Abstract
Three bulk samples were collected from different industrial districts. The distribution of toxic elements was studied across nine granulometric size fractions, including air-classified fractions smaller than 0.1 mm. The research focused on granulometry, mineralogy and toxic elements (HM) content. The concentration of toxic elements determined by aqua regia digestion and ICP AES analysis decrease in the following order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Ni > As > Sb > Cd > Co. The data was evaluated through statistical analysis; correlations, principal component analysis and pollution indices were calculated. The mineralogical composition was determined by X-ray diffraction. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Sb exceed normal value, alert thresholds and intervention thresholds in all samples and in all classes of particles. Particles < 10 μm represent a smaller proportion and have extremely high concentrations, exceeding all pollution thresholds and intervention levels. The Pearson correlation shows strong positive associations between toxic elements, and principal component analysis indicates that the toxic metals originate from multiple sources. The lgeo index shows moderate enrichment for Cu, Pb, Zn, As, extreme enrichment for Cd and strong enrichment for Sb. The contamination index (CD) indicates severe pollution for all elements. The potential ecological risk index (RI) values fall below the normal limit. The toxicity index (ETQ) exceeds normal values, with the finest fractions reaching very high levels, categorized as an extremely high level of toxicity. The results revealed exceedances of the maximum limits and pollution indices for PM10 from road dust.
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- Ecology
- Environmental sciences
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Damian, G., Krennhuber, K., Lanzerstorfer, C. et al. Severe pollution with toxic elements in road dust from Baia Mare city, Romania.
Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-65041-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-65041-2
Keywords
- Road dust
- Toxic elements
- PM10
- Mineralogy
- Pearson correlation
- Pollution indices
Source: Ecology - nature.com
