Environmental Science · Pollution
A study tested waste rock from Russia’s Kovdor phlogopite deposit as a soil amendment. In laboratory mixtures, it improved some soil properties, supported marigold root growth without visible toxicity and lowered mobile nickel and copper in heavily contaminated Monchegorsk soil.
In a 120-day pot experiment, a combination of phytoremediation plants and magnesium-, silicon- and hydroxyapatite-treated biochar sharply reduced heavy metals in contaminated soil and maize grain. Maize grain yield rose from 4.2 to 7.1 tonnes per hectare in the treated soil, while grain metal concentrations fell by 98.0–98.5%.
A study of 13 cereal-based products from Arak, Iran, found that estimated health risks varied widely between brands. Mercury drove the highest risk estimate for Tak pasta, while arsenic was the main factor for Zhik pasta; Zar, Mak and Jahan had much lower estimates.
A study of seafood from Brazil’s Sepetiba Bay found that mean arsenic levels in the muscle of four species exceeded regulatory reference values, while another reached the reference value. The results point to species-specific dietary concerns and the need for continued monitoring.
