Chemical Characterization and Human Health Risk Assessment Analysis of Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn Contents in Street Dust from Different Urban Sites in Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil

Abstract

Health risk assessment of different metals (Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn and Zn) was evaluated in 12 street dust samples (SD) collected in Juiz de Fora and Congonhas cities, Southeast Brazil, from May to July 2017. Quartz, hematite, magnesium and aluminum silicate were found in Congonhas' samples, while quartz, hematite, andaluzite, diopside, dolomite and calcite phases have been found in Juiz de Fora's samples. The main elements observed in the samples were Al, Fe, O and Si, elements such as Ca, K, Mg, Na and Ti were found in minor concentrations. The major mineral phases observed in SD samples by MLA were iron oxides and hydroxides, quartz, clay compounds and many phases containing the Al element, which are in accordance with the XRD analysis characterization. Analytes were detected in the following order: Fe> Zn> Mn> Cr> Cd, except for Mn> Zn in the Congonhas samples. The Zn contents found in some samples were higher than prevention value for industrial areas (2000 mg kg-1). The metals Cd (56 to 90%) and Zn (37 to 59%) showed high gastrointestinal bioaccessibility. The Cr and Fe analytes presented low solubility ranging from 10 to 18% and from 8 to 10%, respectively. It was verified that Cd and Zn presented non-carcinogenic risk through dermal, ingestion and inhalation contact for the most samples studied. However, non-carcinogenic risk factor (HQ) obtained for Zn in all samples collected were greater than the limit set by USEPA. No carcinogenic risk was observed for Cd and Cr in the investigated samples.