Seasonal variation of heavy metal contents in road dust from residential, industrial and rural areas of Hong Kong

Heavy metal contents in road dust have been an important indicator of heavy pollution arising from traffic-related activities. In this study, 108 samples were collected four locations Hong Kong, namely Kwai Hing (industrial area), Sau Mau Ping (residential Sai Kung and Tai Lam (rural over a one-year period analysed for zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As). The geo-accumulation indices (Igeo) contamination factors indicated zinc, copper, chromium, to lesser extent, nickel, industrial residential areas. potential ecological risks Cu found be particularly high both Residential areas are prone considerable very risks, respectively, based on the risk (RI). sources metals may vary slightly between Pearson's correlation analysis. It was that differently dry wet seasons. concentrations Zn higher season while those Cu, Cr Ni generally season.