Determination of possible sources and degree of contamination with heavy metals in falling dust around Ardakan Non-metallic Industries in the autumn

Heavy metals in falling dust are known pathogens for humans. The aim of this study was to identify potential sources, availability assessment, and degree of contamination of heavy metals in falling dust using SDM, CF, ER, and PERI indices.

This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was carried out in autumn by installing 35 samplers of artificial grass to collect falling dust around Khak-e-chini, ceramic tile, sand and gravel, and Ardakan Glass industries. Heavy metals concentration in dust was measured using ICP-MS. All statistical analyses and calculations of indices were performed in SPSS 22 and Excel 2016.

The order of mean concentration of elements in the dust was manganese> vanadium> chromium> nickel> copper> arsenic> cobalt. Comparison of the concentration of dust elements with the background concentration and the results of principal component analysis and correlation tests showed that the concentration of all metals in the dust is probably influenced by two man-made sources in the area. The highest and lowest saturation degrees obtained were for manganese and cobalt, respectively. Based on the CF index, the manganese, cobalt, and vanadium were in low, medium, and high levels of pollution, respectively. Also, Arsenic, chromium, and nickel were classified in medium to high and copper in low to high classes. According to ERP and PERI indices, all heavy metals were classified in low pollution class.

The investigated industries in this study have an important role in increasing the concentration and mobility of heavy metals in falling dust.