Occurrence of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Coupled with Mineralogical and Morphological Characteristics of Residential Indoor Vacuum Dusts from the City of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the occurrence, sources, and health risks of PTEs in residential vacuum dusts from the city of Thessaloniki, Greece. A total of 20 dust samples were collected and analyzed for their chemical, mineralogical, and morphological characteristics using pXRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS techniques. The results revealed elevated concentrations of Zn (623 mg kg−1), Mn (392 mg kg−1), Cu (204 mg kg−1), and Cr (185 mg kg−1) exceeding crustal averages and global urban soil baselines. Notably, Cr and Mn levels were among the highest recorded for non-industrial urban settings. Source apportionment identified distinct geogenic and anthropogenic contributors, including construction materials, outdoor soil resuspension, and indoor alloy-related sources such as stainless steel and soldering components. Health risk assessment based on USEPA models showed ingestion as the dominant exposure route, particularly for children. Chromium and As were identified as the main non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic contributors, with children’s hazard index (HI) values exceeding safety thresholds (HI = 1.04) in some cases. The cancer risk (CR) for Cr ranged from 2.49 × 10−5 to 6.55 × 10−5, not exceeding the acceptable limit (10−4). The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of indoor dust contamination in urban environments and underscore the need for continued monitoring and targeted mitigation to protect vulnerable populations.
Source: Toxics
Institution: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W7147592710
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