Source identification of particulate matter and associated intake of elements through inhalation in an industrial area of Odisha, India

Abstract

Particulate matter concentrations were measured in an industrial region in the Ganjam district of Odisha. The average levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) were measured to be 142 ± 8 and PM₁₀ of particulate matter with a size of less than 10 micrometers (PM₁₀) to be 50 ± 15 μg m⁻³. Out of the 14 elements determined, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, and K contributed more than 95% of the total weight. In enrichment factors, the trace elements, i.e., Zn, Pb, Cd, and Hg were observed to be highly enriched in the SPM and PM₁₀. Factor analysis indicates that more than 75% of the variance was due to five component factors, which have eigenvalues greater than 1. Intake of elements through inhalation route to adults has been estimated.

Keywords:

• SPM
• PM₁₀
• enrichment factor
• PCA
• intake through inhalation

Acknowledgments

The corresponding author would like to express sincere thanks to Shri V.D. Puranik, Ex Head, for extending the permission of research work at the Environmental Assessment Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. Support of Shri Rameshwar Sharma, Head, Structural Design Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, and Shri Ramraksha Yadav during the work is acknowledged.