Contamination and health risk assessment of trace elements in PM 10 from mining and smelting operations in the Bor Basin, Serbia

The aim of this research was to determine concentration, spatial distribution and human health risks of four trace elements (arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and nickel (Ni)) in particulate matter PM in the mining and smelting basin, Bor, in Serbia. Based on the results, it was concluded that the air in the Bor Basin does not contain significant trace element concentrations despite mining and smelting operations. The spatial distribution pattern of the analysed trace elements was consistent with the geographical position of the mining and smelting area and most densely populated part of the settlement (households and traffic), and consistent with the prevailing winds in the area. The pollution assessment indicated that trace elements As, Cd, Ni and Pb in the air come from other anthropogenic sources such as industry, heating and traffic. Calculated non-carcinogenic health risk assessments showed that ingestion was the primary exposure route for the analysed trace elements. Pb and As were the most important non-carcinogenic risks for children and adults. The hazard index calculated for children indicated that theysuffered greater health risks compared with adults. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks from trace elements, As, Cd and Ni, in children and adults in the mining and smelting area in Bor were found to be within acceptable ranges.