Spatio-temporal variability of potentially toxic elements' pollution in road-deposited sediments according to health risk thresholds: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #humans #male #environmental-exposure #environmental-monitoring

Spatio-temporal variability of potentially toxic elements' pollution in road-deposited sediments according to health risk thresholds: a meta-analysis

Dantas et al., 2024 | Environ Geochem Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dantas Arouca Nicole Gê Freire, Moreira Lucio Flavio Ferreira, ... do Nascimento Batista José Anderson. Spatio-temporal variability of potentially toxic elements' pollution in road-deposited sediments according to health risk thresholds: a meta-analysis. Environ Geochem Health. 2024-Jun-17;46(7):258. doi:10.1007/s10653-024-02038-8

Abstract

Road deposited sediments (RDS) are important sinks of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), which may have a significant impact on human health. A systematic review of published papers on the PTEs occurrence in RDS was carried out. The main goal was to assess the global RDS contamination by PTEs and human health risks linked with anthropogenic activities. A systematic search was made to collect information about the most cited PTEs in the published literature and perform a statistical analysis. Subsequently, health risks were assessed for 35 different areas worldwide. PTE concentrations showed high variability, and means were multiple times higher than the corresponding consensus-based threshold effect concentrations (5.2-, 10.3-, 5.3-, 3-, 7.3-, and 3.6-fold higher for Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd, respectively). PTEs concentrations were ranked as Zn > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cd. Non carcinogenic risks followed the trend Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. Lead is responsible for the highest significant non carcinogenic risk to human health. Unacceptable exposition to carcinogenic risks is present in most areas. The top carcinogenic risk areas were Singapore > Beijing > Yixing > Shanghai > Zhuzhou for adult male, Dresden > Singapore > Ulsan > Huludao for adult females, and Dresden > Singapore > Ulsan > Huludao for children. Highest chromium and nickel carcinogenic risks occurred in Singapore, Cd in Dresden, and Cu in Huludao. Highest RDS contamination was seen in industrial areas due to pollutants deposition. Highest Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb concentrations occur in densely urbanized areas due to heavy-duty vehicular exhausts.

Key Findings

Highest Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb concentrations occur in densely urbanized areas due to heavy-duty vehicular exhausts.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Risk Assessment
  • Spatio-Temporal Analysis

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09