We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal pollution in urban environme nts: A case study from Jelgava, Latvia
Summary
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of heavy metal pollution patterns in the urban environment of Jelgava, Latvia, to characterize technogenic background formation and spatial pollution structure. The study identified pollution hotspots and spatial gradients of contamination including particulate matter and associated metals in the urban air quality context.
Air quality in urban environments has become a critical global issue and the rate of urbanisation is expected to continue rising. This study aimed to identify, on a theoretical basis, the patterns of technogenic background formation and the spatial structure of pollution in the urban environment of Jelgava. The methodology was based on systematic and statistical analyses to assess the sources and levels of pollution in the city. The duration of the study, from the initiation of data collection to the completion of analysis, covered the period from 2017 to 2023, with annual sampling and extensive monitoring conducted throughout this period. The concentrations of heavy metals in various components of the urban ecosystem in Jelgava were found to be within the following ranges: Ni – 20-60 mg/kg, Cu – 40-90 mg/kg, Pb – 30-70 mg/kg, Zn – 100-200 mg/kg. These values correspond to moderate pollution levels typical of urbanised areas in Northern and Central Europe. The highest concentrations were recorded near major roads and industrial zones, whereas peripheral areas were close to background values. It was established that the integrated environmental quality indicators (pollution index = 1.5-2.2, geoaccumulation index = 1-3) characterise Jelgava as a moderately polluted area while maintaining overall ecological stability. Factor analysis revealed that the pollution structure is shaped by two main sources: transport-related emissions (Ni, Cu, Zn – tyre and brake wear, diesel exhaust) and heating-industrial emissions (Pb, Cd – fuel combustion and local emissions from small enterprises). Jelgava can be classified as a moderately polluted yet resilient urban system, where anthropogenic pressure is balanced by natural self-purification mechanisms. The practical value of the study lies in the fact that its findings may be used by municipal environmental and planning authorities to assess risks and manage urban environmental quality
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Environmental pollution indices: a review on concentration of heavy metals in air, water, and soil near industrialization and urbanisation
This review examines how industrial and urban activity raises heavy metal levels in air, water, and soil. Heavy metals from industrial waste, mining, and agriculture can damage cells and increase cancer risk, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring near industrial zones.
Accumulation Characteristics and Pollution Evaluation of Soil Heavy Metals in Different Land Use Types: Study on the Whole Region of Tianjin
Researchers analyzed heavy metal accumulation across different land use types throughout Tianjin, China, finding that pollution levels and spatial distribution varied significantly by land use, with industrial and traffic-related activities identified as primary contamination sources.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of heavy metal health risk assessment: development, hotspots and trends
Researchers conducted a bibliometric analysis of heavy metal health risk assessment literature from 2000 to 2022, identifying development trends and research hotspots. The study reveals growing global attention to environmental heavy metal contamination, which often co-occurs with microplastic pollution in soil and water systems.
Exploring heavy metal dynamics and risks from dust and soil in urban cities of Jharkhand, India
Researchers assessed heavy metal contamination in indoor dust, street dust, and soil across four major cities in Jharkhand, India, finding that zinc, copper, and lead were the most common pollutants. Indoor dust showed higher metal concentrations than outdoor samples, suggesting significant indoor contamination sources from vehicles, paints, and manufacturing. The study emphasizes the need for stricter regulations to mitigate metal emissions in industrialized urban areas.
Assessment of Microplastics and Heavy Metal Contamination in Urban Road Dust: A Case Study from Begusarai, Bihar
Road dust samples from 33 sites across five land-use zones in Begusarai, Bihar, India contained microplastics at all locations alongside elevated heavy metals, with industrial and commercial zones showing the highest combined contamination and estimated human health risks.