Heavy Metal Concentrations in Street Dust from Residential and Industrial Areas at Mukim Hulu Kinta Perak

Abstract

Street dust forms due to the interaction of the atmosphere, lithosphere (pedosphere), and anthroposphere and can be regarded as an index of the environmental condition in urban areas because it may affect ecosystems and human health. The focus of this research was to determine the concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper) in street dust from residential and industrial areas; to compare the concentration of heavy metals between residential and industrial areas; and to evaluate the human health risk from street dust exposure due to heavy metals in Mukim Hulu Kinta, Perak. The seventy-two street dust samples were prepared by wet acid digestion method and analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy for the assessment of copper, cadmium, zinc, and lead concentrations.  The results showed a decreasing trend of metal levels of street dust averaged from the residential and industrial areas as follows: zinc > copper > lead > cadmium. Statistical analysis using an independent t-test indicated a significant difference in Pb levels between the residential and industrial areas (p = 0.004. t = -1.562, df = 70). However, no significant differences are noted in the results of copper, cadmium, and zinc levels between the areas. All hazard quotients indicated that the values for copper, cadmium, zinc, and lead was less than one which is an acceptable limit for humans. Thus, the residential and industrial areas exhibit a safe level of heavy metals in street dust for the population. In order to avoid long-term negative effects, Ipoh's growing industrial and residential trend shows the necessity for constant air pollution management in the urban environment