Sandra Spearman
Research Subjects
Sandra Spearman has a total of 9 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Ainash A. Sharshenova
International Higher School of Medicine, Academic Consortium, International University of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek 720054, Kyrgyzstan
1 shared publication - Casey Bartrem
TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
1 shared publication - Gregory Möller
Department of Soil and Water Systems, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID 83844, USA
1 shared publication - Ian von Lindern
TerraGraphics International Foundation, Moscow, ID 83843, USA
1 shared publication - Kasiet S. Salymbekova
Scientific and Production Centre “Preventive Medicine” of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek 720005, Kyrgyzstan
1 shared publication - Makhmud B. Isirailov
Interdistrict Kadamjai Center for Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance of the Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic (Formerly Kadamjai SHL), Kadamjai 720221, Kyrgyzstan
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
- 12 February 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Applied Sciences
- Vol. 12 (4) , 1943
Comparison of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) Results for an Environmental Assessment at a Mercury Site in Kyrgyzstan
Khaidarkan, Batken Province, Kyrgyzstan is home to one of the world’s largest and last primary mercury mines. Doctors without Borders (MSF) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Kyrgyzstan have found that the Batken region has an elevated rate of non-communicable diseases (NCD) within the country. NCD can be caused by environmental pollution. A human health risk assessment was conducted to investigate heavy metal exposure. Using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer for soil screening is faster and less expensive than reliance on bench-scale methods. To establish a site-specific mercury conversion factor between XRF and the local MOH lab’s Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) with a Pyrolyzer attachment, soil samples were collected in Khaidarkan and surrounding villages. Samples were analyzed by XRF in three stages: in situ, ex situ-bulk, and ex situ-sieved. The ex situ-sieved samples were analyzed by AAS. Analysis results indicate that in situ readings can be used as a qualitative tool for screening, and a conversion factor of 1.7 was most appropriate for converting ex situ-bulk/ex situ-sieved and AAS results. This analysis enables the MOH laboratory and others to use XRF as a quick and cost-effective monitoring tool for Hg contamination in soil.
- 12 February 2022
- Published by MDPI AG in Applied Sciences
- Vol. 12 (4) , 1943
Open AccessComparison of X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) Results for an Environmental Assessment at a Mercury Site in Kyrgyzstan
Khaidarkan, Batken Province, Kyrgyzstan is home to one of the world’s largest and last primary mercury mines. Doctors without Borders (MSF) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Kyrgyzstan have found that the Batken region has an elevated rate of non-communicable diseases (NCD) within the country. NCD can be caused by environmental pollution. A human health risk assessment was conducted to investigate heavy metal exposure. Using a hand-held X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer for soil screening is faster and less expensive than reliance on bench-scale methods. To establish a site-specific mercury conversion factor between XRF and the local MOH lab’s Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) with a Pyrolyzer attachment, soil samples were collected in Khaidarkan and surrounding villages. Samples were analyzed by XRF in three stages: in situ, ex situ-bulk, and ex situ-sieved. The ex situ-sieved samples were analyzed by AAS. Analysis results indicate that in situ readings can be used as a qualitative tool for screening, and a conversion factor of 1.7 was most appropriate for converting ex situ-bulk/ex situ-sieved and AAS results. This analysis enables the MOH laboratory and others to use XRF as a quick and cost-effective monitoring tool for Hg contamination in soil.