Elemental evaluation of urban road dirt via three analytical techniques

Abstract

Worldwide, toxicological consequences are arising from vehicular contributions to environmental pollution. Herein, elemental monitoring has been conducted of road dirt via three analytical techniques, sampling being made along the busy campus roads of universities/research institutes in Guildford and Riyadh. Using the ICP-OES and ICPMS techniques, absolute values have been determined for Ti, Mn, Mg, Co, Zr, Mo, Ba, Tl, V, Rd, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd, and As, while an SEM/EDX technique has provided weight % values. Results, both qualitative and quantitative, are compared. By using SEM most prominent among the elements observed in the road samples are Al, Fe, Mg, and Si, particularly in the Gulf city of Riyadh and are in agreement with values observed in previous work by the same group. By using ICPMS and ICPOES Mg, Ti, V, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr and Ba have also been observed in both climates, albeit at lower concentrations than that found for Al, Fe, and Mg, with particle sizes of < 45 μm. Elemental presence is seen to be influenced by climatic conditions as well as vehicle engine size. In conclusion, the various techniques offer complementary information on vehicular emission elemental concentrations in urban environments.