Source–specific probabilistic risk evaluation of potentially toxic metal(loid)s in fine dust of college campuses based on positive matrix factorization and Monte Carlo simulation

Abstract

Contamination, hazard level and source of 10 widely concerned potentially toxic metal(loid)s (PTMs) Co, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Ba, and V in fine dust with particle size below 63 μm (FD63) were investigated to assess the environmental quality of college campuses and influencing factors. PTMs sources were qualitatively analyzed using statistical methods and quantitatively apportioned using positive matrix factorization. Probabilistic contamination degrees of PTMs were evaluated using enrichment factor and Nemerow integrated enrichment factor. Eco–health risk levels of content–oriented and source–oriented for PTMs were evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation. Mean levels of Zn (643.8 mg kg−1), Pb (146.0 mg kg−1), Cr (145.9 mg kg−1), Cu (95.5 mg kg−1), and Ba (804.2 mg kg−1) in FD63 were significantly larger than soil background values. The possible sources of the concerned PTMs in FD63 were traffic non–exhaust emissions, natural source, mixed source (auto repair waste, paints and pigments) and traffic exhaust emissions, which accounted for 45.7%, 25.4%, 14.5% and 14.4% of total PTMs contents, respectively. Comprehensive contamination levels of PTMs were very high, mainly caused by Zn pollution and non–exhaust emissions. Combined ecological risk levels of PTMs were low and moderate, chiefly caused by Pb and traffic exhaust emissions. The non–cancer risks of the PTMs in FD63 to college students fell within safety level, while the carcinogenic PTMs in FD63 had a certain cancer risks to college students. The results of source–specific health risk assessment indicated that Cr and As were the priority PTMs, and the mixed source was the priority pollution source of PTMs in FD63 from college campuses, which should be paid attention to by the local government.