Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban street dust within three land-uses of Babylon governorate, Iraq: Distribution, sources, and health risk assessment

A first-of-its-kind study reveals significant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in urban street dust across residential, industrial, and commercial areas of Babylon governorate, Iraq. Total PAH concentrations averaged 1055 µg/kg, with high-molecular-weight (HMW) PAHs dominating at 61.7%. Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) identified pyrogenic sources—such as vehicle emissions, fuel combustion, and coal/wood burning—as the primary contributors. The Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) model indicated potential health risks exceeding 10^-4 in all areas, highlighting urgent mitigation needs. This benchmark study provides critical data for future research on PAH pollution in Babylon.

Grmasha, R. A., Al-sareji, O. J., Salman, J. M., & Hashim, K. S. (2022). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in urban street dust within three land-uses of Babylon governorate, Iraq: Distribution, sources, and health risk assessment. Journal of King Saud University - Engineering Sciences, 34(4), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksues.2020.11.002