This study used flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) to determine the metallic content in 69 samples of street dust collected in various environments (viz., streets with heavy traffic, streets in residential neighborhoods, and streets near green areas and parks) of Białystok, Poland, during 2018. In descending order of average concentration, the measured metals were Fe (2,335 mg kg −1 ), Zn (68.99 mg kg −1 ), Mn (68.62 mg kg −1 ), Cu (16.37 mg kg −1 ), Pb (11.42 mg kg −1 ), Cr (9.12 mg kg −1 ), and Ni (5.20 mg kg −1 ). Only Zn and Cu exhibited concentrations exceeding the geochemical background levels for Polish soil. We mapped the metallic concentrations in the samples to evaluate the spatial distribution of these elements and identified proximity to main road junctions with high traffic as a major factor. Multivariate statistical analysis (Pearson correlation, cluster analysis, and analysis of major components) revealed an association between vehicle operation, and Zn, Ni, Cu, and Cr, as these elements were found in the most traffic-congested areas. By contrast, Fe and Mn, which were detected in potentially unpolluted areas, displayed concentrations that were similar to natural ones.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.