ABSTRACT
Objective To conduct metal elements analysis and risk assessment of carcinogenicity on Particulate Matter 2.5 ( PM2.5) collected from Shenzhen and Taiyuan. Methods PM2.5 samples were collected in Shenzhen and Taiyuan from 2017 to 2018. Ten heavy metal elements in PM2.5 samples were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Health risk assessment was conducted using the recommended United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) model. Results Metal elements found in PM2.5 samples from Shenzhen included (in decreasing order of concentration) Al, Pb, Mn, Cr, Cu, V, As, Ni, Cd and Co. Their levels were 1 807.67, 31.02, 30.63, 17.37, 17.32, 11.59, 6.98, 4.76, 2.24, 2.20 ng/m3, respectively. Metal elements in PM2.5 samples from Taiyuan included Al, Mn, Pb, Cr, Cu, As, Ni, V, Cd and Co. Their levels were 2 817.64, 91.04, 63.33, 26.56, 24.69, 11.82, 10.39, 4.46, 3.42, 1.01 ng/m3, respectively. There were significant differences among Pb, Mn, As, Ni levels between Shenzhen and Taiyuan (all P1.00×10-4), then followed by As, Ni and Cd (1.00×10-6-1.00×10-4). Pb had the lowest risk (<1.00×10-6). Conclusion Some of the metal elements in PM2.5 samples collected from Shenzhen and Taiyuan have carcinogenicity risk. Further researches and measures for prevention and control should be considered.