Seasonal, spatial variations and risk assessment of heavy elements in street dust from Novi Sad, Serbia

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2018-08, Vol.205, p.452-462
• Main Authors: Škrbić, Biljana D., Buljovčić, Maja, Jovanović, Grigorije, Antić, Igor
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Functional areas; Heavy elements; Risk assessment; Seasonal variations; Street dust
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.04.124

This is the first study carried out to determine the levels, spatial and temporal variations and risk indices of street dust in Serbia. Sixty street dust samples representing four functional areas: school, recreational, residential and industrial were collected from Novi Sad during summer and winter. The purpose was to obtain the concentration of seven heavy elements, evaluate the possible sources and degree of environmental pollution and human health risks. The average concentration of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb (mg/kg) during winter was: 7.96, 0.40, 7.73, 12.1, 57.6, 14.0 and 70.6, while in summer it was: 1.88, 0.54, 4.31, 60.1, 42.7, 28.1, and 62.5, respectively. Interpolation method together with the correlation matrix and the results of multivariate statistics supported anthropogenic origin of Pb, Cr and Cu, natural origin of Ni, Cd and As and mix origin of Co. Pollution indices such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated existence of unpolluted to extreme risk regarding to environmental pollution. Moreover, the potential pollution index (Er) showed low (Pb) to moderate (Ni) risk while potential risk index (RI) and modified potential risk index (mRI) indicated considerable and very high risks. Health risk assessment showed no non-carcinogenic risk of heavy elements for adults and children. •The first European data of seasonal variations on HEs presence in the street dust.•The street dust was sampled from different functional areas.•The first study on heavy elements risk assessment in street dust from Serbia.•Adjusted evaluation criteria for risk index and modified risk were applied.•Three source groups were identified based on multivariate statistical methods.