Monitoring Emerging Contaminants in Soil and Household Dust Samples by Non-Targeted Analysis in the Greater Miami Area, Florida.

Background: Emerging organic contaminants are increasingly present in the environment, with several pollution sources. Soil and household dust are critical pathways for human exposure, posing significant health risks, especially for vulnerable children.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the presence of emerging contaminants in soil and house dust samples in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Florida, evaluating how seasonal, socioeconomic, and geographic factors influence the distribution of these pollutants.

Methods: Soil and house dust samples were collected from 49 families twice a year between May 2022 and February 2024. Samples were processed by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and analyzed by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Chemical identification was performed using Compound Discoverer software.

Results: The predominant compounds in soil were personal care products (PCP)/surfactants, industrial products, and pesticides in the dry season, while pharmaceuticals were found in higher abundance in the rainy season. The most abundant compounds in household dust were pharmaceuticals, industrial products and PCP/surfactants in the dry season, while pesticides stood out in the rainy season. Geographically, the central Miami region presented a wider diversity of contaminants in dust and more PCP/surfactants in soil, while the northern region presented greater contamination by pharmaceuticals and industrial products in soil and more surfactants in dust. Overall, lower-income regions showed greater diversity and abundance of pollutants in dust and soil.

Conclusion: These results suggest that the distribution of organic pollutants in soil and house dust is influenced by seasonal, socioeconomic, and geographic factors. These differences highlight the need for adaptive environmental policies and integrated strategies to mitigate the risks associated with exposure to these pollutants in urban environments, protecting public health.

Highlights: Seasonal variations significantly influence the distribution of emerging contaminants in soil and household dust. Socioeconomic and geographic factors contribute to distinct contamination patterns across Miami-Dade and Broward.