Evaluation of the concentrations of some metallic elements in the fallen dust extractants on the Ar Rass city, Qassim region, KSA

ABSTRACT

The objective of the research is to evaluate the concentrations of some metallic elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the fallen dust (resulting from dust storm) because they have a direct impact on human health, as well as their effect on the agricultural soil and the level of concentrations of the elements in the developing plants, as well as on groundwater. Samples of falling dust were collected at Ar Rass city, Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Various extracts from falling dust (aqua regia, ammonium acetate, sodium acetate and acetic acid) were analysed using AAS, to know the nature of these elements and the amount of biological availability that affects human health when inhaled then move to a different body cells. The studied metals in the fallen dust were evaluated by different indices (geo-accumulation, enrichment factor, contamination factor, and mobility factor). Also, the composition of samples was investigated using XRF and IR techniques. The results showed that the major components of the dust particles were aluminosilicate, SiO₂ and CaCO₃, and the samples contain relatively high concentrations of cadmium and nickel, so it is advisable to take precautions to reduce the negative impact on human health.

KEYWORDS:

• Fallen dust
• various extracts
• elements
• AAS
• XRF
• IR

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank the Department of Chemistry, College of Science and Arts at Ar Rass, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia to provide the necessary instruments and materials for them to conduct this research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).