Assessment of toxic elements in road dust from Hutou Village, China: implications for the highest incidence of lung cancer

Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2021 Jan;28(2):1850-1865. doi: 10.1007/s11356-020-10154-y. Epub 2020 Aug 28.

Abstract

We attempt to understand the pollution characteristics and carcinogenic risk of toxic elements around Hutou Village, Xuanwei City, Yunnan Province, China. For this propose, 48 road dust samples were collected systematically, and the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Co, and Cr(IV) were analyzed and compared; the spatial distribution was obtained. The Igeo and EF indices and multivariate statistical analysis (CA, PCA, HACA) were carried out for source investigation, and human health risk assessment was also adopted to evaluate local non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks. The result showed that Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd and Co contaminations were quite serious; Zn, As, Cd, and Pb had similar distribution pattern, and Cr and Ni also shared similar distribution characteristics; Cd, Pb, Zn, and As ascribed to anthropogenic sources, while Cr and Ni originated from either anthropogenic activity or natural sources; Co and Cu originated from natural sources; the non-carcinogenic risk of Co cannot be ignored. The carcinogenic risk of Ni was considered unacceptable. Finally, an indoor coal-burning pattern was established that the high Cd and Ni inhalation and ingestion model was associated with lung cancer.

Keywords: Hutou Village; Pollution characteristic; Risk assessment; Road dust; Spatial distribution; Toxic elements.

MeSH terms

  • China / epidemiology
  • Cities
  • Dust / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Lung Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Dust
  • Metals, Heavy