Evaluation of the relationship between PM10 concentrations and heavy metals during normal and dusty days in Ahvaz, Iran

This study aimed to survey the concentration of PM10 and heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, cobalt, nickel, lead, and zinc) on normal and dusty days in Ahvaz, Iran. Concentrations of PM10 in a high-traffic area of the city were measured from October 2012 to September 2013 using a high-volume sampler (HVS). Extracted heavy metals were speciated and quantified using Inductivity Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results of this study showed that the average concentration of PM10 in the autumn (October, November, and December), winter (January, February, and March), spring (April, May, and June), and summer (July, August, and September) was 131, 189, 145, and 127 µg/m3 on normal days, respectively. The corresponding values on dusty days were 410, 742, 300, and 278 µg/m3, respectively. The concentrations of the heavy metals during dusty days were higher than those on normal days. The ratio of the overall mean concentration of the heavy metals on dust storm days relative to normal days (D/N ratio) ranged from 1.21 to 2.53. Due to the importance and impacts of PM10 and associated heavy metals on human health, further studies should be conducted to evaluate the concentrations, impacts, and the associated diseases during pollution periods to establish and implement strategies to minimize harmful effects of PM inhalation.