Characterization of PM10 bounded trace metals in industrial, traffic, and residential areas in Bac Giang, Vietnam: Environmental and health implications

Abstract PM10 levels, concentrations of trace metals, source apportionment, and potential health risks exposed to PM10-bound metals via inhalation pathway were investigated at industrial, traffic and residential sites in Bac Giang, Vietnam. The average PM10 concentration exhibited the highest value at the industrial sites, followed by the traffic sites, and the residential sites. The PM10 mass was 1.38 to 3.39 times higher than the National Air Quality Standard (QCVN 05:2013/BTNMT) (150 µg/m3 for 24 h). The concentrations of non-crustal trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) at industrial sites were at a higher level than at the traffic and residential sites. Enrichment Factors analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed for source apportionment of PM10 in Bac Giang. Four potential emission sources including traffic-related emissions, industry, use of pesticides, and coal combustion were identified. The results of pollution load index and health risk assessments showed higher contamination levels and higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks posed to children and adults in the vicinity of the industrial sites than the traffic and residential sites. The HQ value for Cr greater than 1 at industrial sites expressed the adverse health effects among humans should be a concern. Further, the health risk of adults exposed to toxic elements via inhalation contact was more pronounced than the children at all sampling sites.