Accumulation of Metals in the Environment and Grazing Livestock near A Mongolian Mining Area
Author:
Bataa Bayartogtokh,
Motohira Kodai,
Dugar Delgermurun,
Sainnokhoi Tsend-Ayush,
Gendenpil Lkhamjav,
Sainnokhoi Tserenchimed,
Pelden Bolormaa,
Yohannes Yared BeyeneORCID,
Ganzorig Sumiya,
Nakayama Shouta M. M.,
Ishizuka Mayumi,
Ikenaka YoshinoriORCID
Abstract
The Mongolian economy is supported by rich deposits of natural resources, such as copper, coal, and gold. However, the risk of heavy metal pollution to livestock and human have been recently discussed. This research collected various samples from soil and animal (sheep, goat, horse, cow, and camel), blood and organs (kidney and liver) in the Mongolian countryside. These samples were processed, and the concentration of metals was quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). As previously reported, arsenic was found at high levels of accumulation in soil. Selenium is another concern, as median concentration in one area exceeded the maximum allowable level. Cadmium and selenium were found to be highly accumulated in animal kidney. This research revealed the current pollution level in Mongolia based on evaluation of soil and animals. The concentration in animals could not indicate that animals had severe effects because of heavy metal exposure. However, kidney is eaten in Mongolia, and so there is a direct connection to human health, and this research suggested the possible risks posed by each edible animal. In particular, evaluation of metals in livestock is rare in Mongolia. This result can contribute to animal and human health in Mongolian communities.
Funder
JICA
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan
JSPS Bilateral Open Partnership Joint Research Projects
Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development
Accelerating Social Implementation for SDGs Achievement
Sumitomo Foundation
Nihon Seimei Foundation
SOUSEI Support Program for Young Researchers in FY2020
JSPS CORE to CORE program
JST as well as Program
Subject
Chemical Health and Safety,Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis,Toxicology
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