Effects of dissolution kinetics on bioaccessible arsenic from tailings and soils. 2011

Louise Meunier, and Iris Koch, and Kenneth J Reimer
Environmental Sciences Group, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Royal Military College, Kingston, P.O. Box 17000, Station Forces, Ontario, Canada K7K 7B4.

Dissolution kinetics of arsenic from soils and tailings were studied under simulated gastrointestinal conditions to determine the effects of residence time, pH and soil composition on the bioaccessibility of arsenic. The samples were sieved to four particle size fractions from bulk to <45 μm, and included arsenic minerals, soils and tailings with total arsenic concentrations ranging from 19 to 42000 mg kg(-1). The bioaccessible arsenic concentrations varied from 2.8 to 10000 mg kg(-1), and the highest concentrations were associated with the smallest particle size fractions. Kinetic parameters were determined for each sample extracted under gastric conditions (pH=1.8) followed by intestinal conditions (pH=7.0). Under gastric pH conditions, dissolution appeared to be diffusion-controlled and followed an exponential curve, whereas a logarithmic or linear model was used to describe the mixed dissolution mechanisms observed under intestinal conditions. Nine of the 13 samples tested reached a steady state bioaccessible arsenic concentration within the 5-h physiologically-based extraction test (PBET). However the bioaccessible arsenic concentrations in four tailings samples increased significantly (p=0.034) between the 5-h and the extended 24-h extraction under intestinal conditions. Since arsenic absorption may occur along the entire digestive tract, assessments based on the standard 5-h PBET extraction may not adequately estimate the risks associated with arsenic absorption in such cases. The slow dissolution kinetics associated with secondary arsenic minerals in some tailings samples may require extending the PBET extractions to longer periods, or extrapolating using the proposed kinetic models, to reach steady state concentrations in simulated gastrointestinal fluids.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D007700 Kinetics The rate dynamics in chemical or physical systems.
D008906 Mining The process of extracting mineral deposits from the earth.
D008954 Models, Biological Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of biological processes or diseases. For disease models in living animals, DISEASE MODELS, ANIMAL is available. Biological models include the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Biological Model,Biological Models,Model, Biological,Models, Biologic,Biologic Model,Biologic Models,Model, Biologic
D008956 Models, Chemical Theoretical representations that simulate the behavior or activity of chemical processes or phenomena; includes the use of mathematical equations, computers, and other electronic equipment. Chemical Models,Chemical Model,Model, Chemical
D006863 Hydrogen-Ion Concentration The normality of a solution with respect to HYDROGEN ions; H+. It is related to acidity measurements in most cases by pH pH,Concentration, Hydrogen-Ion,Concentrations, Hydrogen-Ion,Hydrogen Ion Concentration,Hydrogen-Ion Concentrations
D001151 Arsenic A shiny gray element with atomic symbol As, atomic number 33, and atomic weight 75. It occurs throughout the universe, mostly in the form of metallic arsenides. Most forms are toxic. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), arsenic and certain arsenic compounds have been listed as known carcinogens. (From Merck Index, 11th ed) Arsenic-75,Arsenic 75
D012987 Soil The unconsolidated mineral or organic matter on the surface of the earth that serves as a natural medium for the growth of land plants. Peat,Humus,Soils
D012989 Soil Pollutants Substances which pollute the soil. Use for soil pollutants in general or for which there is no specific heading. Soil Pollutant,Pollutant, Soil,Pollutants, Soil
D041981 Gastrointestinal Tract Generally refers to the digestive structures stretching from the MOUTH to ANUS, but does not include the accessory glandular organs (LIVER; BILIARY TRACT; PANCREAS). Digestive Tract,GI Tract,Digestive Tracts,GI Tracts,Gastrointestinal Tracts
D018570 Risk Assessment The qualitative or quantitative estimation of the likelihood of adverse effects that may result from exposure to specified health hazards or from the absence of beneficial influences. (Last, Dictionary of Epidemiology, 1988) Assessment, Risk,Benefit-Risk Assessment,Risk Analysis,Risk-Benefit Assessment,Health Risk Assessment,Risks and Benefits,Analysis, Risk,Assessment, Benefit-Risk,Assessment, Health Risk,Assessment, Risk-Benefit,Benefit Risk Assessment,Benefit-Risk Assessments,Benefits and Risks,Health Risk Assessments,Risk Analyses,Risk Assessment, Health,Risk Assessments,Risk Benefit Assessment,Risk-Benefit Assessments

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