Single-stage extraction to assess metals bioavailability from smelting dust

This paper examines the amount of bioavailable Zn, Cd, and Pb in dust samples derived from a zinclead smelter by means of single-stage extraction analysis. The efficiency of three extractants (NH₄OAc, CaCl₂, and H₂O) was compared with respect to their efficiency toward bioaccessible (exchangeable) metals fraction. The highest amount of metals was NH4OAc extractable, indicating that the acetate-soluble fraction was a prevailing form in the analyzed dust and probably associated with the presence of metals in conjunction with soluble sulfates (ZnSO₄, PbSO₄). The largest amount of bioavailable Zn, Pb, and Cd was extracted from the finest dust particles, considered most dangerous for human health.