The Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Road Dust and Their Potential Hazard

Nurul Hidayah Hishamuddin, Md Firoz Khan (), Hamidah Suradi, B. M. Zuhair Siraj, Md. Towhidul Islam, Nor Asrina Sairi, Hairul Anuar Tajuddin, Arniza Khairani Mohd Jamil, Md. Jahurul Haque Akanda and Sumiani Yusoff
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Nurul Hidayah Hishamuddin: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Md Firoz Khan: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Hamidah Suradi: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
B. M. Zuhair Siraj: Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
Md. Towhidul Islam: Department of Environmental Science and Management, North South University, Dhaka 1229, Bangladesh
Nor Asrina Sairi: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Hairul Anuar Tajuddin: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Arniza Khairani Mohd Jamil: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Md. Jahurul Haque Akanda: Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu 88400, Malaysia
Sumiani Yusoff: Institute of Ocean and Earth Environmental (IOES), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) found in the environment, posing significant health concerns for the population. This research aimed to assess the PAH levels in road dust near bus stops, identify their sources, and evaluate potential health risks. The analysis involved the use of a gas chromatography–flame ionization detector (GC-FID) to measure PAHs and absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) for source apportionment of PAHs. The results indicated that the measured PAHs concentrations in road dust ranged from 137.8 to 5813 ng g −1 , with Indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene having the highest PAHs concentrations. The study identified three main sources of PAHs such as oil spills, fuel combustion, and coal burning, determined through APCS-MLR modeling. Further analysis revealed that the aggregate incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for children and adults were 2.16 × 10 −6 and 2.08 × 10 −6 , respectively. Additionally, the hazard index (HI) for children exceeded that of adults, suggesting greater vulnerability to the potential health effects of PAH exposure. The findings indicate that long-term exposure to PAHs may negatively impact lung function and increase the risk of cancer and skin diseases. As a result, it is crucial for the local government to implement effective measures aimed at improving fuel quality and promoting green public transportation within the city. These initiatives may help mitigate PAH emissions and safeguard public health.

Keywords: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH); road dust; bus stands; carcinogens (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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