Sustainable Cities and Society | 2019
Investigation of PM2.5 absorbed with heavy metal elements, source apportionment and their health impacts in residential houses in the North-east region of China
Abstract
Abstract Considering the severe polluted situation (e.g., haze) in China, especially during the heating season, it is of great importance to investigate particle matters with absorbed pollutants aiming at source appointment and mitigation strategies. In this work, air purifier filters were utilized to collect particle samples (i.e.,PM2.5). Metal elements and water-soluble ions in PM2.5 were analyzed by using the techniques of Inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ion chromatography. Next, methods of enrichment factor and main factor analysis were adopted to explore the source of metal elements in indoor PM2.5 and other indoor particle matters. The potential risk index (RI) of the metal elements was also calculated to assess exposure-health risk. The results showed that particles in the purifier filter were alkaline, SO42− of the water-soluble ions showing the highest concentration. Four main sources of indoor particles were identified: dust, coal dust, dust produced by industrial production and soil dust, with corresponding contribution rates of 56.8%, 21.2%, 12.9% and 6.4% respectively. The potential RI of the metal elements is higher than 600 implying strong ecological hazards. These findings are important for source appointment of indoor particle pollutants further facilitating future mitigation strategies or techniques towards healthy and sustainable living environments.