Increased human health risks at a legacy mine site: copper and lead bioaccessibility of oxidised tailings.

ABSTRACT: With climate change, conditions for dust generation are expected to be more prevalent. A potential dust source of concern are mine wastes due to the likelihood of potentially toxic elements which pose a human health risk if ingested or inhaled. This study analysed sieved mine tailings from a legacy mine in Nova Scotia, Canada. The aim of the research was to analyse total concentrations of Cu and Pb in tailings samples sieved to represent dust; to determine gastric bioaccessibility of Cu and Pb in these samples; and to analyse the impact of mineralogy on Cu and Pb bioaccessibility. Mineralogy was determined with a scanning electron microscope and automated mineralogy software. Tailings were sampled from an uncovered, subaerial, tailings impoundment. Copper bioaccessibility had a strong posi

SUBMITTER: McHale S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12279896 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature