Author(s):
Sakshi Gupta, Preeti Tiwari, Priyanka Srivastava, Manish Naja, Nikki Choudhary, Narayanasamy Vijayan, Manoj Kumar, Sudhir Kumar Sharma

Abstract:
In this extensive investigation, the sources and health risk assessment of carbonaceous aerosols, as well as the elemental compositions (Ca, Al, Fe, S, K, Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, Cr, Cu, Mn, Cs, P, Y, Sb, Ni, Sn, F, Sr, Br, Pm, U, Pb, Th, Br, Rb, and V) of PM10, were conducted throughout January-December 2021 in Nainital, a central Himalayan region of India. The average annual mass concentration of PM10 was determined to be 64±6 μg m-3. Carbonaceous aerosols (CAs), comprising OC, EC, WSOC, and SOC, exhibited annual averages of 9.3±0.8 μg m-3, 4.9±0.5 μg m-3, 1.5±0.2 μg m-3, 2.7±0.2 μg m-3, and 2.97±0.45 μg m-3, respectively. The elemental composition featured major contributors such as Ca, Al, Fe, S, and K, alongside trace levels of various elements (Mg, Pd, B, Mo, Zn, Ag, Nb, Ga, Cl, Ti, Zr, Na, and Cr). Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) identified six primary contributors to PM10, each with varying percentage contributions: crustal/soil/road dust, soil re-suspension, combustion, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and biomass burning. The health risk assessment revealed elevated Hazard Quotient (HQ) values for Cr and Mn in children, indicating a non-carcinogenic health risk. Adults exposed to high Cr levels may face potential carcinogenic risks, while elements like Al, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Ni pose no health hazards, aligning with USEPA guidelines.

Pages: 15-26

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