It is estimated that 23 million people living on the world’s floodplains are being exposed to potentially dangerous concentrations of toxic waste, a new study finds.
, the study employed a combination of process-based modelling and empirical testing to essentially predict the global impact of mining hazards, such as lead, zinc, copper and arsenic. These pollutants are usually transported downstream from mining operations, and often deposited along river channels and floodplains for extended periods.
That data then allowed the scientists to produce a computer model to map out the extent of river channels and flood-plains around the world that are polluted by mining waste, from both historical and current operations.Released against the backdrop of growing demand for metals and minerals to feed the green energy transition, the results highlight the widespread reach of contamination caused by mining.
According to the study, there are multiple pathways for humans to become exposed to these contaminant metals, including from direct exposure through skin contact, accidental ingestion, inhalation of contaminated dust, and through the consumption of contaminated water and food grown on contaminated soils.
“Our new method for predicting the dispersal of mine waste in river systems worldwide provides governments, environmental regulators, the mining industry and local communities with a tool that, for the first time, will enable them to assess the offsite and downstream impacts of mining on ecosystem and human health,” Macklin said.
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