Environmental Study on Atmospheric Suspended Particulate Matter and Heavy Metals in Sandoub Area, Al-Mansoura, Egypt

Abstract

Air quality of urban areas has deteriorated as a result of rapid industrialization and increased vehicle emissions. The aim of the study was conducted to evaluate the levels of ambient particles and some heavy metals (lead, zinc, cadmium and manganese) in Sandoub area, Al-Mansoura, Egypt. The main sources of these heavy metals in the sampled area could be attributed to anthropogenic activities like open incineration of waste and vehicular traffic. Lead was the dominated metal at all studied sites. Pb had been reported to be traffic related as a constituent of leaded gasoline. Mean of PM10 and heavy metals were higher than the ambient air quality limits recommended by EEAA. Therefore efforts should be taken to control the atmospheric pollution from hazardous toxic effects on the environment and human health. So far, the data generated in the study will be helpful for proper planning and management in this area as well as other part of the country.