Physico-chemical characterization of indoor settled dust in Children’s microenvironments in Ikeja and Ota, Nigeria

Anake, W. U. and Nnamani, Esther A. (2023) Physico-chemical characterization of indoor settled dust in Children’s microenvironments in Ikeja and Ota, Nigeria. Heliyon. ISSN 2405-8440

PDF Download (6MB)

Abstract

Indoor dust is a collection of particles identified as a major reservoir for several emerging indoor chemical pollutants. This study presents indoor dust particles’ morphology and elemental composition in eight children’s urban and semi-urban microenvironments (A-H) in Nigeria. Samples were collected using a Tesco vacuum cleaner and analyzed with scanning electron microscopy coupled with an energy-dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The morphology results confirm the presence of alumino silicates, mineral particles and flakes, fly ash and soot, and soot aggregates deposited on alumino silicate particles in the sampled microenvironments. These particles may trigger serious health concerns that directly or indirectly affect the overall well-being of children. From the EDX analysis, the trend of elements (w/w %) in the dust particles across the sampled sites was silicon (386) > oxygen (174)> aluminium (114) > carbon (34.5) > iron (28.0) > calcium (16.7) > magnesium (14.2) > sodium (7.92) > potassium (7.58) > phosphorus (2.22) > lead (2.04) > manganese (1.17) > titanium (0.21). Lead (Pb), a toxic and carcinogenic heavy metal, was observed in locations A and B. This is a concern without a safe lead level because of the neurotoxicity effect on children. As a result, further research on the concentrations, bioavailability, and health risk assessment of heavy metals in these sampled locations is recommended. Furthermore, frequent vacuum cleaning, wet moping and adequate ventilation systems will significantly reduce the accumulation of indoor dust–bound metals.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Indoor dust Children Preschool Chemical exposure SDGs SEM-EDX
Subjects:	Q Science > QD Chemistry
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Chemistry
Depositing User:	nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	09 Nov 2023 15:16
Last Modified:	09 Nov 2023 15:16
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/17542

Actions (login required)

View Item