Urban ambient PM10 analysis: Characterization, sources, health risk and sustainable solutions

This is the first inclusive research concerning PM₁₀ samples collected from 3 cities of Maharashtra State of India which categorized into 9 microenvironments. This study presents insights to chemical and morphological analysis, health risks, source apportionment, with sustainable solutions to improve air quality. These samples were analyzed for elemental composition as well as morphological features. Average PM₁₀ concentration at industrial area of Jalgaon city was found to be maximum (70.9 ± 2.7 μg/m³) while minimum at residential area of Pachora city (43.1 ± 5.2 μg/m³). The mean concentration of 8 elements followed the order of (Co < Cd < Ni < Cr < Pb < Mn < Zn < Fe). These particles showed varying morphologies such as spherical, rectangular, cluster, porous shape. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that elements mainly originate from vehicular exhaust, construction activities, coal combustion and re-suspension of crustal elements due to anthropogenic activities. Health risk assessment showed that the incremental excess lifetime cancer risk (IELCR) for Pb was below threshold limit. Nonetheless, the exposed population is highly susceptible to Cr, Ni, and Co causing high risk of cancer at all sites.