Potentially toxic elements pollution in road deposited sediments around the active smelting industry of Korea

Assessment of source-oriented health risk associated with the oral ingestion of heavy metals in dust within an iron/steel smelting-affected area of the North China Plain

Heavy metals (HMs) from iron/steel smelting activities pose notable risks to human health, especially to those living around industrial facilities of North China Plain, the base of China's steel production. In this study, 78 outdoor windowsill dust samples were collected around a large-scale iron/steel smelter with more than 65 years of production history in the western North China Plain. Nine HMs were analysed to comprehensively assess the health risks by integrating Monte Carlo simulation, oral bioaccessibility, and source apportionment. Results showed serious pollution with Cd, Pb, and Zn based on their geo-accumulation index values and concentrations. Four potential sources including industrial sources (49.85%), traffic sources (21.78%), natural sources (20.58%), and coal combustion (7.79%) were quantitatively identified by multivariate statistical analysis. The oral bioaccessibilities of HMs determined by the physiologically based extraction test ranged from 0.02% to 65.16%. Zn, Mn, Cd, and Pb had higher bioaccessibilities than other HMs. After incorporating oral bioavailability adjustments, noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were significantly reduced, especially for adults. The mean hazard index (HI) for children and adults was below the safety threshold (1.0), whereas the mean of the total carcinogenic risk (TCR) based on HM bioaccessibilities in the gastric phase remained above the acceptable level (1.0E-06) (children: 5.20E-06; adults: 1.16E-06). Traffic sources warranted increased concern as it substantially increased TCR. Cd was identified as the priority pollution in iron/steel smelting areas. Assessing source-oriented health risks associated with oral ingestion exposure can guide the management and control of HM contamination within iron/steel smelting-affected areas.

Assessment of potentially toxic elements in atmospheric dust and associated health risks in Zahedan City, Iran

Zahedan City is situated in the Sistan basin, a highly active dust source region that poses significant risks to human and ecological health due to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) present in atmospheric dust. In this study, we investigated the concentration, sources, and human health risk assessment of PTEs in 88 monthly atmospheric dust samples collected between December 2020 and October 2021 using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results showed that the concentrations of PTEs in atmospheric dust followed the descending order of Mn > Zn > Ba > Sr > Cr > V > Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > As > Mo > Cd. The calculated enrichment factors revealed significant enrichment for As > Zn, moderate enrichment Pb > Ni, deficiency to minimal enrichment for Cr > Mn > Fe > Sr > Cd > V > Cu > Ba > Co, and no enrichment for Mo. Arsenic was found to be the major contributor to the potential ecological risk index, accounting for 55% of the total risk. The widespread utilization of arsenic-based pesticides in the surrounding agricultural lands may be a significant contributor to the severe arsenic pollution in the region. The winter season exhibited the highest monthly mean concentrations of Zn and Pb possibly due to temperature inversions trapping local anthropogenic pollutants near the Earth's surface. Cluster analysis revealed a strong correlation between Ni-Cr-Fe-V-Mn-Al, which shows mainly the geogenic source for these elements. The predominant exposure route for non-carcinogenic risk to humans was ingestion. The hazard index (HI) values for the heavy metals studied decreased in the following order: Cr > As > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd, for both children and adults. The HI values indicated that there was no possible non-carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to these heavy metals in Zahedan's atmospheric dust. The result of the inhalation cancer risk assessment suggested that while the potential risks of cancer for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni were below the safe level, the levels of Chromium were close enough to the threshold to warrant further investigation and monitoring.

Spatial Distribution and Pollution Level of Heavy Metals in Street Dust of the City of Suwałki (Poland)

This paper presents an analysis of the content and spatial distribution of heavy metals (HM) in street dust in Suwałki, a city located in northeastern Poland. The HM content of street dust was also evaluated using the geochemical index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor (CF), and local HM sources were identified using chemometric methods. The arithmetic averages of HM contents in dust arranged in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb, were 11,692.80, 215.97, 194.78, 142.84, 63.59, 17.50, 17.04 mg∙kg^-1, respectively. Higher values than the local background occurred for Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb. The values of Igeo, CF, and EF indicate that the highest pollution in dust is due to Zn and Cu. The spatial distribution of metals was evaluated using maps of HM content in road dust samples from Suwałki. The spatial distribution of HM showed areas with high contents of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb located mainly in the central and eastern parts of the city. In these areas, high traffic volume, the presence of shopping centers, administrative buildings and bus stops dominate. Statistical models of multivariate analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) identified two sources of HM. The first source of pollution was associated with local industrial activity and motor vehicle travel, and the second with natural sources.

Characteristics of metal pollution and multi-isotopic signatures for C, Cu, Zn, and Pb in coastal sediments from special management areas in Korea

The concentrations and isotopic compositions of carbon (C), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in coastal sediments were analyzed to identify potential pollution sources. High concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC) and metals were found close to cities and industrial areas. The isotopic compositions of C, Cu, Zn, and Pb tended to decrease as their concentrations increased. Bi-plots between δ⁶⁵Cu and δ⁶⁶Zn showed that the isotopic compositions in most coastal sediments, except sediments around a smelter, were similar to the isotopic compositions of road dust in urban and industrial areas of Korea. Our results suggest that heavy metal pollution in coastal sediments is greatly influenced by the pollution source, such that most metals originate from traffic and industrial activities in the urban environment. This analysis of multiple isotopes provides insights concerning the transport mechanisms and clarifies potential sources of metal contamination in coastal environments.

Pollution and Health Risk Assessments of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Fine-Grained Particles (10−63 µm and <10 µm) in Road Dust from Apia City, Samoa

Fine road dust is a major source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in urban environments, which adversely affects the atmospheric environment and public health. Two different sizes (10−63 and <10 μm) were separated from road dust collected from Apia City, Samoa, and 10 PTEs were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fine road dust (<10 μm) had 1.2−2.3 times higher levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), antimony (Sb), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) than 10−63 μm particles. The enrichment factor (EF) value of Sb was the highest among PTEs, and reflected significant contamination. Cu, Zn, and Pb in road dust were also present at moderate to significant levels. Chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) in road dust were mainly of natural origins, while Cu, Zn, Sb, and Pb were due to traffic activity. The levels of PTEs in road dust in Samoa are lower than in highly urbanized cities, and the exposure of residents in Samoa to PTEs in road dust does not pose a noncarcinogenic health risk. Further studies of the effects of PTEs contamination in road dust on the atmosphere and living organisms are needed.

Biomonitoring Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Using Lichen Transplant Usnea misaminensis: A Case Study from Malaysia

Urban air pollution has been a major concern due to its impact on global public health. Various techniques for monitoring urban air quality have been developed. However, there is currently a dearth of research on how effective bioaccumulators such as lichen are at monitoring urban air pollution. As a result, the purpose of this research is to investigate the use of U. misaminensis as a biological indicator for biomonitoring urban air quality in Malaysia. Three months were spent exposing lichen samples in three Malaysian cities (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru). The trace element content and vitality of the lichens were assessed. The results of this study revealed that U. misaminensis is an effective biological indicator for measuring 25 elements of air pollutants in metropolitan areas. They also revealed that all 25 elements accumulated in the urban area sample were greater than in the control sample. The vitality rate of lichens dropped in the urban area sample when compared with the control sample, indicating that an increase in elements in the air will impact the vitality rate of any biological component. In this study, two arguments are made: (a) Lichen is an excellent biological indicator, particularly for urban air pollutants such as potentially toxic elements; and (b) traffic is the primary contributor to urban air pollution; hence, the local government requires a better plan and design for urban areas to decrease air pollutants build-up.

Monitoring, Source Identification and Environmental Risk of Potentially Toxic Elements of Dust in Isfahan Province, Central Iran

The aim of this study was to identify potentially toxic elements (PTEs) associated with airborne particulate matters (PMs) and their source identification and environmental risk in Isfahan Province, central Iran. Dust samples were collected from various locations included three urban and four rural locations. Results revealed the eastern part of the region as the main source of dust and showed that the highest monthly atmospheric dust deposition was in July (5.53 g m^-2). The mean concentrations of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd were respectively 279, 63, 49 and 0.5 mg kg^-1 in dust samples, whereas Cd showed the highest ecological risk index. Dust samples of urban areas showed considerable and very high levels of pollution indices for Pb and Zn, respectively. Among the metals, Zn showed the highest enrichment factor (>5), mainly due to anthropogenic sources. The comprehensive ecological risk index of PTEs revealed the moderate and considerable risk of Isfahan and Najafabad cities, respectively.

Investigations of Metal Pollution in Road Dust of Steel Industrial Area and Application of Magnetic Separation

Pollution characteristics and ecological risks for metals in non-magnetic and magnetic road dust from steel industrial areas were investigated by applying a magnetic separation method. Metal (except for Al, Li, Ti, As, and Sb) concentrations in the magnetic road dust were 1.2 (Sn) to 7.8 (Fe) times higher than those in the non-magnetic road dust. For the magnetic road dust, the geo-accumulation index revealed a strongly to extremely polluted status for Cr, Zn, Cd, and Sb, a strongly polluted status for Mn, Cu, and Pb, and a moderately to strongly polluted status for Fe, Ni, Mo, and Hg. This result indicates that the dominant metal pollution sources of road dust in industrial areas were the traffic activities of heavy-duty vehicles. The mean content of magnetic particles accounted for 44.7% of the total road dust. The metal loadings in the magnetic road dust were 86% (Fe), 77% (Cr), 67% (Mn), 86% (Ni), 76% (Cu), 72% (Zn), 64% (Mo), and 62% (Cd), respectively. Removal of the magnetic fraction from road dust using magnetic separation techniques not only reduces metal contamination but can also improve effective road cleaning strategies or reduce waste generation.

Characteristics of potentially toxic elements and multi-isotope signatures (Cu, Zn, Pb) in non-exhaust traffic emission sources

Non-exhaust emissions (e.g., particles from brake pads, asphalt, curb, road paint, tire) are important sources of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pollution in urban environments and are potential causes of PTEs pollution in road dust. We present the PTEs concentrations (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb) of non-exhaust emission sources and pollution degree of PTEs. Isotopic signatures of Cu, Zn, and Pb were also analyzed to distinguish these sources. Among PTEs, the Cu concentration in all brake pads was significantly high and brake pads from Korea showed remarkably high Sb concentrations. Asphalt had a higher Pb concentration than other non-exhaust emission sources. Mean of δ⁶⁵Cu_AE647, δ⁶⁶Zn_IRMM3702, and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb values of non-exhaust emission sources in this study ranged from -0.49‰ to +0.19‰, -0.24‰ to +0.16‰, and 1.1535 to 1.4471, respectively. Non-exhaust emission sources could be discriminated by plotting the concentration and isotopic composition of Cu. Cu isotopic compositions (δ⁶⁵Cu_AE647) were clearly distinguished between brake pads including domestic and imported products and tires. Zn isotope values (δ⁶⁶Zn_IRMM3702) of brake pads, tires, and asphalt overlapped, but discriminated from road paint and curb. Our results indicate that the combination of Cu and Zn isotopic signatures can distinguish various non-exhaust traffic emissions, especially brake pads and tires.

Potentially Toxic Element Levels in Atmospheric Particulates and Health Risk Estimation around Industrial Areas of Maros, Indonesia

Air quality deterioration is a major environmental problem in Indonesia. This study evaluated the levels and health risks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Maros Regency, Indonesia. Total suspended particulate matter was collected from industrial areas for PTE (Al, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, As and Zn) analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Samples were collected from six critical areas in the Bantimurung region as that is where marble, cement and limestone industries are located. A calculation of the non-carcinogenic and cancer risks was performed to determine the potential health exposures in adults and children. A Monte Carlo simulation with 10,000 iterations and a sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the risk probability and the most sensitive variable contributing to cancer risk from PTE exposure in humans. The results showed that the concentration of PTEs decreased in the order of Zn > Al > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As in the wet season, and Zn > Al > Pb > As > Cr > Cu > Ni in the dry season. The hazard index (HI) value for children was 2.12, indicating a high non-carcinogenic risk for children. The total cancer risk (TCR) values in adults and children were 3.11 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.32 × 10⁻⁴, respectively, implying that both are at risk for developing cancer. The variables with the most contribution to cancer risk from As, Cr and Pb exposure in adults and children were As concentration (33.9% and 41.0%); exposure duration (ED) (34.3%) and SA (40.7%); and SA (98.7 % and 45.4%), respectively. These findings could be used as the scientific basis for public health intervention and to raise awareness of the harmful health effects of particulate bound PTEs

Assessment of the Railroad Transport Impact on Physical and Chemical Soil Properties: The Case Study from Zduńska Wola Karsznice Railway Junction, Central Poland

Contamination of the soil and water environment with harmful substances can be associated with many activities carried out on the railway. The problem is particularly relevant to liquid fuel loading and refueling facilities as well as to increased traffic at railway junctions. Studies were conducted in the area of railway junction Zduńska Wola Karsznice in central Poland (Łódź Voivodeship). Soil samples were collected from specific research points: from the inter-railway (A), 5 m from the main track (B), from the embankment-10 m from the main track (C), and from the side track (D), at the depth of 0-5 cm (1) and 20 cm (2). The following analyses were made: granulometric composition, pH in H₂O, and percent content of carbonates (CaCO₃). PHEs were determined in the fractions: 0.25 ≤ 0.5 mm, 0.1 ≤ 0.25 mm, and 0.05 ≤ 0.1 mm: Pb, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Zn, Sr by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS/TOF OPTIMass 9500). The objectives of the study were (1) to assess PHEs (potentially harmful elements) contamination of the topsoil level of railway area, (2) to determine the correlation between the concentration of PHEs and the size of the fraction, and (3) to identify the areas (places) where the highest concentrations of PHEs were recorded. Based on the studied parameters, significant differentiation in soil properties of the areas in Zduńska Wola Karsznice was found. The analyses carried out showed that the accumulation of potentially harmful elements was as follows: Cu > Zn > Sr > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd. The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Sr, Pb, Ni, Cr, Co and Cd were 216.0; 152.1; 97.8; 64.6; 15.2; 14.4; 3.1 and 0.2 mg·kg^-1 d.w., respectively. These contaminations occur in the topsoil layer of the railway embankment, which suggests a railway transport origin. The highest concentrations of PHEs were recorded in samples collected from close to the rails (inter-railway, side track), and in the embankment (10 m from the track) in the very fine sand fraction (0.05 ≤ 0.1 mm). The high accumulation index of copper, cadmium and lead in the surface layer of soil indicate their anthropogenic origin. The results presented in the paper can be used in local planning and spatial development of this area, taking into account all future decisions about ensuring environmental protection, including groundwater and soils.

Characteristics of Potentially Toxic Elements, Risk Assessments, and Isotopic Compositions (Cu-Zn-Pb) in the PM10 Fraction of Road Dust in Busan, South Korea

The pollution status of ten potentially toxic elements (PTEs), isotopic compositions (Cu, Zn, Pb), and the potential ecological risk posed by them were investigated in the PM10 fraction of road dust in Busan Metropolitan city, South Korea. Enrichment factors revealed extremely to strongly polluted levels of Sb, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu in the PM10 fraction of road dust, with Sb levels being the highest. Statistical analyses showed that the major cause for contamination with PTEs was non-exhaust traffic emissions such as tire and brake wear. Cu and Zn isotopic compositions of road dust were related to traffic-related emission sources such as brake and tires. Pb isotopic compositions were close to that of road paint, indicating that Pb was a different source from Cu and Zn in this study. No significant health risk was posed by the PTEs. Taking into account the total length of road in Busan, a high quantity of PTEs in road dust (PM10) can have serious deleterious effects on the atmospheric environment and ecosystems. The results of metal concentrations and isotopic compositions in road dust will help identify and manage atmospheric fine particle and coastal metal contamination derived from fine road dust.

Assessment of Pollution Sources and Contribution in Urban Dust Using Metal Concentrations and Multi-Isotope Ratios (13C, 207/206Pb) in a Complex Industrial Port Area, Korea

The metal concentrations and isotopic compositions (13C, 207/206Pb) of urban dust, topsoil, and PM10 samples were analyzed in a residential area near Donghae port, Korea, which is surrounded by various types of industrial factories and raw material stockpiled on empty land, to determine the contributions of the main pollution sources (i.e., Mn ore, Zn ore, cement, coal, coke, and topsoil). The metal concentrations of urban dust in the port and residential area were approximately 85~112 times higher (EF > 100) in comparison with the control area (EF < 2), especially the Mn and Zn ions, indicating they were mainly derived from anthropogenic source. These ions have been accumulating in urban dust for decades; furthermore, the concentration of PM10 is seven times higher than that of the control area, which means that contamination is even present. The isotopic (13C, 207/206Pb) values of the pollution sources were highly different, depending on the characteristics of each source: cement (−19.6‰, 0.8594‰), Zn ore (−24.3‰, 0.9175‰), coal (−23.6‰, 0.8369‰), coke (−27.0‰, 0.8739‰), Mn ore (−24.9‰, 0.9117‰), soil (−25.2‰, 0.7743‰). As a result of the evaluated contributions of pollution source on urban dust through the Iso-source and SIAR models using stable isotope ratios (13C, 207/206Pb), we found that the largest contribution of Mn (20.4%) and Zn (20.3%) ions are derived from industrial factories and ore stockpiles on empty land (Mn and Zn). It is suggested that there is a significant influence of dust scattered by wind from raw material stockpiles, which are stacked near ports or factories. Therefore, there is evidence to support the idea that port activities affect the air quality of residence areas in a city. Our results may indicate that metal concentrations and their stable isotope compositions can predict environmental changes and act as a powerful tool to trace the past and present pollution history in complex contexts associated with peri-urban regions.