부산 신평ㆍ장림 산업단지 지역 PM2.5 중 중금속 농도 분포 및 건강위해성평가

Concentration Distribution Analyses and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in PM2.5 in the Sinpyeong and Jangrim Industrial Complex Area of Busan

Background: PM2.5 absorbs harmful chemicals and can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer, while heavy metals are known to be highly toxic. Compared to the general atmosphere, industrial complexes exhibit higher concentrations of heavy metals, necessitating health assessments for nearby residents. Busan, which has the highest number of industrial complexes in South Korea, is an area likely to display an impact on the health of local residents. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the distribution of PM2.5 and heavy metal concentrations in the areas surrounding the Sinpyeong and Jangrim industrial complexes and to assess the health risks among nearby residents, providing fundamental data for future environmental improvements in these industrial complexes. Methods: Heavy metal concentrations in PM2.5 were measured at five locations near the Sinpyeong and Jangrim industrial complexes in Busan. A concentration distribution analysis and a health risk assessment were conducted for five heavy metals (Ni, As, Cd, Cr6+, and Mn) based on toxicity information provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Results: The average PM2.5 concentration at the five measurement locations ranged from 12.87 to 15.42 μg/m3, while the heavy metal concentrations were as follows: Ni 4.14 ng/m3, As 6.22 ng/m3, Cd 1.20 ng/m3, Cr6+ 0.81 ng/m3, and Mn 14.44 ng/m3. The cancer risk assessment indicated that at both exposure levels (CTE and RME) and across all measurement sites, the concentrations of As and Cr6+ exceeded the acceptable risk level (1.0E-06) established in this study. Conclusions: This study analyzed the distribution characteristics of heavy metal concentrations by subdividing the areas near the Sinpyeong and Jangrim industrial complexes in Busan. It confirmed cancer risks associated with inhaling heavy metals through a health risk assessment. The significance of this study lies in identifying priority management targets for consideration when developing future measures to reduce heavy metal exposure.