Ecological Impact of Heavy Metal in Dust from School and Playgrounds in Rohtak, Haryana, India

This study investigated the concentration, contamination index factor, pollution load index, and ecological risk of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Al, and Cd) in dust samples from playgrounds and schools in Rohtak (Haryana), India. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to quantify the concentrations of heavy metals. The results reported the mean concentrations of the heavy metals Fe (12552 mg/kg), Al (2666.66 mg/kg), Mn (1110.16 mg/kg), Zn (428.21 mg/kg), Pb (50.71 mg/kg), Ni (65.81 mg/kg), and Cu (26.87 mg/kg) in the school dust samples. In the dust samples from the playground, the mean concentrations were Fe (11616.66 mg/kg), Al (5000.00 mg/kg), Mn (1110.55 mg/kg), Zn (1043.92 mg/kg), Pb (46. 47 mg/kg), Ni (49.90 mg/kg), and Cu (20.83 mg/kg), respectively. The pollution load index (PLI) values were greater than 1, indicating significant environmental deterioration in the study area. In conclusion, Zn had a high contamination index. Pb, Ni, and Mn also presented moderate to considerable Cif values, whereas Cu and Fe were within safe limits. These findings suggest that each heavy metal concentration was within an acceptable ecological risk level in Rohtak. This study highlights the necessity of location-specific risk assessments to protect children's health and advocates for policy initiatives aimed at sustainable urban design. Future studies should investigate metal bioavailability and source apportionment to enhance mitigation measures.