Deposited Dust Samples Research Articles

Incorporating source apportionment and health risk assessment of heavy metals from indoor dust of an industrial area in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A total of 45 deposited dust samples were collected from the preselected 15 households near an industrial area at Savar, Bangladesh. The concentrations of metals were measured by EDXRF spectroscopy and was found at the following trend: Ca > Fe > K > Ti > Mn > Zr > Sr > Rb > Zn > Cu > Pb > Co. The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Zr, and Pb were found to be higher than that of the soil background values set by Chinese Environmental Protection Administration (CEPA) and the upper continental crust (UCC), while the average concentrations of K, Ti, Fe, and Rb were found to be higher than that of the background values and lower than that of UCC. Alternately, %RSD for some toxic metals (i.e., Fe, Co, Zn and Pb) in the dust samples were ranged broadly (%RSD: 33.54–86.88 %), which indicates that these trace metals might be present in indoor dust samples due to anthropogenic sources, which is consistent with the ANOVA test. In this study, the contamination levels of metals were assessed based on the enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The two ways ANOVA (Fcal = 3.86 >Fcritic = 1.78, df = 14) for EF data had revealed the heterogeneity of metal enrichment in the study area, whereas PLI values were close to 1.0 or > 1, which indicated that the indoor dust samples in the study area might be deteriorated of site quality by the studied metals. The analysis of Igeo also revealed that these dust samples are slightly to extremely polluted. Conversely Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were employed to identify the possible sources of such heavy metals, which suggested that the anthropogenic sources are the main sources of the examined heavy elements. Subsequently, the human health risk assessment strategies were applied to identify the routes of exposures based on the US EPA health risk models. For non-cancer effect, ingestion of dust particles is the main exposure route to both the children and adults. The total hazard index (HI) values indicate that both children and adults are vulnerable to non-carcinogenic effect, but children are more vulnerable than adults (tstat = 1.97 >tcritic = 2.039, p = 0.029) at a 95 % confidence level. Nevertheless, no significant carcinogenic health risk due to the presence of Co was found for both children and adults in the study area. According to sensitivity analysis, the ingestion rate (IR) and the concentration of Co posed the most significant impact (> 79.9 %) on cancer risk estimation.

Impact of air quality on the health of present-day workers in an Asbestos roof manufacturing industry, Sri Lanka.

The study's objective was to determine the air quality in an asbestos-related industry and its impact on current workers' respiratory health. Seventy-seven air and 65 dust samples were collected at 5-day intervals in an asbestos roofing sheets production factory in Sri Lanka having two production facilities. Sampling was performed in ten sites: Defective sheets-storage, Production-plant, Pulverizer, Cement-silo, and Loading-area. A detailed questionnaire and medical screening were conducted on 264 workers, including Lung Function Tests (LFT) and chest X-rays. Asbestos fibres were observed in deposited dust samples collected from seven sites. Free chrysotile fibres were absent in the breathing air samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the presence of asbestos fibres, and the Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis revealed Mg, O, and Si in depositions. The average concentrations of trace metals were Cd-2.74, Pb-17.18, Ni-46.68, Cr-81.01, As-7.12, Co-6.77, and Cu-43.04mg/kg. The average Zn, Al, Mg, and Fe concentrations were within 0.2-163g/kg. The highest concentrations of PM2.52.5 and PM1010, 258 and 387µg/m3, respectively, were observed in the Pulverizer site. Forty-four workers had respiratory symptoms, 64 presented LFT abnormalities, 5 indicated chest irregularities, 35.98% were smokers, and 37.5% of workers with abnormal LFT results were smokers. The correlation coefficients between LFT results and work duration with respiratory symptoms and work duration and chest X-ray results were 0.022 and 0.011, respectively. In conclusion, most pulmonary disorders observed cannot directly correlate to Asbestos exposure due to negligible fibres in breathing air, but fibres in the depositions and dust can influence the pulmonary health of the employees.

A multi-environmental media approach to explore the association between metal exposure and the ability to identify smells among school-age children residing in Northern Italy

BACKGROUND AND AIM Inhalation of airborne particles can lead to olfactory dysfunction. We aimed to test the association between the exposure to a mixture of 12 metals measured in three environmental media and olfactory function among children and adolescents residing at different distances from ferromanganese alloy plants in the province of Brescia, Italy. METHODS We enrolled 130 children between 6 and 13 years old (51.5% females) residing in Valcamonica and Bagnolo Mella, respectively. The Burghart "Sniffin` Sticks” test was used to investigate olfactory performance in identifying smells. Metal concentrations in soil, indoor, and outdoor deposited dust samples from the subjects’ households were analyzed with a portable X-ray fluorescence instrument. A Multi Environmental Media (MEM) Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression for count data was applied to test for the association between the exposure to metals and child olfactory function. All models were adjusted by age, sex, socio-economic status, area of residence, intelligence quotient, BMI and passive smoking. RESULTS The metal mixture was negatively associated with the identification score (=-0.229; 95%CI -0.439, -0.018). Cadmium (17.0%), iron (13.0%), lead (11.5%) and arsenic (8.5%) provided the strongest contribution to the association. Indoor dust resulted as the environmental media with the strongest contribution to the association with olfactory function for most of the elements considered in the mixture. CONCLUSIONS We identified metal concentrations in indoor dust as a risk factor for olfactory dysfunction in children and adolescents residing close to ferroalloy plants. Indoor pollution can be improved through public health interventions; moreover, the identification of the factors that can deteriorate olfactory functions can also prevent neurodegenerative disease. KEYWORDS Environmental exposure; olfactory function; metal exposure; soil; outdoor dust; indoor dust.

Assessment of metal contamination in deposited dust of the industrial area and some streets - Aden city, Yemen

Air pollution from pollutant emissions has become a threat to the biological system and human health. The concentration levels and sources of heavy metals contamination were studied in deposited dust samples collected from various locations, including five different activity areas: industrial, highways, residential, mixed use and a remote area from contaminants in Aden, Yemen. Metal content of Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr, Mn and Fe in dust was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed high concentration levels of Cd and Pb in industrial and residential areas. Deposited dust contamination was assessed by various methods: Enrichment factor (EF), Contamination factor (CF), Degree of contamination (DC) and potential ecological index (RI). The enrichment factor indicated extremely high enrichment of Cd, Pb and Zn. High EF of Cd, Pb and Zn showed that anthropogenic sources contribute a substantial amount of these metals to dust deposited. Contamination factor analysis showed that dust samples are significantly contaminated by Cd and Pb. Individual ecological risk (Er) indicated low to high contamination of Cd, but low contamination of Pb, Cr, Cu, Co and Zn. The degree of contamination (DC) and Potential ecological risk index (RI) indicated that most of the study areas demonstrated “Moderate to considerable category” risk index. The result suggest mixed origin of pollution sources; including Man-made sources, traffic sources, and lithogenic occurrences of the metals from construction sources and road construction currently in some of the sites studied.

Quantification and exposure assessment of microplastics in Australian indoor house dust

Limited attention has been given to the presence of MPs in the atmospheric environment, particularly in indoor environments where people spend about 90% of their time. This study quantitatively assesses the prevalence, source and type of MPs in Australian homes with the goal of evaluating human health exposure potential. Thirty-two airborne indoor deposited dust samples were collected in glass Petri dishes from Sydney (Australia) homes, over a one-month period in 2019. Participants completed a questionnaire on their household characteristics. Samples were analysed using a stereomicroscope, a fluorescent microscope and micro-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for their colour, size, shape and composition. Inhalation and ingestion rates were modelled using US EPA exposure factors. Microplastic fibre deposition rates ranged from 22 to 6169 fibres/m2/day. Deposited dust comprised 99% fibres. The highest proportion of fibres (19%) were 200–400 μm in length. The majority were natural (42%); 18% were transformed natural-based fibres; and 39% were petrochemical based. A significant difference was observed between the deposition rate and the main floor covering (p-value <0.05). Polyethylene, polyester, polyamide, polyacrylic, and polystyrene fibres were found in higher abundance in homes with carpet as the main floor covering. Where carpet was absent, polyvinyl fibres were the most dominant petrochemical fibre type, indicating the role of flooring materials (e.g. wood varnishes) in determining MP composition. Vacuum cleaner use was significantly related to MP deposition rates (p-value <0.05). MP ingestion rates peaked at 6.1 mg/kg-Bw/year for ages 1–6, falling to a minimum of 0.5 mg/kg-Bw/year in >20 years age group. Mean inhaled MP weight and count was determined to be 0.2±0.07 mg/kg-Bw/year and 12891±4472 fibres/year. Greatest inhalation intake rates were for the <0.5-yr age group, at 0.31 mg/kg-Bw/year. The study data reveal that MPs are prevalent in Australian homes and that the greatest risk of exposure resides with young children. Notwithstanding the limited number of global studies and the different methods used to measure MPs, this study indicates Australian deposition and inhalation rates are at the lower end of the exposure spectrum.

Distribution of Manganese-Substituted Magnetites in Dusts from Taranto, Italy

Abstract Elevated exposure to manganese (Mn) in environmental dusts and airborne particulates, particular from ferromanganese alloy steel production and metal working, is associated with a number of negative health outcomes, including Parkinsonism and other nervous system diseases. Manganese contamination and exposure from industrial sources is difficult to identify or quantify, as manganese is naturally abundant in the environment, and means to distinctly identify or fingerprint Mn arising from different industrial and environmental sources are limited. Here, the chemical and mineralogical properties of Mn in dusts from an active steel production facility in Taranto, Italy, were compared with those of indoor and outdoor deposited dust samples and surface soils collected in a series of schools in the nearby town. X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed distinct chemical forms of Mn in industrial sources from those in typical background soils. Manganese ore from the facility contained abundant Mn(III, IV) oxides, while Mn-substituted magnetites were the most abundant mineral phase in dusts found in areas of the plant where metal was produced or combustion occurred. All school dusts were primarily composed of Mn-substituted magnetites, while most of the soils contained abundant manganese(IV) oxides. Source apportionment of Mn in regional dust and soil samples was estimated using linear combination fitting with representative industrial source materials. Manganese in dusts from the Taranto area community adjacent to the plant was derived primarily from industrially-sourced dusts produced during high temperature coke or steel production rather than re-suspended local soils or ore source material. Soils contained smaller proportion of industrially-derived Mn and are distinct from dusts, indicating that soil is a minor contributor of dust Mn in this area. Key messages Manganese speciation gives useful information in investigating Mn toxicology to humans in urban areas. Manganese-substituted magnetites may represent the target compound useful to distinguish toxic and non-toxic Mn-containing elements.

Source identification and pollution degree of deposited dust on green space in Tehran.

The information about concentration, sources, and pollution degree of heavy metals belong to deposited dust (DS) can be used for decision-making in air quality control, removal role of green space, and urban forest management. The objectives of the study were to identify and evaluate DS pollution degree with the introduction of a new index. DS samples were collected from five tree species. The concentration of heavy metals and pollution degree of DS were evaluated by enrichment factors (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), modified degrees of contamination (mCd), and a new comprehensive index as weighted degree of contamination factor (wCd). The values of EF showed that all samples were significant to extremely high enrichment and DS samples were emitted from anthropogenic activities. Igeo values indicated that DS samples were polluted by Cd (80-97%) and Pb (100%). In addition, mCd results showed more than 67% of samples were unpolluted. There was a clear fact that Igeo results showed high pollution levels for Pb, Cd, and low for Ni, and the mCd results were incompatible with them. When all heavy metals were used without their importance to mCd, calculation can cause bias from reality. For this reason, the new index was suggested as wCd for all heavy metals that its results showed high to very high degree of pollution and that it was compatible with other indices results.

Agricultural sources as major supplies of atmospheric phosphorus to Lake Kinneret

Phosphorus (P) deposition through the atmosphere to fresh water bodies is a major supply pathway and, in some cases, can accelerate eutrophication processes. However, the quantification of atmospheric P fluxes to lakes is often not well established and the major P sources are generally poorly recognized. Here we present measurements of the atmospheric P deposition flux of two consecutive years in two sampling stations around Lake Kinneret, a large fresh water body in Northern Israel and quantified the dust daily P load emitted from 14 potential source sites upwind to the lake that include agricultural soils, pasture lands, livestock feeding zone sites and uncultivated lands. In addition, we analyzed phosphate oxygen isotopes (δ18OP) in the deposited dust and in surface material from potential P sources around the lake such as cultivated and uncultivated soils, cow manure and compost. The mean daily dust P deposition to the lake ranged from 150 to 770 μg P m−2 day−1, which accounts for ca. 5%–35% of the P concentrations in the lake water during summer. Dust deposition showed strong daily and monthly variations that were not associated with wind speed alone, indicating that local anthropogenic disturbances have a major control over the daily dust P flux. Simultaneous measurements of atmospheric P in different locations upwind to Lake Kinneret shows that the bulk of the P originated from sources in close proximity to the lake, with negligible P transported from distal sources. Quantification of the atmospheric P load emitted from potential sources upwind to the lake indicate that the highest daily loads of P are emitted from livestock feeding zone sites, probably because of a continuous accumulation of P in these soils. δ18OP values (ranging from 19.1‰ to 24.8‰) in deposited dust samples were significantly different than the values reported for natural soils, coal combustion and airborne tree pollen but in the in the same range as the values found for surface samples taken from agricultural lands fertilized with phosphate fertilizer, compost or cow manure or from uncultivated soils nearby, probably contaminated by agricultural P from nearby sites. Overall, our results show that deposition of dust originating from agricultural sources in close proximity to the lake supply substantial quantities of P to Lake Kinneret. Based on our results we suggest that when considering atmospheric P inputs to fresh water bodies more attention should be paid to land use in sites which are located upwind to the lake basin.

Trace Element Characterization in Household Dusts in Industrial Areas Along Highways in Bangladesh and their Health Implications

A study was carried out in the industrial areas in order to determine the composition of trace elements in dusts deposited at homes, identifying different sources of elements and also for their possible health impacts. A total of 14 deposited dust samples were collected from households near industrial areas of Tangail and Gazipur districts during sampling campaign. Samples were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence and the highest concentration was observed for Fe whereas the overall rank of the concentrations is Fe&gt;Ca&gt;K&gt;Ti&gt;Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Zr&gt;Sr&gt;Rb&gt;Cu&gt;Y&gt;As&gt;Cr&gt;Ni. The Correlation analysis, enrichment factor and factor analysis indicated that anthropogenic sources especially industrial activity, vehicular emission and household cooking are the main sources of trace elements in the study areas. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks indicated that children are more vulnerable for non-carcinogenic effects whereas the values of cancer risk for both the child and adult are below the acceptable limit of European Union.&#x0D; Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 43, No. 1, 47-58, 2019

Occurrence of selected elements (Ti, Sr, Ba, V, Ga, Sn, Tl, and Sb) in deposited dust and human hair samples: implications for human health in Pakistan.

The current study determined, for the first time, the levels of titanium (Ti), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), vanadium (V), gallium (Ga), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), and antinomy (Sb), in deposited dust, and human hair collected from general population of different geographical areas of Pakistan. All the samples were prepared by microwave digestion and measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that on deposited dust samples, the detected elements followed the descending trend as: Ti>Sr>Ba>V>Ga>Sn>Tl>Sb similar to the upper continental crust. The deposited dust samples from low elevation areas exhibited highest levels of all studied elements (except antimony which was higher in soil samples from mountainous areas), followed by rive plains, mountainous areas, and highland valleys. In contrast, on human hair samples, the elements followed the descending trend as: Sr>Ba>Ti>Ga>V>Sn>Sb>Tl respectively. Ba, Ga, and V concentrations were higher in soil samples from lower elevation Indus plain, and Sr, Tl, Sb, and Ti were higher in samples from mountainous areas. The bioaccumulation trend of all studied elements was in descending order as follows: Sb, Ga, Sn, Ba, Sr, Ti, V, Tl, respectively. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation matrix evidenced both geological influences and anthropogenic activities as potential sources of these studied elements. On the other hand, the risk estimation (HI>1) concluded that population were at higher health risk (non-carcinogenic) for Ga and Ti. All other studied rare elements were within safe limit for humans from all zones.

Characterization of Aerosol Particles Produced by a Skyscraper Demolition by Blasting

We present a study characterizing aerosol particles resulting from a skyscraper blasting. High PM10 mass concentrations with a maximum of 844.9 μg m-3 were present for a short time period of approximately 15minutes. They result in a day mean of 32.6μg m-3 compared to a 27.6μg m-3 background not exceeding the 50 μg m-3 EU maximum permissive value. The increase in particle number concentration was less pronounced with a maximum concentration of 6.9⋅104 cm-3 compared to the local background value of 1.8⋅104cm-3. The size-resolved number concentration shows a single mode of ultrafine particles at approximately 93nm. The spatial distribution of deposited dust was investigated with Bergerhoff glass collection vessels, showing a decrease with distance. In the deposited dust samples the concentrations of twelve metals was determined, non of them exceeded the regional background concentrations significantly. The chemical composition of individual particles emitted by the demolition was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. They were mainly concrete and steel particles, with 60% calcium carbonates, 19% calcium sulfates, 19% silicates and 2% steel. In energy-dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, no fibers like asbestos were observed. Using a broad spectrum of instruments and methods, we obtain comprehensive characterization of the particles emitted by the demolition.

Continuous-flow leaching in a rotating coiled column for studies on the mobility of toxic elements in dust samples collected near a metallurgic plant.

Continuous-flow (dynamic) leaching in a rotating coiled column has been applied to studies on the mobility of Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Sb, As, S, and other potentially toxic elements in atmospherically deposited dust samples collected near a large copper smelter (Chelyabinsk region, Russia). Water and simulated "acid rain" (pH 4) were used as eluents. The technique enables not only the fast and efficient leaching of elements but as well time-resolved studies on the mobilization of heavy metals, sulphur, and arsenic in environmentally relevant forms to be made. It is shown that up to 1.5, 4.1, 1.9, 11.1, and 46.1% of Pb, As, Cu, Zn, and S, correspondingly, can be easily mobilized by water. Taking into consideration that the total concentrations of these elements in the samples under investigation are surprisingly high and vary in the range from 2.7 g/kg (for arsenic) to 15.5 g/kg (for sulphur), the environmental impact of the dust may be dramatic. The simulated acid rain results in somewhat higher recoveries of elements, except Cu and Pb. The proposed approach and the data obtained can very useful for the risk assessment related to the mobility of potentially toxic elements and their inclusion in the biogeochemical cycle.

Distinguishing and characterising point-source mining dust and diffuse-source dust deposits in a semi-arid district of eastern Australia

Abstract The routine monitoring of dust deposition around mines does not typically distinguish between allochthonous and locally-sourced dust. In this paper, contemporary aeolian dust deposition within a semi-arid part of eastern Australia is examined to determine the contribution of an open-pit gold mine to local dust dynamics. Over a 2.5 year period, monthly deposited dust samples were obtained from 12 sites located around the Cowal Gold Mine (CGM), and analysed for inorganic and organic proportions and granulometric properties. Although there was considerable variation in deposition between the gauges and sampling periods, there was a moderate and statistically significant seasonal trend, with mineral dust deposition lowest in winter. Imprinted over this seasonal pattern was a distinct spatial pattern of dust deposition, with gauges downwind of the CGM receiving significantly more dust than those gauges upwind (20 t/km 2 /yr). This effect was most pronounced adjacent to the mine (dust deposition of 60 t/km 2 /yr), where coarse-grained particles comprised a large proportion of the deposited dust, and diminished with distance east of the mine. Such a spatial trend is typical of a point source of dust. Average dust deposition at gauges located 8 km downwind of the mine was only slightly greater than that of gauges upwind of the mine. The ‘background’ dust populations captured at the upwind locations were dominated by fine particles, with modal particle diameters of 3–5 and 13–16 μm common. The macro-organic component of dust deposits also tended to vary seasonally, but the spatial distribution of this material was quite erratic.

Analysis of settled dust with X-ray Fluorescence for exposure assessment of metals in the province of Brescia, Italy

Ferroalloy industries have been active for more than a century in the province of Brescia, Northern Italy. Air emission and water discharge have contaminated the environment in the surroundings of four plants with several metals including manganese. The presence of manganese in this region is especially interesting, because of the observed relationship between manganese exposure and Parkinsonism in a previous epidemiological survey. The aim of this study was represented by an initial screening of metal exposure in this area, using a geographic information system. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was applied to identify heavy metals in deposited dust samples, collected in representative residential households throughout the province. The results were interpreted through a systematic mapping of all municipal districts of the Brescia province. A more frequent distribution of manganese and other metals was observed in the municipalities where the plants were located and differences in the geochemical and anthropogenic origin of metals were discussed, according to the point sources.

Bioavailability of 239+240Pu and 137Cs in aerosols and deposited dusts: a comparative study by fractional extraction

The bioavailability of (137)Cs and (239+240)Pu in soil, dust and aerosols has been determined by applying a fractional extraction procedure. In aerosols, 47-57% of (137)Cs was found to be easily exchangeable. This differs significantly from soil and deposited dust samples collected on a nearby street as well as on grassland where (137)Cs was quantitatively found in the acid-soluble fraction and the residue. A similar difference was observed for (239+240)Pu: 47% of (239+240)Pu in aerosols was associated with the organic fraction, while in soil and deposited dust from grassland 63-75% of (239+240)Pu was found in the acid-soluble fraction. In deposited street dust, 53% of (239+240)Pu was associated with the oxide fraction.

Particle size effect for metal pollution analysis of atmospherically deposited dust

The metallic compositions of 231 atmospherically deposited dust samples obtained from widely-differing environments in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia, have been investigated in relation to the particle size distributions. Sample data are presented which show that particle size classification is very important when analysing dust samples for atmospheric metal pollution studies. By cross-correlation and comparison, it was found that the best way to express the results of the metal concentration trend was as an average of particle ratios. Correlations between the six metals studied, namely Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Li, were found for every particle size (eight categories) and reveal that the metal concentrations increased as the particle size decreased. On the basis of this work, it is strongly recommended that future international standards for metal pollutants in atmospherically deposited dusts should be based on particle size fractions.

Investigation in a highly polluted industrial city: Correlation between air pollution sources and deposited dusts

Nineteen air pollution point sources (emission points) for three industries, and 16 deposited dusts within and around a highly polluted city were sampled. Morphological, mineral and elemental composition of dust were determined. It was found that, depending on the type of technology, large amounts of toxic pollutants are discharged into the atmosphere. From a glass factory, fly ash containing 380 g Pb/kg was released from a 30 m chimney polluting the neighborhood area. Correlation between the air pollution point sources and airborne particulate collected at different parts of the city was determined by pattern recognition analysis. Based upon the elemental composition of dust the emission sources can unambiguously be related to the deposited dust samples.