Abstract
Ten years (2010-2020), literature-based data from ambient air and surface dust were compiled and analyzed to understand contamination level of nine heavy metals (HMs), including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in different locations of Saudi Arabia. Additionally, health risks exposure to HMs in airborne particulate matters (PM) and surface dust (SD) was evaluated to mark the danger of HMs. The results showed that the average concentrations of Cd and As in PM2.5 and PM10 exceeded the standard limits of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of Saudi Arabia, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Europe Union (EU). Regarding SD, the average concentrations of Pb, Cd, As, Cu, and Zn were 5, 44, 1.3, 2.3, and 5.3 times higher than their concentrations in Upper Continental Crust (UCC) limit, respectively. The contamination indices indicated Pb, Cd, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cr pollution in ambient PM2.5 and PM10 because of human activities. At the same time, SD was contaminated with Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Cd. The estimated hazard index (HI) of HMs in ambient air indicates high non-carcinogenic risk, while surface dust suggests no risk. The cumulative incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) values for Cr, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni in ambient PM2.5 and PM10 indicated a possible risk of cancer from inhalation of these contaminates. In contrast, the acceptable risk of cancer was estimated from exposure to these metals through inhalation of SD. Practical strategies for controlling HMs pollution are required to reduce the health risks associated with exposure to these toxic contaminants.