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Human Health Risk Assessment for Toxic Trace Elements in the Yaro Mine and Reclamation Options
Min-Suk Kim1, Mi Jeong Park2, Jeong Hwa Yang2
1O-Jeong Eco Resilience Institute, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Toxic trace element (TTE) exposure from Yaro Mine poses significant health risks, primarily through groundwater ingestion and crop consumption. Reclamation strategies are crucial to mitigate these risks by blocking exposure pathways.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Abandoned mines can be sources of toxic trace elements (TTEs).
- Yaro Mine in Korea is an abandoned site with potential TTE contamination.
- Assessing environmental impact and human health risks is crucial for public safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the environmental impact and human health risks of TTE exposure at the abandoned Yaro Mine.
- To assess both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children.
- To identify primary exposure pathways and recommend reclamation strategies.
Main Methods:
- Risk assessment for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects.
- Evaluation of TTE exposure via multiple pathways: groundwater ingestion, crop consumption, soil ingestion, and soil contact.
- Analysis of data for adults and children.
Main Results:
- Groundwater ingestion was the highest pathway for TTE intake and carcinogenic risk.
- Non-carcinogenic risk was predominantly from groundwater ingestion (53.57%) and crop intake (38.53%).
- Contaminated soil around Yaro Mine presents a high health risk, mainly through groundwater and crops.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated soil at Yaro Mine poses significant health risks to inhabitants.
- Exposure via groundwater ingestion and crop consumption are the primary concerns.
- Reclamation methods like stabilization and covering can reduce TTE hazard and migration.
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