Lead cycle
Article
The lead cycle describes the movement of lead through rocks, soils, water, sediments, the atmosphere, and organisms. Lead occurs naturally in minerals, especially ores containing galena, and is also produced by radioactive decay chains.
Weathering and volcanic activity release natural lead, but mining, smelting, coal combustion, batteries, paint, ammunition, and the historical use of leaded petrol have greatly increased environmental circulation.
Atmospheric particles can transport lead over long distances before deposition. In soils and sediments, lead commonly binds to minerals and organic matter but can become mobile under changing chemical conditions.
Lead has no beneficial biological function and is toxic, particularly to the nervous system. Sediment cores, peat, ice, and soils preserve records of changing lead pollution through time.
Source details and credits
- Source / publisher: Wikipedia
- URL type: WWW
- Credits: Wikipedia
- URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_cycle