University of Illinois Chicago
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Levels of Heavy Metals in Water Used in Artisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining in Western Kenya

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posted on 2025-05-01, 00:00 authored by Nicolas Raoilimanantsoa
This research examines the occupational exposure to metals in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) environments, particularly focusing on the potential for dermal exposure to metals that impair human health at low concentrations such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb). These metals are of particular concern due to their ability to accumulate in the body, disrupt vital biological processes, and cause severe health issues even at low exposure levels. The study analyzes metal concentrations in water sources used by ASGM workers, including primary and secondary basins involved in mercury and gold amalgamation, as well as pools at mining sites. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a well-established analytical technique, were used. The findings reveal that ASGM workers face a significant risk of exposure to harmful metal levels through dermal contact with contaminated water, with additional insights from total exposure estimates derived from filter and filtrate analyses. Although the metal concentration analysis results are consistent with previous studies, this research fills a knowledge gap by emphasizing dermal exposure, a less-studied pathway, and offering context-specific insights into the occupational health risks in ASGM practices. The combination of filter and filtrate data provides a more comprehensive understanding of total metal exposure. This research addresses the gap in the limited data on dermal exposure to metals in ASGM environments, offering valuable insights for future research and public health interventions. It highlights the need for improved monitoring and protective measures for workers, underscoring the importance of managing health risks to safeguard the well-being of individuals involved in ASGM practices.

History

Advisor

Samuel Dorevitch

Department

Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

Degree Grantor

University of Illinois Chicago

Degree Level

  • Masters

Degree name

MS, Master of Science

Committee Member

Mehdi Amouei Torkmahalleh Ira Heimler

Thesis type

application/pdf

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