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32th International Conference on Environmental Geochemistry and Health
4 July 2016 - 8 July 2016
32th International Conference on Environmental Geochemistry and Health
Dates: 4-8 July 2016
Location: Brussels, Belgium
For further information: segh-brussels.sciencesconf.org
Relevant Session description:
This theme aims at providing a better understanding of the near surface environment where complex interactions between rock, soil, water, air, and living organisms that regulate sources, sinks, geochemical cycles and mobilization processes of life-sustaining resources. In addition to well-recognized contaminants (e.g. Pb, Zn, Hg), a range of trace elements, including platinum group metals, certain rare earth elements, and Y, Nb, Ta, Ga, In, Tl, Ge and Te, are increasingly exploited and emitted due to their use in new technologies in the fields of communication, mobility and energy. Limited resources and supplies, make most of these elements technology-critical elements (TCE) of strategic importance, and initiatives at national and international levels are therefore underway to secure their availability in the coming years. Because of their (i) increasing use, (ii) poorly understood biogeochemical behavior and (iii) potential toxicity, TCE and other rare trace elements are emerging inorganic contaminants of substantial concern.
Special attention will be paid to trace element and isotope analyses and monitoring to detect and model bioavailability and bioaccessibility of such metals and other pollutants in the environment and the associated risks to human health. In addition, we welcome papers focusing on models helping speciation of key geochemical elements in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
This session is supported by the COST Action TD1470 NOTICE –
Network On Technology-Critical Elements: From Environmental Processes To Human Health Threats (http://www.costnotice.net/)