Toxic waste of copper hydrometallurgical production

Toxic waste from copper hydrometallurgy can have a significant negative impact on the environment. The ingress of heavy metals and other hazardous substances into the soil can lead to its degradation and reduced fertility. Pollution of water resources, both surface and underground, can have long-term consequences for ecosystems and biodiversity.

In particular, heavy metals such as copper, lead, cadmium and zinc can accumulate in living organisms, leading to biomagnification and serious disturbances in food chains. Methods of ecological management of hazardous wastes of copper hydrometallurgy containing hazardous substances should take into account these risks and ensure proper control over their circulation.

Contamination of soil with heavy metals can have several negative consequences. First, it reduces its fertility, which leads to a decrease in the yield of agricultural crops. Second, heavy metals can be absorbed by plants, making them unsafe for human and animal consumption. Third, heavy metals can affect microorganisms in the soil, disrupting the ecological balance and reducing biodiversity.

Water pollution with heavy metals and other toxic substances also has serious consequences. They can accumulate in the bodies of fish and other aquatic creatures, which leads to their mass death and disruption of ecosystems. Heavy metals can also enter water systems used for drinking water supply, posing risks to human health.

In general, the toxic waste of copper hydrometallurgy is a significant source of environmental pollution. To reduce their impact, it is necessary to implement effective methods of management and treatment of such waste, including modern technologies for cleaning and neutralization of toxic substances (R9).

Pity for people

The management of hazardous wastes of copper hydrometallurgy containing hazardous substances also aims to protect human health. Inhalation of dust containing heavy metals can lead to respiratory diseases, and skin contact – to dermatitis and other skin problems. Long-term consumption of water contaminated with toxic substances can cause chronic diseases, including cancer and kidney damage.

Heavy metals, such as copper, lead, cadmium and zinc, can adversely affect human health even in small concentrations. Long-term inhalation of dust containing these metals can lead to serious respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis and lung diseases. Contact with heavy metals can cause dermatitis, eczema and other skin diseases.

Long-term use of water contaminated with heavy metals can have serious health consequences. For example, lead can cause damage to the nervous system, reducing intellectual abilities and causing behavioral disorders. Cadmium can cause kidney disease, and copper – liver and kidney function disorders.

Health hazards include:

• respiratory diseases;
• oncological diseases;
• kidney and liver damage;
• skin problems.

It is also important to note that heavy metals can accumulate in the human body for a long time, which leads to chronic poisoning and serious violations of the functions of organs and systems. Methods of environmental management of hazardous wastes of copper hydrometallurgy containing hazardous substances must take into account these risks and ensure adequate protection of human health.