Pollution Level and Sources of Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust from College of Science, University of Anbar Campus, Iraq

Abstract

This research aims to evaluate the level of heavy metal pollution [Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn)] in indoor dust samples taken from the College of Science at the University of Anbar in Iraq and their likely sources. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the dust samples that were taken from 39 locations (classrooms, offices, and laboratories). Zn > Pb > Cr > Co > Cu > Cd was the order in which the heavy metal concentrations were found. The findings showed that all metal concentrations at various times exceeded background values. Using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination (CF), the pollution level was calculated. The values of Igeo and CF indicate that the indoor dust in the College of Science is heavily polluted with Pb and Cd and is unpolluted to moderate polluted with the other metals. Pb, Cd, and Zn may be released from anthropogenic sources, while Co, Cr, and Cu may come from a combination of sources, according to the coefficient of variation (CV) comparison of the heavy metal concentrations with background values, Pearson’s correlation, cluster analysis (CA), and principle component analysis (PCA).