Unveiling Health Risks: The Impact of Micro Rubber and Vanadium in Urban Street Dust in Northwest Iran

The analysis of micro-rubber (MR) particles and vanadium in street dust shows some interesting trends across various locations. In samples taken, the number of MRs varied greatly, ranging from 15 to 248 particles per 15 grams of dust. The average was about 71 particles. Most MRs were smaller than 100 micrometers, but some sites had significant amounts of slightly larger particles.

Comparing this research to a prior study in Bushehr, we see a similar presence of both microplastics and MRs, but the concentrations there were notably higher, ranging from 44 to 782 items per 10 grams of dust. Both studies point to traffic emissions as a major source of contamination. However, it’s essential to note that the Bushehr study indicated that resuspended soil also plays a role. The lower MR levels in our findings suggest that local factors might affect dust composition.

Health risks from street dust, especially due to heavy metals and MRs, are concerning. Elements like mercury and arsenic pose ecological risks, which both studies acknowledge.

The concentration of vanadium in the street dust samples varied from 25 to 44 mg/kg. Interestingly, this level was higher than what was found in vehicle emissions in Los Angeles, where vanadium was at low levels. This suggests that natural background levels mostly influence the vanadium in our samples, with limited influence from human activities.

Moreover, vanadium levels were significantly higher in industrial areas globally. For instance, a study in Witbank, South Africa, recorded levels as high as 4,410 mg/kg, due to local industrial processes. In contrast, the relatively low levels in our research may be related to Urmia’s agricultural focus and lower traffic density compared to major cities.

While the highest MR levels were found at specific sites, indicating hotspots for MR pollution, areas with high traffic and fueling stations experienced the greatest vanadium concentrations. This aligns with findings of elevated pollutants in bustling urban centers.

Health assessments revealed that children face greater risks from exposure to these particles. Daily intake for children was significantly higher than adults, particularly in high-exposure areas. It’s essential to recognize this heightened vulnerability, as children might experience adverse health effects with consistent exposure.

Future studies should look into different exposure pathways, such as inhalation and contact, to provide a clearer health risk landscape. Urban authorities must act by enhancing monitoring, controlling vehicle emissions, and educating the public, especially in contaminated zones.

In summary, street dust in urban areas, especially near heavy traffic, contains harmful elements that could pose significant health risks. Addressing pollution sources and safeguarding vulnerable populations is paramount. For more on the issues surrounding environmental and public health related to urban pollution, you can check out resources like EPA’s air quality standards or various research studies.

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Chemistry,Environmental sciences,Micro-rubber,Vanadium,Street dust,Urban pollution,Health risk,Science,Humanities and Social Sciences,multidisciplinary