TRACE METALS (AS, CD, CR, NI, PB, ZN, AL, V, BA, CU, CO, FE, AND MN) IN DUST PARTICLES: DISTRIBUTION, SOURCES, AND HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

Trace metals (TMs) are persistent pollutants that pose significant risks to human and environmental health. This study assessed the concentrations and distribution of thirteen trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, Al, V, Ba, Cu, Co, Fe, and Mn) in dust samples collected from eight urban locations: Ogun Market (OgMk), Ogun Motor Park (OgPk), Ibadan Market (IbMk). Ibadan Motor Park (IbPk), Abuja Market (AbMk), Abuja Motor Park (AbPk), Akure Market (AkMk), and Akure Motor Park (AkPk). Samples were digested with aqua regia (HNO₃ and HCl, 1:3 ratio) and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of metals across sites were: Co (272.874), Al (212.542), Fe (148.832), Mn (12.253), Cu (7.006), Zn (5.552), V (1.891), Cr (1.261), Ba (1.067), Pb (1.042), Ni (0.250), As (0.051), and Cd (0.0095). The overall order of decreasing mean concentrations was: Co > Al > Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > V > Cr > Ba > Pb > Ni > As > Cd. Spatial variations revealed that Ogun Market, Ibadan Market, and Abuja Market recorded the highest concentrations, followed by motor parks at Ogun, Ibadan, Abuja, and Akure, while Akure Market and Akure Park showed relatively lower values. These variations reflect the strong influence of vehicular emissions, mechanical activities, and waste disposal practices on dust metal contamination in Nigerian cities. This study provides baseline data on dust-bound metal pollution in urban environments and underscores the urgent need for continuous monitoring, improved waste management, and stricter pollution control strategies to protect public health.