Influence of Land Use and Road Type on the Elemental Composition of Urban Dust in a Mexican Metropolitan Area

The composition of urban dust can affect the health of urban populations, making it necessary to study its elemental composition and its sources. Our objectives were: a) to identify the main emission sources of heavy metals, and b) to evaluate the influence of land use and road type on the elemental composition of urban dust. 100 samples of urban dust taken in San Luis Potosi were analyzed using FRX. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlations coefficient, kriging interpolations, and analysis of variance were applied to the data. Cu and Zn were spatially associated with a metallurgical complex and, to a lesser extent, with an industrial park; Ca with fluorite and limestone industries, and Si with the surrounding soils. The highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Ca were found in mixed and industrial land uses. On the contrary, the highest concentrations of "natural elements" (Al, K, Si, Rb, and Y) were found in developable land and residential areas. The highest contents of Ca were found in secondary and primary roads. The conclusions were: a) the metallurgical complex is the main source of Cu and Zn, and b) the highest concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Ca were found in mixed and industrial land uses.