Spatial distribution of Hg in Foliar and Road Dust in different Main Urban Function Area

Shangrao City which is rich in mineral resources faces potential mercury (Hg) pollution in dust due to urban mining and industrial activities. To assess the potential health risks of Hg content, 35 foliar dust and 106 road dust samples were collected from 37 points in six urban functional areas. In order to analyze the Hg content and spatial distribution characteristics, the health risks were evaluated using US EPA guidelines. The results showed that the Hg content in foliar dust ranged from 67.9 to 2487.4 μg kg⁻¹ (mean: 475.1 ± 521.5 μg kg⁻¹), while the Hg content in road dust ranged from 24.2 to 191.5 μg kg⁻¹ (mean: 81.5 ± 70.7 μg kg⁻¹). The highest Hg content were in the high-tech industrial area, which were Jiangxi’s soil Hg background by 15.3 times (foliar dust) and 2.4 times (road dust). The mean Hg content in foliar dust was ranked as high-tech industrial area > urban public green area > residential area > cultural and educational area > industrial park > commercial area. The mean Hg content in road dust was ranked as high-tech industrial area > urban public green area > cultural and educational area > commercial area > residential area > industrial park. Foliar dust Hg levels were significantly higher than road dust, with spatial distribution showing a decreasing trend from east to west. Chronic exposure to Hg was higher via hand-oral intake than respiratory inhalation, but non-carcinogenic risks were below 1, indicating no significant health hazards to residents.