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Spatial Heterogeneity of Heavy Metals Contamination in Urban Road Dust and Associated Human Health Risks

Author

Listed:
  • Huanping Lu

    (Guangdong Ecological Meteorological Center, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Yong Shen

    (Institute of Zoology, Guangdong Academy of Science, Guangzhou 510260, China)

  • Pankaj Maurya

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

  • Jing Chen

    (Guangdong Ecological Meteorological Center, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Tingyuan Li

    (Guangdong Ecological Meteorological Center, Guangzhou 510640, China)

  • Jorge Paz-Ferreiro

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University, Melbourne, VIC 3001, Australia)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and associated transportation play a crucial role in the distribution of heavy metals in road dust, leading to serious environmental and health concerns. This study explored the concentration and spatial variability of metals, including cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), in road dust across six urban zones in Guangdong Province (parks, educational, residential, commercial, traffic, and industrial areas). The study also evaluated the bioavailability of these metals to determine their carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts. The findings revealed significant variations in metal levels, with commercial zones having the highest concentrations of Zn 1316.1 ± 381.6 mg/kg), Cu (426.1 ± 136.7 mg/kg), and Cd (1.29 ± 0.08 mg/kg) due to the deposition of traffic emissions. The bioaccessibility of Pb, Zn, and Cd was found to be higher in the gastric phase, suggesting increased absorption potential when ingested. Children were at a significantly higher non-carcinogenic risk compared to adults, facing more than double the exposure. While the carcinogenic risk from Pb was low but notable, Cd presented minimal risk. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions, including stricter emission regulations and public health strategies, to mitigate the risks of heavy metal exposure in urban areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Huanping Lu & Yong Shen & Pankaj Maurya & Jing Chen & Tingyuan Li & Jorge Paz-Ferreiro, 2025. "Spatial Heterogeneity of Heavy Metals Contamination in Urban Road Dust and Associated Human Health Risks," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:754-:d:1625853
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yinan Chen & Zhiqiang Hu & He Bai & Wei Shen, 2022. "Variation in Road Dust Heavy Metal Concentration, Pollution, and Health Risk with Distance from the Factories in a City–Industry Integration Area, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-14, November.
    2. Guangbo Liu & Tian Chen & Jinli Cui & Yanping Zhao & Zhi Li & Weixin Liang & Jianteng Sun & Zhenghui Liu & Tangfu Xiao, 2023. "Trace Metal(loid) Migration from Road Dust to Local Vegetables and Tree Tissues and the Bioaccessibility-Based Health Risk: Impacts of Vehicle Operation-Associated Emissions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Fei Tang & Zhi Li & Yanping Zhao & Jia Sun & Jianteng Sun & Zhenghui Liu & Tangfu Xiao & Jinli Cui, 2022. "Geochemical Contamination, Speciation, and Bioaccessibility of Trace Metals in Road Dust of a Megacity (Guangzhou) in Southern China: Implications for Human Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-15, November.
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