Bioaccessibility, sources and health risk assessment of trace metals in urban park dust in Nanjing, Southeast China

• Bioaccessibility of trace metal was measured in urban park dust of Nanjing.
• Sources of trace metals in dust were identified using Pb isotopes and PCA.
• Human health risk was assessed combining with the SBET-extractable results of elements.

sArsenic, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn total concentrations and bioaccessibilities in 15 urban park dust samples were determined. The oral bioaccessibility measured by the Simple Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET) decreased in the order of Pb>Cd>Zn>Mn>Cu>Co>V>Ni>As>Cr. The Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were calculated to evaluate the pollution extent to which the samples were contaminated. Sources were identified using principal component analysis and Pb isotope compositions. Most elements except Co and V were considered to mainly originate from anthropogenic sources. Non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks to humans through urban park dust exposure were assessed using the oral bioaccessibilities of the elements. Ingestion was the main pathway for non-carcinogenic risk. The hazard quotients were below the safe level (=1) for all elements, however, Pb (0.154) and As (0.184) posed potential higher risks to children than adults. The carcinogenic effects occurring were below the acceptable level (10−4) for As and <10−6 for Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni.

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