Hazardous elements in road dust from petrol stations in Rzeszów (Poland) as markers of traffic-related pollution? Application of FP-XRF spectrometry as ‘white analytical technique’ for environmental assessment of hazardous elements in road dust

Abstract Samples of road dust from petrol stations (n= 20) located in Rzeszów (Podkarpackie, Poland) were analyzed for the finding of potential markers of traffic-related pollution. Level (μg/g) of Mo, U, As, Hg, Th, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Be, Sr, Zr, Zn, Mn, and Fe was measured using field portable X-ray spectroscopy (FP-XRF) as ‘white analytical technique’. Our research demonstrated for the first time the utility of using PF-XRF for environmental toxicological assessment of road dust at petrol stations. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the tested dust samples provides valuable research material for creating and updating regulations and finding pollution hotspots such as petrol stations. It was possible to find potential markers of traffic-related pollution (e.g., Zr and Fe form of disk brakes or brake pads). Certain elements of the study give ambiguous signals related to fuel distribution and road traffic. They can come from various sources of environmental contamination. The adoption of evidence-based policies to minimize pollution, conserve the environment, and protect the well-being of people living or working near gas stations is anticipated to be aided by these findings for policymakers, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders. The assessment of elemental health risk involved the computation of doses for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic metals, as well as the calculation of lifetime average daily doses, or LADD.