Seasonal variations and risk assessment of heavy metals in PM_2.5 from Handan, China

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to acquire a better understanding on the characteristics and risks of heavy metals (HMs) in PM2.5 from an industrial city – Handan, China. Design/methodology/approach PM2.5 samples were collected on the basis of daytime and nighttime at the state controlling air sampling site in Handan city. Ten metal elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Rb, Sr, Cd and Ba) in PM2.5 were determined with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The pollution levels of metals were characterized by enrichment factors, and the sources of metals were identified with principle component analysis and cluster analysis. The ecological and health risks of metals were assessed using ecological and health risk indexes. Findings Results showed that the highest and lowest PM2.5 concentration appeared in winter and summer, respectively. The concentration of PM2.5 at night was higher than in the daytime in winter, yet it is the opposite in other seasons. The total mass concentration of detected metals was the highest in winter, and the total mass concentration in the daytime was higher than at night in all four seasons. The elements V, Rb, Sr and Ba exhibited a deficient contamination level; Cr, Ni and Cu exhibited a moderate contamination level; while Fe and Cd were at an extreme contamination level. The metals in PM2.5 originated from a mixture source of fossil fuel combustion and manufacture and use of metallic substances (34.04%), natural source (26.01%) and construction and traffic-related road dust (17.58%). Results from the ecological risk model showed that the ecological risk of metals was very high, especially risks related to Cd. Health risk model presented that both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk coefficients of metals were above the tolerance level of the human body. Originality/value The significance of the study is to further know the pollution characteristics of PM2.5 and related HMs in Handan city, and to provide references for ensuring local resident health and ecological environment.

Characterization and Source Apportionment of PM in Handan—A Case Study during the COVID-19

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Air Quality Changes during the COVID-19 Lockdown in an Industrial City in North China: Post-Pandemic Proposals for Air Quality Improvement

“…Handan is bordered by the Taihang Mountains to the west and the North China Plain to the east and belongs to China's Third Ladder; the terrain is high in the west and low in the east, which is not conducive to the diffusion of air pollutants (Figure 1). Moreover, Handan is located at the junction of the four major provinces (Hebei, Henan, Shandong, and Shanxi) with intense pollutant emissions in China, and the air pollution is serious [27]. Hence, it is easy to increase the interregional transport of air pollutants.…”

Basic principle, progress, and prospects of coal gangue ceramic proppants

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