Study of heavy metals in some environmental samples
Imtiaz Ahmad1, Haroon Rashid, Zia Ur Rehman
1Institute of Chemical Sciences, University of Peshawar, 25120, Peshawar, N.W.F.P, Pakistan. patwar2001@yahoo.co.in
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment
|October 15, 2008
Summary
Brick burning using coal and rubber releases heavy metals like chromium, lead, cadmium, and antimony into the environment. Chimney scale showed the highest concentrations, indicating significant air pollution.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Industrial Ecology
Background:
- Coal and rubber are common fuels in brick manufacturing.
- These fuels contain heavy metals that can contaminate products and the environment.
- Understanding heavy metal release from brick kilns is crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze heavy metal content in materials from brick burning industries.
- To quantify chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and antimony (Sb) in raw clay, products, chimney scale, and fuels.
- To assess the environmental implications of heavy metal emissions from brick kilns.
Main Methods:
- Sample collection from brick industries near Peshawar, Pakistan.
- Acid leaching of raw clay, brick product, chimney scale, fossil fuel, and rubber samples.
- Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) for heavy metal determination.
Main Results:
- Heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cd, Sb) were detected in clay, brick products, and chimney scale.
- Chimney scale exhibited the most significant concentrations of these heavy metals.
- Fossil fuels and rubber also contained heavy metals, contributing to emissions.
Conclusions:
- Brick burning processes release heavy metals into the atmosphere via stack gases.
- Chimney scale acts as a major reservoir for accumulated heavy metals.
- Strict environmental regulations and emission monitoring are necessary to mitigate air pollution.
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