Coal-related pollution problems involving trace metal contamination of aquatic and the acidification of precipitation: the serious threats posed to the environment and to public health

Book · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:6529640

Gordon, P D

The accumulation in aquatic systems of trace metals which are in soluble forms and available to living organisms was discussed. The nature of the hazardous character of a wide range of trace metals was outlined. The acidification of precipitation and its link to the lowering of the pH of aquatic systems and the process of solubilization of trace metals were described. Deficiencies which have held back progress in identifying and dealing with coal-related pollution problems involving trace metal contamination and acid precipitation were discussed. A major rethinking of Federal policies as they pertain to increasing reliance on coal was recommended, and a role for HEW in identifying and dealing with the problems described was suggested. 21 references.

• OSTI ID: 6529640
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010900* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Environmental Aspects
016000 -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
500200 -- Environment
Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ACID RAIN
ACIDIFICATION
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATIONS
CHALCOGENIDES
COAL INDUSTRY
ECOSYSTEMS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HUMAN POPULATIONS
INDUSTRY
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN OXIDES
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POPULATIONS
PRECIPITATION SCAVENGING
PUBLIC HEALTH
RAIN
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
SULFUR OXIDES