Mining in subarctic Canada: airborne PM2.5 metal concentrations in two remote First Nations communities

Chemosphere. 2015 Nov:139:452-60. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.07.058. Epub 2015 Aug 6.

Abstract

Airborne particulate matter arising from upwind mining activities is a concern for First Nations communities in the western James Bay region of Ontario, Canada. Aerosol chemical components were collected in 2011 from two communities in northern Ontario. The chemical and mass concentration data of particulate matter collected during this study shows a significant difference in PM2.5 in Attawapiskat compared to Fort Albany. Elemental profiles indicate enhanced levels of some tracers thought to arise from mining activities, such as, K, Ni, and crustal materials. Both communities are remote and isolated from urban and industrial pollution sources, however, Attawapiskat First Nation has significantly enhanced levels of particulate matter, and it is likely that some of this arises from upwind mining activities.

Keywords: Crustal material; Exposure; First Nations; Mining; PM dispersion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Arctic Regions
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Humans
  • Metals / analysis*
  • Metals / chemistry
  • Mining*
  • Ontario / ethnology
  • Particulate Matter / analysis*
  • Particulate Matter / chemistry
  • Residence Characteristics*

Substances

  • Metals
  • Particulate Matter