Toxic Metals in Road Dust from Urban Industrial Complexes: Seasonal Distribution, Bioaccessibility and Integrated Health Risk Assessment Using Triangular Fuzzy Number

Urban industrial complexes have been expanding worldwide, reducing the spatial separation between agricultural, residential, and industrial zones, particularly in developing nations. Urban road dust contamination, a sensitive indicator of urban environmental quality, primarily originates in urbanization and industrialization. Its detrimental impacts on human health arise not only from particulate matter itself but also from toxic and harmful substances embedded within dust particles. Toxic metals in road dust can pose health risks through inhalation, ingestion and contact. To investigate the seasonal patterns, bioaccessibility levels and the potential human health risks linked to toxic metals (Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and Chromium (Cr)), 34 dust samples were collected from key roads in proximity to representative industrial facilities in Wuhan’s Qingshan District. The study found that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cu in road dust were within the limits set by the national standard (GB 15618-2018), while Ni and As were not. Seasonally, Ni, As, Pb, Zn, and Cr exhibited higher concentrations during the summer than in other seasons, whereas Cd levels were lowest in spring and highest in autumn, the opposite of Cu. According to the Simplified Bioaccessibility Extraction Test (SBET), the average bioaccessibility rates of toxic metals were Cd > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > As > Pb. An improved health risk assessment model was developed, integrating metal enrichment, bioaccessibility, and parameter uncertainty. Results indicated that Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Cr posed no significant non-carcinogenic risk. However, for children, the carcinogenic risks of Cd and As were relatively high, identifying them as priority control metals. Therefore, it is recommended to periodically monitor As and Cd and regulate their potential emission sources, especially in winter and spring.