Seasonal Variability of the Elemental Composition and Ecological Risks of Urban Dust of Moscow Megacity
摘要
For the first time, a study was conducted to examine seasonal variations in the elemental composition of urban dust in Moscow, Europe’s largest metropolis, as well as the risks to ecosystems and resident health associated with the accumulation of anthropogenic elements in dust. Urban dust samples were collected in the city center in spring, summer, and autumn, 2024, and their elemental composition was subsequently determined. Twelve urban dust samples were collected in each season. The calculation of enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index revealed that urban dust in Moscow is contaminated with V, Bi, Mo, Sn, Cd, Cu, Pb, S, Ca, Zn, W, and Sb, and the degree of their accumulation varies with season. Spring urban dust samples were found to be most contaminated with S, Ca, and W, summer dust samples, with Cd, Pb, Bi, Cu, and Sb, and autumn dust samples, with Mo, Sn, Zn, Bi, Cu, and Sb. The assessment of potential ecological risks demonstrated that the highest degree of pollution and a significant degree of potential ecological risk (300 < RI < 600) are characteristic of summer urban dust in Moscow (RI = 521), followed by autumn (RI = 367) and spring (RI = 271) urban dust. The identified differences in the degree of pollution and potential environmental hazard of the studied dust samples can be caused, mainly, by changes in the degree and characteristics of the anthropogenic impact of the metropolis on the environment depending on the season. For all the studied dust samples, regardless of the season, an alarming level of possible potential non-carcinogenic risks for children (CHI > 1.1) and an alarming level of possible potential carcinogenic risks to human health (CTCR > 1.1 × 10–4) were shown. It is shown that the health risks associated with urban dust pollution at different times of the year are comparable.