Evaluation of Arsenic and Heavy Metals in dust street of Tehran metropolis

Dust street is the most important reservoir and absorbent of heavy metals and other pollutants in the city. These dust street are transmitted to aquatic ecosystems and food chains via runoff. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the pollution and ecological risk of arsenic and heavy metals in dust street in Tehran. Sampling from 15 selected stations in the city was carried out in summer and analyzed by ICP-MS after preparation of samples. The pollution level of elements in the street dust was assessed using geoaccumulation index, pollution index, integrated pollution index, enrichment factor and ecological risk index. In dust street, pollution of Cu and Pb is high and Zn has a moderate to severe pollution indicating the origin of these elements. Pollution indices indicate a high level of pollution of Cu, Zn and Pb. Cr had high enrichment, and Cu, Zn and Pb highly enriched. The highest ecological risk associated with Pb and Cu and the lowest ecological risk associated with As and Cr, respectively. Among the studied elements, the highest level of indices was for Pb, so the need for further monitoring and control of this element is essential.