Making waves: Xanthates on the radar – Environmental risks and water quality impact

Abstract

Xanthates, derivatives of xanthic acid, are widely utilized across industries such as agrochemicals, rubber processing, pharmaceuticals, metallurgical, paper and mining to help separate metals from ore. Despite their prevalent use, many registered xanthates lack comprehensive information on potential risks to human health and the environment. The mining sector, a significant consumer of xanthates, drives demand. However, emissions into the environment remain poorly understood, especially concerning water quality. A recent EU parliamentary voting on water legislation highlights the urgency to address water pollution and the potential toxicity of xanthates. While limited data exist on xanthate presence in the environment, existing studies indicate their toxicity and contribution to environmental pollution, primarily due to carbon disulfide, a decomposition product. Concerns are mounting over the release of xanthates and carbon disulfide, particularly in mining areas near populated regions and river tributaries, raising questions about downstream impacts and public health risks. Proposed expansions of xanthate-reliant mining activities in Europe, heighten concerns about emissions and water quality impacts. Current databases lack xanthate-related monitoring data, hindering environmental and health risk assessments. Addressing this gap requires water sampling and chemical analysis and investigations into the use, occurrence, and potential impacts of xanthates from industrial activities on water bodies, including those used for drinking water production is imperative.