Concentration, source apportionment and human health risk assessment of elements in PM2.5 at Agra, India

Abstract

The present study determined the concentration, seasonal variation, source identification and the human health risk of elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb and Si) in fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Samples of PM2.5 were collected at the urban site (Bhagwan Talkies) of Agra, India during January to December 2021. The result showed that the average annual PM2.5 concentration at the urban site was 144.32 ± 57.18 μg m−3 which exceeded the air quality guidelines. Seasonal variation of PM2.5 shows high concentration in winter followed by post-monsoon, summer and monsoon. Among the elements analysed, Si showed the highest concentration and V had the lowest concentration. The concentration of Cr, Ni, As and Cd exceeded the WHO limit, whereas V, Mn and Pb concentrations were below the WHO limit. The significant seasonal variations of elements were observed during the study period. An enrichment factor (EF) was applied to assess the level of the contamination. The possible sources of elements were determined using principal component analysis (PCA). The non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults due to Ni and Cu were higher than the safe level (= 1). The HI values for studied metals for both children and adults were 7.02. The carcinogenic risks for both children and adults due to Pb while for children due to Cd were lower than 1 × 10−6. The carcinogenic risks for other studied metals were higher than 1 × 10−6. The total carcinogenic risks for adults and children were higher than the acceptable limit (1 × 10−6).