Characteristics of the air environment of the production premises of the cobalt salts extraction unit

Abstract

Introduction. The introduction of new and modern methods of extracting metals from mineral ores in the metallurgical industry should be accompanied by an expert hygienic assessment of working conditions. Materials and methods. The research was carried out at one of the metallurgical enterprises of the Murmansk region, which processes sulfide copper-nickel ores, produces electrolyte nickel, copper, cobalt, cobalt concentrate and precious metal concentrates. The characteristics of the air environment in the cobalt salt extraction department were carried out at the workplaces of hydrometallurgists based on the results of the analysis of fifty samples. Air samples were taken using individual samplers during 75.0% of the time of the work shift simultaneously at all three stages (sections) of cobalt salt extraction. The measurement of metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Results. Apparatchiks-hydrometallurgists body was estabished to be affected by a lot of harmful substances of complex composition, water-soluble and water-insoluble compounds of nickel and cobalt where the most significant. The content of water-soluble compounds of nickel and cobalt at all extraction sites of cobalt salts ranged from 0.0066–0.0236 mg/m3 and 0.0147–0.303 mg/m3, whereas water-insoluble – 0.0043–0.0150 mg/m3 and 0.002–0.0163 mg/ m3. The concentrations of copper, lead, cadmium compounds in the air of the working area did not exceed the MPC in all samples. Limitations. The study is limited of 50 air samples of the working areas of the metallurgical operators of the cobalt salt extraction department. Conclusion. Thus, modern methods of obtaining cobalt salts by extraction can pose a real threat to the health of workers in this production. The need to use correct models to assess and manage the risks of the harmful effects of water-soluble and water-insoluble metal compounds (nickel, cobalt) on human health requires the development of a special methodology for the implementation of hygienic regulation of their content in inhaled aerosol fractions of closed industrial premises.