Lung deposition pattern of PM10 particulate matter for manual quarry workers in Zaria

Abstract

The deposition pattern of PM10 particulate matter in human respiratory tract was determined using EPA lung deposition model and multi-elemental data of PM10 particulate matter collected from manual quarry activities. The deposition of major, minor and trace elements was estimated in terms of three anatomical compartments of the human respiratory system, which have important functional distinctions thus providing a basis for direct hazard evaluations. The results obtained suggest total deposition efficiency ranging from 0.44 to 0.76 for elements Al, K, Ca, Ti, Si, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb. These values are high and hazardous and thus control measures are recommended.



Key words: PM10 particulate matter; Stacked filter unit; Total reflection X-ray fluorescence; Deposition Model; Deposition fraction.

[Global Jnl Environ Sci Vol.2(1) 2003: 23-26]