Respiratory bioaccessibility and solid phase partitioning of potentially harmful elements in urban environmental matrices

Studies regarding the role of geochemical processes in urban environmental matrices (UEM) and their influence on respiratory bioaccessibility humans are scarce humid tropical regions, especially Brazil. Contaminated UEM potentially hazardous to if particles <10 μm diameter inhaled reach tracheobronchial region. In this study, we evaluated samples collected Brazilian UEMs with a large liability left by former mining industries city strong industrial expansion. were classified into soil, sediment mine tailings according characteristics collection sites. The harmful elements (PHE) was using artificial lysosomal fluid (ALF, pH 4.5), BCR-sequential extraction performed evaluate how PHE related solid phase partitioning. bioaccessible fraction (BAF) ranged from 54 98% for Cd; 21–89% Cu; 46–140% Pb, 35–88% Mn and; 41–84% Zn. average BAF decreased following order: Soil: Cd > Pb Zn Tailing: Sediments: Cu. BCR-fractions useful predict (R2 = 0.79–0.98), thus suggesting that particle geochemistry mineralogy can behaviour pulmonary fluid. Therefore, approach provides combination quantitative qualitative data, which allows us carry out more realistic assessment current situation contaminated site possible alternatives decision making stakeholders.