Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Dusts of Maha Sarakham Municipality

Using the case of Maha Sarakham municipality, the research aims to monitoring the impact of urban land use and particle size distribution on the heavy metal (HM) contamination in surface dusts and carried out research into the exposure and health risk assessment of heavy metals on the fine size dusts. Samples were collected from five function areas. The contents of HM (lead, zinc, copper, and cadmium) in surface dusts were determined. Results showed only Zn concentration tended to increase with decreasing particle sizes. Results revealed the highest zinc concentrations from all areas. The parking lot samples contained the highest amount of heavy metals. HIs for all metals were lower than their threshold values, indicating without health hazards. The study will be beneficial for the municipality in terms of non-point source pollution control/management to promote the health of urbanites. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies (cE-Bs), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia