Soil Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contaminants around Mount Isa city, Queensland, Australia: Potential sources and risks to human health

摘要: This article investigates the relationship between soil Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn contaminants location activities of Pb–Zn–Ag Cu mines at Mount Isa, Queensland, Australia. Analysis data focuses primarily on distributions concentrations because their potential impact children’s health. The Xstrata Isa Mines lease (XMIM) is Australia’s leading emitter numerous to environment, including Pb, mining-related have been linked causally findings a 2008 study that showed 11.3% local children (12–60 months) blood levels >10 μg/dL. Queensland government authorities Pty Ltd maintain within environmental systems around are largely result near-surface mineralization. evidence for whether contamination derived from XMIM or other possible sources, such as natural weathering ore-rich bedrock, investigated using surface subsurface chemistry, atmospheric modelling metal mining smelting operations geological associated geochemical studies. Sixty samples collected sites adjacent houses, parks schools throughout city were analyzed total extractable in 180 μm (coarser) <180 (finer) grain size fractions. Concentrations finer fraction reveal range values: Cd – 0.7–12.5 ppm; 31–12,100 8–5770 26–11,100 ppm, with several exceeding Australian residential health investigation guidelines. Spatial analysis shows significantly higher 2 km compared more distant samples, than 1000 property lots risk having detrimentally high levels. Determination 49 eight pits (0–2 cm) enriched relative those depth (10–20 cm), suggesting an depositional origin. AUSPLUME air dispersal originating smelter stacks mine site fugitive sources confirms deposited across urban area, during periods year (not, vert, similar20%/a) when wind blows direction towards area disperses dusts uncovered spoil road surfaces, well stack emission sources. Although there some spatially restricted outcrops close parts Cu-ore body not, similar244 m below surface. However, correlated (Pearson correlation 0.879, p = 0.000) can only be explained by transport deposition metals adjoining operations. results this provide unequivocal both historic ongoing emissions contaminating environment. Given poisoning issues children, it clear remediation, reductions stringent regulatory actions warranted.