Assessment of atmospheric particulate matter and heavy metals: a critical review

This paper gives detailed comprehensive review of atmospheric assessment of particulate matter and heavy metals. Previous research works executed on this subject matter in the past four decades were adequately scrutinized. Various equipments for assessing atmospheric particulate matter and heavy metals were presented. Mathematical modeling equations for source apportionment and characterization, deposition rate prediction and health risk characterization of PM10 were also presented. However, the following conclusions were made: (1) there is need for improvement on the mathematical models by reducing the number of assumptions made in developing them. (2) Comparative analysis of concentrations of heavy metals in the atmosphere under the same environment for different methodologies should be executed for accuracy purposes. (3) Cost implication of assessing, monitoring and controlling these unfriendly substances should be examined, and hence, involvement of cost engineers may be of immense help. (4) Further research works should be done on Air-Q 2.2.3 model currently identified as a new methodology for provision of quantitative data on the impact of particulate matter exposure on the health of people. (5) Compliance monitoring networks should be designed to ease data collection for the observables, locations and time periods that allowed receptor models to be applied. (6) There is need for much more research works that enable optimal control and regulation of emission of heavy metals into the atmosphere in order to reduce health effects of these inhalable substances.