Affiliation:
1. Department of Environmental Studies, Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Science), Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan 731235, India
2. Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
3. Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
4. School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E2, Canada
Abstract
Air pollution is an immense problem due to its detrimental health effects on human populations. This study investigates the distribution of particle-bound heavy metals and associated health risks in three diverse areas (Durgapur as an industrial complex, Kolkata as an urban area, and Bolpur as a semi-urban region) in West Bengal, India. Twenty-one (84 samples) sampling sites were chosen, covering industrial, traffic, residential, and sensitive zones. The respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) samples were collected using a portable Mini-Vol Tactical Air Sampler, and heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, and As) were analyzed using ICP-OES. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks were assessed using exposure concentration (EC), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and additional lifetime cancer cases. The results highlight variations in heavy metal concentrations across the regions, with industrial areas exhibiting higher levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) unveiled distinct metal co-variation patterns, reflecting sources such as industrial emissions, traffic, and natural contributors. The sum of non-carcinogenic risks (HI) of all heavy metals exceeded the US EPA’s risk limit (HI<1) in both Kolkata and Durgapur, except for Bolpur. Similarly, the sum of cancer risk in three distinct areas exceeded the USEPA limits (1.00E-06). The Monte Carlo simulation revealed the 5th and 95th percentile range of cancer risk was 9.12E-06 to 1.12E-05 in Bolpur, 3.72E-05 to 4.49E-05 in Durgapur and 2.13E-05 to 2.57E-05 in Kolkata. Kolkata had the highest additional lifetime cancer cases compared to Bolpur and Durgapur. This study provides information on the complex connections between heavy metal pollution and possible health risks in industrial, urban, and semi-urban regions.
Funder
SPARC scheme of the Ministry of Education (formerly MHRD), Government of India, New Delhi
Subject
General Environmental Science,Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Reference55 articles.
1. World Health Organization (2023, April 02). Ambient (Outdoor) Air Pollution. Available online: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ambient-(outdoor)-air-quality-and-health.
2. Health effects of outdoor air pollution: Approach to counseling patients using the Air Quality Health Index;Abelsohn;Can. Fam. Physician Med. De Fam. Can.,2011
3. Biomarkers of occupational exposure to air pollution, inflammation and oxidative damage in taxi drivers;Brucker;Sci. Total Environ.,2013
4. Disability-adjusted life years and economic cost assessment of the health effects related to PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollution in Mumbai and Delhi, in India from 1991 to 2015;Maji;Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res.,2017
5. Health and economic impact of air pollution in the states of India: The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019;Pandey;Lancet Planet. Health,2021