Morphology and health risk assessment of potential toxic elements in size segregated PM at traffic intersection in Northern India

Abstract

The current research attempted to evaluate the concentrations of PM in size segregation by analysing metal content and its health effect on human beings at the traffic junction. Higher PM levels (PM2.5–1.0 and PM1.0–0.5) were observed (418.55 µg/m3, 442.65 µg/m3) during the winter season while during the monsoon season, it was recorded as (75.54 µg/m3, 65.64 µg/m3). Overall metal concentrations for PM2.5–1.0 and PM1.0–0.5 were reported to be (39.01 µg/m3) and (29.84 µg/m3) during the winter season. A morphological study was also evaluated with source identification. Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, and Mn were found crustal source elements, whereas Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Pb were observed to be highly enriched. The hazard Quotient for values was found higher in comparison with the safe limit which has adverse health effects on human health. 1.95 HQ values were observed for PM1.0–0.5 whereas 1.30 was found for PM2.5–1.0 respectively, which showed worry from smaller particles to humans. Adults' Lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) was found to be greater (0.0007) than children's (0.0002). The metal trend for carcinogenicity in both segments (PM2.5–1.0 and PM1.0–0.5) was Cr(VI)>Pb>Ni. Higher values of HQ and ELCR were found as PM1.0–0.5 >PM2.5–1.0. The average carcinogenic risk factor value revealed concentrations to be two times more than the USEPA's authorized level (1 × 10−6) smaller particles, according to the data, are more harmful or have a higher value for HQ and ELCR values.