RESEARCH ON THE IMPACT OF LITHIUM ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Tsymbal Bohdan
National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy, Ukraine
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY “TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY ‘METINVEST POLYTECHNIC’”, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2317-3428
Rybalova Olga
National University of Civil Protection of Ukraine, Cherkasy, Ukraine
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8798-4780
Sula Volodymyr
Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, Kharkiv, Ukraine
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4233-5698
DOI: 10.52363/2522-1892.2025.1.3
Keywords: economic assessment, risk, infectious morbidity, recreational water use, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Abstract
The aim of this study is to assess the environmental impact of lithium extraction and usage, as well as to examine its effects on workers' occupational health. Given the growing demand for lithium-ion batteries and other technological applications of this metal, special attention is paid to minimizing negative environmental consequences and developing measures to protect workers' health.
The research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach that includes environmental monitoring data analysis, biomedical studies, and the development of technological solutions to minimize the impact of lithium extraction. The study evaluates the level of contamination in water and soil ecosystems, identifies potential risks to biodiversity and human health, and applies life cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate the impact of lithium-ion battery production, usage, and disposal on climate change.
The results of the study indicate that lithium extraction and processing significantly increase the concentration of toxic substances in the environment, negatively affecting water resources, soil, and the atmosphere. High concentrations of lithium compounds have been found to cause the death of aquatic organisms, alter the chemical composition of water, and contribute to soil degradation. Proposed technological solutions to mitigate these negative effects include closed-loop hydrometallurgical cycles, wastewater treatment systems, dust collection installations, and bioengineering methods for land reclamation.
The study's limitations are related to the lack of long-term data on the impact of lithium waste on the environment and human health, as well as the variability of mining conditions in different regions. The main assumptions include the stability of existing lithium extraction and processing technologies and the constancy of regulatory standards in the medium-term perspective.
The practical significance of this work lies in the development of specific measures to reduce the environmental burden of lithium extraction and improve working conditions for those employed in this field. The proposed solutions can be utilized by enterprises to optimize technological processes and implement environmentally safe working methods.
The scientific novelty of the study lies in the integrated assessment of lithium's impact on the environment and occupational health, as well as the development of innovative technologies to reduce its harmful effects. Critical aspects of lithium extraction that require further research and the implementation of new risk-minimization approaches have been identified.
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