Speciation Methods Used to Assess Potential Health Effects of Toxic Metals in Environmental Materials
Open-File Report
2008-1350
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Abstract
Assessing potential exposures to toxic metals or metalloids such as arsenic and chromium in environmental materials is important in protecting public health. The chemical form of an element in, or released from, a material is also important, since some forms, such as Cr(VI), are more toxic than others, for example, Cr(III). We have used a variety of procedures to assess potential exposures to hexavalent chromium in ash and burned soils from October 2007 southern California wildfires. Synthetic lung-fluid and de-ionized water extractions simulate release in the lungs and potential environmental releases due to rainfall. Extracts were analyzed for specific chromium and arsenic species using HPLC-ICP-MS methodology. Results indicate that the highly oxidizing environment in wildfires promotes some chromium conversion to Cr(VI), and that the caustic alkalinity of ash enhances Cr(VI) release and stability in lung fluids and rainfall.
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Speciation Methods Used to Assess Potential Health Effects of Toxic Metals in Environmental Materials |
| Series title | Open-File Report |
| Series number | 2008-1350 |
| DOI | 10.3133/ofr20081350 |
| Edition | - |
| Year Published | 2008 |
| Language | ENGLISH |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Contributing office(s) | Mineral Resources Program |
| Description | ii, 35 p. |
| Time Range Start | 2008-08-09 |
| Time Range End | 2008-08-15 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |