US EPA

1252343 

Journal Article 

Arsenic distribution in soils surrounding the Utah copper smelter 

Ball, AL; Rom, WN; Glenne, B 

1983 

Yes 

American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
ISSN: 0002-8894 

44 

5 

341-348 

English 

10.1202/0002-8894(1983)044<0341:ADISST>2.3.CO;2 

WOS:A1983QP81900009 

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15298668391404941
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Arsenic (7440382) contamination in the soil near a copper (7440508) smelter was studied. Research covered an area 22 kilometers (km) in radius from a copper smelter in Utah that had released effluents into the atmosphere from 1906 until the 1978 installation of new pollution control facilities. Annual copper production averaged more than 200,000 tons. The sampling design used a radial grid with eight rays and six concentric circles. Ten samples were taken near the surface at each of 23 locations and pooled for analysis. Samples were taken at depths of at least 25 to 30 centimeters in a few locations. Total arsenic in dried samples was determined by neutron activation analysis through the gamma induced activity of arsenic-76 (15575209). Antimony determinations were made simultaneous to eliminate interference. Arsenic values in the area ranged from 5 parts per million (ppm) to 540ppm. Highest concentrations were found within 3km of the smelter except for the east, southeast where enriched concentrations extended 8km. At distances over 10km, values decreased 5 to 20ppm, apparently reflecting natural background for the area. High concentrations were found near railroads and roads that were not attributed to airborne concentrations. A decrease in concentration with soil depth was seen. At 25 to 30 centimeters, arsenic was 20 to 25 percent lower than on the surface. Just below these depths concentrations were about 60 percent of surface values. The authors conclude that arsenic concentration in the soil is a function of both direction and distance, supporting the assumption of wind induced transport. The values may represent past deposition patterns and not reflect current conditions of operation. 

DCN-146268; Occupational exposure; Health hazards; Chemical analysis; Sampling methods; Medical research; Workplace studies; Biological monitoring; Soil analysis; Radioactive measurement; Environmental hazards