Contamination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in PM10 in central Serbia

Authors

  • Sanja Mrazovac Kurilić Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University Union-Nikola Tesla, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Vladanka Presburger Ulniković Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University Union-Nikola Tesla, Belgrade, Serbia
  • Ana Ćirišan Faculty of Ecology and Environmental Protection, University Union-Nikola Tesla, Belgrade, Serbia

Keywords:

air; heavy metal elements; contamination assessment; health risk assessment; particulate matters PM10

Abstract

The objective of study was to investigate concentration and spatial distribution of heavy metals (As, Cd, Pb and Ni)
in PM10 in central Serbia. Human health risks for heavy metals were assessed. Results showed that air in central Serbia does not
contain significant heavy metal elements concentrations except in mining area (Bor). The contamination evaluation indicated
that As, Cd, Ni and Pb in the air originated from anthropogenic sources. The non-cancer health risk assessment showed that
ingestion was the primary exposure route for all metals in the air and that Pb, and As were the main contributors to non-cancer
risks. HI values were calculated for children (HI=6.3E-07), indicating that children will likely experience higher health risks
compared with adults (HI=7.1E-08). The non-cancer risks posed by all studied heavy metal elements and the cancer risks posed
by As, Cd, and Ni to children and adults fell within the acceptable range.

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Published

2023-02-01

How to Cite

Sanja Mrazovac Kurilić, Vladanka Presburger Ulniković, & Ana Ćirišan. (2023). Contamination and health risk assessment of heavy metals in PM10 in central Serbia. Global Sustainability Challenges, 1(1). Retrieved from https://gsc.unionnikolatesla.edu.rs/index.php/gsc/article/view/19

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2023): Global Sustainability Challenges

Section

Articles