Detection of the Presence of Heavy Metal Pollutants in Eleme Industrial Area ...
Nelia IERM 31 May 2013
1. ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS OFENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH IMPACTS OF
HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION FROM THEHEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION FROM THE
ZANDFONTEIN CEMETERY,ZANDFONTEIN CEMETERY,
TSHWANETSHWANE
POLLUTION AS A RESULT OF BURIAL PRACTICESPOLLUTION AS A RESULT OF BURIAL PRACTICES
C Jonker and J OlivierC Jonker and J Olivier
20120133
IERM May 2013IERM May 2013
2. Nelia Jonker
• Bsc, Hons ( Env Monitoring and Modelling ) Masters – UNISA
• PhD – WATERWATER ( Balneology)
• Research assistant : Prof J Olivier ( Emeritus UP, Extraordinarius
Unisa)
• Water Research Commission projects – optimal use of thermal
springs /fog water harvesting
• Workshops – article writing/ proposal writing/ conversion chapters
from Masters/Thesis to articles
• Published articles- International Journal of Env Science and Public
Health
3. INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
• Cemeteries are not only the
final resting place to bodies
but also to coffins and
caskets used for the
interment remains.
• The metals that are used in
coffin-making may corrode
or degrade due to
bacteriological and/or
environmental factors
• Harmful persistent toxic
heavy metals may be
transported from the graves
through seepage, leach into
surrounding soils and
ground water.
4. COFFIN CONSTRUCTION
• Generally, most coffins are crafted out of wood and may only be
adorned or lined with elements of bronze, copper, lead or zinc
• Sometimes cheaper materials such as cardboard, plywood, MDF
boards, supawood, chipboard or pressboard are used in coffin
construction. With Aids/HIV pushing up the death rate, the demand for
cheap coffins is booming in South Africa.
• Corrugated cardboard, printed and varnished to look like marble, pine,
imbuia and other varieties of wood, lined with satin and finished with
metal handles and decorative finishes (Baur, 2002).
• The material safety data sheets for Wolmanized® plywood and Eco-
wood and lumber, that is used to construct coffins , indicates that it
contains chromium, copper and arsenic.
• The plywood products contain chemicals known to cause cancer,
birth defects or other reproductive harm to humans.
5. Chemicals that may be released toChemicals that may be released to
groundwater include substances such asgroundwater include substances such as
::
•Arsenic and mercury which wereArsenic and mercury which were
used in embalming and burialused in embalming and burial
practices in the pastpractices in the past
•Copper, chromium in varnishes,Copper, chromium in varnishes,
sealers and preservatives used onsealers and preservatives used on
wooden coffins & in pressed woodswooden coffins & in pressed woods
(Chromated copper arsenate (CCA),(Chromated copper arsenate (CCA),
Copper Boron Azole (CBA)Copper Boron Azole (CBA))
•Lead, zinc, copper and steel fromLead, zinc, copper and steel from
metal coffins, from handles, hingesmetal coffins, from handles, hinges
and for decorative purposesand for decorative purposes
6. The total number of burials / burial load may
contribute to the load of chemicals that are
released to soils and groundwater
= 2 coffins 1 ash (6ft) / or 3 coffins (9ft)
Factors influence pollution potential
Multiple burial practice
Age of cemetery
Some of the older
cemeteries may be
contaminated with
chemicals such as
arsenic, mercury and
heavy metal salts used
for embalming in the
past (military)
7. PLANNING OF CEMETERY
• Slope
• Depths of burials / Water table
level
• Poorly cited
• Heavy rain water down slope
into residential areas
• After raifall graves are logged
with water ( slow down
degration process)
• Overlay an aquifer ext. .
Humidity, temperature, rain, impurities and metal wet times have
an effect on the corrosion rates –ACID RAIN
8. BULKING OF SOILS
Type of soil
• Clayery soils will trap possible
pollution/
• The soil type (sand, silt or loam soil)
and soil property such as soil pH
may influence the metal
concentration distributions in soils
Permeability
• The bulking of soils caused by
excavation of the graves may result
in some alteration to the surface
soils- some top soil may return to
the bottom of the hole and sub soil
may end up on top
• The decay of the body can also alter
the chemical composition of the
surrounding soil.
Different infiltration and percolation rates
9. RATIONALERATIONALE
•Most previous studies onMost previous studies on
cemetery contamination havecemetery contamination have
been carried out on pathogensbeen carried out on pathogens
(germs and viruses) that are(germs and viruses) that are
generated during the processgenerated during the process
of decayof decay
•Little is known about theLittle is known about the
products of degradation fromproducts of degradation from
coffins and their influence oncoffins and their influence on
humans and the environment.humans and the environment.
10. STUDY AREASTUDY AREA
• City of Tshwane (CCTM) has a totalCity of Tshwane (CCTM) has a total
of 40 cemeteries and 1 crematoriumof 40 cemeteries and 1 crematorium
within the municipal boundary.within the municipal boundary.
• The Zandfontein cemetery:The Zandfontein cemetery:
Established in 1958Established in 1958
• N Pretoria: Suburbs that surroundN Pretoria: Suburbs that surround
the Zandfontein cemetery arethe Zandfontein cemetery are
Suiderberg, Booysens, Hercules,Suiderberg, Booysens, Hercules,
Kirkney and Andeon A.H and LadyKirkney and Andeon A.H and Lady
Selborne.Selborne.
• Most of the small-holdings haveMost of the small-holdings have
water collection tanks that are filledwater collection tanks that are filled
with water from boreholes and thiswith water from boreholes and this
water is also used for domesticwater is also used for domestic
consumption.consumption.
11. Aim:Aim: To determine whether ZandfonteinTo determine whether Zandfontein
cemetery constitutes an environmental andcemetery constitutes an environmental and
health hazardhealth hazard
•Estimate the amount of potentially toxicEstimate the amount of potentially toxic
heavy metals that can be released fromheavy metals that can be released from
coffins.coffins.
•Quantify the concentrations of metalsQuantify the concentrations of metals
in soils and groundwaterin soils and groundwater in areasin areas
surroundingsurrounding Zandfontein cemetery.Zandfontein cemetery.
•Calculate possible health risks ifCalculate possible health risks if
potentially toxic minerals are releasedpotentially toxic minerals are released
into groundwater.into groundwater.
12. Collection of samplesCollection of samples
•23 soil samples in different blocks with depth23 soil samples in different blocks with depth
•8 borehole samples (2008/2010)8 borehole samples (2008/2010)
COLLECTION OF DATACOLLECTION OF DATA
13. Record booksRecord books – DData on the burials loads in Zandfontein toata on the burials loads in Zandfontein to estimateestimate the amount of potentiallythe amount of potentially
toxic heavy metals that can be released from coffins.toxic heavy metals that can be released from coffins.
Estimation of metal pollution in Zandfontein
• 60 000 gravesites in Zandfontein
• Coffin handle = 180 gram zinc / alloy
• Amount of metals in the soils from coffin handles alone, is
approximately 108 783 kg = 108.7 ton metal108 783 kg = 108.7 ton metal over the past 50 year
(1958-2010).
• Metal deposit annually.
14. GGEOPHYSICAL DATA COLLECTEDEOPHYSICAL DATA COLLECTED
• Two methods were used to map groundwater contaminant plumesTwo methods were used to map groundwater contaminant plumes &&
ground water flow directionground water flow direction..
–Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Method (EM34)Frequency Domain Electromagnetic Method (EM34)
–Self Potential MethodSelf Potential Method
–SSelf Potential Methodelf Potential Method
–The Self Potential method involves measuring natural electricalThe Self Potential method involves measuring natural electrical
potential that is due to percolation of water in the groundpotential that is due to percolation of water in the ground ..
–Self Potential is the only geophysical method that is sensitive toSelf Potential is the only geophysical method that is sensitive to
groundwater flow.groundwater flow.
15. LOCATION OF SURVEY LINESLOCATION OF SURVEY LINES
FFrequency Domain Electromagnetic Method (EM34)requency Domain Electromagnetic Method (EM34)
– involves the generation of an electromagnetic field .involves the generation of an electromagnetic field .
–By measuring this magnetic field, subsurface properties and featuresBy measuring this magnetic field, subsurface properties and features
can be deduced.can be deduced.
–The acquired data was downloaded onto a computer from the GeonicsThe acquired data was downloaded onto a computer from the Geonics
EM34 polycorder using DUMP34WEM34 polycorder using DUMP34W and mapand map
16. SUMMARY : DATA COLLECTION
• HYDROCHEMISTRY
• Concentration heavy metals in soil ( inside cemetery and control sample
outside )
• Concentration of heavy metals in borehole
• pH
• Water table levels
• Record books = know how much graves and the approximate amount of
metals in soil and where are multiple burials
• Geophysical data = map = areas with high conductivity and groundwater
flow path
Cr Ni Cu ZnCr Ni Cu Zn
As Hg PbAs Hg Pb
17. Metal concentrations on- site vs off- siteMetal concentrations on- site vs off- site
MetalMetal Mean metalMean metal
concentrationsconcentrations
on site (mg/kg)on site (mg/kg)
Background- MeanBackground- Mean
metalmetal
concentrations off-concentrations off-
site (mg/kg)site (mg/kg)
Ratio on : offRatio on : off
-site-site
CrCr 321.07321.07 76.3476.34 4:14:1
NiNi 44.6344.63 5.295.29 8:18:1
CuCu 17.3917.39 3.733.73 5:15:1
ZnZn 7.767.76 5.935.93 1:11:1
AsAs 0.390.39 0.090.09 4:14:1
HgHg 0.020.02 0.010.01 2:12:1
PbPb 26.9226.92 11.8411.84 2:12:1
RESULTS – SOILRESULTS – SOIL
Zandfontein soils polluted with heavy metals
19. RESULTS – GEO PHYSICSRESULTS – GEO PHYSICS
Continued decanting of possibly contaminated water from cemeteries may
have an impact on groundwater aquifer systems in the area
There is a high trending conductivity zone showing NW-SENW-SE groundwater flow path.
Electromagnetic conductivity coherence with blocks
Low conductivity values of 30-60 mS/m prevail more
to the north western- part of cemetery -area consisting
of less grave plots.
Metals seem to follow groundwater flow path
20. DRASTICZandfontein = DR*DW+RR*RW+AR*AW+SR*SW+TR*TW+IR*IW+CR*CW
Where R = rating and W= weight
Geo- hydrological factors for aquifer vulnerability
Factors
Average depth to water table ( m)Average depth to water table ( m)
Average rainfall (mm/ yr)Average rainfall (mm/ yr)
Average burial massAverage burial mass
Average soil pHAverage soil pH
SlopeSlope
Average clay content of soilAverage clay content of soil
Permeability rate of soil (cm/sec)Permeability rate of soil (cm/sec)
RISKRISK
Environmental health risk
H-DRASTIC model, were used to evaluate the relative groundwater pollution potential
and to evaluate the possible risk to the aquifer underlying Zandfontein cemetery.
21. Comparison with cemeteries in Korea and landfill
sites shows that Zandfontein cemetery poses
greater environmental risk to aquifer
DRASTIC Geo-hydrological induce vulnerability
index
0
5
10
15
20
25
cemeteries in Republic
of Korea
landfill site in India Zandfontein cemetery
geo-hydrological induce
22. These toxic constituents, even at very low concentrations,
can either have acute and/or chronic effects on human
health; short term and long term health impacts;
reversible to irreversible or recoverable to irrecoverable
health impacts on consumers.
HEALTH RISKHEALTH RISK
CChronic non-carcinogenic health hazardhronic non-carcinogenic health hazard
Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb and HgCu, Cr, Zn, Pb and Hg
23. RESULTSRESULTS – C– Chronic non-carcinogenic healthhronic non-carcinogenic health
hazardhazard
GROUND WATER NEAR ZANDFONTEIN CEMETERY POSES A HEALTH HAZARDGROUND WATER NEAR ZANDFONTEIN CEMETERY POSES A HEALTH HAZARD
MetalMetal
Target organ/ organismTarget organ/ organism
(DWAF,1996)(DWAF,1996)
Toxicity StandardsToxicity Standards
U.S. EPA(2002)U.S. EPA(2002)
MeanMean
concentrationsconcentrations
(μg/l)(μg/l)
CrCr
HaematologicalHaematological
HepaticHepatic
RenalRenal
NeurologicalNeurological
TesticularTesticular
0.29 μg/l0.29 μg/l 0.8660.866
CuCu
GastrointestinalGastrointestinal
Disturbance and possible liver,Disturbance and possible liver,
kidney and red blood cell damagekidney and red blood cell damage
2.0 μg/l2.0 μg/l 16.96616.966
ZnZn Haematological, RenalHaematological, Renal 30.0 μg/l30.0 μg/l 128.25128.25
HgHg Neurological CarcinogenicNeurological Carcinogenic 0.012 μg/l0.012 μg/l 0.8520.852
PbPb NeurologicalNeurological 1.01.0 –– 7.0 μg/l7.0 μg/l 00
24. Riski
= C*IRi
* EFi.
* EDi
*
SF* ADAFi
*RPF
BWi
* AT
EPA (2002) considers potential cancer risk as values exceeding 1E-6.
At present there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate aAt present there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate a
clear link betweenclear link between cancercancer and exposure from cemeteries.and exposure from cemeteries.
The age dependent cancer risk model (ADCRM) (US EPA, 2009)
C = Concentration of the chemical in soil or water (mg/kg) or (mg/l)
IRi
= Intake rate (litre/day)
BWi
= Body weight (kg)
EFi
= Exposure frequency over the course of a year
EDi
= Exposure duration , exposure during a life time (years)
AT = Averaging time, for quantifying cancer risk life time exposure is 70 yr
SF = Cancer slope factor (mg/kg/day)
ADAF = Age dependent adjustment factor (unitless)
RPF = Relative potency factor for metal (0.001)
25. CANCER RISK
Dose-response information such as the slope factor (i.e., humanDose-response information such as the slope factor (i.e., human
cancer risk per unit dose) was collect for selected metals fromcancer risk per unit dose) was collect for selected metals from
the IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) data base, whichthe IRIS (Integrated Risk Information System) data base, which
summarizes toxicity data for all chemical compoundssummarizes toxicity data for all chemical compounds
For each age interval, the cancer risk of exposure was computedFor each age interval, the cancer risk of exposure was computed
manually and the individual age-dependent-risks were summedmanually and the individual age-dependent-risks were summed
to a risk factor across four age intervals, 0-2 years, 2-6 years, 6-to a risk factor across four age intervals, 0-2 years, 2-6 years, 6-
16 years and 16-30 years of exposure16 years and 16-30 years of exposure
Long term exposure to the contaminated groundwater may pose aLong term exposure to the contaminated groundwater may pose a
carcinogenic riskcarcinogenic risk to residence in the Zandfontein area. ADCRMto residence in the Zandfontein area. ADCRM
used to verify possible cancer risk depict that the highestused to verify possible cancer risk depict that the highest
carcinogenic risk to humans was fromcarcinogenic risk to humans was from ZnZn, the metal used to, the metal used to
construct coffin handles.construct coffin handles.
26. SUMMARY & CONCLUSIONSUMMARY & CONCLUSION
1. Metals used to construct coffins and coffin handles consists mainly ofMetals used to construct coffins and coffin handles consists mainly of
Zn and Cu alloys.Zn and Cu alloys.
2. At Zandfontein there are 108 tons heavy metal2. At Zandfontein there are 108 tons heavy metal
3. Soils within cemetery are more polluted than soils outside cemetery3. Soils within cemetery are more polluted than soils outside cemetery
4.4. None of the borehole water samples conformed to the U.S. EPA ToxicityNone of the borehole water samples conformed to the U.S. EPA Toxicity
Standards (2002) for metals in drinking water for any of the metalsStandards (2002) for metals in drinking water for any of the metals
5.5. Not only is the water toxic, but long term exposure to the contaminatedNot only is the water toxic, but long term exposure to the contaminated
groundwater may pose a carcinogenic risk to residence in thegroundwater may pose a carcinogenic risk to residence in the
Zandfontein area.Zandfontein area.
6.6. Aquifer Vulnerability Index to pollution from the cemetery indicatedAquifer Vulnerability Index to pollution from the cemetery indicated
higher values than that of a landfill site in India.higher values than that of a landfill site in India.
27. Cemeteries and burial practices as a source of pollutionCemeteries and burial practices as a source of pollution
that has been neglected for many yearsthat has been neglected for many years
Results indicate that cemeteries has pollution potentialResults indicate that cemeteries has pollution potential
There is no monitoring program for groundwater qualityThere is no monitoring program for groundwater quality
near cemeteries in South Africa. And thus the pollutionnear cemeteries in South Africa. And thus the pollution
may go undetected for years (Tredouxmay go undetected for years (Tredoux et al,et al, 2004)2004)
28. RECOMMENDATIONRECOMMENDATION
1. Monitoring of ground water
near cemeteries
2. Use DRASTIC and
Electromagnetic frequency
domain model/ maps &
compare and map areas with
relative high aquifer
vulnerability potential.
3. Access the possibility that
residents in the vicinity of
cemeteries may experience
exposure to different potentially
harmful substances.
4. Assessments for joint toxic
action of chemical mixtures:
carcinogenic effects- areas
surrounding cemeteries
29. • To date only one study on this topic in South Africa
• First to use geophysical methods to trace metal contamination plume
from cemeteries
• Generate new knowledge which can be used in future planning
• Enable municipal managers to determine which cemetery is potentially
hazardous and which are safe to “recycle” = site identification new
cemeteries / expansion
• Dissemination of information to residence – public concern
• Project could stimulate development of green burial practices
• Multidisciplinary projectMultidisciplinary project may span geology, geographical sciences,
health sciences, town and regional planning
PLANNINGPLANNING
Identify cemeteries with high level of ground waterIdentify cemeteries with high level of ground water
vulnerability or health risk – NUMBER OF “FIRSTS”vulnerability or health risk – NUMBER OF “FIRSTS”
30. SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
CITY PLANNING
•IMPACT ASSESMENT -TYPE OF SOIL/MULTIPLE
BURIALS/GROUNDWATER FLOW PATTERNS
HEALTH RISKS
AQIUFER POLLUTION POTENTIAL
31. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
• Professor Jana Olivier as my
mentor and strength
• Mr P Nyabeze from the Council of
Geosciences
• Personnel at Zandfontein
cemetery (CCTM)
• UNISA
32. THANK YOU
Bartholomew I, the ‘green’ patriarch ofBartholomew I, the ‘green’ patriarch of
orthodox Christian church declared that:orthodox Christian church declared that:
“…“… for humans tofor humans to
contaminate the earth’scontaminate the earth’s
waters, its land, its air and itswaters, its land, its air and its
life with poisonouslife with poisonous
substances - these are sins”substances - these are sins”
(quoted by Newsome 1999:15 cited Stowe et al., 2001).(quoted by Newsome 1999:15 cited Stowe et al., 2001).
Does our generation sin againstDoes our generation sin against
nature in the way we tend to ournature in the way we tend to our
dead?dead?
33. RESULTSRESULTS -- GROUND WATERGROUND WATER
MEAN VALUE FOR METALS IN WATER AT ZANDFONTEIN (2008 AND 2010)MEAN VALUE FOR METALS IN WATER AT ZANDFONTEIN (2008 AND 2010)
FOR BOREHOLES Z1139 AND Z1146.FOR BOREHOLES Z1139 AND Z1146.
MetalMetal Mean Metal concentration 2008Mean Metal concentration 2008
(μg/l)(μg/l)
Mean Metal concentration 2010Mean Metal concentration 2010
(μg/l)(μg/l)
CrCr 0.11250.1125 0.40750.4075
CuCu 19.14519.145 40.4140.41
PbPb 0.0950.095 00
ZnZn 11.45511.455 313.52313.52
HgHg Not analysedNot analysed 1.451.45
RESULTS OF GROUNDWATER PH FOR ZANDFONTEINRESULTS OF GROUNDWATER PH FOR ZANDFONTEIN
pH in groundwaterpH in groundwater –– Zandfontein cemeteryZandfontein cemetery
Site IDSite ID Z113Z113
99
Z1140Z1140 Z1141Z1141 Z1142Z1142 Z1143Z1143 Z1144Z1144 Z1145Z1145 Z1146Z1146
pH 2008pH 2008 7.757.75 -- -- -- -- -- -- 7.057.05
pH 2010pH 2010 7.707.70 7.907.90 7.207.20 7.607.60 8.208.20 8.208.20 8.208.20 8.108.10
