Bismuth environmental effects

This review describes factors concerning the safety and environmental effects of organic arsenic, antimony and bismuth compounds. The factors involve the production and use of the elements, toxicity, pollution, metabolism (alkylation), health effect assessment, fate and so on. 

Amalgamated zinc powder has been used as the negative material to prevent zinc corrosion and zinc passivation. Recently, from the viewpoint of environmental problems, mercury-free alkaline-manganese batteries were developed by using zinc powder with indium, bismuth and other additives [2-4]. Adding indium to zinc powder is the most effective way to improve the characteristics of the cells [3]. Figure 3 shows the variation in the internal impedance of the cells according to the additive content of the zinc powder. 

Xtudies have indicated that bismuth may be not without toxic side-effects R. Pamphlett, G. Danscher, J. Rungby and M. Stoltenberg (2000) Environmental Research Section A, vof 82, p. 258 - Tissue uptake of bismuth from shotgun pellets . 

Examples of liquid additives currently in use include bismuth and antimony based additives for passivation of nickel contaminants. A number of solid catalytic additives have been developed that are specific for certain functions. Approximately two-thirds of North American units utilize a noble metal promoter to reduce emissions of CO as well as provide beneficial yield effects. During the early to mid-1980 s, SOX removal additives came into use due to tighter environmental restrictions. A ZSM-5 based additive for octane enhancement and light olefin production was developed during the mid-1980 s and is used commercially. Additives have also been proposed as metal traps especially for vanadium passivation. These solid FCC additives have become an increasingly important tool by which refiners meet yield and environmental requirements. 

Lead and other heavy metals such as silver, copper, cadmium, lead and bismuth have been known to have toxic effects on humans and our environment since ancient time [3]. These metals have become mainstays in the electronic world in which we live. As a result, human and environmental exposure to these metals has increased significantly over the past several decades, leading to significant health concern and environmental degradation. Lead and other metals enter the environment and the human body through several routes, which environmental and health regulations seek to reduce or eliminate. 

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