Distribution characteristics, chemical speciation and human health risk assessment of metals in surface dust in Shenyang City, China

Surface dust samples were collected in 2018 at 30 different sites in Shenyang City, China. Concentrations of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cupper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) were determined, and chemical speciation of metals were analyzed. Mean metal concentrations followed the order Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd > Hg. Although concentrations of metals in dust samples were lower than previously reported, a measurable metal pollution signature in dust still exists. Metals (except for As), are influenced by anthropogenic activities. Spatial variation in mean metal dust concentrations and speciation varied significantly and were influenced by land-use and industrial activities. Source appointment Results revealed that pollution of surface dust was derived from three main source profiles (industrial and traffic pollution, coal combustion, and urban pollution), contributing to 90.7% of the variance. Health risk assessment indicated that risks were low, but children were susceptible to metals in surface dust. Results indicated oral ingestion was the dominant exposure pathway. Non-carcinogenic Cr and Pb and carcinogenic As were the main metal contaminants in surface dust.