Editorial

10 pages, 282 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management

by Dmitry Vlasov, Omar Ramírez and Ashok Luhar

Atmosphere 2022, 13(4), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13040607 - 10 Apr 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3633

Road dust (RD) is one of the most important sources of particles in the atmosphere, especially in industrial areas and cities. In this special issue, we collected 16 original articles that describe field, experimental, and modeling studies related to RD and its various [...] Read more.

Road dust (RD) is one of the most important sources of particles in the atmosphere, especially in industrial areas and cities. In this special issue, we collected 16 original articles that describe field, experimental, and modeling studies related to RD and its various size fractions as a key issue in understanding the relationships between several urban and industrial environments and in the identification of pollution sources. Articles in the special issue focus primarily on the following main topics: (1) study of the chemical composition and speciation of RD and its source attribution; (2) assessment of RD and aerosol pollution levels (including express technique), environmental hazards and public health risks; (3) distribution of stable and radioactive isotopes in RD; (4) determination of factors affecting the level of dust accumulation on roads and the intensity of its pollution; and (5) study of the effect of RD on the atmosphere and other environments. Based on the results presented in this special issue, but not limited to, some of the current challenges in studying RD are formulated, including the need for further geographically wider and analytically deeper work on various aspects of the formation, transport pathways, and accumulation of RD in urban, industrial and other areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

Research

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19 pages, 1109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Content and Sources of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Road Dust of Surgut (Russia)

by Dmitriy Moskovchenko, Roman Pozhitkov, Andrey Soromotin and Valeriy Tyurin

Atmosphere 2022, 13(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13010030 - 26 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2827

Abstract

The chemical and particle size composition of road dust in Surgut, which is a rapidly developing city in Western Siberia, was studied for the first time. Contents of major and trace elements were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-AES, respectively. It was found that [...] Read more.

The chemical and particle size composition of road dust in Surgut, which is a rapidly developing city in Western Siberia, was studied for the first time. Contents of major and trace elements were determined using ICP-MS and ICP-AES, respectively. It was found that the road dust had an alkaline pH (from 7.54 to 9.38) and that the particle size composition was dominated by the 100–250-μm fraction. The contamination assessment based on calculations of the enrichment factor (EF) showed that the road dust was significantly enriched in Sb and Cu and moderately enriched in Zn, Pb, Mo, Ni and W. The sources of these elements are probably associated with the abrasion of car tires and brake pads. Based on calculations of global pollution index (PIr) and total enrichment factor (Ze), the road dust of Surgut was characterized by a generally low level of potential ecological risk, except for stretches of road subject to regular traffic jams, where a moderate ecological risk level was identified. In comparison to the other Russian cities (Moscow, Chelyabinsk, Tyumen, etc.) where studies of road dust composition have been carried out, Surgut had similar contents of Cr and Cu and relatively lower contents of Sb, Cd, As and Pb. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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19 pages, 1833 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Size-Segregated Elemental Profile and Associated Heath Risk Assessment of Road Dust along Major Traffic Corridors in Kolkata Mega City

by Deepanjan Majumdar, Bratisha Biswas, Dipanjali Majumdar and Rupam Ray

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1677; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121677 - 14 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2237

Abstract

Particle size distribution (PSD) of road dust has significant repercussions on atmospheric pollution by road dust resuspension. The PSD of road dust at a few major commercial, traffic, and residential sites in Kolkata mega city was analyzed in the size range of <28–2000 [...] Read more.

Particle size distribution (PSD) of road dust has significant repercussions on atmospheric pollution by road dust resuspension. The PSD of road dust at a few major commercial, traffic, and residential sites in Kolkata mega city was analyzed in the size range of <28–2000 µm. Predominance of the coarse size range (212–600 µm followed by 106–212 µm) was observed. In size-segregated road dust, Fe (4.02–31.2 g kg⁻¹) dominated other elements and was followed by Mg (2.13–10.9 g kg⁻¹), Mn (79.2–601 mg kg⁻¹), Li (395.8–506.8 mg kg⁻¹), and others. Fine particles (<28 μm) had higher elemental concentrations than coarser ones. Cd and Li showed the highest degree of enrichment compared to the Earth’s crust, but only Cd posed significant ecological risk due to its high ecological toxicity. Individual elements did not post significant non-cancer health risks, except for Li in children. However, the cumulative non-cancer risk from all toxic elements for children was almost four times higher than the acceptable level. Lifetime exposure to carcinogenic elements at the current level may pose 5 to 6 times higher cancer risk in the adult population than the acceptable risk of one in a million. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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17 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantification and Characterization of Metals in Ultrafine Road Dust Particles

by Suzanne Beauchemin, Christine Levesque, Clare L. S. Wiseman and Pat E. Rasmussen

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1564; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121564 - 26 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2359

Abstract

Road dust is an important source of resuspended particulate matter (PM) but information is lacking on the chemical composition of the ultrafine particle fraction (UFP; <0.1 µm). This study investigated metal concentrations in UFP isolated from the “dust box” of sweepings collected by [...] Read more.

Road dust is an important source of resuspended particulate matter (PM) but information is lacking on the chemical composition of the ultrafine particle fraction (UFP; <0.1 µm). This study investigated metal concentrations in UFP isolated from the “dust box” of sweepings collected by the City of Toronto, Canada, using regenerative-air-street sweepers. Dust box samples from expressway, arterial and local roads were aerosolized in the laboratory and were separated into thirteen particle size fractions ranging from 10 nm to 10 µm (PM₁₀). The UFP fraction accounted for about 2% of the total mass of resuspended PM₁₀ (range 0.23–8.36%). Elemental analysis using ICP-MS and ICP-OES revealed a marked enrichment in Cd, Cr, Zn and V concentration in UFP compared to the dust box material (nano to dust box ratio ≥ 2). UFP from arterial roads contained two times more Cd, Zn and V and nine times more Cr than UFP from local roads. The highest median concentration of Zn was observed for the municipal expressway, attributed to greater volumes of traffic, including light to heavy duty vehicles, and higher speeds. The observed elevated concentrations of transition metals in UFP are a human health concern, given their potential to cause oxidative stress in lung cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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18 pages, 7605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics and Risk Assessment of 16 Metals in Street Dust Collected from a Highway in a Densely Populated Metropolitan Area of Vietnam

by Van-Truc Nguyen, Nguyen Duy Dat, Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo, Duy-Hieu Nguyen, Thanh-Binh Nguyen, Ly-Sy Phu Nguyen, Xuan Cuong Nguyen, Viet-Cuong Dinh, Thi-Hong-Hanh Nguyen, Thi-Minh-Trang Huynh, Hong-Giang Hoang, Thi-Giang Huong Duong, Manh-Ha Bui and Xuan-Thanh Bui

Atmosphere 2021, 12(12), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12121548 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2744

Abstract

The present study focused on investigating the contamination and risk assessment for 16 metals in street dust from Ha Noi highway, Ho Chi Minh City. The results indicated that the concentrations of metals (mg/kg) were found, in decreasing order, to be Ti (676.3 [...] Read more.

The present study focused on investigating the contamination and risk assessment for 16 metals in street dust from Ha Noi highway, Ho Chi Minh City. The results indicated that the concentrations of metals (mg/kg) were found, in decreasing order, to be Ti (676.3 ± 155.4) > Zn (519.2 ± 318.9) > Mn (426.6 ±113.1) > Cu (144.7 ± 61.5) > Cr (81.4 ± 22.6) > Pb (52.2 ± 22.9) > V (35.5 ± 5.6) > Ni (30.9 ± 9.5) > Co (8.3 ± 1.2) > As (8.3 ± 2.5) > Sn (7.0 ± 3.6) > B (5.7 ± 0.9) > Mo (4.1 ± 1.7) > Sb (0.8 ± 0.3) > Cd (0.6 ± 0.2) > Se (0.4 ± 0.1). The geo-accumulation index (I_geo) showed moderate contamination levels for Pb, Cd, Cu, Sn, Mo, and Zn. The enrichment factor (EF) values revealed moderate levels for Cd, Cu, Mo, and Sn but moderate–severe levels for Zn. The pollution load index of the heavy metals was moderate. The potential ecological risk (207.43) showed a high potential. Notably, 40.7% and 33.5% of the ecological risks were contributed by Zn and Mn, respectively. These findings are expected to provide useful information to decision-makers about environmental quality control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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15 pages, 3902 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of PM₁₀ Emission Rates from Roadways in a Metropolitan Area Using the SCAMPER Mobile Monitoring Approach

by Dennis R. Fitz and Kurt Bumiller

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101332 - 12 Oct 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1332

Abstract

The SCAMPER mobile system for measuring PM₁₀ emission rates from paved roads was used to characterize emission rates from a wide variety of roads in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area. Week-long sampling episodes were conducted in March, June, September, and December. A [...] Read more.

The SCAMPER mobile system for measuring PM₁₀ emission rates from paved roads was used to characterize emission rates from a wide variety of roads in the Phoenix, AZ metropolitan area. Week-long sampling episodes were conducted in March, June, September, and December. A 180 km-long route was utilized and traveled a total of 18 times. PM₁₀ emission rate measurements were made at 5-s resolution for over 3200 km of roads with a precision of approximately 25%. The PM₁₀ emission rates varied by over two orders of magnitude and were generally low unless the road was impacted with dust deposited by activities such as construction, sand and gravel operations, agriculture, and vehicles traveling on or near unpaved shoulders and roads. The data were tabulated into averages for each of 67 segments that the route was divided into. The segment-averaged PM₁₀ emission rates ranged from zero to 2 mg m⁻¹, with an average of 0.079 mg m⁻¹. There was no significant difference in emission rates between seasons. There was a major drop in emission rates over a weekend, when dust generation activities such as construction are expected to be much reduced. By Monday, the PM₁₀ emission rates had risen to the levels of the previous Friday. This indicates that roads quickly reach an equilibrium PM₁₀ generating potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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13 pages, 2578 KiB

Open AccessArticle

SCAMPER Monitoring Platform to Measure PM₁₀ Emission Rates from Unpaved Roads in Real-Time

by Dennis R. Fitz and Kurt Bumiller

Atmosphere 2021, 12(10), 1301; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12101301 - 06 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1652

Abstract

The SCAMPER method for measuring PM₁₀ emission rates from roadways was used to evaluate mitigation methods for public unpaved roads and a treated mine haul road. The SCAMPER method uses a small trailer to measure PM₁₀ concentrations behind a vehicle at [...] Read more.

The SCAMPER method for measuring PM₁₀ emission rates from roadways was used to evaluate mitigation methods for public unpaved roads and a treated mine haul road. The SCAMPER method uses a small trailer to measure PM₁₀ concentrations behind a vehicle at a point that is representative of the mean PM₁₀ concentration in the vehicle’s wake. This concentration multiplied by the frontal area has been shown to be a reasonable estimate of the emission rate in units of grams per meter traveled. On public roads it was towed by a 2006 Ford Expedition and on a mine haul road it was towed behind both the Expedition and an earth mover weighing over 150 tons fully loaded. Since the SCAMPER is capable of measuring emission rates on both paved and unpaved roadways, a direct comparison of the effectiveness of mitigation methods with respect to a similar paved road was possible. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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13 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Urban Road Dust of Zhengzhou Metropolis, China

by Muhammad Faisal, Zening Wu, Huiliang Wang, Zafar Hussain and Muhammad Imran Azam

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1213; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091213 - 17 Sep 2021

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 4387

Abstract

The goal of this research is to assess hazardous heavy metal levels in PM_2.5 fractioned road dust in order to quantify the risk of inhalation and potential health effects. To accomplish this, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine [...] Read more.

The goal of this research is to assess hazardous heavy metal levels in PM_2.5 fractioned road dust in order to quantify the risk of inhalation and potential health effects. To accomplish this, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg) in the PM_2.5 portion of road dust samples from five different land use areas (commercial, residential, industrial, parks, and educational) in Zhengzhou, China. The following were the average heavy metal concentrations in the city: Cr 46.26 mg/kg, Cu 25.13 mg/kg, Ni 12.51 mg/kg, Zn 152.35 mg/kg, Cd 0.56 mg/kg, As 11.53 mg/kg, Pb 52.15 mg/kg, and Hg 0.32 mg/kg. Two pollution indicators, the Pollution Index (PI) and the Geoaccumulation Index (I_geo), were used to determine the degree of contamination. Both PI and I_geo indicated the extreme pollution of Hg and Cd, while PI also ranked Zn in the extreme polluted range. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) model for adults and children was used to estimate health risks by inhalation. The results identified non-carcinogenic exposure of children to lead (HI > 0.1) in commercial and industrial areas. Both children and adults in Zhengzhou’s commercial, residential, and park areas are exposed to higher levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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18 pages, 4231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution and Chemical Composition of Road Dust in Two High-Altitude Latin American Cities

by Sebastián Vanegas, Erika M. Trejos, Beatriz H. Aristizábal, Guilherme M. Pereira, Julio M. Hernández, Jorge Herrera Murillo, Omar Ramírez, Fulvio Amato, Luis F. O. Silva, Néstor Y. Rojas, Carlos Zafra and Jorge E. Pachón

Atmosphere 2021, 12(9), 1109; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12091109 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3584

Abstract

Road dust (RD) resuspension is one of the main sources of particulate matter in cities with adverse impacts on air quality, health, and climate. Studies on the variability of the deposited PM₁₀ fraction of RD (RD₁₀) have been limited in [...] Read more.

Road dust (RD) resuspension is one of the main sources of particulate matter in cities with adverse impacts on air quality, health, and climate. Studies on the variability of the deposited PM₁₀ fraction of RD (RD₁₀) have been limited in Latin America, whereby our understanding of the central factors that control this pollutant remains incomplete. In this study, forty-one RD₁₀ samples were collected in two Andean cities (Bogotá and Manizales) and analyzed for ions, minerals, and trace elements. RD₁₀ levels varied between 1.8–45.7 mg/m², with an average of 11.8 mg/m², in Bogotá and between 0.8–26.7 mg/m², with an average of 5.7 mg/m², in Manizales. Minerals were the most abundant species in both cities, with a fraction significantly larger in Manizales (38%) than Bogotá (9%). The difference could be explained mainly by the complex topography and the composition of soil derived from volcanic ash in Manizales. The volcanic activity was also associated with SO₄⁻² and Cl⁻. Enrichment factors and principal component analysis were conducted to explore potential factors associated to sources of RD₁₀. Elements such as Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, V, Sb, and Mo were mainly associated with exhaust and non-exhaust traffic emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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17 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Source Analysis and Human Health Risk Assessment Based on Entropy Weight Method Modification of PM_2.5 Heavy Metal in an Industrial Area in the Northeast of China

by Siyu Sun, Na Zheng, Sujing Wang, Yunyang Li, Shengnan Hou, Xue Song, Shanshan Du, Qirui An, Pengyang Li, Xiaoqian Li, Xiuyi Hua and Deming Dong

Atmosphere 2021, 12(7), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12070852 - 30 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2144

Abstract

In this study, PM_2.5 was analyzed for heavy metals at two sites in industrial northeast China to determine their sources and human health risks during heating and non-heating periods. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) model determined sources, and US Environmental Protection Agency [...] Read more.

In this study, PM_2.5 was analyzed for heavy metals at two sites in industrial northeast China to determine their sources and human health risks during heating and non-heating periods. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) model determined sources, and US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and entropy weight methods were used to assess human health risk. PM_2.5 heavy metal concentrations were higher in the heating period than in the non-heating period. In the heating period, coal combustion (59.64%) was the primary heavy metal source at Huagong Hospitals, and the contribution rates of industrial emissions and traffic emissions were 21.06% and 19.30%, respectively. Industrial emissions (42.14%) were the primary source at Xinqu Park, and the contribution rates of coal combustion and traffic emissions were 34.03% and 23.83%, respectively. During the non-heating period, coal combustion (45.29%) and industrial emissions 45.29% and 44.59%, respectively, were the primary sources at Huagong Hospital, and the traffic emissions were 10.12%. Industrial emissions (43.64%) were the primary sources at Xinqu Park, where the coal combustion and traffic emissions were 25.35% and 31.00%, respectively. In the heating period, PM_2.5 heavy metals at Xinqu Park had noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, and the hazard index of children (5.74) was higher than that of adult males (5.28) and females (4.49). However, adult males and females had the highest lifetime carcinogenic risk (1.38 × 10⁻³ and 1.17 × 10⁻³) than children (3.00 × 10⁻⁴). The traditional USEPA and entropy weight methods both produced reasonable results. However, when there is a difference between the two methods, the entropy weight method is recommended to assess noncarcinogenic health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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22 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Pollution Sources and Contribution in Urban Dust Using Metal Concentrations and Multi-Isotope Ratios (¹³C, ^207/206Pb) in a Complex Industrial Port Area, Korea

by Min-Seob Kim, Jee-Young Kim, Jaeseon Park, Suk-Hee Yeon, Sunkyoung Shin and Jongwoo Choi

Atmosphere 2021, 12(7), 840; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12070840 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2796

Abstract

The metal concentrations and isotopic compositions (¹³C, ^207/206Pb) of urban dust, topsoil, and PM₁₀ samples were analyzed in a residential area near Donghae port, Korea, which is surrounded by various types of industrial factories and raw material stockpiled on [...] Read more.

The metal concentrations and isotopic compositions (¹³C, ^207/206Pb) of urban dust, topsoil, and PM₁₀ samples were analyzed in a residential area near Donghae port, Korea, which is surrounded by various types of industrial factories and raw material stockpiled on empty land, to determine the contributions of the main pollution sources (i.e., Mn ore, Zn ore, cement, coal, coke, and topsoil). The metal concentrations of urban dust in the port and residential area were approximately 85~112 times higher (EF > 100) in comparison with the control area (EF < 2), especially the Mn and Zn ions, indicating they were mainly derived from anthropogenic source. These ions have been accumulating in urban dust for decades; furthermore, the concentration of PM₁₀ is seven times higher than that of the control area, which means that contamination is even present. The isotopic (¹³C, ^207/206Pb) values of the pollution sources were highly different, depending on the characteristics of each source: cement (−19.6‰, 0.8594‰), Zn ore (−24.3‰, 0.9175‰), coal (−23.6‰, 0.8369‰), coke (−27.0‰, 0.8739‰), Mn ore (−24.9‰, 0.9117‰), soil (−25.2‰, 0.7743‰). As a result of the evaluated contributions of pollution source on urban dust through the Iso-source and SIAR models using stable isotope ratios (¹³C, ^207/206Pb), we found that the largest contribution of Mn (20.4%) and Zn (20.3%) ions are derived from industrial factories and ore stockpiles on empty land (Mn and Zn). It is suggested that there is a significant influence of dust scattered by wind from raw material stockpiles, which are stacked near ports or factories. Therefore, there is evidence to support the idea that port activities affect the air quality of residence areas in a city. Our results may indicate that metal concentrations and their stable isotope compositions can predict environmental changes and act as a powerful tool to trace the past and present pollution history in complex contexts associated with peri-urban regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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17 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coarse Technogenic Material in Urban Surface Deposited Sediments (USDS)

by Andrian Seleznev, Ekaterina Ilgasheva, Ilia Yarmoshenko and Georgy Malinovsky

Atmosphere 2021, 12(6), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12060754 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3298

Abstract

In the current paper, the analysis of heavy mineral concentrate (Schlich analysis) was used to study the particles of technogenic origin in the samples of urban surface-deposited sediments (USDS). The USDS samples were collected in the residential areas of 10 Russian cities located [...] Read more.

In the current paper, the analysis of heavy mineral concentrate (Schlich analysis) was used to study the particles of technogenic origin in the samples of urban surface-deposited sediments (USDS). The USDS samples were collected in the residential areas of 10 Russian cities located in different economic, climatic, and geological zones: Ufa, Perm, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Nizhny Tagil, Magnitogorsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Murmansk, and Ekaterinburg. The number of technogenic particles was determined in the coarse particle size fractions of 0.1–0.25 and 0.25–1 mm. The types of technogenic particle were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The amount of technogenic material differed from city to city; the fraction of technogenic particles in the samples varied in the range from 0.01 to 0.43 with an average value of 0.18. The technogenic particles in USDS samples were represented by lithoid and granulated slag, iron and silicate microspheres, fragments of brick, paint, glass, plaster, and other household waste. Various types of technogenic particle differed in morphological characteristics as well as in chemical composition. The novelty and significance of the study comprises the following: it has been shown that technogenic particles are contained in a significant part of the USDS; the quantitative indicators of the accumulation of technogenic particles in the urban landscape have been determined; the contributions of various types of particles to the total amount of technogenic material were estimated for the urban landscape; the trends in the transformation of typomorphic elemental associations in the urban sediments associated with the material of technogenic origin were demonstrated; and the alteration trends in the USDS microelemental content were revealed, taking into account the impurities in the composition of technogenic particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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8 pages, 868 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Activity Concentrations in the Dust Fractions of Urban Surface-Deposited Sediment in Russian Cities

by Mohamed Y. Hanfi, Ilia Yarmoshenko and Andrian A. Seleznev

Atmosphere 2021, 12(5), 571; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12050571 - 28 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2561

Abstract

Studies of gross alpha and gross beta activity in road- and surface-deposited sediments were conducted in three Russian cities in different geographical zones. To perform radiation measurements, new methods were applied which allow dealing with low mass and low volume dust-sized (2–100 μm) [...] Read more.

Studies of gross alpha and gross beta activity in road- and surface-deposited sediments were conducted in three Russian cities in different geographical zones. To perform radiation measurements, new methods were applied which allow dealing with low mass and low volume dust-sized (2–100 μm) samples obtained after the size fractionation procedure. The 2–10 μm fraction size had the highest gross beta activity concentration (GB)—1.32 Bq/g in Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov-On-Don, while the 50–100 μm fraction size was most prominent in Ekaterinburg. This can be attributed to the presence of radionuclides that are transferred through natural and anthropogenic processes. The highest gross alpha activity concentration (GA) in fraction sizes was found in Rostov-on-Don city within the 50–100 μm range—0.22 Bq/g. The fraction sizes 50–100 μm have a higher gross alpha activity concentration than 2–10 μm and 10–50 μm fraction sizes due to natural partitioning of the main minerals constituting the urban surface-deposited sediment (USDS). Observed dependencies reflect the geochemical processes which take place during the formation and transport of urban surface sediments. Developed experimental methods of radiation measurements formed the methodological base of urban geochemical studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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13 pages, 3343 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Color as a New Proxy Technique for the Identification of Road Dust Samples Contaminated with Potentially Toxic Elements: The Case of Mérida, Yucatán, México

by Yameli Aguilar, Francisco Bautista, Patricia Quintana, Daniel Aguilar, Rudy Trejo-Tzab, Avto Goguitchaichvili and Roberto Chan-Te

Atmosphere 2021, 12(4), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12040483 - 11 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2898

Abstract

The design of proxy techniques is an innovative tool to monitor the potentially toxic elements of pollution in road dust. This study evaluated the use of road dust color as a proxy methodology to identify samples contaminated with presumably contaminating elements. FRX determined [...] Read more.

The design of proxy techniques is an innovative tool to monitor the potentially toxic elements of pollution in road dust. This study evaluated the use of road dust color as a proxy methodology to identify samples contaminated with presumably contaminating elements. FRX determined the concentrations of Fe, Ti, Rb, Sr, Y, Cu, Zn, and Pb in eighty-five road dust samples. The appliance of the RGB system and the Munsell color cards identified five color groups of road dust samples. The discriminant analysis validated these groups by colorimetric indices and presumably contaminating elements. The “very dark gray” color of road dust contains the highest concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, and Y. The redness and saturation rates showed high correlations with presumably contaminating elements in “dark gray” and “very dark gray” color samples. The color of road dust, as a proxy technique, allows identifying samples contaminated with presumably contaminating elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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16 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is the Urban Form a Driver of Heavy Metal Pollution in Road Dust? Evidence from Mexico City

by Anahi Aguilera, Dorian Bautista-Hernández, Francisco Bautista, Avto Goguitchaichvili and Rubén Cejudo

Atmosphere 2021, 12(2), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12020266 - 17 Feb 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3398

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a negative externality of urbanization and is of great concern due to the fact that it poses serious problems to human health. Pollutants, such as heavy metals, have been found in urban road dust; however, it is unclear whether the [...] Read more.

Environmental pollution is a negative externality of urbanization and is of great concern due to the fact that it poses serious problems to human health. Pollutants, such as heavy metals, have been found in urban road dust; however, it is unclear whether the urban form has a role in its accumulation, mainly in cases where there is no dominant unique source. We collected 482 samples of road dust, we determined the concentrations of five heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and then we derived the pollution load index (PLI). After estimating the mostly anthropogenic origin of these pollutants based on global levels of reference, there were two main aims of this study. Firstly, to analyze the spatial correlation of heavy metals, and secondly, to identify the main factors that influenced the heavy metal concentrations in the road dust of Mexico City. We did this by using a spatial autocorrelation indicator (Global Moran’s I) and applying ordinary least squares (OLS) and spatial regression models. The results indicated low levels of positive spatial autocorrelation for all heavy metals. Most variables failed to detect any relationship with heavy metals. The median strip area in the roads had a weak (significance level of 90%) but consistent positive relationship with Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and the PLI. The distance to the airport had a weak (significance level of 90%) and inverse relationship with Pb. Manufacturing units were associated with an increase in Cu (significance level of 95%), while the entropy index was associated with an increase in Ni (significance level of 95%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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16 pages, 2176 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pollution Caused by Potentially Toxic Elements Present in Road Dust from Industrial Areas in Korea

by Hyeryeong Jeong, Jin Young Choi, Jaesoo Lim and Kongtae Ra

Atmosphere 2020, 11(12), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11121366 - 17 Dec 2020

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2714

Abstract

We examined the pollution characteristics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road dust (RD) from nine industrial areas in South Korea to assess PTE pollution levels and their environmental risks for devising better strategies for managing RD. The median concentrations (mg/kg) were in [...] Read more.

We examined the pollution characteristics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road dust (RD) from nine industrial areas in South Korea to assess PTE pollution levels and their environmental risks for devising better strategies for managing RD. The median concentrations (mg/kg) were in the order Zn (1407) > Cr (380) > Cu (276) > Pb (260) > Ni (112) > As (15) > Cd (2) > Hg (0.1). The concentration of PTEs was the highest at the Onsan Industrial Complex, where many smelting facilities are located. Our results show that Onsan, Noksan, Changwon, Ulsan, Pohang, and Shihwa industrial areas are heavily polluted with Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. The presence of these toxic elements in RD from the impervious layer in industrial areas may have a moderate to severe effect on the health of the biota present in these areas. The potential ecological risk index (

E_{r}^{i}

) for PTEs was in the decreasing order of Cd > Pb > Hg > Cu > As > Zn > Ni > Cr, indicating that the dominant PTE causing ecological hazards is Cd owing to its high toxicity. Our research suggests the necessity for the urgent introduction of an efficient management strategy to reduce RD, which adds to coastal pollution and affects human health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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23 pages, 4601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Landscape Study of Sediment Formation and Transport in the Urban Environment

by Ilia Yarmoshenko, Georgy Malinovsky, Elena Baglaeva and Andrian Seleznev

Atmosphere 2020, 11(12), 1320; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos11121320 - 06 Dec 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3712

Abstract

Background: Sediment deposition in the urban environment affects aesthetic, economic, and other aspects of city life, and through re-suspension of dust, may pose serious risks to human health. Proper environmental management requires further understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the sedimentation processes [...] Read more.

Background: Sediment deposition in the urban environment affects aesthetic, economic, and other aspects of city life, and through re-suspension of dust, may pose serious risks to human health. Proper environmental management requires further understanding of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing the sedimentation processes in urbanized catchments. To fill the gaps in the knowledge about the relationship between the urban landscape and sedimentation, field landscape surveys were conducted in the residential areas of the Russian cities of Ekaterinburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, and Murmansk. Methods: In each city, six elementary urban residential landscapes were chosen in blocks of multi-story apartment buildings typical for Russian cities. The method of landscape survey involved delineating functional segments within the elementary landscapes and describing each segment according to the developed procedure during a field survey. Results: The complexity of sedimentation processes in the urban environment was demonstrated. The following main groups of factors have significant impacts on sediment formation and transport in residential areas in Russian cities: low adaptation of infrastructure to a high density of automobiles, poor municipal services, and bad urban environmental management in the course of construction and earthworks. Conclusion: A high sediment formation potential was found for a considerable portion of residential areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Dust in Urban and Industrial Environments: Sources, Pollutants, Impacts, and Management)

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