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<p>This study investigates the seasonal variations, sources, and associated health risks of heavy metals in fine particulate matter (PM<sub>2.5</sub>) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over a three-year period (December 2019 to February 2022). A total of 90 PM<sub>2.5</sub> samples were collected and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Average winter PM<sub>2.5</sub> was 62.7&#xa0;µg/m³, significantly exceeding the national and international air quality standards. Principal component analysis identified three primary sources of heavy metals: coal combustion, vehicular emissions, and resuspended dust. Notably, health risk assessments indicated that the carcinogenic risks from arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) exceeded the safe level of 1 × 10<sup>−6</sup> during winter months, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children under 11 years. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies to protect public health in Ulaanbaatar, a city already grappling with severe air quality issues. The study underscores the critical importance of addressing heavy metal exposure, which poses significant long-term health risks, including respiratory diseases and cancer.</p>

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Seasonal Variations, Sources, and Health Risks of Heavy Metals in PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月4日

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  • Meng Gu,
  • Bulgankhangai Tugsbuyan,
  • Amgalan Natsagdorj,
  • Khaliun Bolorerdene,
  • Soyolerdene Tseren-Ochir,
  • YiJi Lee,
  • Bolormaaa Oyuntsetseg,
  • Yong Pyo Kim

摘要

This study investigates the seasonal variations, sources, and associated health risks of heavy metals in fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, over a three-year period (December 2019 to February 2022). A total of 90 PM2.5 samples were collected and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Average winter PM2.5 was 62.7 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the national and international air quality standards. Principal component analysis identified three primary sources of heavy metals: coal combustion, vehicular emissions, and resuspended dust. Notably, health risk assessments indicated that the carcinogenic risks from arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) exceeded the safe level of 1 × 10−6 during winter months, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children under 11 years. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution mitigation strategies to protect public health in Ulaanbaatar, a city already grappling with severe air quality issues. The study underscores the critical importance of addressing heavy metal exposure, which poses significant long-term health risks, including respiratory diseases and cancer.