Platinum group elements in the environment: emissions and exposure
Aleksandra Dubiella-Jackowska1, Zaneta Polkowska, Jacek Namieńnik
1Department of Analytical Chemistry, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, G. Narutowicza St. 11/12, 80-952 Gdańsk, Poland. Dubiella@poczta.fm
Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|December 30, 2008
Summary
Platinum group elements (PGEs) are increasingly used but pose environmental risks. Further research is needed to understand their bioavailability, environmental fate, and health impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Platinum group elements (PGEs) are valuable industrial metals with increasing applications.
- Their use in catalytic converters and medical treatments leads to environmental release.
- Concerns exist regarding PGE bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and potential health effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the environmental release and potential risks associated with PGEs.
- To highlight knowledge gaps in PGE bioavailability, environmental fate, and toxicity.
- To emphasize the need for further research due to growing PGE production and use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PGE applications and environmental emissions.
- Analysis of data on PGEs in vehicle exhaust and wastewater.
- Discussion of potential human exposure routes and health effects.
Main Results:
- PGEs are emitted from catalytic converters and hospital wastewater.
- While emission levels may be low, certain forms are bioavailable.
- Potential health hazards include asthma, skin diseases, and other serious conditions.
Conclusions:
- PGEs represent a growing environmental and health concern.
- More research is required to assess risks and inform management strategies.
- Understanding PGEs' environmental disposition and health influence is crucial.
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