The Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollutants Emitted by Railway Transport

Abstract

Recently, concern for a rapid increase in heavy metal pollutants released by railway transport has been expressed. Most of pollutant emissions from combustion processes are related to fuel consumption in the internal combustion engines of traction rolling stock. The main pollutants released into the environment cover particulate matter, volatile non-methane organic compounds, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. In this way, it is likely that the biggest polluters of the environment are traction units with internal combustion engines. However, other types of pollution are possible, where polluters can be not only traction rolling stock with the internal combustion engines, but also electric locomotive. For example, when due to friction of metals and deterioration of rolling stock wheels, heavy metals such as aerosols are released into the atmosphere, soil, surface and ground water, etc. and severely pollute the railway environment. Along with an increase in the electrification of railways, local environmental pollution is likely to be increased in the future. High pollution by heavy metals can also occur near the track storing creosote-impregnated wooden railway sleepers. Having analysed railway transport intensity and in order to assess pollution level, the stations of three major cities of Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda) were selected to investigate heavy metal pollutants (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn)) acting as the most toxic and widespread elements. The highest concentrations of Pb (up to 50 mg/kg) were found at a distance of 5.0 m from railway sleepers in the upper (up to 10 cm) soil layer at Vilnius Railway Station. A comparison of the results of the investigated soil across the tested stations showed that Klaipėda Railway Station was the area most polluted with Cd. The highest concentrations of Cd (up to 1.5…1.8 mg/kg) were established at a varying distance of 5…10 m from the sleepers in the upper (up to 10 cm) soil layer of light loam. Among the investigated stations, the lowest pollution by heavy metals, including Zn, was found at Kaunas Railway Station where sandy loam dominated. A comparison of heavy metal pollutants deposited on the intact used and rotten wooden railway sleepers disclosed that the latter were more heavily contaminated with heavy metals and made from 8 to 13 mg/kg for Pb, from 0.3 to 1.2 mg/kg for Cd, from 13.8 to 66 mg/kg for Zn.

Assessment of the Railroad Transport Impact on Physical and Chemical Soil Properties: The Case Study from Zduńska Wola Karsznice Railway Junction, Central Poland

“…It can be expected that the increased level of lead in samples taken 5 and 10 m from the tracks may be the result of the impact of road transport, as shown in the studies by Liu et al [40]. Similar observations were made by Vaišk ūnait ė and Jasi ūnien ė [15], who found that the highest concentrations of Pb and Cd were recorded at a distance of 5.0 m from railroad sleepers in the upper (up to 10 cm) layer of soil.…”

“…Scientists are increasingly paying more attention to the source of many contaminants from the railway. The PHEs can be connected with, i.e., abrasion of wheels and rails or even with the materials that conserve railway sleepers [12][13][14][15][16].…”

Level of Contamination Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Urban Soils of Volos City (Central Greece)

“…There is also evidence that the coal or crude oil used for household heating, gasoline, and diesel vehicle exhaust is of the major problems in urban soil pollution [29]. Concluding, the contamination seems to be significantly increasing near the commercial port of the city of Volos, close to the railway station, and in the intercity bus station along with the big and heaviest traffic roads of Volos [62]. The present study could give rise to further and more thorough research in the future.…”

The Presence of Ultra-Traces of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Heavy Metals in Some Areas of Molise: The Importance of a “Blank” in Public Health Studies

“…As for the Pb, Zn, and Cd found in the #S1 area, an important source of contamination is the train station. Scientific literature reveals that friction processes between wheelsets and rails during rail transport cause railways to release heavy metals including Zn, Cd, and Pb into the environment [ 29 , 30 ]. The industrial area (#S2–#S3) is characterized by industries of different types.…”