Assessment of the pollution level, microscopic structure, and health risk of heavy metals in surface dusts in a sports field

Abstract

In urban areas, dust accumulated on the surface is one of the most used sampling methods used to evaluate environmental pollution, due to the effectiveness of meteorology and topography in the transport and accumulation of atmospheric pollution. The heavy metal concentration of surface dust collected from stadium seats was examined in this study. 22 different heavy metals namely Si, Fe, Al, Ti, Mn, Zn, Sr, Ba, Cr, Pb, Co, V, Ni, Sn, Sc, Bi, Sb, Ag, As, Mo, Hg and Cd concentrations were determined by ICP-MS and ICP-OES techniques, and SEM image was examined to determine its morphological structure. Heavy metal concentrations, except Zn and Bi, were found to be lower than those found in the earth crust. The shape and size of the particles indicated that the environment could be influenced by the natural soil source and anthropogenic sources. In addition, two separate assessments were conducted in terms of exposure to dust toxicity for normal daily activity and sporting activity coupled with normal daily activity. The results were considered acceptable because the health risk and cancer risk assessments were below the limit values.