Roadside Dust Research Articles

Assessing Metals and Metalloids Impact of Roadside Dust on Human Health in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

BackgroundMetals and metalloids in roadside dust pose considerable threats to both human health and the environment. ObjectivesThis study assesses human health risks of metal exposure to roadside dust by conducting a health risk assessment (HRA) for metals and metalloids uptake rates for children and adults via exposure pathways. MethodsSettled dust samples were collected from the major roads in Osogbo, Osun state. These samples were subjected to standard laboratory procedures for metals and metalloids analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). ResultsAll the metals and metalloids except Cd had their concentration below the WHO limit. The average concentration of Cd was 1.54 mg kg-1, significantly above the WHO guideline of 0.80 mg kg-1, indicating a possible health concern. A strong positive correlation exits between Ni and Cd (.774⁎⁎) (p<0.01), Pb (.662⁎⁎) (p<0.01), Zn (.606⁎⁎) (p<0.01), and As (.549*) (p<0.05), showing that greater Ni concentrations are associated with higher concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and As. Two principal components were identified, accounting for 80% of the overall variation. PC1 has an eigenvalue of 60.834; however, PC2 has a higher eigenvalue of 74.952, implying that PC2 explains more of the variation in the data than PC1. Non-carcinogenic risk evaluations identify possible health risks linked with Cu, Cd, Cr, and As exposure, primarily through inhalation routes. Carcinogenic risk showed that Cd demonstrated high CR values ranging from 3740 to 1.30*1012 for adults and children throughout the study's various exposure paths. ConclusionThis study offered significant insight into the metals and metalloids pollution status in Osogbo, Nigeria, employing data and statistics, highlighting the need for evidence-based actions for environmental preservation to safeguarding people's health.

Impact of Roadside Dust on Growth, Development andCellular Characteristics of Tomato Plants

This thesis investigates the effect of roadside dust on the growth and development of tomato plants, specifically focusing on plant height, leaf number, terminal leaf area, lateral leaf area, root fresh weight, root dry weight, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and cellular characteristics. The study examines seven treatment groups representing varying concentrations of roadside dust applied to the plants. The results reveal significant variations in the measured parameters, indicating that the treatments had a significant effect on most of the parameters, except for root dry weight. The plant height, terminal leaf area, leaf number, and lateral leaf area showed a decreasing trend with increasing dust concentration, suggesting hindrance in vertical growth and leaf development. Root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight also exhibited a decreasing trend as the concentration of dust increased, indicating a negative impact on root and shoot biomass. The cellular characteristics, such as guard cell, subsidiary cell, and epidermal cell measurements, demonstrated a decrease in values as dust concentrations increased, indicating adverse effects on cellular growth and development. Overall, the findings indicate that roadside dust has a detrimental effect on the growth and development of tomato plants, including biomass accumulation, leaf expansion, and cellular characteristics. Mitigation strategies, such as regular leaf cleaning, proper irrigation, and air pollution control, are recommended to minimize the negative impacts of roadside dust on plant growth and ensure optimal crop production and environmental sustainability.

Potentially toxic metals in road dust: An assessment of ecological and health risks at Woldia and Kobo towns in North Wollo, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in the environment threatens the ecosystem and human well-being. This study investigated the amounts of Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, As, and Cr, as well as the associated health and ecological risks. Thirty samples of roadside dust were collected in the northern Ethiopian towns of Woldia and Kobo. The collected samples were digested using acid digestion method and the levels of heavy metals were analysed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The results showed that the average concentrations of HMs were 0.103 (As)-7.6 (Cd) and 0.083 (Cd)-3.80 (Fe) mg/kg in Woldia and Kobo, respectively. All the HM concentrations investigated in this study were lower than the average global concentration, except for Hg in both towns and Cd in Woldia town. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for the heavy metal concentration showed a significant difference across each sampling site, while Ni and Hg did not show a significant difference. The hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values of all HMs for adults and children through the three exposure routes were lower than 1, which means that they had a low likelihood of noncarcinogenic risks. The pollution index, geoaccumulation index, ecological risk index, integrated pollution index and risk index parameters were used to estimate the ecological risk. The results demonstrated that the pollution level mainly varied between low and moderate levels, except in Woldia, which is highly polluted by Cd metal that further detailed research is highly recommended to find out the sources of this metal.

Tracking of microplastics distribution patterns and their characterisation in deposited road dust from Dhaka city, Bangladesh

The widespread presence of microplastics (MPs) in road dust has considerable concern regarding their potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Despite the massive production of plastic, the erudition of MPs distribution patterns in various sizes of deposited road dust is still limited around the globe. Thus, the aim of this research is to provide an unambiguous picture of MPs distributional pattern, identification, classification, quantification, and features from road dust in various zones and types of roadways in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This study examined MPs in road dust samples with particle sizes ranging from 300 to 150 μm (Group-A), 149-75 μm (Group-B), and <75 μm (Group-C). This work extracted MPs from road dust using 30 % H2O2, 1.6 g/cm3 ZnCl2, and 0.45 μm filter paper. A fluorescent microscope (Motic B410E, Germany), Motic Pictures, and 3.0 ML software were utilized to identify MPs visually. Additionally, FTIR and SEM were utilized to determine the chemical composition of MPs. Group-A Road dust samples had a significantly higher concentration of MPs (38945 items/kg) compared to Group-B and <75 μm Group-C dust (16720 and 5945 items/kg, respectively). The distribution hierarchy for total MPs on average by location and type of road is as follows: paved road (355 items/5 g) > unpaved road (325 items/5 g) > soil samples (294 items/5 g), roadside dust samples (284 items/5 g), and mid-road (283 items/5 g). By taking into account all sizes of road dust samples, the MPs were classified as fiber (70.26 %), fragment (26.12 %), beads (0.66 %), films (1.32 %), and foams (1.58 %). It was found that adults inhaled MPs an average of 1612 items/day, while they ingested an average of 880 items/day. Children had an inhalation rate of 1232 items/day and an ingestion rate of 10267 items/day, which was 4–17 times greater than in other countries. This study identified 22 MPs polymer types, and SEM results show that MPs surfaces are being weathered into nanoplastics, creating a more hazardous environment.

Morphological and Elements of Roadside Dust at Academic Institutions in Perlis

This research studied the morphological and elemental composition of roadside dust at an academic institution in Perlis using the Dust Fall Jar method. Samples were collected from three spots, two beside the main road near the academic institution and one in the control environment area, within a radius of 1000 meters as the control spot. Samples were collected for five consecutive days and then analyzed using SEM-EDX. The SEM-EDX analysis revealed that roadside dust particles exhibited varied shapes and uneven surfaces. Plant debris and tire wear have been identified as the sources of fibrous, elongated, and rounded micrometer-sized particles. Minerals, heavy metals, and carbon-containing particles were also found. The SEM-EDX investigation revealed notable elements roadside dust at an academic institution, irregularly shaped particle which might be composed of minerals, soil, or even carbon-containing materials, commonly found in roadside environments. The other element found is aluminum oxide by the characteristic morphology observed in the SEM-EDX image which are elongated, fibrous, cylindrical structures and irregularly shaped particles. This matrix could be composed of various materials, such as other carbon-based materials or inorganic compounds. This study highlights the necessity of implementing efficient environmental management solutions.

Effectiveness of chemical road dust suppressants on paved roads of Pimpri Chinchwad

Introduction: Currently, reducing road dust emissions is a serious problem for safe and environment-protective transportation, leading to Particulate Matter (PM) limit violations and high population exposures to dust containing poisonous metals and mineral particles. Nowadays chemical road dust suppressants are being employed more frequently as a viable remedy to reduce roadside dust emissions.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Two seasons winter and summer were selected for the study and during which, typically 3 types of roads as per average traffic density and land-use category identified in the city of Pimpri-Chinchwad were sprayed. Dry samples were taken on day one from a 1 m2 area using a portable vacuum cleaner that was run for 8 to 10 min each. Similarly, samples were collected in the same area after 5-10 min after spraying with Calcium Chloride (CaCl ) and Magnesium Chloride (MgCl ). Also, the second set of 2 samples was collected after 24 h of chemical applied.&#x0D; Results: Maximum reduction in silt loading occurred i.e., 99.73% on the application of 30 g/m2 of CaCl . Reduction observed in emission factor of PM2.5 was 97.78% and in the case of PM10 it was 97.59%. While increase in average particle size was observed up to 27.88 µm.&#x0D; Conclusion: Both the suppressant efficient in suppressing the road dust but the day 1 result shows more dust suppression as compared to the day 2 dust suppression also as per the dust loading CaCl2 is a better dust suppressant than MgCl2.

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation in dust and leaves of Conocarpus erectus in urban areas: Implications for phytoremediation

This study investigated the spatio-temporal variation of heavy metal concentrations in roadside dust and its correlation with heavy metal content in roadside plant leaves. Sixty re-suspended dust samples were collected from six locations during two seasons (dry and wet). Simultaneously, leaf samples of Conocarpus erectus were collected from the same locations. The samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer to determine the concentrations of As, Cu, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Ni. The pH and conductivity of the dust were also analyzed using a glass electrode. The mean concentrations (μg/g) of heavy metals in the dust ranged from 0.337 to 6.34 for As, 10.60–55.39 for Cu, 542.17–1453.45 for Fe, 0.193–1.026 for Cd, 11.82–52.56 for Pb, and 10.19–29.27 for Ni in different seasons. Similarly, the concentrations of heavy metals in the leaf samples ranged from 0.031 to 1.70 for As, 6.90–13.19 for Cu, 263.09–576.16 for Fe, 0.299–1.33 for Cd, 0.019–17.82 for Pb, and 2.09–7.015 for Ni in different seasons. The correlation between heavy metal concentrations in different seasons was examined using Pearson's and Spearman's correlation methods. To compare the bioaccumulation ability, bio-concentration factors (BCF), comprehensive bio-concentration index (CBCI), and metal accumulation index (MAI) were calculated. The Conocarpus erectus MAI was consistent across different locations and seasons (24.49 ± 0.149). Based on CBCI, the bioaccumulation capacity of heavy metals they were ranged from 6.57 to 12.83 in the dry season and from 5.84 to 10.24 in the wet season. These findings provide valuable insights into the distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in roadside dust and plant leaves, highlighting the potential of Conocarpus erectus as a bio-accumulator for heavy metal pollution in urban environments. The results can be utilized to develop appropriate strategies for environmental management and pollution control in areas affected by vehicular pollution.

Spatial modeling and source identification of PAHs in soils and roadside dusts from Hangzhou, a new first-tier megcity of China

Soil (n = 100) and roadside dust (n = 97) samples across a new first-tier megacity (Hangzhou, East China) were collected to systematically survey the spatial patterns and sources of 16 priority Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAH (Σ16PAH) concentrations in the surface soils exhibited an average of 329 ± 168 ng/g with a range of 67.7–2950 ng/g. 45 % of soils suffered from the weak - heavy PAH contaminations. By contrast, the average concentration of Σ16PAHs in roadside dusts was approximately three times higher than that found in the soils. Within both soil and dust samples, PAHs with a high molecular weight (HMW, 4–6 rings) were the dominant homologs. Spatial lag models revealed that industrial and traffic-related variables significantly influenced the spatial distribution of PAHs in dusts. Furthermore, a positive matrix factorization model indicated that Σ16PAHs in soils and dusts mainly derived from coal-related production/combustion and automobile exhaust emission (65.0 % and 77.9 %, respectively). The isotopic composition analysis conducted on heavily polluted samples further demonstrated that HMW PAHs in these soils and dusts predominantly originated from coal processing and liquid fossil fuel combustion. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that the intensive urban construction and human activities strongly stimulated PAH accumulations in soils and dusts during the rapid urbanization of Hangzhou.

Rare Earth Elements’ particles in road dust: A mineralogical perspective for source identification

Roadside dust contains many mineral grains and, among them, some of REEs (Rare Earth Elements) which have an uncertain origin. This paper characterizes and illustrates for the first time the occurrence of such REEs' particles from four locations near Barcelona (Spain), by means of mineralogical studies, with the aim of identifying their source and understanding their accumulation. The observed REEs' particles contain Ce and low amounts of La and Nd and are spheroidal, rounded, elongated, or angularly shaped (<5 μm), often forming nanoparticles' aggregates. The identical chemical composition and morphology of the REEs' particles (CeO2), independently from the sampling location and its geological background, points to a sole non-natural anthropogenic origin. Moreover, the absence of U and Th in the studied CeO2 grains is an additional robust indicator of their anthropogenic source, as the naturally formed CeO2 (the mineral cerianite) is characterized by containing those radioactive elements. Therefore, the identified grains consist of ceria particles, the non-natural cerium oxide. Ceria must originate in autocatalytic converters, where it is broadly used in solid solution with ZrO2 (zirconia) in the form of CeZrOx. The roadside dust ceria particles do not contain Zr, but zirconia crystals are also found in the dust, with no Ce traces. This might indicate that they were released as separated neo-formed ceria and zirconia phases, which is consistent with a metastable CeZrOx segregation at the autocatalyzer under vehicles’ engine operating conditions. The small size, and thus inhalable, ceria particles emitted by vehicles are a significant environmental health hazard, revealing the need for further assessment of CeO2 concentrations generated by automobiles in urban areas worldwide.

Assessment of Particulate Matter Concentrations and Noise Levels Along Dong – Tay Avenue, Ho Chi Minh City

Particulate pollution and traffic noise from the Dong – Tay Avenue created problems in the surrounding areas, especially when traffic volume was very high and vehicles ran at high speeds. Vehicular, dust and noise problems were generated by various kinds of vehicles like trucks, buses, automobiles, and motorcycles. This study aimed to determine the influence of dust and noise generated from traffic activities the Dong – Tay Avenue. Particulate matter concentrations (PM_1.0, PM_2.5, PM_5.0, PM₁₀) and noise levels were measured at 7 sites along the avenue in March and October from 2021 to 2022. The research results showed that the noise levels (73.1 ÷ 84.4 dBA) exceeded the allowable threshold of the National Technical Regulation on noise (QCVN26:2010/BTNMT; noise level < 70 dBA). Additionally, the dust concentrations (PM_1.0: 6.6 ÷ 18.8 μg/m³; PM_2.5: 9.2 ÷ 35.7 μg/m³; PM_5.0: 11.2 ÷ 47.0 μg/m³; PM₁₀: 13.0 ÷ 49.7 μg/m³) were lowered the permissible thresholds of the National Technical Regulation on ambient air quality (QCVN05:2013/BTNMT). However, solutions needed to be suggested to improve the air quality for human health and the environment as reducing roadside dust pollution and traffic noise in Ho Chi Minh City. The first priority was the solution of planting trees, which were found along a lane and got different functions. Tree species were suitable for ecological conditions along the roadsides these were applied for green solutions to be planted, including <i>Hopea odorata, Mimusops elengi, Khaya senegalensis </i>and <i>Bougainvillea spectabilis</i>.

Characterization of organic contaminants associated with road dust of Delhi NCR, India.

Hydrophobic organic contaminated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and CHNS (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur species) are explosively associated with road dust particles. A few organic contaminants are toxic in nature and have an unpleasant effect on human health. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States-Environmental Protection Agency has considered several PAHs and PCBs as carcinogens for human beings. In the proposed study, the anthropogenic contaminants present in road dust were assessed in six representative diversified sites i.e. industrial, commercial, office, residential, construction and traffic intersection in Delhi NCR, India. Roadside dust samples were gathered in premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon seasons and characterized for PAHs, PCBs and CHNS. The concentration of total PAHs (16 Nos) and PCBs (6 Nos) of the selected sites ranged from 0.27µg/kg to 605.80µg/kg and 0.01µg/kg to 41.26µg/kg, respectively. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance study suggested that the presence of O = C = O, Si-O, carbonyl, acidic or aliphatic esters group were associated with road dust particles. Hydrogen and sulphur concentrations were not detected in the selected road dust samples. Carbon and nitrogen concentrations varied from 2.24% to 16.82% and 0.69% to 14.5%, respectively, seasonally. In the premonsoon season, road dust was distinguishably contaminated as compared to monsoon and postmonsoon season, whichmight be due to movement of contaminated road dust from adjacent locations. It was perceived that Delhi NCR organic contamination inroad dust was much below as compared to other countries. It may be concluded that due to the presence of significant amounts of carbon and nitrogen concentrations in the road dust, to a greater extent, road dust can be fertile and might be advantageous for green belt development to mitigate air pollution. The utilization of road dust will further bring down the burden of landfill sites and may lead towards sustainability.

Pollution Status, Source Apportionment, Ecological and Human Health Risks of Potentially (Eco)toxic Element-Laden Dusts from Urban Roads, Highways and Pedestrian Bridges in Uganda

The occurrence of potentially (eco)toxic elements (PTEs) in street, indoor and roadside dusts have been associated with potential human health risks. For the first time, the pollution levels of PTEs—copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr)—were investigated in 24 dust samples from eight selected sampling sites on urban roads, highways and pedestrian bridges constructed over River Manafwa, a flood-prone river in Eastern Uganda. Concentration of PTEs in the sample digests were quantified by atomic absorption spectrometry. Multivariate geostatistical (Pearson’s Correlation, Principal Components and Hierarchical Cluster) analyses were used to apportion sources of the contaminants. Contamination, ecological and human health assessment indices and models were employed to establish any potential risks the elements could pose to the environment and humans. The study revealed that there is severe PTE pollution of dusts from roads, highways and pedestrian bridges in Eastern Uganda when compared with their crustal averages, except for Cu, Ni and Cr. The mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of Cu (11.4–23.2), Ni (0.20–23.20), Mn (465.0–2630.0), Zn (26.8–199.0), Pb (185.0–244.0), Cd (0.178–1.994) and Cr (5.40–56.60) were highest in samples obtained near high-traffic areas. Source apportionment studies suggested that Cu, Ni, Mn and Cr are from combustion processes and vehicular traffic, whereas Pb, Zn and Cd came from traffic and geogenic contributions. Assessment using the pollution load index indicated that only dust from Zikoye–Bushika road, the junction of Zikoye–Bushika and Bududa–Manafwa roads and Manafwa town were substantially polluted as the indices were greater than 1. Further assessment of pollution degree of the dust samples using index of geo-accumulation revealed that the dusts were practically uncontaminated to medium-to-strongly contaminated. Health risk assessment showed that there are non-carcinogenic health risks that could emanate from direct ingestion of PTEs in dusts by children. This study therefore opens the lead for investigation of the contamination levels and the health risks of PTEs in dusts from industrial areas as well as busy Ugandan cities such as Kampala, Jinja, Mbarara and Gulu.

Imprints of vehicular pollution in roadside dust from Kolkata, India: insights from magnetic susceptibility, geo-statistical and SEM studies

Imprints of vehicular pollution in roadside dust from Kolkata, India: insights from magnetic susceptibility, geo-statistical and SEM studies

Road-side dust from central Jakarta, Indonesia: Assessment of metal(loid) content, mineralogy, and bioaccessibility

Road-side dust is one of the media for tracing atmospheric pollution, especially in the big cities including Jakarta. Therefore, this study aims to determine the metal(loid) concentrations and Pb isotopes ( 206 Pb, 207 Pb, and 208 Pb) of road-side dust to assess the metal contents and characterize contamination sources of the bay, industry, railway, traffic, and residential areas in the central Jakarta. The mineralogical composition and bioaccessibility of the 5 types of road-side dust and gasoline samples were investigated using XRD and SEM-EDX techniques as well as in vitro tests of simulated gastric (SGF) and lung fluids (SLF), respectively. The highest concentrations of Al (31.7 ± 4.42 g/kg), Fe (18.2 ± 1.38 g/kg), Cd (0.97 ± 0.10 mg/kg), Co (9.75 ± 1.46 mg/kg), Pb (64.1 ± 6.16 mg/kg), Sb (16.2 ± 1.38 mg/kg), V (67.7 ± 11.3 mg/kg), Mn (582 ± 89.8 mg/kg), Zn (457 ± 118 mg/kg), and Ti (2.10 ± 0.33 g/kg) in the traffic area were significantly more than those in the industry, railway, bay, and home residence. Furthermore, the range of Pb isotope ratios in the traffic area 206 Pb/ 207 Pb = 1.147–1.164 and 208 Pb/ 206 Pb = 2.114–2.095 also correlated with the industry, railway, bay, and home residence. These results show that the Pb contamination in the traffic road-side dust originates from industry and railway, which is being transported to the bay of Jakarta and home residence. The Pb isotope ratio compositions of gasoline, diesel, and kerosine also correlated with those in the traffic area, while its reference materials of incineration fly ash, solder, and battery were confirmed as a source of pollution. Based on the bioaccessibility using in vitro tests, the metal contaminants of the dust were maximally dissolved in the SGF ( ∼ 95.8%) and SLF ( ∼ 56.7%), indicating the potentially high risk of human exposure. • Metal(loid) concentrations and Pb isotopes in the road-side dust from Central Jakarta were studied. • The traffic area showed significantly higher metal(loid) contents compared to industry, railway, bay and home residence. • The Pb isotope ratios confirmed incineration fly ash, solder and battery as sources of Pb pollution in the road-side dust. • Simulated gastric and lung fluids were applied to investigate the bioaccessibility of the road-side dust. Up to 95.8% and 56.7% of total metal(loid) contents dissolved in gastric and lung fluids = potential high exposure risk.

Spatio-temporal analysis of air quality index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a significant tool of risk communication and reporting system. The main aim of the paper is to comparatively analysis the air quality index of both the Delhi and Chennai. The objective of the study is to compute the AQI of both the cities and to compare it. For both the cities data for the computation of the AQI are taken from the secondary source from Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Tamil Nadu Control Pollution Board (TNP). It is found that in both the city main source of pollution are from both anthropogenic and natural genesis. The pollutants which make the reading of AQI severe is emitted from the transportation sector such as emission from the vehicles, road side dust particles followed by the pollutants from the industries and construction site. In Delhi sandstorms from the desert regions during the summer season and bursting of firecrackers in diwali are responsible for shooting the AQI during March and November month respectively. During monsoon season the AQI value become less in Delhi. In Chennai the AQI value does not very much, throughout the year it remains constant with slight degradation during Diwali and Pongal celebration.

ASSESSING HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IMPACT IN MAIZE GROWING ALONG THE ROADSIDE

Now a days heavy metal contamination along the roadside is a matter of concern especially in industrial areas of developing countries. The non-degradable nature of heavy metals makes them injurious to all living beings. Soil, dust, and plants are the main media for the entry of these metals into our food chain. Thereby, a survey was conducted to assess the nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) levels in roadside dust, soil and maize crop growing along the roadside. Moreover, the effects of these metals were also assessed on the growth and physiology of maize. Plant, soil, and dust sample were collected from Millat road Faisalabad. Samples were collected from four sites at three different distances (10m, 30m, 60m) from the road. Each site had a distance of 5 km from the other site. As result, metal concentration in soil, dust and maize decreased with increasing distance from the road. Maximum metal concentration in dust, soil and plant was noted at the distance of 10m (Cu 40.1, Mn 189.66 and Ni 5.6 mg kg-1 in soil; Cu 11.3, Mn 179.7 and Ni 9.37 mg kg-1 in dust; Cu 11.8, Mn 23.01 and Ni 3.75 mg kg-1 in plant) from the roadside. Likewise, maize plants near the roadside showed more metal concentration with retarded growth and physiology.

Assessment of Bioaccessibility and Health Risks of Toxic Metals in Roadside Dust of Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Spatial variations in the bioaccessibility and health risks induced by chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in roadside dust from different land-use areas, i.e., commercial areas (CA), planned residential areas (PRA), spontaneous residential areas (SRA) and urban green areas (UGA) in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, were investigated. An in vitro simple bioaccessibility extraction test (SBET) method, which allows the simulation of the gastric (GP) and intestinal phases (IP) of human digestion, was applied to evaluate bioaccessibility and human health risk, assessed using United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) modelling. The average bioaccessible concentration of Zn was the highest in both the gastric (74.4–244.5 µg/g) and intestinal phases (74.4–244.5 µg/g) in all the land-use areas except UGA. The bioaccessibility percentages of Co and Cu in the IP phase and As in the GP phase were &gt;40% for all the land-use categories. Carcinogenic (Cr, Ni, As and Pb) and non-carcinogenic human health risks were evaluated for the ingestion pathway, in both children and adults. The results suggest that there were no non-carcinogenic risks for adults and children exposed to roadside dust toxic metals, but the risk levels of roadside dust toxic metals in some sampling areas were high. The carcinogenic risks of Cr in SRA (for children) and Ni in CA (for both adults and children), PRA (for children) and UGA (for children) were found to be within a tolerable range of 10−6 to 10−4.

Selective determination of rhodium and iridium in the urban environment using the catalytic method

The problem of studying the level of technogenic pollution of the environment with platinum group metals is attributed first to the release of platinum metals into the environment together with the exhaust gases of cars using afterburning catalysts containing Pt, Pd, Rh. The pharmaceutical, electronics and jewelry industries the waste of which contains PGMs also contribute to the pollution of the environment. A number of studies have shown the toxic effects of PGM on humans. The goal of the study is to obtain new information about the level of technogenic pollution of the environment with platinum group metals (such as water-washings from roads, bio-collector plants, roadside dust), which necessitates developing of the method for sample preparation and determination of rhodium and iridium. A technique of sample opening and determination of rhodium and iridium in environmental objects, water-washings from roads, bio-collector plants, roadside dust is proposed. To increase the selectivity of rhodium determination, the samples were treated with a mixture of concentrated perchloric acid and sodium periodate when heated to boiling, which provided more than 5-fold increase the rhodium signal. Moreover, the permissible excess of iridium and ruthenium was increased by 5 and 20 times, respectively, due to the conversion of other PGMs into catalytically inactive forms. The indicator reaction of sulfarsazen oxidation by periodate was used in the kinetic determination of rhodium and iridium. The correctness of the results obtained by the developed method was confirmed by the ETAAS method. The determined content of Rh and Ir: in roadside waters (μg/liter) up to 0.015 and 0.005; in collector plants (g/ton) up to 0.030 Rh and 0.022; in street dust (g/ton) up to 0.05 and 0.025, respectively. The standard deviation of the repeatability of the determination results does not exceed 0.07 (Rh) and 0.12 (Ir). The developed method of opening samples and determining rhodium and iridium in environmental objects provided a great bulk of information about the content of rhodium and iridium in water-flushes from Moscow roads, bio-collector plants, roadside dust, which correlate fairly well with the scarce data from other geographic regions available in the literature and our earlier results on rhodium content in dust. The developed technique made it possible to obtain data on the level of technical pollution of the environment with PGMs in places with different traffic density in Moscow.

Global Systematic Mapping of Road Dust Research from 1906 to 2020: Research Gaps and Future Direction

Roadside dust resulting from industrialization of society has an adverse effect on the environment and human health. However, despite the global research progress in this field, to date, no bibliometric report on the subject has been documented. Hence, bibliometric mapping is important to assess the quality and quantity of the global research activities on road dust. Data were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus, while RStudio software was used for data analysis. A total of 1186 publications were retrieved from these databases, and progressive growth in the subject over the last 10 years was observed, considering the positive correlation (y = 0.0024 × 3 − 0.1454 × 2 + 2.6061 × −8.5371; R2 = 0.961) obtained for these indices. China had the highest publications, and environmental science-related journals dominated publications on road dust. The findings suggest that other regions of the world, such as the Middle East and Africa, need to channel their research efforts toward this field, considering the shortage of publications on the subject from these regions. Therefore, this study shows that assessing research activity on road dust is important for planning impactful research directions and setting protective and adaptive policies related to the field.

Particulate Matter and Adverse Respiratory Health Outcome: Exposure of Street Vendors in Kolkata city in India

Exposure to airborne particulates is a major occupational hazard especially for outdoor workers who spending time outdoors at ground level getting exposed to traffic fumes and roadside dust. Aim of this study was to assess respiratory health symptoms and determine the change of lung functions of the roadside vendors and its association with traffic-related exposures and their working experience. A cross-sectional study was conducted in key market places of Kolkata – Gariahat (GH), Esplanade-Park Street (EP), Shyambazar-Hatibagan (SH) and Behala (BE). Particulate (PM10 and PM2.5) levels and meteorological parameters (wind speed, temperature and relative humidity) were monitored in the morning, afternoon and night over the period of October 2019 to February 2020. Lung function status (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and PEF) was measured for 111 purposively selected participants. PM concentration was observed higher in the morning and night peak hours for all sites. At SH area the average occupational exposure level for PM10 and PM2.5 were observed as 1502.22 μg/m3h and 684.01 μg/m3h. Percentage predicted FEV1 (%FEV1) of street vendors was found decreasing with their work experience and the worst-case scenario was observed in the EP area, with the corresponding value being 70.75%, 49.15% and 47.3% for less than 10 years, 10 to 20 years and more than 20 years participation respectively. The higher particulate burden was observed to have declining lung function status of the street vendors. A strong policy framework should be adopted to improve outdoor working environment for outdoor workers.