Abstract
The main goal of the current study was to determine some heavy metals in aerosol samples collected from an outdoor area and selected streets in Khartoum North, Sudan. Air samples were collected during the non-rain season in industrial areas, streets, suburban, and residential areas. This present study has measured the levels of trace elements Calcium (Ca), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Zink (Zn), Bromine (Br), and Lead (Pb) in aerosol suspended matter using radioactive Cd-109 for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Data analysis of the result indicates that the highest concentration of elements of aerosol is used to assess air pollution by the statistical factors analysis and principal components analysis for source identification and apportionment in the city. The T-test is used to evaluate the significant variations in the concentration of the elements in a different location due to the source of contamination particles airborne in the sites. In addition to that these results the Ca/Fe ratio, and Br/Pb ratio are utilized the contribution of contamination indicates the sources of the elements in Khartoum North aerosol are possible to be industrial emission, traffic emission, and soil dispersion.
The data assessment shows the atmosphere at the sites was affected by anthropogenic pollution and different sources of contamination that revealed elements concentration varies due to the locations in the city. The study revealed that the information on the results for environmental impact must be avoided before the establishment of any industry and used in public health decision-making.