Abstract:
Objective To investigate the pollution characteristics of metals in atmospheric PM2.5 in Suzhou, China, and to assess the health risk of population exposure.
Methods A total of 504 atmospheric samples were collected from Suzhou Industrial Park and Hi-Tech District from 2020 to 2022 to analyze the pollution of PM2.5 and 12 metals. Enrichment factor was used to describe the degree of metal enrichment, and principal component analysis was used to analyze the sources of metals. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of metals in PM2.5 were assessed according to the risk assessment models in the Technical Guide for Environmental Health Risk Assessment of Chemical Exposure (WS/T 777-2021).
Results The average concentrations of PM2.5 in Industrial Park and Hi-Tech District during the study period were 45.28 and 37.93 μg/m3, respectively, with no statistical significance (t=0.45, P=0.517). The median values of metal concentrations in Industrial Park and Hi-Tech District were 104.88 and 95.96 ng/m3, respectively, with statistical significance (Z=-2.08, P < 0.05). The concentrations of stibium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, selenium and thallium in Industrial Park were significantly higher than those in Hi-Tech District, while the concentrations of chromium and nickel in Hi-Tech District were significantly higher than those in Industrial Park (the Z-values ranged from -8.48 to -2.75, P < 0.001). The metals in two districts had a seasonal trend of high in winter and low in summer. Lead, stibium, cadmium, and selenium were moderately or highly enriched in PM2.5. These metals were primarily from industrial and coal combustion sources. The carcinogenic risk values of arsenic and chromium (Ⅵ) in the two districts were higher than 1.0×10-6, indicating potential carcinogenic risks. The hazard quotient values were all below 1, indicating low non-carcinogenic risks.
Conclusion The concentrations of lead, stibium, cadmium, and selenium in PM2.5 in Suzhou reached moderate or high enrichment levels. Arsenic and chromium (Ⅵ) showed potential carcinogenic risks. The risks associated with metal pollution warrant caution and close attention.