『Abstract
Sixty five urban road dust samples were collected from different
land use areas of ～240 km2 in Xi'an, China. The concentrations
of Ag, As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb and Zn were determined to investigate
potentially harmful element (PHE) contamination, distribution
and possible sources. In addition, the concentrations in different
size fractions were measured to assess their potential impact
on human health. The highest concentrations were found in the
fraction with particle diameters between 80μm and 101μm, the finest
particles (＜63μm) were not the most important carriers for Ag,
As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn. The percentages of these elements
in particles with diameters less than 63μm (PM63)
and less than 101μm (PM101) were in the range
of 7-15%, and 30-55%, respectively. Three main factors influencing
element distributions have been identified: (a) industrial activities;
(b) prior agricultural land use; and (c) other activities commonly
found in urban areas, such as traffic, coal combustion, waste
dumping, and building construction/renovation. The highest concentrations
were found in industrial areas for As (20 mg kg-1),
Cr (853 mg kg-1), Cu (1071 mg kg-1), Pb
(3060 mg kg-1) and Zn (2112 mg kg-1), and
in previous agricultural areas for Ag and Hg, indicating significant
contribution from industrial activities and prior agricultural
activities. 』
1. Introduction
2. Location and analysis
2.1. Description of the study area
2.2. Sampling and analysis
2.2.1. Sampling and sample locations
2.2.2. Size analysis
2.2.3. Chemical analysis
3. Results and discussion
3.1. Concentrations of PHEs in urban road dusts in different
land use areas
3.2. Concentrations and mass percentage of PHEs in different
fraction sizes
3.3. Spatial distribution of PHEs
3.4. Controlling factors of PHE distributions
3.4.1. Industrial activities
3.4.2. Prior agricultural land use
3.4.3. Urban activities
4. Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References