Известия Томского политехнического университета: Инжиниринг георесурсов (Sep 2016)
Influence of technogenesis on forming element composition of childrenґs hair
Abstract
The relevance of the research is supported by the necessity to elaborate the criteria for assessing the environment condition. Biogeochemical study of all objects and components of the biosphere is rather relevant task of modern times. Local technogenic transformations of areas cause spontaneous, irregular income of elements to the living organisms. Study of element composition of human hair proved itself to be good for assessing this income degree. Human hair is a deposit environment and can serve as an indicator for anthropogenic change of the environment. The aim of the study is to investigate the accumulation specificity of chemical elements in the content of childrenґs hair under the influence of technogenesis and to find the indicators of this influence. The research methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis (quantitative determination of 29 chemical elements), mass-spectro-metry with inductively coupled plasma ICP-MS. Results. The authors have determined the peculiarities of formation of element composition of childrenґs hair (3-18 years old) in the area of Northern industrial hub of Tomsk. For this purpose, the investigated area was divided into sectors taking into account the prevailing «wind rose» (the axes were run across Tomsk). The first sector - the north-north-eastern - is subject to the most influence of technogenesis; in comparison with other sectors it is characterized by the maximal accumulation of Sc, Cr, Zn, Lu, Hf, Au, Th, U, Cs in hair. The second one, the eastern sector, in comparison with the others is distinguished by the maximal accumulation of Se, Yb, Ag, Eu with concentrations, which are higher than average regional values. The third, western, sector is characterized by the highest Sb accumulation level. The fourth one, the southern sector, can be considered as the background sector with low concentrations of the most studied elements. In addition, the authors compared smth with the data on chemical elements content in the hair of Seversk and Tomsk residents. The investigation shown that Seversk, compared to other areas, is characterized by the maximal accumulation of Br, Ta, U and Ce. For the hair samples from Tomsk, La, Sm and Eu are specific. In the villages, located near tailings, the accumulation level of elements 6,5 times exceeds the background level. For the hair from both villages, the high level (2,5 times exceeds the background) of Au, Ag, Tl, Re, Eu, Li contents is specific. Conclusions. The element composition of childrenґs hair in the studied area reflects the specificity of technogenic influence of different manufacturing enterprises in Northern industrial hub of Tomsk; and in general, it is formed under the additive effects of natural and technogenic aspects. In the areas with the most active technogenic impact, the concentrations of element in the hair are higher and the range of elements is wider in comparison with the average regional factors and background data. Urban territories are distinguished by Br and rare earth elements accumulation in childrenґs hair. Human settlements, which are not subject to the main impact of industrial enterprises and located in thirty-kilometer area of SCC impact, at prevailing direction of wind transfer of the substances, suffer the technogenic influence. The southern part of Tomsk district can be considered as background area with low concentrations of the majority of the studied elements. The indices of elements ratio are significant indicators of technogenesis conditions. Tomsk district as the most technogenic-transformed area is characterized by specific concentration of lanthanides in the childrenґs hair. In the territories with the stored wastes of enrichment production, the concentration of chemical elements, reflecting the specificity of the produced and recycled materials, is specific for childrenґs hair. Therefore, childrenґs hair is the demonstrating factor of technogenic load on the residential areas.
