Analysis of Arsenic, Lead and Mercury in Farming Areas with Mining Contaminated Soils at Zacatecas, Mexico
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29356/jmcs.v50i2.1303Keywords:
Heavy metals, soil contamination, mining wastes, dispersion modelAbstract
Abstract. This study was conducted in order to identify the concentration of heavy metals (As, Pb & Hg) in contaminated soil in the
county of Guadalupe, Zacatecas in order to have elements for decision making by authorities and to identify exposition routes and further research activities to evaluate and reduce environmental and health risks in the site. Analysis were developed using EPA methods: SW 846: 3050B/6010B for arsenic and lead (FLAAS); and EPA SW 846: 7471A for total mercury (CVAAS). Compared to a recommended concentration in soil of 20 mg/kg for arsenic and mercury and 100 mg/kg for lead (PROFEPA Interim Criteria of 2001), the concentration of heavy metals was found to be up to 8 times higher for the metals analyzed. With this information a dispersion model was run in order to get iso-concentration curves and to establish risk zones. From the data, two hot spots were identified (towns of La Zacatecana and Osiris) where mercury, lead and arsenic total concentration is higher enough to justify future speciation studies to evaluate the risk to the population within the area.
Resumen. Este estudio se llevó a cabo para identificar las concentraciones de los metales pesados (As, Pb y Hg) en suelos contaminados del municipio de Guadalupe, Zacatecas, con el fin de obtener elementos de decisión para las autoridades referentes a la identificación de rutas de exposición y a la realización de investigaciones adicionales para la evaluación y reducción de los riesgos ambientales y de salud en la zona. Los análisis fueron desarrollados usando los procedimientos EPA: SW 846: 3050B/6010B para arsénico y plomo (FLAAS); y EPA SW 846: 7471A para el mercurio total (CVAAS). Comparado con la concentración recomendada en suelo de 20 mg/kg para arsénico y mercurio, y 100 mg/kg para plomo (Criterios de PROFEPA para 2001), se encontró que la concentración de los metales pesados es 8 veces mayor. Con esta información, se corrió un modelo de dispersión para obtener las curvas de isoconcentración y para establecer las zonas de riesgo. A partir de los datos, se identificaron dos puntos sobresalientes: las ciudades de La Zacatecana y Osiris, donde las concentraciones de mercurio, plomo y arsénico son suficientemente altas para justificar estudios de especiación adicionales para la evaluación del riesgo para la población en el área.
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