Advancements in Understanding Beryllium Contamination: Novel Insights Into Environmental Risk Assessment

Abstract

Beryllium (Be), a lightweight metal with significant industrial applications, poses notable environmental and health risks due to its toxicity and persistence, and widespread use, particularly in the mechanical, aerospace, and electronics sectors. It is commonly alloyed with other heavy metals to enhance material properties. The primary environmental pathways for Be release include emissions from coal and fossil fuels combustion, as well as the incineration of solid wastes. Once introduced into the natural environment, primarily Be associated with soil particles and sediments, particularly in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. This review examined the pathways through which Be enters the environment, including atmospheric deposition, industrial discharge, and leaching from natural geologic deposits. The paper highlights the bioavailability and mobility of Be in soil and water systems, emphasizing the geochemical and physical factors influencing its persistence and potential for bioaccumulation. Risk appraisal methodologies are evaluated, with a focus on human exposure routes, including inhalation of airborne particulates and ingestion of contaminated water and food. The toxicological impacts on human health are critically analyzed, detailing both acute and chronic effects, such as respiratory diseases and carcinogenicity. This review evaluates existing regulatory frameworks and remediation strategies, assessing their efficacy in mitigating environmental contamination and exposure to Be. By integrating interdisciplinary research, this paper provides an in-depth understanding of the environmental behavior and toxicology of beryllium, offering insights that can inform robust policy frameworks and shape future research directions.