CHEMICAL BEHAVIOUR AND ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSFORMATION OF HEAVY METALS GENERATED FROM MARBLE PROCESSING ACTIVITIES IN THE JABALPUR DIVISION, CENTRAL INDIA

Shreya Mishra , Dr. Vikrant Jain

Transformation Mechanisms, Adsorption desorption equilibria, Redox transformations,

Marble processing industries generate substantial quantities of slurry and fine particulate matter during cutting, grinding, and polishing operations. These wastes are often regarded as chemically inert; however, growing evidence indicates that they actively influence the geochemical behaviour and environmental mobility of heavy metals. The present study evaluates the chemical behaviour, transformation mechanisms, and environmental fate of key heavy metals -- chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) -- associated with marble processing activities in the Jabalpur Division, Central India. A comprehensive environmental assessment was conducted through systematic sampling of marble slurry, airborne particulate matter (PM?? and PM?.?), soil, and groundwater from major processing zones. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) following standard acid digestion protocols. The geochemical framework of the study area is dominated by carbonate-rich systems, where dissolution of calcium carbonate (CaCO?) produces alkaline conditions (pH 8.2-9.5). These alkaline environments significantly influence metal speciation, solubility, adsorption desorption equilibria, and redox transformations. The results reveal that chromium exhibits high mobility under alkaline conditions due to the predominance of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] in the form of soluble chromate ions, posing a significant risk to groundwater quality. In contrast, lead and cadmium are largely immobilized through the formation of stable carbonate and hydroxide precipitates, although periodic changes in pH and redox conditions may trigger their remobilization. Nickel shows a strong association with fine airborne particulates, indicating that atmospheric transport is a major pathway for its dispersion and human exposure. Arsenic and mercury demonstrate complex redox-dependent transformations, with mercury undergoing potential methylation and arsenic exhibiting variable mobility depending on oxidation state. The study further highlights the role of marble slurry as a reactive geochemical medium that regulates heavy metal distribution through buffering capacity, mineral precipitation, surface complexation, and redox interactions. These findings challenge the conventional perception of marble waste as inert and emphasize its active role in contaminant dynamics. The research underscores the need for effective waste management strategies, continuous environmental monitoring, and regulatory interventions to mitigate long-term ecological and human health risks associated with marble processing activities.

Volume 14 Issue 5, May-2026

Pages : e333-e341