Study site and geography The investigation was accomplished in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Riyadh city is the capital of Saudi Arabia, with the following geographical points: latitude 24°-08° north and longitude 47°-18° east. Riyadh city is situated above 600 m sea level. It has an area of about 1800 km2 and was stated to be populated by approximately 7 million people in the year of 2016 [15]. The investigated area has a very hot summer, with temperatures reaching up to 50°C or more, and an average temperature of 43°C. The overall climate is arid, with very little annual rainfall (22.6 mm); the relative humidity ranges from 10% to 42% throughout the year and winds storms occurred in summer (The General Authority of Meteorology and Environmental Protection (GAMEP), Saudi Arabian Government website: http://www.pme.gov.sa). Collection and preparation of dust samples Falling dust sampled locations is showed in Fig 1. Samples were obtained from 50 different residential yards in the north, south, west, east, and central areas of the city with a vacuuming method using the Royal Vacuum Brand. The dust samples were taken from the top surface in each area, sealed in plastic bags, and brought back to the Department of Soil Sciences at King Saud University (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) for analyses. The samples were prepared for measurements by being passed through a sieve with a 100-μm mesh screen to remove building debris and macro biological materials, including rodent droppings [16].
This study investigated the levels of heavy metals in dust samples collected from residential yards in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study found that the levels of heavy metals in the dust samples were significantly higher than the levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The highest levels of heavy metals were found in the dust samples collected from the north and central areas of the city. The study also found that the levels of heavy metals in the dust samples were correlated with the levels of air pollution in the city.
The study's findings suggest that the residents of Riyadh are at risk of exposure to heavy metals from dust. The study's authors recommend that the government of Saudi Arabia take steps to reduce the levels of heavy metals in the air and dust in Riyadh.
Here are some of the possible reasons for the high levels of heavy metals in the dust samples collected from Riyadh:
- Air pollution: Riyadh is a heavily polluted city. The main sources of air pollution in Riyadh are traffic emissions, industrial emissions, and construction dust. Heavy metals can be emitted into the air from these sources and can then be deposited on dust particles.
- Soil contamination: The soil in Riyadh is also contaminated with heavy metals. The main sources of soil contamination in Riyadh are industrial waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Heavy metals can leach from the soil into the dust.
- Construction: Riyadh is a rapidly growing city. There is a lot of construction activity in Riyadh, which can also contribute to dust pollution. Heavy metals can be released into the air from construction sites and can then be deposited on dust particles.
The study's findings have important implications for the health of the residents of Riyadh. Heavy metals can have a number of adverse health effects, including respiratory problems, neurological problems, and cancer. The residents of Riyadh are at risk of exposure to heavy metals from dust, and the government of Saudi Arabia should take steps to reduce the levels of heavy metals in the air and dust in Riyadh.
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