in the march of military history? What patterns in the U.S. government’s thought process could be identified as the cause, which led to the decision to use these herbicides as tactical chemical weapons? If the introduction of herbicide (chemical) weapons had not been made, would the outcome of the Vietnam War and the Secret Wars in Laos and Cambodia have been any different? The objective of this treatise is to outline the role of world events and backgrounds and the role of the leaders, U.S. military, CIA, USDA, U.S. State Department, the U.S. President appointed Ambassadors to Vietnam and Laos, chemical companies, and President Diệm’s Republic of Vietnam (RVN) government and military. Their collective advice led to the decision to use herbicides as military and environmental chemical weapons in the Second Indochina War. Were the National interests achieved by U.S. military strategy in the RVN using herbicide weapons worth the long-term environmental and human health consequences in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos? Did it impact the outcome of the Second Indochina War?

ARSENAL 枪手之殇

不出意外,也没有意外,面对来势汹汹、志在夺冠的蓝月亮,阿森纳毫无招架之力,绞尽脑汁的温格无奈之下接受失利,拜倒在了瓜迪奥拉率领的曼城脚下,第七次尴尬地品尝了在决赛中失败的滋味。想想90分钟之前,走进温布利球场之时,温格一度梦想能够举起本赛季的首个冠军奖杯;然而90分钟之后,走出温布利球场之际,温格只得习惯性地忍住心中的不甘,再度说一句,＂曼城踢得很好,祝贺他们赢得冠军＂。

Mechanism of Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats Exposed to Arsenic and/or Fluoride Based on Microbiome and Metabolome

Objective Arsenic(As) and fluoride(F) are two of the most common elements contaminating groundwater resources. A growing number of studies have found that As and F can cause neurotoxicity in infants and children, leading to cognitive, learning, and memory impairments. However, early biomarkers of learning and memory impairment induced by As and/or F remain unclear. In the present study, the mechanisms by which As and/or F cause learning memory impairment are explored at the multi-omics level(microbiome and metabolome).Methods We stablished an SD rats model exposed to arsenic and/or fluoride from intrauterine to adult period.Results Arsenic and/fluoride exposed groups showed reduced neurobehavioral performance and lesions in the hippocampal CA1 region. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that As and/or F exposure significantly altered the composition and diversity of the gut microbiome, featuring the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ruminococcus_1, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group. Metabolome analysis showed that As and/or F-induced learning and memory impairment may be related to tryptophan, lipoic acid, glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic(GABAergic) synapse, and arachidonic acid(AA) metabolism. The gut microbiota, metabolites, and learning memory indicators were significantly correlated.Conclusion Learning memory impairment triggered by As and/or F exposure may be mediated by different gut microbes and their associated metabolites.

铜冶炼过程中的砷反应行为及其处理技术的回顾

砷作为五大有毒元素之一,其对生物体和生态环境的健康威胁已引起公众的广泛关注。有色金属冶炼,特别是铜冶炼,是砷的重要人为来源,应被列为重点关注对象。因此,明确砷在铜冶炼过程中的行为,对铜冶炼企业的正常生产和环境保护具有重要意义。本工作简要介绍了冶炼用工业铜矿物和铜矿中砷的赋存形式,以及铜冶炼工艺的演变。此外,还分析了砷在有代表性的铜冶炼过程中的挥发、转化和分布行为,明确了其流向和富集规律。研究了其他矿物成分(Cu、Pb、Zn、Fe、Ca、Si)与砷在冶炼副产品(铜渣和烟尘)形成过程中的相互作用,阐明了砷污染物的形成机制。最后,分析了冶炼烟气、烟尘和铜渣中砷的控制技术,提出了未来通过将砷污染物转化为金属砷来回收砷的可能策略。

Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Objective:To explore the cardioprotective effect of hesperidin against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Methods:Cardiac toxicity was induced by oral administration of 4 mg/kg arsenic trioxide for 30 days.Hematological,biochemical,electrocardiography,echocardiography,and histopathological examinations were performed.Results:Hesperidin decreased the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,calcium,creatine kinase-myoglobin binding,lactate dehydrogenase,IL-6,and lipid peroxidation,as well as increased sodium and potassium concentration and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in arsenic trioxide-intoxicated rats.Moreover,it reduced peak systolic velocity and end-diastolic velocity while increasing heart rate.Arsenic trioxide-induced histopathological damage to cardiac tissue was prominently alleviated by hesperidin treatment.Conclusions:Hesperidin attenuates arsenic trioxide-induced cardiac toxicity in rats.Therefore,it can be further explored as a cardioprotective agent.

Arsenic removal from acidic industrial wastewater by ultrasonic activated phosphorus pentasulfide

Arsenic is one of the main harmful elements in industrial wastewater.How to remove arsenic has always been one of the research hotspots in academic circles.In the process of arsenic removal by traditional sulfuration,the use of traditional sulfurizing agent will introduce new metal cations,which will affect the recycling of acid.In this study,phosphorus pentasulfide (P_(2)S_(5)) was used as sulfurizing agent,which hydrolyzed to produce H_(3)PO_(4) and H_(2)S without introducing new metal cations.The effect of ultrasound on arsenic removal by P_(2)S_(5) was studied.Under the action of ultrasound,the utilization of P_(2)S_(5) was improved and the reaction time was shortened.The effects of S/As molar ratio and reaction time on arsenic removal rate were investigated under ultrasonic conditions.Ultrasonic enhanced heat and mass transfer so that the arsenic removal rate of 94.5%could be achieved under the conditions of S/As molar ratio of 2.1:1 and reaction time of 20 min.In the first 60 min,under the same S/As molar ratio and reaction time,the ultrasonic hydrolysis efficiency of P_(2)S_(5) was higher.This is because P_(2)S_(5) forms ([(P_(2)S_(4))])^(2+)under the ultrasonic action,and the structure is damaged,which is easier to be hydrolyzed.In addition,the precipitation after arsenic removal was characterized and analyzed by X-ray diffraction,scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer,X-ray fluorescence spectrometer and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.Our research avoids the introduction of metal cations in the arsenic removal process,and shortens the reaction time.

Plant-derived natural compounds in the treatment of arsenic-induced toxicity

Arsenic toxicity,imposed mainly by arsenic-contaminated groundwater,is considered a critical threat to global communal health,as there is no specific and proven conventional therapy for chronic arsenic toxicity,i.e.,arsenicosis,which is an insidious global public health menace affecting 50 countries.Alternative options should,therefore,be explored for the mitigation of arsenicosis.Literature survey reveals several natural compounds from plants possess significant protective efficacy against arsenic toxicity in chiefly preclinical and few clinical investigations.The studies on the ameliorative effects of plant-derived natural compounds against arsenic toxicity published in the last 25 years are collated.Forty-eight plant-based natural compounds possess alleviative effects on experimental arsenic-induced toxicity in animals,six of which have been reported to be clinically effective in humans.A potential nutraceutical or therapeutic candidate against arsenicosis for humans may thus be developed with the help of recent advancements in research in this area,along with the currently available treatments.

CD71-mediated liposomal arsenic-nickel complex combined with all-trans retinoic acid for the efficacy of acute promyelocytic leukemia

Clinically,arsenic trioxide(ATO)was applied to the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia(APL)as a reliable and effective frontline drug.However,the administration regimen of AsⅢwas limited due to its fast clearance,short therapeutic window and toxicity as well.Based on CD71 overexpressed on APL cells,in present study,a transferrin(Tf)-modified liposome(LP)was established firstly to encapsulate AsⅢin arsenic-nickel complex by nickel acetate gradient method.The AsⅢ-loaded liposomes(AsLP)exhibited the feature of acid-sensitive release in vitro.Tf-modified AsLP(Tf-AsLP)were specifically taken up by APL cells and the acidic intracellular environment triggered liposome to release AsⅢwhich stimulated reactive oxygen species level and caspase-3 activity.Tf-AsLP prolonged half-life of AsⅢin blood circulation,lowered systemic toxicity,and promoted apoptosis and induced cell differentiation at lesion site in vivo.Considering that ATO combined with RA is usually applied as the first choice in clinic for APL treatment to improve the therapeutic effect,accordingly,a Tf-modified RA liposome(Tf-RALP)was designed to reduce the severe side effects of free RA and assist Tf-AsLP for better efficacy.As expected,the tumor inhibition rate of Tf-AsLP was improved significantly with the combination of Tf-RALP on subcutaneous tumor model.Furthermore,APL orthotopic NOD/SCID mice model was established by 60CO irradiation and HL-60 cells intravenously injection.The effect of co-administration(Tf-AsLP+Tf-RALP)was also confirmed to conspicuous decrease the number of leukemia cells in the circulatory system and prolong the survival time of APL mice by promoting the APL cells’apoptosis and differentiation in peripheral blood and bone marrow.Collectively,Tf-modified acid-sensitive AsLP could greatly reduce the systemic toxicity of free drug.Moreover,Tf-AsLP combined with Tf-RALP could achieve better efficacy.Thus,transferrinmodified AsⅢliposome would be a novel clinical strategy to improve patient compliance,with promising translation prospects.

Ammonium Metavanadate Fabricated by Selective Precipitation of Impurity Chemicals on Inorganic Flocculants

High purity ammonium metavanadate(NH_(4)VO_(3))is the most vital chemical to produce V2O5,VO2,VN alloy,VFe alloy and VOSO4,which have some prospective applications for high strength steel,smart window,infrared detector and imaging,large scale energy storage system.NH_(4)VO_(3)is usually produced by spontaneous crystallization from the aqueous solution due to its sharp dependence of solubility on the temperature.However,hazardous chemicals in industrial effluent,include phosphorate,silicate and arsenate,causing severe damage to the environment.In this work,these impurities are selectively precipitated onto inorganic flocculants,while the vanadate dissolved in an aqueous solution keeps almost undisturbed.Therefore,high purity NH_(4)VO_(3)is produced by the crystallization from the purified solution.By screening various flocculants and precipitating parameters,polyaluminum sulfate with an optimal amount of 50 g/L,is demonstrated to selectively remove phosphorate,silicate and arsenate,corresponding to the removing efficiency of 93.39%,97.11%and 88.31%,respectively.NH_(4)VO_(3)from the purified solution holds a purity of 99.21%,in comparison with 98.33%in the product from the crude solution.This purifying technology cannot only produce NH_(4)VO_(3)with high added value,but also reduce the environmental pollution of waste liquid.

Source,migration,distribution,toxicological effects and remediation technologies of arsenic in groundwater in China

Groundwater with high arsenic(As) content seriously threatens human life and health. Drinking high-As groundwater for a long time will lead to various pathological changes such as skin cancer, liver cancer,and kidney cancer. High-As groundwater has become one of the most serious environmental geological problems in China and even internationally. This paper aims to systematically summarize the sources,migration, distribution, toxicological effects, and treatment techniques of As in natural groundwater in China based on a large number of literature surveys. High-As groundwater in China is mainly distributed in the inland basins in arid and semi-arid environments and the alluvial and lacustrine aquifers in river deltas in humid environments, which are in neutral to weakly alkaline and strongly reducing environments.The content of As in groundwater varies widely, and As(Ⅲ) is the main form. The main mechanism of the formation of high-As groundwater in China is the reduced dissolution of Fe and Mn oxides under the action of organic matter and primary microorganisms, alkaline environment, intense evaporation and concentration, long-term water-rock interaction, and slow groundwater velocity, which promote the continuous migration and enrichment of As in groundwater. There are obvious differences in the toxicity of different forms of As. The toxic of As(Ⅲ) is far more than As(V), which is considered to be more toxic than methyl arsenate(MMA) and dimethyl arsenate(DMA). Inorganic As entering the body is metabolized through a combination of methylation(detoxification) and reduction(activation) and catalyzed by a series of methyltransferases and reductases. At present, remediation methods for high-As groundwater mainly include ion exchange technology, membrane filtration technology, biological treatment technology, nanocomposite adsorption technology, electrochemical technology, and so on. All the above remediation methods still have certain limitations, and it is urgent to develop treatment materials and technical means with stronger As removal performance and sustainability. With the joint efforts of scientists and governments of various countries in the future, this worldwide problem of drinking-water As poisoning will be solved as soon as possible. This paper systematically summarizes and discusses the hot research results of natural high-As groundwater, which could provide a reference for the related research of high-As groundwater in China and even the world.

Preparation of Biomanganese Oxide-biochar Composite and Its Remediation of Arsenic Contamination

[Objectives]To prepare biomanganese oxide/biochar composite(BMO-BC)and examine its remediation performance on arsenic contamination.[Methods]The BMO-BC was prepared by cultivating Pseudomonas putida MnB1 in the presence of Mn 2+and biochar.[Results]The initial concentration of Mn 2+in the culture system had no significant effect on the growth rate and domestication cycle of Pseudomonas putida MnB1.The results of SEM-EDS and XRD analysis confirm that the adsorbent prepared in this experiment was a composite of biomanganese oxide and biochar particles.The results of arsenic pollution removal test in simulated environment showed that the in-situ formed BMO-BC composite had certain removal effect on As(III)and the presence of biochar particles and manganese dioxide in the reaction system and the manganese oxidation ability of microbial strain MnB1 affect its remediation performance to As(III).[Conclusions]When the initial concentration is in the range of 0-10.0 mg/L,the isothermal adsorption data of BMO-BC on As(III)conforms to the Langmuir model.

Use of Agent Purple, Agent Orange and Agent Blue on Royal Thai Air Force Base Perimeters in Thailand during the Vietnam War

Seven Royal Thai Air Force bases in Thailand were used by the United States Air Force (USAF) during the Vietnam War as staging hubs for operations in Laos and Cambodia. Five bases in Thailand, including Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Ubon, Korat, U-Tapao and Udorn endured sniper fire interdiction, perimeter penetration, and sapper (combat engineer) attacks. Nam Phong, an eighth Royal Thai Air Force base was used by the United States Marine Corps air operations starting in 1972. US Military personnel stationed throughout Thailand were also attacked by Communists insurgents. Two herbicides, Agent Purple and Agent Orange containing 2, 4, 5-T contaminated with dioxin (TCDD—2, 3, 7, 8 tetrachlorodibenzodioxin) and a third herbicide, the arsenic-based Agent Blue, were routinely received at these Thailand airbases in support of air missions and to keep airbases and perimeter fences clear of vegetation. Udorn Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) base, established in the 1950s was consistently a target of enemy attacks during this period. The Thai government allowed the United States to use five bases, covertly, and two other Thai bases, openly, due to concerns that the civil war inside Laos might spread into Thailand. The US Air Force began, in 1961, to provide the air defense of Thailand and to fly reconnaissance flights over Laos. Under the United States and Thailand’s “gentleman’s agreement”, the bases used by the USAF were considered RTAF bases under the command of Thai officers. The USAF at Udorn was under the command of the United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Thirteenth Air Force and was used to temporarily store and distribute Agent Purple, Agent Orange and Agent Blue to Laos’s airfields for spraying of the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Thai air police controlled access to the bases using sentry dogs, observation towers, and machine gun emplacements. The USAF Security police assisted the Thai air police in base defense. In this study, we document the use of Agent Orange, Agent Purple and Agent Blue on Royal Thai Air Force base perimeters and grounds during the Vietnam War, potential active-duty service personnel exposure to these toxic herbicides and health impacts of the contaminant dioxin TCDD and arsenic on U.S. Vietnam Era Veterans and Vietnam Veterans. This documentation is important evidence in the “assumption of exposure” for health claims to the US Veterans Administration (VA) by veterans that served in Thailand between 1962 and 1976.

United States Secret War in Laos: Long-Term Environmental and Human Health Impacts of the Use of Chemical Weapons

In 1959, the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) operation, against the Pathet Lao insurgences and Viet Mien military troops and supply route, began. The Ho Chi Minh Trail was developed after the North Vietnam government and military decided to reunify South and North Vietnam. The People’s Army of Vietnam (PAVN) then connected the old trails leading from North Vietnam panhandle southward into eastern Laos, Cambodia and South Vietnam. Starting from Hanoi, the primary trail turned southwest into Laos and eastern Cambodia before branching into South Vietnam. Beginning in 1960s, the volume of traffic on the network of trails expanded significantly, but it still took more than a month’s march, by foot and bicycle, to travel from North to South Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh Trail traffic was impacted by repeatedly by Royal Laotian Air Force (RLAF), which was supported by US Air Force tactical herbicide spraying (Operation Ranch Hand program), and US Air Force bombing runs. By the late 1960s, the trail was improved and could accommodate heavy trucks in some sections and was used to supply the annual needs of over one hundred thousand regular PAVN troops active in South Vietnam. By 1974, the trail was a well-marked series of jungle roads (some of them paved) with underground support facilities such as hospitals, fuel-storage tanks, and supply caches with weapons. The Ho Chi Minh Trail was the major supply route for PAVN forces that overran Republic of Vietnam (RV) forces in 1975 and unified Vietnam. The primary objective of this paper is to determine the environmental and human health impacts of RLAF and US Air Force secret spraying of tactical herbicides on Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos.

Assessment of Soil Contamination and Human Health Risk around an Industrial Gold Mine in Côte d’Ivoire: The Case of Arsenic

The Tongon mine generates millions of tons of waste rock and tailings, which are stored in landfills in the vicinity of the mine. These tailings contain arsenic. The risk of soil contamination in this area is evident. This study assesses the arsenic contamination of soils around the mine and the health risks to the local population. Soil samples were taken from plastic bags and other materials used as working tools. Arsenic concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, after the soil samples had been concentrated and digested. Metal contamination indices were used to assess the degree of soil contamination. The results obtained indicate that soils in the industrial zone of the Tongon gold mine have very high average concentrations, well above the world average for uncontaminated soils of 6 mg/kg arsenic. Geoaccumulation index values range from 1.28 to 3.40. These values highlight severe arsenic soil contamination. The human health risk assessment revealed that exposure risks are well above the critical limit of 1 and are, in descending order, children > adult women > adult men. These results indicate an ecological risk, requiring environmental monitoring, underpinned by the development of an effective remediation strategy to reduce local pollution and contamination.