(DOWNLOAD) "Mountain Sheep: An Environmental Epidemiological Survey of Variation in Metal Exposure and Physiological Biomarkers Following Mine Development (Report)" by American Journal of Environmental Sciences ~ eBook PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: Mountain Sheep: An Environmental Epidemiological Survey of Variation in Metal Exposure and Physiological Biomarkers Following Mine Development (Report)
- Author : American Journal of Environmental Sciences
- Release Date : January 01, 2009
- Genre: Science & Nature,Books,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 237 KB
Description
INTRODUCTION Civilization relies heavily on the mining industry to produce the raw materials necessary for improving the human condition. The mining industry may need to expand continuously to meet the demands of increasing economic growth (1). Nevertheless, mining operations may alter pristine or cultivated areas by generating large amounts of solid or liquid byproducts. Mining wastes, which can cover large areas, include overburdens and tailings, and have resulted in degraded lands including tailing dams (2), (3). Indirect effects of mineral extraction can include soil erosion, water pollution and toxicity (2), potentially resulting in a loss of biodiversity. Biomonitoring of elements is important to assess and regulate ecosystem health in landscapes influenced by mining activity (4), (5), especially during restoration (6). Plants can absorb trace elements from the soil, water, or air and retain them for years. These trace elements can enter the food web via animals feeding on leaves, roots, bark and fruits (7-10), (32), (37), (38).