Heavy Metal Contamination in Industrial Surface Dust: Sources, Levels, and Health Risks in Düzce City, Türkiye

Abstract This study analyzed the surface dust composition to assess environmental pollution in the industrial areas of Düzce. Metal contamination in road dust is concerning because of its toxicity, persistence, and non-biodegradability. Dust samples from 14 industrial zones and one forest control site were compared with reference standards. This study employed a comprehensive methodological approach, including statistical analyses (PCA and HCA) and health risk assessment calculations. The objective was to evaluate the speciation of metallic trace elements and classify the zones according to the dominance of industrial factors. In the study area, the average concentration of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in decreasing order was Zn (47.59 ± 24.71 mg/kg) > Ni (33.54 ± 12.41 mg/kg) > Pb (32.43 ± 10.54 mg/kg) > Cu (29.14 ± 18.77 mg/kg) > Co (16.40 ± 7.87 mg/kg) > Cd (3.92 ± 1.27 mg/kg). PCA and HCA indicated that vehicle emissions, industrial processes, ferroalloy industries, and coal-fired power plants were the probable sources of these PTEs. Health risk assessment revealed that ingestion was the primary exposure pathway, followed by inhalation and dermal exposure. The non-carcinogenic hazard index (HI) for children and adults followed the order: Cu > Ni > Cd > Zn > Pb. The carcinogenic risk for adults ranged from 1.36E-07 to 6.02E-05, whereas for children, it ranged from 1.17E-08 to 4.08E-05. This study concluded that children living in industrial cities, such as Düzce, are particularly exposed to health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in dust. This underscores the imperative need to strengthen air pollution control to protect public health, particularly that of vulnerable populations such as children. Graphical Abstract