review · Environment International
This review addresses antimony (Sb) contamination, a toxic element introduced into soils, sediments, and aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic sources. High Sb concentrations are harmful to ecosystems and potentially to public health through food chain accumulation, although its exact toxicity mechanisms remain unclear. While many studies focus on reducing Sb bioavailability, a comprehensive review of its biogeochemistry and transformation related to remediation has been lacking. This paper summarises Sb sources, its geochemical distribution and speciation, biogeochemical processes governing its mobilisation, bioavailability, and toxicity, and current remediation approaches. It also highlights knowledge gaps and future research needs, aiming to provide insights for developing technologies to manage Sb-polluted environments.
Antimony is a widespread pollutant that can harm the environment and human health through the food chain. Understanding its behaviour and how to clean it up is crucial for protecting ecosystems and public safety. This review consolidates existing knowledge to guide future efforts in managing this toxic element, which is vital for environmental protection and public health.
The abstract indicates that the review's findings should help develop "innovative and appropriate technologies for controlling Sb bioavailability and toxicity and sustainably managing Sb-polluted soils and water". This suggests potential for applied research leading to new remediation methods or monitoring tools. Potential users include environmental agencies, mining companies, and waste management organisations. This work appears to be foundational research, informing future technology development rather than being near-market itself.
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Antimony (Sb) is introduced into soils, sediments, and aquatic environments from various sources such as weathering of sulfide ores, leaching of mining wastes, and anthropogenic activities. High Sb concentrations are toxic to ecosystems and potentially to public health via the accumulation in food chain. Although Sb is poisonous and carcinogenic to humans, the exact mechanisms causing toxicity still remain unclear. Most studies concerning the remediation of soils and aquatic environments contaminated with Sb have evaluated various amendments that reduce Sb bioavailability and toxicity. However, there is no comprehensive review on the biogeochemistry and transformation of Sb related to its remediation. Therefore, the present review summarizes: (1) the sources of Sb and its geochemical distribution and speciation in soils and aquatic environments, (2) the biogeochemical processes that govern Sb mobilization, bioavailability, toxicity in soils and aquatic environments, and possible threats to human and ecosystem health, and (3) the approaches used to remediate Sb-contaminated soils and water and mitigate potential environmental and health risks. Knowledge gaps and future research needs also are discussed. The review presents up-to-date knowledge about the fate of Sb in soils and aquatic environments and contributes to an important insight into the environmental hazards of Sb. The findings from the review should help to develop innovative and appropriate technologies for controlling Sb bioavailability and toxicity and sustainably managing Sb-polluted soils and water, subsequently minimizing its environmental and human health risks.
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DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106908
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