Heavy Metal Risk Assessment in Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) Emissions from a Cement Factory in Bojnoord, Iran

The present study is an attempt to investigate the heavy metals (Nickel and Chromium) existing in various types of particulate matters (PMs) emitted from a cement factory located in Bojnord-Iran. The research specifically focused on the improvement of health and environmental indexes thus, this research purposed to evaluate the contamination levels and spatial distribution of PMs for estimating cancer and non-cancer risks owing to the exposure of heavy metals in the residents surrounding the cement factory. For this purpose, three main axes with nine stations were determined by considering the wind prevailing and the location of electrofilters and mills in the cement factory for comparing heavy metal contamination levels in both PM2.5 and PM10 pollutant. The obtained results proved that PM10 concentration is much higher than PM2.5 in all points especially the stations located on the third axis. Moreover, it can be concluded that some processes such as the abrasion of raw materials in the cement production line had the largest contribution to the production of PM10. According to the results, cancer and non-cancer risk values attained for Cr and Ni in all stations were in the negligible range, indicating no health risk exists in the present situation. However, controlling and monitoring PM levels in the area are still required to prevent destructive impacts in the future.