Characterization of arsenic-bearing near-surface and airborne particulates from gold-mine tailings in Nova Scotia, Canada

High concentrations of arsenic (As) in near-surface particulate matter and windblown and vehicle-raised dust from tailings sites in Nova Scotia pose a potential health risk to recreational users of these areas who are occasionally exposed, and nearby residents who are chronically exposed, to tailings-derived dust. The exposure may involve inhalation of dust, as well as oral ingestion of particles. It is critical to understand the particle size, chemical composition, and oxidation state of As in dust particles in order to evaluate the human health risk posed by near-surface particulates in As-bearing tailings fields, as these characteristics will influence the stability and toxicity of As in the wastes.; Several techniques, including electron microprobe, conventional and synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and sequential leach extractions were applied to near-surface tailings samples from three abandoned gold mines in Nova Scotia. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...