Evidence of Volatility Metals and Metalloids at Environment Conditions

Tailings represent a significant risk to the environment globally, but very little is known about composition of near-surface air. We conducted laboratory experiments determine sizes particles and chemical flow above mine waste. A condensate vapor–gas was collected in parallel with particle control by an aerosol diffusion spectrometer (ADS). reveal that there were no bigger than 3 nm flow. The contained elements, ions sulfates, chlorides, phosphates, formates wide range sulfur-, selenium-, carbon-containing gases. main findings study are presence metals Zn, Cu, Fe, Al, Cd, Ni, Ba metalloids As, Sb, Se, Ag, Co, Ti, V true-gas phase or form smaller air tailings. surprising fact migration ultrafine (<3 nm) possible, which opens up new research direction on volatile forms elements various climatic conditions their bioavailability toxicity.