ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATION, EMISSIONS SOURCES, AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK OF EXPOSURE TO PM2.5 -BOUND TRACE METALS IN SOME AREAS IN HANOI

Abstract

Concentrations of eight metals (Cd, As, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni) in PM2.5 were examined in a suburban
area (Dong Anh) and residential urban area (Thanh Xuan) in Hanoi in winter and spring. The results
revealed that higher metals in PM2.5 were observed in winter in Dong Anh, while higher metals in
PM2.5 were observed in spring in Thanh Xuan due to the different sources at study area. The
concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As in PM2.5 in Dong Anh were higher than those in Thanh
Xuan due to the heavy vehicle, activities industrial production and craft village, which increases
emissions into atmospheric. Concentration of Cd, V, Ni, Pb, Mn and Cr in PM2.5 were lower than the
allowable values according to EU and WHO standards. The enrichment factor analysis shows that the
emission source EF of these metals were related to human activities (traffic, industry, or craft villages).
The health risk assessments suggested that As (HQ = 1.1) and Cd (HQ = 1.0) in Thanh Xuan, and As
(HQ = 1.6) and Cd (HQ = 1.8) in Dong Anh had non-carcinogenic risks for adults. The cumulative
carcinogenic risk of elements was within the acceptable range for both children and adults at both sites.