Distribution Characteristics of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in Jinan Atmosphere in November-December of 2013 and Health Risk Assessment

Objectives To analyze the distribution characteristics of heavy metals and motalliods in the atmosphere of Jinan and its health risk assessment.

Methods Air samples were collected in November-December of 2013 in Jinan from two monitoring points, including Shizhong district (center of the city) and Licheng district, where more heavy industry and chemical industry enterprises were located. The content and distribution characteristics of 8 heavy metals and metalloids (Cr, Mn, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Hg) in PM_2.5 were detemined, as well as their health risk were assessed.

Results The concentration of PM_2.5 and As in the air samples from these two monitoring points was higher than the standard limit value. The concentration of PM_2.5 and 5 heavy metals and motallids (Cr, Mn, Cd, Hg, Pb) in samples collected from Licheng district was apparently higher than that from Shizhong district; while no obvious difference was observed for the rest. There was no significant difference on the potential health risk of each heavy metal between these two monitoring points. But the potential health risk of Cr and As was higher than other 6 heavy metals and motallids. Particularly, the potential health risk of the summation of the 8 heavy metals and motallids approached to the acceptable risk level (10^-6).

Conclusions The degree of air pollution in Licheng district was apparently higher than that in Shizhong district. The health risk of carcinogenic contaminants was higher than that of non-carcinogenic contaminant; and the health risk was varied in different population.