Zinc, lead, molybdenum contamination in the vicinity of an electric steelworks and environmental response to pollution abatement by bag filter

A survey was made of environmental contamination and its consequences for cattle, by Zn, Pb, and Mo in the vicinity of an electric steelworks over a 5 yr period. The levels of the metals were determined in several samples such as airborne particles, atmospheric fallout and soils and pastures. Before a pollution control system was set up, the results showed a high contamination especially for atmospheric fallout and pastures. A slight excess of Mo in pastures associated with a high Zn content caused a Cu deficiency as shown by symptoms and biological measurements. After bag filters had been set up in the steelworks the levels of contaminant returned to normal in fallout and the pasture and all biological symptoms disappeared.