Influence of Wind Direction on the Level of Trace Metals in Plants Collected around a Quarry Site in South Africa

Abstract

Over the past two centuries mining has been largely responsible for the improvement of the socioeconomic landscape of South Africa by growing the gross domestic product (GDP), boosting state revenue, foreign direct investment and generating employment [1, 2]. Despite the economic importance of mining to any nation, the consequences of its activities are borne directly by the ever-increasing populations and societies around the mining areas [3].Quarrying activity is a necessity that provides much of the materials used in traditional hard flooring, such as granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, slate and even ceramic tiles [4]. Quarrying activities such as rock breaking, grinding, and kiln operations are the primary sources of airborne pollutants (trace metals, particulate matters and other pollutants), which are often dispersed by wind to the surroundings and impact biotic and

Possible Sources of Trace Metals in Obese Females Living in Informal Settlements near Industrial Sites around Gauteng, South Africa

“…The length of stay of obese females living around site 3 shows that individuals who lived in the area for more than 10 years recorded lower levels of blood Mn than those who have stayed in the area for less than 10 years ( Figure 1 ). This suggests that those individuals may have been exposed to high levels of Mn in their previous residential areas [ 58 ]. The values of Mn recorded from site 1, an industrial area with active activities taking place from the industry situated opposite the informal settlement, are similar to those reported by Dey et al [ 59 ], where the blood Mn from samples collected around a mining site exceeded the recommended limit.…”