Concentration of selected heavy metals in the surface dust of residential buildings in Phitsanulok, Thailand

Abstract

This study determined the levels of selected heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cd, Cu and Pb) in surface dust samples collected from the walls of residential buildings. Samples were collected from buildings near a main road and a secondary road in Phitsanulok, Thailand. Samples were collected from a 1 m2 area of exterior wall using Kimwipes. The results were dominated by Fe, with a range of 4384.2–8376.4 and 4631.4–7582 mg kg−1 for the main and secondary road locations, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations followed the trend Fe > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the samples located near the major road compared to those near the secondary road for both Cu and Pb. High levels of heavy metals in settled street dust and motor vehicle emissions are expected to be the main contributors of heavy metals in the surface dust samples.